Spider Phase Measurement Spectrometer
| Brand | Hengjiu |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Avoca |
| Price | Upon Request |
| Wavelength Range | 740–880 nm |
| Pulse Duration Options | 12–40 fs, 30–120 fs, or 6–15 fs |
| Minimum Average Power Sensitivity | 100 mW @ 100 MHz |
| Minimum Single-Shot Energy Sensitivity | 0.1 mJ |
| Input Repetition Rate Compatibility | 1 kHz to CW or single-shot |
| Input Polarization Requirement | Linear, horizontally polarized |
Overview
The Spider Phase Measurement Spectrometer (Avoca model) is a high-precision, single-shot frequency-resolved optical gating (FROG) variant engineered for complete temporal characterization of ultrashort laser pulses. Unlike conventional autocorrelators or spectrally resolved interferometers, the Avoca Spider implements spectral interferometry with self-referenced phase retrieval—enabling direct, algorithm-free reconstruction of both intensity and phase profiles across femtosecond timescales. Its operational principle relies on generating a spectrally sheared interferogram from a broadband pulse split into two time-delayed replicas with controlled spectral offset, followed by Fourier-domain analysis to extract the electric field E(t). Designed for integration into ultrafast laser laboratories, it supports real-time diagnostics of oscillator output stability, amplifier compression fidelity, and post-compressor alignment—critical for applications demanding sub-5-fs pulse control, such as attosecond science, coherent control, and high-harmonic generation.
Key Features
- Single-shot, non-iterative phase retrieval without ambiguity or convergence constraints
- Three interchangeable pulse duration configurations (6–15 fs, 12–40 fs, and 30–120 fs) optimized for different ultrafast sources—from Ti:sapphire oscillators to OPCPA systems
- Wide spectral operating window (740–880 nm), covering the fundamental output of common near-IR ultrafast lasers
- High dynamic range detection: capable of resolving pulses with average power as low as 100 mW at 100 MHz repetition rate or single-shot energies down to 0.1 mJ
- Input compatibility with repetition rates spanning 1 kHz to continuous-wave-equivalent (CW-like) trains, including true single-pulse operation
- Horizontal linear polarization input requirement ensures optimal interference contrast and phase stability
- Robust optomechanical architecture with kinematic mounts and temperature-stabilized delay stages for long-term measurement reproducibility
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Avoca Spider is compatible with free-space collimated beam inputs only; fiber-coupled operation requires external mode-matching optics. It accepts Gaussian or near-Gaussian spatial profiles with M² < 1.3 and beam diameters between 4 mm and 12 mm (1/e² intensity). No sample preparation is required—measurements are performed directly on the laser output. The instrument complies with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission standards) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity requirements) for laboratory environments. While not a regulated medical device, its measurement traceability aligns with NIST-traceable calibration protocols used in metrology-grade ultrafast labs. Data integrity meets GLP-aligned documentation practices, supporting audit-ready records when paired with timestamped acquisition logs.
Software & Data Management
Control and analysis are executed via proprietary Windows-based software (v4.2+), providing real-time interferogram visualization, automated spectral calibration using built-in reference lines, and export of complex electric field data in HDF5 and MATLAB-compatible formats. The software includes batch processing for multi-pulse sequence analysis, statistical reporting (pulse-to-pulse RMS phase deviation, centroid timing jitter), and overlay comparison against theoretical sech² or Gaussian models. Audit trails record user actions, parameter changes, and system calibration timestamps—supporting compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 where electronic records are subject to regulatory review. Raw interferograms and reconstructed E(t)/E(ω) datasets are stored with embedded metadata (wavelength calibration coefficients, delay stage position, input polarization state).
Applications
- Real-time optimization of Ti:sapphire oscillator cavity dispersion compensation
- Verification of pulse compression in grating- or prism-based compressors following chirped-pulse amplification
- Diagnostics of spectral phase distortions induced by nonlinear crystals, mirrors, or vacuum beamlines
- Characterization of carrier-envelope phase (CEP)-stable pulses in few-cycle laser systems
- Validation of pulse shaping accuracy in 4f pulse shapers and spatial light modulators
- Support for ISO 13694-compliant measurement of ultrashort pulse parameters in accredited calibration laboratories
FAQ
Does the Avoca Spider require external wavelength calibration sources?
No—it incorporates an internal stabilized HeNe reference for spectral axis calibration, eliminating dependency on external lamps or lasers.
Can it measure pulses outside the 740–880 nm range?
Not natively; operation beyond this band requires custom grating sets and recalibration, which must be performed by certified service engineers.
Is the system compatible with vacuum beamlines or UHV environments?
The base unit is designed for ambient lab use; vacuum-compatible variants with CF flanges and bake-out rated optics are available under OEM agreement.
What file formats are supported for data export?
HDF5 (primary), ASCII tab-delimited, and native .spid binary format—with optional MATLAB and Python API wrappers for programmatic access.
How frequently does the system require recalibration?
Under stable lab conditions, annual verification against NIST-traceable reference pulses is recommended; drift monitoring is enabled via built-in reference channel diagnostics.
