Applications

Specifications

<・br>Output Characteristics

Solstice Ace
Pulse Width2,3 <35 fs–<120 fs
Repetition Rate4 1 kHz 5 kHz 10 kHz
Average Power
Ascend 60 >7.0 W >8.0 W >7.0 W
Ascend 40 >5.0 W >6.0 W >5.0 W
Pulse Energy
Ascend 60 >7.0 mJ >1.6 mJ >0.7 mJ
Ascend 40 >5.0 mJ >1.2 mJ >0.5 mJ
Pre-Pulse Contrast Ratio5 1000:1
Post-Pulse Contrast Ratio6 100:1
Operating Temperature Range ±5°C
Energy Stability <0.5% rms over 24 hours
Beam Pointing Stability <5 µrad (rms)7
Wavelength8,9 780–820 nm9
Spatial Mode TEM00 (M2 <1.25, both axes)
Beam Diameter (1/e²) 10-11 mm (nominal)
Polarization Linear, Horizontal

Footnotes:

  1. Due to our continuous product improvements, specifications are subject to change without notice.
  2. A Gaussian pulse shape (0.7 deconvolution factor) is used to determine pulse width (FWHM) from autocorrelation signal as measured with a Newport PulseScout® autocorrelator.
  3. Pulse width must be specified at time of purchase.
  4. The desired optimum repetition rate can be specified at the time of purchase or additonal optics sets can be used to reconfigure the amplifier. Any system can be operated at reduced repetition rates through internal divide-down electronics.
  5. Defined as the ratio between peak intensity of output pulse to peak intensity of any pre-pulse that occurs >1 ns before the output pulse.
  6. Defined as the ratio between peak intensity of output pulse to peak intensity of any post-pulse that occurs >1 ns after the output pulse.
  7. At constant temperature. Variable temperature specification <20 µrad/°C, peak-to-peak.
  8. For wavelength extension through SHG, THG, FHG or OPA, please contact Spectra-Physics.
  9. Performance specifications apply at peak of gain curve. Tuning range for <35 fs version: 795–805 nm.
  10. The Solstice Ace is a Class IV – High-Power Laser, whose beam is, by definition, a safety and fire hazard. Take precautions to prevent exposure to direct and reflected beams. Diffuse as well as specular reflections can cause severe skin or eye damage.

Features

Overview

The Solstice® Ace™ was the first femtosecond ultrafast amplifier designed, built and tested to meet rigorous industrial standards. Solstice Ace incorporates modular components, adjustment-free mounting hardware, and field proven pump and seed lasers. The result is an industry-leading, hands-free ultrafast light source for a wide range of ultrafast applications.

Unsurpassed Stability

Solstice Ace is capable of reliable operation over a 10°C temperature range. Unlike traditional lasers that utilize standard optomechanics, Solstice Ace employs adjustmentfree EternAlign™ optical mounts to maximize long-term stability and performance. The regenerative amplifier and the stretcher/compressor are housed in 2 independently temperature stabilized enclosures to ensure optimal stability. The Solstice Ace is designed to operate in a wide range of environments to provide industrial level stability.

Exceptional Performance

Using Spectra-Physics’ patented Ace regenerative amplifier cavity, the Solstice Ace delivers >7 W at 1 kHz, >8 W at 5 kHz and >7 W at 10 kHz with pulse width configurations ranging from <35 fs to <120 fs. For every configuration of Solstice Ace, the beam quality is exceptional (M2 <1.25) making it perfect for OPA pumping and a wide range of nonlinear spectroscopy applications.

Compatible Power Sensors

To verify and analyze the output power of your Solstice Ace laser, we recommend the Ophir 30A-BB-18 (7Z02692) thermal power sensor and Centauri laser power meter.  Additional information on this laser measurement equipment can be found on the ophiropt.com website.  Other Ophir sensors and meters may also be suitable for the Solstice Ace, depending on application. Ophir also works with laser system developers to achieve embedded beam diagnostics to monitor system performance as an OEM solution.