https://cdn.gophotonics.com/news/CCSI_PPI_1_2outlet_2_768x768_639136495614861347.webp712370
AeroDIODE, a specialist in laser diode and optical modulation technologies, offers pulse picker solutions designed to selectively extract pulses from high-repetition-rate laser sources with high precision and flexibility. These systems are widely used in ultrafast laser applications, spectroscopy, and advanced photonics research.
The pulse picker is built around an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) combined with dedicated synchronization electronics, enabling users to isolate specific pulses from an incoming optical pulse train. This allows conversion of high-frequency pulse streams into lower repetition rates while maintaining timing accuracy and signal integrity.
Designed as a turnkey bench-top module, the system supports a broad wavelength range from approximately 700 nm to 1750 nm, making it compatible with a wide variety of laser sources, including femtosecond and picosecond mode-locked lasers. The pulse picker provides multiple synchronization modes, including divider mode for low-jitter pulse reduction, external triggering for precise timing control, and burst shaping for complex pulse sequences. These modes enable flexible operation across different experimental and industrial setups.
In terms of performance, the system supports input repetition rates up to around 200 MHz and allows output pulse rates from single-shot operation up to tens of MHz. It achieves high extinction ratios (up to ~50 dB), ensuring effective suppression of unwanted pulses while preserving selected ones with minimal loss.
The module also integrates embedded photodiode triggering and adjustable detection thresholds, enabling reliable synchronization even with very short optical pulses. Advanced control is provided through a graphical user interface and software libraries (Python, LabVIEW, DLLs), supporting easy integration into automated optical systems.
Additionally, AeroDIODE offers a pulse picker synchronization board, which acts as a control unit for external modulators such as AOMs, EOMs, or SOAs. This board delivers low jitter performance (<80 ps RMS), adjustable pulse timing, and flexible delay control, making it suitable for complex timing and synchronization tasks in laser systems. With its combination of broad wavelength compatibility, high-speed operation, and flexible synchronization, AeroDIODE’s pulse picker solutions provide a powerful tool for controlling laser pulse trains in applications such as ultrafast optics, microscopy, quantum research, and precision material processing.
Click here to learn more about semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs).
