Cr:MgO:LiNbO₃ Femtosecond Laser System – Mavericks-65

Overview

The Cr:MgO:LiNbO₃ Femtosecond Laser System – Mavericks-65 is a compact, turnkey ultrafast oscillator engineered for precision applications requiring stable, near-infrared femtosecond pulses. Based on chromium-doped magnesium oxide–lithium niobate (Cr:MgO:LN) gain medium, this laser operates via broadband solid-state mode-locking to generate transform-limited pulses with durations below 70 fs. Its center wavelength is tunable across the 1230–1270 nm spectral window—a region of low water absorption and high tissue penetration—making it particularly suited for multiphoton microscopy, time-resolved spectroscopy, and optical parametric amplifier (OPA) seeding. Unlike Ti:sapphire systems, the Cr:MgO:LN platform offers inherent thermal stability and reduced sensitivity to ambient temperature fluctuations, enabled by integrated thermoelectric cooling (TEC) of the crystal mount. The system delivers TEM₀₀ spatial mode output with divergence under 2 mrad, ensuring efficient coupling into single-mode fibers and downstream nonlinear optics.

Key Features

• Ultrafast pulse generation: < 70 fs pulse width at fundamental output, supporting sub-10-fs compression when paired with external chirped-mirror compressors
• Wavelength tunability: Continuous electronic tuning over 1230–1270 nm without mechanical realignment
• High amplitude stability: < 2% RMS power fluctuation over 8 hours, verified under constant lab conditions (23 ± 1°C, humidity < 50% RH)
• Factory-configurable repetition rates: Selectable 75 MHz, 100 MHz, or 125 MHz operation—each optimized for cavity dispersion management and pump absorption efficiency
• Integrated TEC-based crystal thermal control: Maintains gain medium temperature within ±0.1°C, critical for long-term mode-locking reliability
• Low-noise RF synchronization output: SMA-compatible 100 MHz TTL signal with jitter < 150 fs RMS, compatible with lock-in amplifiers and time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) modules

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Mavericks-65 is designed for integration into regulated and research-grade optical laboratories. Its optical enclosure meets IEC 60825-1:2014 Class 4 laser safety requirements, with interlocked access panels and embedded emission indicators. While not certified under FDA 21 CFR Part 11, the system supports GLP/GMP-aligned workflows through traceable calibration logs (provided in .csv format upon request) and user-accessible diagnostic parameters—including real-time pump diode current, crystal temperature, and cavity alignment status. It complies with CE marking directives for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU) and low-voltage operation (LVD Directive 2014/35/EU). No hazardous substances are used per RoHS 2011/65/EU Annex II.

Software & Data Management

The laser is operated via USB 2.0–connected Hengjiu Control Suite v3.2 (Windows 10/11 64-bit), offering remote monitoring of all operational parameters and firmware-upgradable settings. The software enables automated wavelength scanning, repetition rate switching, and stability logging at user-defined intervals (1 Hz to 1 kHz sampling). Exported datasets include timestamps synchronized to internal GPS-disciplined oscillator (optional add-on), facilitating cross-platform temporal correlation in pump-probe experiments. Audit trails record all parameter changes with operator ID and timestamp—supporting ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements for accredited testing labs.

Applications

• Multiphoton fluorescence microscopy (MPM): Optimized for second-harmonic generation (SHG) and third-harmonic generation (THG) imaging of collagen, myelin, and crystalline structures in thick biological specimens
• Time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy: Enables sub-100-fs resolution probing of carrier dynamics in perovskites, 2D materials, and organic semiconductors
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT): Serves as a broadband seed source for swept-source OCT systems targeting ophthalmic and dermatological diagnostics
• Frequency comb stabilization: Compatible with f–2f interferometry setups for absolute frequency referencing in metrology-grade environments
• Micro-machining of transparent dielectrics: High peak intensity (>1 GW/cm² at focus) enables precise subsurface modification of fused silica and sapphire

FAQ

Is the Mavericks-65 compatible with standard free-space optical tables and kinematic mounts?
Yes—the output beam is collimated and height-adjustable (75 mm ± 2 mm above baseplate), with SM1-threaded (1.035″-40) mounting interface for lens tubes and translation stages.
Can the laser be upgraded to support cavity-dumping or external pulse picking?
Cavity-dump integration requires custom OEM modification; however, external acousto-optic pulse pickers (e.g., AA Opto-Electronic MT-120) are fully compatible via the TTL sync output.
What maintenance is required during routine operation?
No consumables or periodic alignment are needed. Annual verification of TEC performance and optical power calibration is recommended using NIST-traceable photodiodes.
Does the system include a wavelength meter or autocorrelator?
These are optional accessories. The base configuration includes an integrated photodiode-based power monitor and digital oscilloscope-triggered pulse train diagnostics.
Is OEM integration support available for embedding the laser into larger instruments?
Yes—Hengjiu provides mechanical drawings, electrical interface schematics (LVDS and RS-485), and SDK documentation for embedded control under NDA.