Electro Optical Components, Inc. Compact Pockels Cells for Laser Q-switching

Leysop Compact Pockels Cells are especially suited to OEM laser equipment manufacture where a smaller size and simpler interconnect are needed. Both 8mm and 10mm aperture versions are currently available, but any aperture may be accommodated by this general style of packaging. Manufactured in both single and double crystal versions The EM500 range of longitudinal field Pockels cells have been designed to offer the best possible performance in a package which as far as possible encloses the active region of the optical crystal in an earthed metallic casing. This provides good electrical shielding for reduced radiated emissions, and increases user safety. A further safety feature is the use of special high voltage rated HV BNC electrical connectors which have extended shields on the mating plugs which reduce the potential risk of electrical shock should the user handle the live cables when not connected to the Pockels cell. Although this arrangement provides many advantages to the user of these Pockels cells in an open environment (such as on an optical table in a research laboratory) it does increase the physical size of the Pockels cell. For the manufacturer of Q-switched laser systems, the volume and mass of the optical components is often a major consideration, while issues such as radiated emissions and user safety are handled by the equipment enclosure into which the laser system is built. Size and weight therefore can take a higher priority for this user. Leysop produces a range of compact Pockels cells which lack the bulky machined aluminum alloy housings of the EM500 series and use simpler pin or M4 stud contacts for the electrical connection. This connection reduces the load capacitance of the cell by eliminating the capacitance of the HV BNC connector which is in parallel with the active element. These devices are housed in an industry standard 35mm diameter design which allows this Q-switch to drop in to many existing laser head designs without modification. The device can be supplied with special end caps and also fitted wave-plates if required. We are always happy to discuss any custom requirements for this OEM Q-switch.