Laser Beam Attenuators

Laser Beam Attenuators

Keywords: motorized attenuator, Beam delivery, attenuator

Watt Pilot is a laser beam intensity attenuator. Enhanced version contains a rotating quartz λ/2 phase waveplate and one or two thin film plate polarizers for parallel s-polarized and p-polarizer beam separation, meanwhile Standard version attenuator

STLQ Series Laser Beam Power Attenuators

Model

STLQ-LA-1064nm /   1030nm

STLQ L-LA-532nm /   515nm

STLQ -LA-355nm /   343nm

STLQ -LA-266nm /   257nm

Clear aperture

Ø 18 mm

Max. laser beam dia,

Ø 15 mm

Divergence

2 mrad

Optical design

λ/2 ZO Waveplate + High contrast Brewster type thin film polarizer

Attenuation range

0.1..98%

0.1..98%

0.2..96%

0.5..95%

LIDT

>10 J/cm2

>5 J/cm2

>3 J/cm2

>2 J/cm2

Close to open time

<0.2s

Contrast

1:1000

1:1000

1:500

1:200

Input voltage

DC 12V

Control

Software

Mounting holes

М4

 

STU Series Compact Series Manual CO2 Laser Beam Attenuator

Principle of operation:The principle of operation is based on the ‘Brewster angle’. When linearly polarised light is incident on an airoptical material interface (uncoated), usually some of the light is reflected and some transmitted. However, when linearly polarised in the orientation (known as ‘P’ polarisation), there is no reflected light; 100% is transmitted into the material, provided the angle of incidence is equal to the Brewster angle. This is not so when the polarisation is in the perpendicular direction (known as ‘S’ polarisation).

Our manual attenuator allows the user to externally vary the power delivered from the laser. Many lasers only vary their output by pulsing full power on and off, and this does not always provide fine levels of control needed in some materials. This device will give infinitely variable control of the transmitted beam from approximately 6% to 100%. An optional manual attenuator with ‘enhanced’ coated Brewster plates provides a transmittance to as low as 0.04% up to 98%. Both types of manual attenuator can come as a water-cooled version.

beam attenuator  beam attenuator

Technical Specifications

  • Aperture: 19mm

  • Power rating: ≤500W

  • Cooling: Air (<100W) & Water-cooled, 6/4 Connector

  • Mechanics: Aluminium Alloy, Black Anodised.

  • Fitting: M29x1.0, female, both ends

  • Transmission: 6% - 100%, 0.04% - 98%

  • Clear aperture: 20mm in diameter

  • Optics: Laser grade ZnSe Brewster plates

  • Coating: AR/AR 10.6μm & 9.3/9.6μm

  • Dimension: D60x120mm

Manual Attenuator Options

Part No.TransmittanceCooling Type
STU-C-MA6%-100%Air-cooled
STU-C-MA-WJ6%-100%Water-cooled

STA Series Laser Beam Power Attenuators

1. Watt Pilot Motorized Attenuators

Watt Pilot is a laser beam intensity attenuator. Enhanced version contains a rotating quartz λ/2 phase waveplate and one or two thin film plate polarizers for parallel s-polarized and p-polarizer beam separation, meanwhile Standard version attenuator contains a single polarizing cube beam splitter for orthogonal s-polarized and p-polarized beams separation. The intensity ratio of two separated beams is continuously tuned by rotating the waveplate. Despite the stand-alone look, Watt Pilot motorized attenuator is a compact, rigid and precise device and it can be easily integrated into custom optical systems.

Features

  • User-friendly software interface, RS232 connection

  • Divides laser beam into two s-pol and p-pol beams of adjustable intensity ratio

  • Low dispersion for ultrashort and high energy laser pulses

  • Clear aperture: >15 mm

(1) Standard Version

attenuator  attenuator

Clear aperture10 mm
BandwidthUp to ±10 nm
Configurationλ/2 ZO Waveplate + High Energy Polarizing Cube
Attenuation range (Tmin-Tmax) @ CWLUp to 0.5-95%
Typical applicationsMedium and high power CW and pulsed lasers, LDs
Damage threshold>20 J/cm² @ 1064 nm, 10 ns, 10 Hz
Dimensions (H x L x W)63 x 78 x 91 mm
Time between min and max attenuation<3 sec
Steps between min and max attenuation3900

