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APE Angewandte Physik & Elektronik, a global leader in ultrafast photonics technology, has strengthened its portfolio of ultrafast photonics instrumentation with a range of solutions designed to enhance laser performance, extend wavelength accessibility, and simplify optical characterization. Featured on GoPhotonics, the latest lineup includes the pulseSelect DualBand pulse picker, OPO X optical parametric oscillator, FemtoControl NIR Broadband optical pulse compressor, HarmoniXX SHG optical frequency converter, and WaveScan USB spectrometer. Together, these systems address key requirements in ultrafast laser research, nonlinear optics, spectroscopy, and advanced microscopy by delivering precise pulse control, wavelength conversion, dispersion compensation, and spectral analysis.

pulseSelect DualBand Pulse Picker

The pulseSelect DualBand is an acousto-optic pulse picker engineered to selectively reduce the repetition rate of ultrafast lasers operating at both the fundamental and frequency-doubled wavelengths. Designed to support 340 nm - 540 nm and 680 nm - 1080 nm, the system enables synchronized pulse selection for dual-wavelength laser configurations using a single device.

The pulse picker operates from single-shot to 40 MHz and incorporates RF electronics with a 72 - 81 MHz drive frequency. It accepts up to 5 W of optical input power while delivering a diffraction efficiency of more than 50% in single and parallel configurations and 25% in the dual serial configuration. Depending on the optical configuration, the system provides pulse contrast ratios of greater than 75:1, 500:1, 5,000:1, and up to 200,000:1, enabling efficient suppression of unwanted pulses for demanding ultrafast experiments.

OPO-X Optical Parametric Oscillator

The OPO-X is a fully automated optical parametric oscillator designed to expand the wavelength coverage of ultrafast laser systems through optical parametric conversion. The system provides computer-controlled wavelength tuning and automated alignment, allowing users to rapidly access different spectral regions while maintaining stable operation.

The OPO-X integrates automated wavelength selection with optimized nonlinear optics to simplify operation and minimize manual adjustments. Its modular design enables seamless integration with femtosecond laser sources, making it suitable for applications requiring continuously tunable ultrafast radiation across an extended spectral range while preserving pulse quality.

femtoControl NIR Broadband Optical Pulse Compressor

The femtoControl NIR Broadband is a motorized four-prism optical pulse compressor designed to compensate dispersion introduced by optical components in femtosecond laser systems. Covering a wavelength range from 650 to 1320 nm, it enables optimization of ultrashort laser pulses for demanding nonlinear optical applications.

The system provides a group delay dispersion (GDD) adjustment range from -5000 to +5000 fs² at 800 nm and supports pulse widths of less than 10 ps. It accepts linearly or horizontally polarized input beams smaller than 4 mm and offers more than 85% transmission at 800 nm. Automated prism positioning follows stored GVD curves, while the motorized dispersion compensation mechanism enables precise pulse optimization for applications including two-photon, three-photon, and multiphoton microscopy.

HarmoniXX SHG Optical Frequency Converter

The HarmoniXX SHG is a fully motorized second-harmonic generation optical frequency converter designed to convert femtosecond and picosecond laser radiation into shorter wavelengths using nonlinear optical crystals. The system supports fundamental wavelengths from 420 to 2000 nm, producing second-harmonic output across 210 to 1000 nm.

The frequency converter delivers conversion efficiencies of up to 40% for 130 fs pulses and 15% for 2 ps pulses, providing efficient wavelength conversion while maintaining beam quality. Automatic wavelength tuning and optional automated power optimization simplify operation by selecting the appropriate nonlinear crystal settings for the chosen laser wavelength, enabling rapid and reproducible frequency conversion.

WaveScan USB Spectrometer

The WaveScan USB is a compact spectrometer developed for real-time spectral analysis of ultrafast laser sources. Its USB interface enables straightforward integration with laboratory computers, providing convenient spectral monitoring for laser optimization and routine diagnostics.

Designed for compact laboratory setups, the instrument combines high-resolution spectral measurements with fast data acquisition to support continuous monitoring of laser performance. The portable design allows convenient deployment alongside ultrafast laser systems for wavelength characterization, alignment, and day-to-day performance verification in research and development laboratories.

The featured portfolio demonstrates APE's focus on delivering integrated solutions for ultrafast photonics, enabling precise control over laser repetition rates, wavelength generation, pulse duration, and spectral characterization. Together, these systems provide researchers with the tools needed to optimize femtosecond and picosecond laser performance across a broad range of scientific and industrial applications.

Click here to learn more about optical parametric oscillators.