Avesta OG8/1 Pulse Picker
| Brand | Avesta |
|---|---|
| Origin | Russia |
| Model | OG8/1 |
| Wavelength Range | 250–2100 nm |
| Max. Output Voltage | 12 kV |
| Repetition Rate (Input) | Up to 150 MHz |
| Pulse Selection Mode | Single-shot to 100 kHz |
| Rise Time | ≤700 ps |
| Jitter | <200 ps |
| Gate Width (HV Pulse Duration) | Adjustable up to 1250 ns |
| Synchronization Input | Optical or Electrical |
| Delay Adjustment Range | Up to 800 µs |
| Polarization | Linear (Horizontal, optional rotator) |
| Transmission Efficiency | >90% @ 800 nm |
| Dimensions | 410 × 324 × 186 mm |
| Compliance | CE, RoHS |
| Software Interface | USB 2.0 with LabVIEW-compatible drivers |
Overview
The Avesta OG8/1 Pulse Picker is a high-precision electro-optic pulse selection system engineered for ultrafast laser laboratories requiring deterministic isolation of individual pulses from high-repetition-rate femtosecond or picosecond pulse trains. Based on a Pockels cell operating in longitudinal geometry, the device leverages the linear electro-optic effect in DKDP (deuterated potassium dihydrogen phosphate) or BBO crystals to achieve fast, low-jitter polarization rotation under applied high-voltage gating. When integrated with a polarizer, this enables sub-nanosecond temporal gating—effectively acting as an optical switch synchronized to the incoming pulse train. Unlike mechanical choppers or acousto-optic modulators, the OG8/1 delivers picosecond-level timing fidelity and maintains full spectral integrity of selected pulses, making it indispensable in pump-probe spectroscopy, seeded amplification, single-shot diagnostics, and time-resolved microscopy where temporal contrast and synchronization stability are critical.
Key Features
- Ultra-low timing jitter (<200 ps RMS) ensures precise alignment in multi-channel ultrafast experiments.
- Adjustable gate width (3 ns to 1250 ns) allows optimization for pulse duration matching—from oscillator-level fs pulses to amplifier-stage ns bursts.
- Wide spectral coverage (250–2100 nm) supports Ti:sapphire, Yb-fiber, Cr:forsterite, and OPA-based sources without hardware modification.
- Integrated high-voltage driver delivers up to 12 kV with rise time ≤700 ps, optimized for minimal temporal broadening of the gating window.
- Flexible synchronization: accepts optical (e.g., from photodiode-triggered sync output) or electrical TTL/LVDS inputs; delay adjustable from 0 to 800 µs with 10 ps resolution.
- USB 2.0 interface with native LabVIEW drivers enables seamless integration into automated measurement sequences compliant with NI TestStand and MATLAB environments.
- Optional polarization rotator module permits alignment-independent operation across arbitrary input polarization states.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The OG8/1 is designed for use with collimated free-space beams up to 4 mm diameter and operates reliably with both CW-seeded and mode-locked ultrafast oscillators (e.g., Coherent Chameleon, Spectra-Physics Mai Tai) and regenerative amplifiers (e.g., Spitfire Pro, Solstice). It meets IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) standards. All high-voltage circuitry complies with IEC 61010-1 for measurement, control, and laboratory equipment. The system supports GLP/GMP-aligned workflows through audit-trail-capable software logging (via custom LabVIEW application), and its deterministic gating behavior is traceable per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for time-domain metrology.
Software & Data Management
The included Avesta PulsePicker Control Suite provides real-time parameter configuration—including voltage amplitude, gate width, delay offset, and repetition rate—through an intuitive GUI. All settings are scriptable via VISA-compliant SCPI commands. Data export supports CSV and HDF5 formats for post-acquisition correlation with oscilloscope traces, spectrometer readouts, or streak camera outputs. Firmware updates are delivered over USB and validated using SHA-256 checksums. For regulated environments, the software architecture supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant user access controls when deployed with third-party ELN/LIMS platforms.
Applications
- Isolation of single pulses from 80-MHz Ti:sapphire oscillators for time-resolved photoemission or transient absorption.
- Injection seeding of chirped-pulse amplifiers to suppress pre-pulse contrast and improve signal-to-noise in high-field physics experiments.
- Generation of low-duty-cycle pulse trains for reduced thermal loading in multiphoton microscopy or LIBS ablation studies.
- Active pulse picking in dual-comb spectroscopy setups requiring precise inter-comb synchronization.
- Contrast enhancement in Q-switched systems by eliminating satellite pulses via temporal gating.
- Time-gated fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) with sub-nanosecond resolution.
FAQ
What is the maximum input pulse repetition rate the OG8/1 can handle?
The device accepts optical or electrical sync signals with repetition rates up to 150 MHz, enabling compatibility with high-repetition-rate oscillators and frequency combs.
Can the OG8/1 be used with non-800 nm lasers?
Yes—the Pockels cell crystal and anti-reflection coatings are broadband (250–2100 nm); no recalibration is required when switching between UV, visible, and NIR sources.
Is external high-voltage supply needed?
No—all high-voltage generation, shaping, and timing circuitry are fully integrated; only USB power and sync input are required.
How is timing jitter characterized and minimized?
Jitter is measured using a fast photodiode + RF spectrum analyzer method per IEEE Std 1139; internal temperature-stabilized HV driver and low-inductance layout reduce jitter to <200 ps RMS.
Does the system support remote triggering via digital I/O?
Yes—TTL/LVDS-compatible trigger inputs accept external logic signals for external experiment coordination, with programmable polarity and edge sensitivity.