Typical items

Wave-length, nmBandwidth, nmConfigurationOptimizationAttenuation range (Tmin-Tmax) @ CWLProduct ID
355±10λ/2 ZO waveplate + High Energy PBS cubeTransmission/
Reflection
0.5-95%STA-SWP-HP-0355
532±10λ/2 ZO waveplate + High Energy PBS cubeTransmission/
Reflection
0.5-95%STA-SWP-HP-0532
1064±10λ/2 ZO waveplate + High Energy PBS cubeTransmission/
Reflection
0.5-95%STA-SWP-HP-1064

(2) Enhanced Version

attenuator

Clear aperture15mm
BandwidthUp to ±10nm (20>10)
OptimizationReflection or transmission type
Configurationλ/2 ZO Waveplate + 1x or 2x Thin Film Polarizers
Attenuation range (Tmin-Tmax) @ CWLUp to 0.3-99%*
Typical applicationsHigh power CW and pulsed lasers, LDs
Damage threshold>5 J/cm² @ 1064 nm, 10 ns, 10 Hz
Dimensions (H x L x W)63 x 108 x 91mm - reflection mode
63 x 106 x 91mm - transmission mode
Time between min and max attenuation<3 sec
Steps between min and max attenuation3900
*Attenuation range for transmission typeTmax (when open): >95%; Tmin (when closed):<0.5% (P-pol output)
*Attenuation range for reflection typeTmax (when open): >95%; Tmin (when closed):<0.5% (P-pol output)
Tmax (when open): >99%; Tmin (when closed):<0.3% (S-pol output)

Typical items

Wave-length, nmBandwidth, nmConfigurationOptimizationAttenuation range* (Tmin-Tmax) @ CWLProduct Number
266±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%STA-EWP-R-0266
343±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%STA-EWP-R-0343
355±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%STA-EWP-R-0355
515±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%STA-EWP-R-0515
532±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%STA-EWP-R-0532
1030±10λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x Broadband TFPBroadband Reflection0.3-99%STA-EWP-R-1030
1064±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%STA-EWP-R-1064
266±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%STA-EWP-T-0266
343±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%STA-EWP-T-0343
355±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%STA-EWP-T-0355
515±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%STA-EWP-T-0515
532±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%STA-EWP-T-0532
1030±10λ/2 ZO waveplate + Broadband TFPBroadband Transmission0.5-95%STA-EWP-T-1030
1064±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%STA-EWP-T-1064

Example of performance provided by attenuator comprising a waveplate and a polarizer.

2. PowerXP – Motorized Attenuators

PowerXP motorized attenuators are reliable solution for industrial applications. Each attenuator includes motorized rotating quartz λ/2 phase waveplate, optically aligned to a single/ dual thin film polarizer or polarizing beamsplitting cube which separates the input beam into individual s-polarized and p-polarized parallel or perpendicular output beams. The intensity ratio of separated beams is continuously tuned by rotating the waveplate. S-polarized beam output can be used for high purity s-polarized beam requiring applications and P-polarized beam output for power control and attenuation applications. High energy applications compatible optics, fast rotation speed of PowerXP Maxi and Cube versions and small footprint of Compact version makes PowerXP motorized attenuators a go-to solution for power control, attenuation and beam-splitting in demanding laser processing applications.

Features

  • User-friendly software interface, RS232 connection

  • Divides laser beam into two s-pol and p-pol beams of adjustable intensity ratio

  • Low dispersion for ultrashort and high energy laser pulses

  • Ideal for integration in other systems

  • Time between min and max attenuation less than 0.2 sec

Model Comparison


COMPACTMAXI TRANSMISSIONMAXI REFLECTIONMAXI CUBE
Optimization typeTransmissionTransmission (T model)Reflection (R model)Transmission and Reflection
Clear aperture, mmØ8Ø18Ø18Ø18
Recommended maximum input beam diameter at 1/e², mmØ5Ø12Ø12Ø12
Damage threshold @ 1064 nm, 10 ns, 10 Hz>20 J/cm²>10 J/cm²>10 J/cm²>10 J/cm²
Dimensions H x L x W, mm32 x 56 x 6056 x 99 x 9056 x 99 x 9056 x 82 x 90
Time between min and max attenuation< 0.2 sec< 0.2 sec< 0.2 sec< 0.2 sec
Steps between min and max attenuation14400240002400024000
Resolution< 7 arcsec/step< 7 arcsec/step< 7 arcsec/step< 7 arcsec/step
Maximum power transmissionTmax >99% at p-pol outputTmax >95% at p-pol outputTmax >99% at s-pol outputTmax >97% at p-pol output
Tmax >99% at s-pol output
Maximum power blockingTmin< 0.1% at p-pol outputTmin< 0.5% at p-pol outputTmin< 0.3% at s-pol outputTmin< 0.3% at p-pol output
Tmin< 3% at s-pol output
*Optional attenuation rangeTmax >99.7%, Tmin< 4% at s-pol beam dump outputTmax >99.5%, Tmin< 5% at s-pol beam dump outputTmax >95%, Tmin< 0.5% at p-pol output

