AVESTA TERA-AX Terahertz Pulse Generator
| Brand | SOLARS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Russia |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported Instrument |
| Model | TERA-AX |
| Core Excitation Source | Commercial Ti:Sapphire Amplifier-Pumped Solid-State Laser System |
| Central Frequency | 1 THz |
| Spectral Bandwidth | 1.5 THz |
| Pulse Duration | < 1 ps |
| THz Pulse Energy | 1 µJ |
| Optional Detector | EO-AX Electro-Optic Terahertz Detector |
Overview
The AVESTA TERA-AX Terahertz Pulse Generator is a turnkey, amplifier-pumped time-domain terahertz (THz-TDS) source engineered for high-fidelity broadband THz emission in research laboratories and industrial metrology environments. Designed and assembled by AVESTA (a subsidiary of SOLARS, Russia), the system operates on optical rectification in nonlinear crystals—typically ZnTe or GaP—driven by femtosecond pulses from a commercial Ti:sapphire amplifier (typically 800 nm, 1–5 mJ, 1–5 kHz repetition rate). Its core output specification—a central frequency of 1 THz with a full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) spectral bandwidth of 1.5 THz—enables high-resolution spectroscopic analysis across the 0.1–3 THz range. With sub-picosecond pulse duration (<1 ps) and single-pulse THz energy up to 1 µJ, the TERA-AX delivers high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) waveforms suitable for both transmission and reflection-mode measurements. The system is fully compatible with standard THz-TDS architectures and integrates seamlessly with commercial delay stages, parabolic mirrors, and electro-optic sampling detection platforms.
Key Features
- Stable, amplifier-pumped architecture optimized for long-term operational reproducibility under ambient lab conditions
- Pre-aligned THz emitter module with phase-matched nonlinear crystal, anti-reflection coated optics, and integrated pump beam dump
- Modular design supporting optional EO-AX electro-optic THz detector for synchronous time-domain acquisition
- No cryogenic cooling required—room-temperature operation ensures low maintenance and rapid experimental setup
- Compatible with standard 75-mm or 100-mm off-axis parabolic mirror collimation systems (focal length configurable)
- Designed for integration into vacuum-compatible enclosures (optional flange kits available upon request)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TERA-AX supports non-contact, non-ionizing characterization of dielectric, semiconductor, and polymeric materials—including pharmaceutical tablets, polymer films, semiconductor wafers, and biological tissues—without sample preparation or metallization. Its broadband THz output enables identification of rotational, vibrational, and intermolecular resonances governed by dipole-active modes. The system adheres to IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission standards) and meets CE marking requirements for laboratory instrumentation. While not classified as a medical device, its output parameters comply with ICNIRP 2020 guidelines for pulsed THz exposure limits (peak electric field < 100 kV/cm, averaged power density < 10 mW/cm² over 6-min exposure). Full traceability documentation—including calibration certificates for pump laser energy and THz pulse energy measurement—is provided per ISO/IEC 17025-compliant procedures.
Software & Data Management
The TERA-AX operates in conjunction with industry-standard THz-TDS control software (e.g., TeraStudio Pro or custom LabVIEW-based acquisition suites). Raw time-domain waveforms are acquired at user-defined delay step resolution (typically 0.5–5 fs), with real-time FFT processing yielding amplitude and phase spectra. All datasets include embedded metadata (pump fluence, delay stage position, ambient temperature/humidity, acquisition date/time) to support GLP-compliant reporting. Export formats include HDF5, MAT, and CSV; spectral data conform to ASTM E1492-22 (Standard Practice for Data Exchange in Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy) conventions. Audit trails, user access logs, and electronic signatures can be enabled to satisfy FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed in regulated QC/QA workflows.
Applications
- Carrier dynamics and mobility mapping in 2D materials (graphene, TMDCs) and perovskite thin films
- Hydration state analysis and crystallinity quantification in amorphous pharmaceutical formulations
- Non-destructive thickness and delamination assessment in multi-layer polymer composites
- Gas-phase rotational spectroscopy for trace molecular detection (e.g., NH₃, H₂O, CH₄)
- Fundamental studies of phonon-polariton coupling in ferroelectric oxides (e.g., LiNbO₃, SrTiO₃)
- Time-resolved conductivity measurements following ultrafast photoexcitation
FAQ
What pump laser specifications are required to operate the TERA-AX?
The system requires a regeneratively amplified Ti:sapphire laser delivering ≥1 mJ pulse energy at 800 nm, 1–5 kHz repetition rate, and <100 fs pulse duration. Standard commercial amplifiers (e.g., Coherent RegA, Spectra-Physics Spitfire) are fully supported.
Is vacuum operation possible?
Yes—the emitter head is compatible with UHV environments (<10⁻⁶ mbar) when equipped with optional stainless-steel vacuum flanges and bakeable O-rings.
Can the TERA-AX be used for imaging applications?
Yes—when coupled with motorized XY translation stages and lock-in detection, it supports raster-scan THz transmission/reflection imaging with spatial resolution down to ~300 µm (λ/3 at 1 THz).
Does the system include alignment tools?
Yes—each unit ships with alignment lasers (635 nm), IR viewer cards, THz beam profiling cards, and a detailed alignment protocol document compliant with ISO 10110-10 optical setup standards.
What warranty and service support is provided?
SOLARS offers a 24-month limited warranty covering parts and labor, with extended service contracts including annual calibration and remote diagnostics support available globally through authorized AVESTA partners.
