Photonics West 2016 – Preview

It’s that time again when the world wide photonics community meets, finds out what’s new and networks at the annual meeting that is Photonics West.
We are thrilled by the number and range of new products we’re showing this year. These cover a range of applications, from optical coherence tomography (OCT), to micromachining; from space telecoms to short-wave infrared (SWIR) imaging.
Come and visit us at BiOS, booth 8816 or Photonics West, 1831 to meet our product managers or e-mail us to make an appointment.

Laser Systems Products

We are very excited about the new acousto-optic (AO) and electro-optic (EO) products we are showing. All of them have been developed in consultation with customers and anticipate the specific needs for such products.
Following the highly successful launch of G&H’s 9.4 / 10.6 μm wavelength Ge AOM’s and accompanying RF drivers in 2015, we are pleased to announce the introduction of a new 5.5 μm version optimized for use with CO lasers, where pulse trimming and intensity control are essential for many applications including; glass processing (cutting, drilling, welding), PCB via drilling, marking and engraving, film cutting and ceramic cutting and drilling.
Our new AO beam deflector (AOBD) has been developed to integrate with UV laser systems. These products will handle UV wavelengths down to 266 nm. These AO devices offer accurate, agile control of the beam position for linear scanning or random frequency hopping. Our engineers and product managers can advise on the optimal choice of optical material, and on conduction or high power water cooling, according to application and environment. As with all our AO products, the beam deflector can be customized to meet specific needs.
The latest addition to our award winning Fiber-Q™, or compact fiber-coupled acousto-optic modulators, family is the the 3-Port Fiber-Q™, designed for biomedical and optical sensing applications. Available at 633 nm, 780 nm, 1060 nm, 1550 nm, 2000 nm wavelengths. The three port design adds a G&H splitter to enable active power monitoring and closed loop feedback.
We’re also previewing new RF drivers. These devices are the fruit of our investment in driver development as we aim to offer the next generation of AO and EO drivers to laser systems manufacturers.
The Smart Dual Driver is capable of controlling a two element phased array acousto-optic (AO) beam deflector, the smart controller can also be used to drive two single element AO beam deflectors for two dimensional scanning. It has additional flexibility for controlling AO tunable filters. Applications include OEM AODF / AOTF systems, via drilling / micro-machining systems and optical inspection systems.
The RDi-100 driver is the latest in our series of EO drivers and is designed to switch BBO Pockels cells used for pulse management in high repetition rate ultrafast laser regenerative amplifiers.

Fiber Optics for Avionics, Defense and Space

We’re proud to showcase the latest components and subsystems designed for reliability in rugged environments:
The HYDRA is a booster optical fiber amplifier designed for space and harsh environments. Research and development was carried out by our Systems Technology Group (STG) and applications include: satellite laser communications , WDM optical communications, RF/microwave photonic links and sensing.
The EM657 builds upon our successful EM655 high direct modulation DFB laser module.  Both modules feature a >12GHz bandwidth DFB laser as well as integrated low noise diode driver and TEC controller.  Direct modulation DFB modules enable simple, low weight, analog optical communication systems without the expense or weight of additional digital converters or external modulators.  The direct modulation series of modules offers 10 mW for frequencies throughout the c-band and 18 mW at 1310 nm.  Additional CWDM frequencies are available upon request.
The AC1409 extends G&H’s series of high power single-mode lasers in the 974-980 nm region.  The AC1409 provides a new, high level of PER performance unseen in the market today enabling new technologies in PER sensitive applications while continuing to provide consistent, long-term reliable performance for pump laser applications benefiting from high power levels. As with all of our active fiber optic products, the AC1409 is manufactured to MIL standards for optimum performance in rugged environments.

Subsystems for Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Also from our Systems Technology Group , the Compact Optical Spectrometer is a high resolution, flexible platform for spectral analysis of fiber coupled signals. The module allows high resolution spectral analysis at wavelengths from 850 – 1310 nm, in a robust and reliable package. Designed to be incorporated into OEM modular system architecture and with applications in OCT, medical diagnostics, industrial spectral analysis, and gas sensing
The STG is also showing Variable Optical Delay Line capabilities. This newest version, a compact or small form factor device provides fast and accurate optical path length control in a compact housing. The unit covers wavelengths from 850 – 1310mn and is based on a customizable chassis that can be adapted to incorporate additional optical components, the unit is designed to be easily incorporated into any modular optical coherence tomography (OCT) system architecture. Suitable applications include OCT, medical diagnostics and industrial non-destructive testing.

Short-wave Inrared (SWIR) Lens Assembly

We’ve been producing world class precision optical components and assemblies for almost seventy years. Traditionally focused on producing the highest quality laser optics, we’ve used our experience in opto mechanical design and our expertise in a range of areas such as flat and aspheric optics and coating systems to develop a range of high quality SWIR lens assemblies.
The Barle is the first in this range and is a 25 mm lens designed for the next generation of SWIR cameras, offering superlative image resolution for industrial and security applications. First commercial products will be available next quarter with a family of follow on products planned for the months ahead.