attenuator

The following table shows measured attenuator power control repeatability values.

StageAverage power difference, %Max power difference @ 250mW*, %
20%0.050.30-0.40
50%0.10.5
80%0.050.40

*Using 250 mW average power output fs pulsed laser.

NOTE: Each value was calculated from average of 3000 cycles of measured data. At given transmission level, only that particular level data was taken into average value. For example, 20% transmission level data was gathered from power meter when the attenuator was in 20% power level position, during the 0% - 100% and 100% - 0% power level cycles (0% - 20% - 100% - 20% - 0% and then repeat for 3000 cycles).

3. Compact Version

atenuator

Clear aperture8mm
BandwidthUp to ±5 nm
OptimizationTransmission type
Configurationλ/2 High Energy Waveplate + IBS coated High Contrast Thin Film Polarizer
Attenuation range (Tmin-Tmax) @ CWLUp to 0.1-99%
Typical applicationsHigh power CW and pulsed lasers
Damage threshold>10J/cm² @ 1064nm, 10ns, 10Hz
Dimensions (H x L x W)74 x 32 x 66 mm
Time between min and max attenuation<1sec
Steps between min and max attenuation14400


Product NumberWave-length, nmBandwidth, nmConfigurationOptimizationAttenuation range (Tmin-Tmax) @ CWL
STA-PXP-08-0343343±5λ/2 High Energy waveplate + High Contrast TFPTransmission0.3-97%
STA-PXP-08-0355355±5λ/2 High Energy waveplate + High Contrast TFPTransmission0.3-97%
STA-PXP-08-0515515±5λ/2 High Energy waveplate + High Contrast TFPTransmission0.1-99%
STA-PXP-08-0532532±5λ/2 High Energy waveplate + High Contrast TFPTransmission0.1-99%
STA-PXP-08-10301030±5λ/2 High Energy waveplate + High Contrast TFPTransmission0.2-99%
STA-PXP-08-10641064±5λ/2 High Energy waveplate + High Contrast TFPTransmission0.2-99%

4. Maxi Version

Clear aperture18mm
BandwidthUp to ±10nm
OptimizationReflection or transmission type
Configurationλ/2 ZO Waveplate + 1x or 2x Thin Film Polarizers
Attenuation range (Tmin-Tmax) @ CWLUp to 0.3-99%*
Typical applicationsHigh power CW and pulsed lasers
Damage threshold>5 J/cm² @ 1064nm, 10ns, 10Hz
Dimensions (H x L x W)56 x 99 x 90 mm
Time between min and max attenuation< 0.2sec
Steps between min and max attenuation24000
*Attenuation range for transmission typeTmax (when open): >95%; Tmin (when closed):<0.5% (P-pol output)
*Attenuation range for reflection typeTmax (when open): >95%; Tmin (when closed):<0.5% (P-pol output)
Tmax (when open): >99%; Tmin (when closed):<0.3% (S-pol output)

4.1 Maxi Transmission Version

Product NumberWave-length nmBandwidth, nmConfigurationOptimizationAttenuation range* (Tmin-Tmax) @ CWL
STA-PXP-15-T-0266266±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%
STA-PXP-15-T-0343343±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%
STA-PXP-15-T-0355355±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%
STA-PXP-15-T-0515515±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%
STA-PXP-15-T-0532532±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%
STA-PXP-15-T-10301030±10λ/2 ZO waveplate + Broadband TFPBroadband Transmission0.5-95%
STA-PXP-15-T-10641064±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%

Their dimensions are same as  56x99x90mm .

