Ensuring a stable & optimized high power beam into a gas-filled capillary
Laser beams do move around! Check sources of movement here.
Important aspects of focusing the laser beam:
- Beam defined by 4 degrees of freedom: Position X/Y & angle X/Y.
- Angles and position coordinates are measured in real time using Position Sensitive Detectors (PSDs).
- Beam is uniquely controlled by two 2-dimensional active mounts. Each mirror mount uses motor and PZT actuators operating simultaneously - motor to correct large perturbations, the PZTs much faster shorter movements.
Details of Aligna's method of high resolution and rapid stabilization:
This is a typical application for Aligna systems to stabilize a beam focused into a HCF or capillary by a rather long focal length lens of f = 0.3 to 2 meters.
PSDs versus CCD cameras or quad cells.
PSDs for Angle & Position measurement:
Lee McCrumb, Ph.D. 1.408.888.2431 [email protected]