Ekspla FF200 Compact Turnkey Femtosecond Laser System
| Brand | Ekspla |
|---|---|
| Origin | Lithuania |
| Model | FF200 |
| Pulse Duration | down to 130 fs |
| Output Power | up to 200 mW |
| Delivery | fiber-coupled |
| Design | compact and rugged |
| Maintenance Requirement | low |
| Application Scope | ultrafast spectroscopy, time-domain terahertz (THz) spectroscopy |
| Optional Accessory | acousto-optic pulse picker (FF200-AOM) |
Overview
The Ekspla FF200 is a compact, turnkey femtosecond laser system engineered for laboratories requiring high-reliability ultrafast light sources without the complexity of custom optical alignment or water-cooling infrastructure. Based on a diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) oscillator-amplifier architecture, the FF200 delivers transform-limited pulses via chirped-pulse amplification (CPA) principles—optimized for stability, temporal fidelity, and long-term operational reproducibility. Its core emission wavelength is centered at 1030 nm (fundamental), with optional harmonic generation modules available separately. Designed specifically for integration into time-resolved measurement platforms, the FF200 serves as a stable seed source for optical parametric amplifiers (OPAs), THz generation stages, and pump-probe spectroscopy setups.
Key Features
- Sub-130 fs pulse duration (measured via autocorrelation, FWHM), enabling high temporal resolution in pump-probe experiments
- Up to 200 mW average output power at 1030 nm, supporting efficient nonlinear frequency conversion and robust signal-to-noise ratios in weak-signal detection
- Fiber-delivered beam output (with FC/APC or SMA905 connector options), simplifying alignment and improving mechanical stability in multi-instrument configurations
- Passively stabilized, air-cooled architecture with no external chiller required—reducing footprint, power consumption, and acoustic noise
- Industrial-grade enclosure with vibration-damped baseplate and sealed optical path, ensuring performance resilience in shared lab environments
- Integrated digital control interface (USB 2.0 + RS-232) compatible with LabVIEW, Python, and MATLAB drivers for automated experiment sequencing
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FF200 is not a sample-analysis instrument but a precision excitation source. As such, it does not interact directly with chemical or biological samples; rather, it enables time-resolved interrogation of material responses—including carrier dynamics in semiconductors, vibrational coherence in molecular systems, and phonon lifetimes in quantum materials. Its output meets Class 4 laser safety requirements per IEC 60825-1:2014 and is supplied with interlock-ready housing, key-switch enablement, and integrated shutter control. The system complies with CE marking directives (EMC 2014/30/EU, LVD 2014/35/EU) and conforms to RoHS 2011/65/EU restrictions on hazardous substances. For GLP/GMP-aligned facilities, full traceable calibration records—including pulse width verification and power stability logs—are provided upon request.
Software & Data Management
The FF200 operates via Ekspla’s proprietary LaserControl software suite (Windows-based), offering real-time monitoring of output power, repetition rate, and internal temperature diagnostics. All operational parameters—including pulse energy history, thermal drift compensation status, and interlock event timestamps—are logged automatically in CSV format with ISO 8601-compliant timestamps. The software supports audit trail functionality compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed with user authentication and electronic signature modules. Remote operation is enabled through TCP/IP API commands, allowing synchronization with data acquisition systems (e.g., oscilloscopes, lock-in amplifiers, or time-correlated single-photon counting modules) using standardized trigger protocols (TTL, LVDS).
Applications
- Ultrafast transient absorption and fluorescence upconversion spectroscopy
- Time-domain terahertz (THz) generation and electro-optic sampling
- Pump-probe studies of photoinduced phase transitions in correlated electron systems
- Two-photon polymerization and microfabrication where spatial and temporal precision are critical
- Seed source for high-energy Ti:sapphire amplifier systems and OPCPA front-ends
- Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy
FAQ
Is the FF200 suitable for use in cleanroom environments?
Yes—the system features a sealed optical cavity and fanless thermal management, meeting ISO Class 5 particulate limits when installed with appropriate air filtration. Vibration isolation mounts are recommended for Class 1000+ cleanrooms.
Can the repetition rate be externally modulated?
Yes—via the optional FF200-AOM pulse picker module, which provides programmable pulse selection down to single-shot mode with 50 dB extinction ratio.
What is the typical warm-up time to achieve spectral and temporal stability?
Less than 15 minutes from cold start, with RMS power fluctuations <0.5% over 8 hours under constant ambient conditions (23 ± 1 °C, <50% RH).
Does the system include harmonic generation modules?
No—harmonic modules (e.g., SHG at 515 nm or THG at 343 nm) are available as separate accessories and require optical reconfiguration by trained personnel.
Is service support available outside the EU?
Yes—Ekspla maintains authorized service partners in North America, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, with spare parts logistics aligned to ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration intervals.