4.2 Maxi Reflection Version

Product NumberWave-length nmBandwidth, nmConfigurationOptimizationAttenuation range* (Tmin-Tmax) @ CWL
STA-PXP-15-R-0266266±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%
STA-PXP-15-R-0343343±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%
STA-PXP-15-R-0355355±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%
STA-PXP-15-R-0515515±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%
STA-PXP-15-R-0532532±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%
STA-PXP-15-R-10301030±10λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x Broadband TFPBroadband Reflection0.3-99%
STA-PXP-15-R-10641064±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%

Their dimensions are same as  56x99x90 mm.

4.3 Max Cube Version

attenuator

Product NumberWavelength
nm
Bandwidth
nm
ConfigurationAttenuation range at p-pol output (Tmin-Tmax) @ CWLAttenuation range at s-pol output (Tmin-Tmax) @ CWL
STA-PXP-18-C-0355355±5λ/2 Optically bonded waveplate + Optically bonded PBS cube0.3-96%4-99%
STA-PXP-18-C-0515515±5λ/2 Air-spaced waveplate + Optically bonded PBS cube0.3-97%3-99%
STA-PXP-18-C-0532532±5λ/2 Air-spaced waveplate + Optically bonded PBS cube0.3-97%3-99%
STA-PXP-18-C-10301030±5λ/2 Air-spaced waveplate + Optically bonded PBS cube0.3-97%3-99%
STA-PXP-18-C-10641064±5λ/2 Air-spaced waveplate + Optically bonded PBS cube0.3-97%3-99%

Their dimensions are same as  56x82x90mm .

5. Manual Attenuators

5.1 Laser Beam Attenuator, Enhanced Version

The Enhanced version of the attenuator incorporates a rotating quartz λ/2 phase waveplate and one or two Thin Film Polarizers that separate s-polarized and p-polarized beams in parallel directions. The polarizers are housed in a specially designed opto-mechanical holder mounted together with a precision kinematic adjustable waveplate holder. Pure p-polarization should be selected for maximum transmission and pure s-polarization for maximum attenuation. The intensity ratio of separated beams is continuously tuned by rotating the waveplate in the holder.

Custom wavelengths are available upon request. Contact us and we will find a solution for your beam attenuation, power control and beam splitting needs. We can also recommend compatible optical components for your beam delivery applications.

attenuator

Features

  • Easy operated manual design

  • Ideal for femtosecond and high power laser applications

  • Two parallel p-pol and s-pol output beams

  • Interchangeable optics

*Attenuation range for transmission type: Tmax (when open): >95%; Tmin (when closed):<0.5%

*Attenuation range for reflection type: Tmax (when open): >95%; Tmin (when closed):

Specifications

  • Clear aperture: 15 mm

  • Bandwidth: Up to ±20 nm

  • Optimization: Reflection or transmission type

  • Configuration: λ/2 ZO waveplate + 1x or 2x Thin Film polarizers

  • Attenuation range (Tmin-Tmax) @ CWL: Up to 0.3-99 %*

  • Typical applications: High power CW and pulsed lasers, LDs

  • Damage threshold: >5 J/cm² @ 1064 nm, 10 ns, 10 Hz

  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 89 x 72 x 78 mm – reflection type, 87 x 68 x 78 mm – transmission type

Product IDWavelength nmBandwidth nmConfigurationOptimizationAttenuation range* (Tmin-Tmax) @ CWL
STA-ELA-R-0266266±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%
STA-ELA-T-0266

λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%
STA-ELA-R-0343343±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%
STA-ELA-T-0343

λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%
STA-ELA-R-0355355±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%
STA-ELA-T-0355

λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%
STA-ELA-R-0515515±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%
STA-ELA-T-0515

λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%
STA-ELA-R-0532532±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%
STA-ELA-T-0532

λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%
STA-ELA-R-10641064±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%
STA-ELA-T-1064

λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%
STA-ELA-R-10301030±10λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x Broadband TFPBroadband reflection0.5-98%
STA-ELA-T-1030

λ/2 ZO waveplate + Broadband TFPBroadband transmission0.5-95%

5.2 Laser Beam Attenuator, Ultrafast Version

The Ultrafast version of the attenuator is intended for laser pulses of < 100 fs. It incorporates a rotating Achromatic λ/2 phase waveplate and two high-performance Broadband 72° Thin Film Polarizers that separate s-polarized and p-polarized beams in parallel directions. The polarizers are housed in a specially designed opto-mechanical holder mounted together with a precision kinematic adjustable waveplate holder. The intensity ratio of separated beams is continuously tuned by rotating the waveplate in the holder.

