LiNbO3 Pockels Cell

Pockels cells are used in applications that require fast switching of the polarization direction of a light beam. It widely used for Q-switching of laser cavities, coupling light into and out from regenerative amplifiers, light intensity modulation. Pockels cells are characterized by fast response, and they are much faster in response than AOM (acoustic optical modulator).

LiNbO3 Pockels cells use a configuration in which the electric field is applied transverse to the direction of light propagation. This configuration allows lower voltages to be used for a given retardance through the use of thinner and longer crystals. Hard, damage resistant, anti-reflective coatings are deposited directly on the polished crystal faces in order to reduce reflective losses. For work at repetition rates above 100 Hz, a piezoelectric damped version can be used.

This capacitive Pockels cell uses standard 9mm xm 9mm x 25 mm crystals that have found widespread use in military and medical laser systems. Standard AR coatings at 1064 nm make this a versatile unit. Transmission of the 1064 nm

Specifications

Aperture Diameter	8.5 mm
Repetition Ratio	<1000Hz
Quarter-Wave Voltage	1.65Kv
Intrinsic Contrast @ 1064 nm	> 300 : 1
Optical Transmission	> 98 % T
Damage Threshold* (Nanosecond Pulses)	> 200 MW / cm²
Damage Threshold* (cw Power)	> 1 kW / cm²
Wavefront Distortion @ 1064 nm	< l/4
Electrical Contacts	two, electrically floating, miniature banana plugs
Typical Capacitance	20 pF
Outline Dimensions	1" Diameter x 2" Long Cylinder