Manual, Broadband Ultrafast Variable AttenuatorHigh contrast attenuation (1000:1)
Minimal stretching for ultrafast pulses > 70 fs
Adjustable intensity of transmitted P-polarized output
High optical damage threshold
Newport\'s VA-BB series of broadband ultrafast variable attenuators provide continuous attenuation over a series of broad wavelength ranges. The VA-BB series is designed to provide high attenuation of linearly polarized fundamental and harmonic frequencies of light for most ultrafast oscillators. The VA-BB series is available in manual or motorized versions.
The VA-BB series is based on zero-order half-waveplates and Glan-laser polarizers. For more detail on the principle of operation of these devices, please refer to Newport’s Application Note 26 – Variable Attenuator for Lasers. These attenuators are designed to handle average powers up to 100 Watts for wavelength ranges of 400-700 nm, 690-1040 nm, 650-1350 nm or 1000-1600 nm.
The optics and high-precision opto-mechanics are incorporated into a compact housing, flexibly designed for post mounting at varying optical axis heights. P-polarized light is transmitted with minimal loss collinear to the input beam path while S-polarized light is rejected into a beam dump on the side of the housing. M-4 and 8-32 mounting threads are included on the bottom and one side of the housing. This allows for horizontally or vertically polarized output.
| Wavelength Ranges | 400 - 700 nm, 690 - 1040 nm, 650 - 1350 nm or 1000 - 1600 nm depending on version selected. |
| Beam Output | Horizontal P-polarization |
| Damage Threshold | 500 W/cm2 CW, 2 J/cm2 with 8 nsec pulses at 1064 nm, typical |
| Extinction Ratio | Tp/Ts >500:1, 1000:1 average |
| Clear Aperture | 10 mm diameter |
Manual, Broadband Ultrafast Variable Attenuator
The manual versions of the VA-BB series come with a manual rotary stage containing the half-waveplate. The user manually rotates the stage to control attenuation.
| Model | Description | Availability | Price | Qty. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VA-BB-1 | Manual Broadband Ultrafast Variable Attenuator, 400 - 700 nm | Contact Sales | ||
| VA-BB-2 | Manual Broadband Ultrafast Variable Attenuator, 690 - 1040 nm | Contact Sales | ||
| VA-BB-3 | Manual Broadband Ultrafast Variable Attenuator, 1000 - 1600 nm | Contact Sales | ||
| VA-BB-4 | Manual Broadband Ultrafast Variable Attenuator, 650 - 1350 nm | Contact Sales |
Motorized, Broadband Ultrafast Variable Attenuator
(Post and post holder sold separately)
The motorized versions of the VA-BB series come with a motorized rotary stage containing the half-waveplate. Software is included which allows the user to calibrate the VA-BB at a single wavelength. The motorized version can be used in open- or closed-loop operation.
| Model | Description | Availability | Price | Qty. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VA-BB-1-CONEX | Motorized Broadband Ultrafast Variable Attenuator, 400 - 700 nm | Contact Sales | ||
| VA-BB-2-CONEX | Motorized Broadband Ultrafast Variable Attenuator, 690 - 1040 nm | Contact Sales | ||
| VA-BB-3-CONEX | Motorized Broadband Ultrafast Variable Attenuator, 1000 - 1600 nm | Contact Sales | ||
| VA-BB-4-CONEX | Motorized Broadband Ultrafast Variable Attenuator, 650 - 1350 nm | Contact Sales |
