Auniontech Arche 1550 nm Fiber-Based Femtosecond Laser Seed Source
| Brand | Auniontech |
|---|---|
| Origin | Spain |
| Type | Fiber-based femtosecond oscillator |
| Model | Arche |
| Central Wavelength | 1550 nm ± 5 nm |
| Spectral Bandwidth | >15 nm |
| Repetition Rate | 65 MHz ± 2 MHz |
| Average Output Power | 20 mW |
| Pulse Duration | <250 fs |
| Pulse Energy | 308 pJ |
| Peak Power | 1.23 kW |
| Polarization | Linear |
| Beam Quality (M²) | <1.2 |
| Output | SMF-28 fiber pigtail, 0.25 m standard (customizable) |
| Operating Temperature | 0–60 °C |
Overview
The Auniontech Arche is a compact, turnkey fiber-based femtosecond laser oscillator engineered for precision seeding applications in ultrafast photonics laboratories. Operating at a center wavelength of 1550 nm—strategically aligned with the low-loss transmission window of standard single-mode silica fiber—the Arche leverages mode-locked erbium-doped fiber technology to generate transform-limited pulses with sub-250 fs duration. Its fundamental architecture adheres to established principles of soliton mode-locking in anomalous dispersion regimes, ensuring intrinsic stability and high temporal coherence. Designed specifically as a seed source, the Arche delivers consistent pulse trains at 65 MHz repetition rate with excellent amplitude and timing jitter performance—critical parameters for synchronization in pump-probe spectroscopy, optical parametric amplification (OPA), and frequency comb stabilization. The laser’s all-fiber construction eliminates free-space alignment requirements, significantly enhancing long-term reliability and reducing sensitivity to environmental perturbations such as vibration or thermal drift.
Key Features
- Fully integrated, alignment-free fiber oscillator with monolithic cavity design
- Center wavelength fixed at 1550 nm ± 5 nm, optimized for compatibility with telecom-grade components and nonlinear frequency conversion stages
- Pulse width <250 fs (FWHM), verified via autocorrelation under standard conditions
- Average output power of 20 mW into SMF-28 fiber, enabling direct coupling into amplifiers or nonlinear waveguides without active stabilization
- Linear polarization output with extinction ratio >20 dB, maintained through polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber elements within the cavity
- Compact footprint (<120 × 90 × 30 mm) and low mass (<450 g), supporting integration into portable ultrafast systems or educational demonstration platforms
- Passive thermal management—no thermoelectric coolers or water cooling required—enabling silent, maintenance-free operation
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Arche is designed for use with standard 1550 nm optical infrastructure, including PM fiber couplers, acousto-optic modulators (AOMs), electro-optic modulators (EOMs), and periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) crystals for difference-frequency generation (DFG). Its output meets Class 1M laser safety requirements per IEC 60825-1:2014 when terminated with appropriate fiber connectors. While not certified for medical or industrial manufacturing environments, the system complies with CE marking directives for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and low-voltage equipment. Its stable repetition rate and low timing jitter (<100 fs RMS over 10 kHz–10 MHz bandwidth) support traceable synchronization in time-resolved measurements conforming to ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory practices.
Software & Data Management
The Arche operates in fully autonomous mode—no external control software or drivers are required for basic functionality. All critical operating parameters (e.g., pump diode current, internal temperature monitoring) are accessible via optional RS-232 or USB-C interface using ASCII command protocol. Logged operational data—including cumulative runtime, thermal history, and fault codes—is retained in non-volatile memory for GLP-compliant audit trails. Integration with third-party DAQ systems (e.g., National Instruments PXI, Thorlabs Kinesis) is supported through TTL-compatible sync outputs (1x master clock, 1x optical trigger). No proprietary software installation is necessary; configuration and diagnostics can be performed via terminal emulator or custom Python/LabVIEW scripts.
Applications
- Laser seeding for chirped-pulse amplification (CPA) systems targeting mid-IR generation via OPA/DFG
- Time-resolved spectroscopy setups requiring precise inter-pulse delay control and low timing jitter
- Frequency comb development where 1550 nm serves as the foundational carrier-envelope offset (fCEO) reference
- Two-photon microscopy using 1550 nm excitation for deeper tissue penetration and reduced phototoxicity
- Educational platforms demonstrating ultrafast optics principles, including dispersion measurement, pulse compression, and nonlinear frequency conversion
- Integration into field-deployable LIDAR or OCT systems where size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints are critical
FAQ
Is the Arche suitable for direct amplification in a regenerative amplifier?
Yes—its 20 mW average power, <250 fs pulse width, and high beam quality (M² <1.2) meet typical input requirements for Yb-doped or Er-doped regenerative amplifiers operating at 1550 nm.
Can the repetition rate be tuned externally?
No—the repetition rate is fixed by cavity length and cannot be electronically adjusted; however, harmonic mode-locking harmonics (e.g., 130 MHz, 195 MHz) are accessible via RF spectrum analysis.
What fiber type is used for the output pigtail?
Standard delivery uses Corning SMF-28 Ultra single-mode fiber with FC/APC connector; PM fiber (PANDA or Bow-tie) is available as a factory option.
Does the laser include built-in power stabilization?
No—output power stability is passive and relies on constant-current pump diode drivers; active feedback loops require external photodiode and controller integration.
Is remote monitoring of internal temperature supported?
Yes—real-time thermistor readings from the gain fiber module are available via serial interface upon request, supporting predictive maintenance protocols.
