CO Laser (5.1 μm - 6.0 μm)
The PL series of continuous wave (CW), grating tuned, infrared gas lasers, sets the standards for high power, stable sources for a wide variety of applications:
- Molecular spectroscopy
- Non-linear optics
- Interferometry
- Process control
- Atmospheric studies
- Plasma density measurements
Product Description
The infrared has long been dubbed the “Cinderella” spectral region due to the low level of blackbody emission at long wavelengths but this was changed with the development of carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) lasers.
Our PL3 model is unprecedented in today’s market. It operates as either a CO2 (output power up to 25 W) or CO (with output >1 W over the range 5.1 μm – 6.0 μm) laser. Using different isotopic gas fills the PL3 laser can give up to 1,000 lines across the infrared.
The PL3 laser operates sealed off on low gain CO transitions in the range 5.2 μm to 6.0 μm under hazard free, near room temperature conditions. It features a UHV sealed, split discharge tube with both the diffraction grating and piezo-mounted output coupler within the vacuum envelope for lowest loss operation.
The PL3 gas is user replenishable. By changing the cavity optics and gas mixture, the PL3 can be converted into a tuneable CO2 laser covering the 9μm to 11μm region. Typical single line powers are 1 W CO and 20 W CO2. The PL3 is driven by the compact, LPS-D dual output switch mode power supply.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | CO (5.2 µm – 6.0 µm) |
|---|---|
| Model Name | PL3 CO |
| Output Power – flowing (W) | – |
| Output Power – sealed (W) | 1 |
| Number of Lines | 60 |
| M2 | n/a |
| Beam Divergence – 1/e2 (mrad) | 3.5 |
| Beam Diameter – 1/e2 (mm) | 5.0 |
| Polarisation | Horizontal |
| Amplitude Stability | <±1% |
| Frequency Stability (kHz/sec) | 60 |
| Frequency Stability (actively stabilised) (MHz/10min) | n/a |
| Cavity Length (cm) | 178 |
| Dimensions (L) (cm) | 221 |
| Dimensions (W) (cm) | 52 |
| Dimensions (H) (cm) | 37 |
| Weight (kg) | 100 |
| Gas Requirements | Sealed / user replenishible |
Tuning mechanism: Piezo-ceramic length tuner and diffraction grating wavelength selection
Upgrades
Laser Stabilisers (CO2 Operation Only)
For applications demanding excellent medium and long tern stability, an active stabiliser may be required. This will compensate for laser output fluctuations caused by changes in ambient conditions and lock the variation in laser frequency or power to a value close to the passive jitter. Edinburgh Instruments has designed a family of active stabilisation techniques appropriate to the type of laser and operating conditions. Stabilisation of laser output is possible for up to 60 minutes.
Laser Pumping and Refilling Systems
All flowing gas laser systems are supplied with the necessary valves, gauges and vacuum couplings for simple connection to the system vacuum pump. A range of turbo molecular and dry pumps are available as upgrades. Please contact us for more information.