There are 2 standardized types of ultrafast attenuators – one for maximum transmitted energy and one for maximum beam attenuation.

Custom wavelengths are available upon request. Contact us and we will find a solution for your beam attenuation, power control, beam splitting needs. We can also recommend compatible optical components for your beam delivery applications.

manual attenuator

Features

  • Easy operated manual design

  • Low dispersion optical design for ultrashort pulse high power laser applications

  • Two parallel p-pol and s-pol output beams

  • Interchangeable optics

Specifications

  • Clear aperture: 15 mm

  • Bandwidth: Up to ±50 nm

  • Configuration: λ/2 Achromatic waveplate + 2x Broadband (Ultrafast) Thin Film polarizers

  • Attenuation range (Tmin-Tmax) @ CWL: 4-96%, 0.1-70%

  • Typical applications: Ultrafast broadband laser sources with pulse length<100 fs

  • Damage threshold: >100 mJ/cm² @ 800 nm, 100 fs, 1 kHz

  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 167 x 72 x 78 mm

Product IDWavelength, nmBandwidth, nmConfigurationOptimizationAttenuation range* (Tmin-Tmax) @ CWL
STA-ULA-R1-0800800±50λ/2 Achromatic waveplate +
 Broadband (Ultrafast) TFP
Reflection4-96%
STA-ULA-R2-0800


Reflection contrast0.1-70%

5.3 Large Aperture Attenuator

The main feature of Large Aperture Attenuators is larger than 30 mm diameter clear aperture. These incorporate a rotating λ/2 phase waveplate and one or two Thin Film Polarizers that separate s-polarized and p-polarized beams in parallel directions. The polarizers are housed in a specially designed opto-mechanical holder which is mounted together with a precision waveplate holder. Pure p-polarization should be selected for maximum transmission and pure s-polarization for maximum attenuation. The intensity ratio of the separated beams is continuously tuned by rotating the waveplate in the holder.

Custom wavelengths are available upon request. Contact us and we will find a solution for your beam attenuation, power control and beamsplitting needs. We can also recommend compatible optical components for your beam delivery applications.

manual attenuator

Features

  • Large input aperture

  • Easy operated manual design

  • Ideal for femtosecond and high power laser applications

  • Two parallel p-pol and s-pol output beams

  • Interchangeable optics

Specifications

  • Clear aperture: 30 mm

  • Bandwidth: Up to ±50 nm

  • Optimization: Reflection or transmission type

  • Attenuation range (Tmin-Tmax) @ CWL: 0.3-99% or 0.1-70% or 4-96%

  • Typical applications: High power and ultrafast lasers

  • Damage threshold: >5 J/cm² @ 1064 nm, 10 ns, 10 Hz, >100 mJ/cm² @ 800 nm, 100 fs, 1 kHz

  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 299 x 135 x 70 mm – ultrafast reflection type, 147 x 136 x 60 mm – transmission type

  • Configuration: λ/2 ZO waveplate + 1x or 2x Thin Film polarizers, λ/2 Achromatic waveplate + 2x Broadband (Ultrafast) Thin Film polarizers

Product IDWavelength, nmBandwidth, nmConfigurationOptimizationAttenuation range*
 (Tmin-Tmax) @ CWL
STA-LAT-R-0515515±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%
STA-LAT-T-0515

λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%
STA-LAT-R-0532532±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%
STA-LAT-T-0532

λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%
STA-LATU-R2-0800800±50λ/2 Achromatic waveplate +
 2x Broadband (Ultrafast) TFP
Reflection contrast0.1-70%
STA-LATU-R1-0800

λ/2 Achromatic waveplate +
 2x Broadband (Ultrafast) TFP
Reflection4-96%
STA-LAT-R-10301030±10λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x Broadband TFP RReflection0.3-99%
STA-LAT-T-1030

λ/2 ZO waveplate + Broadband TFPTransmission0.5-95%
STA-LAT-R-10641064±5λ/2 ZO waveplate + 2x TFPReflection0.3-99%
STA-LAT-T-1064

λ/2 ZO waveplate + TFPTransmission0.5-95%
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