Optical Isolators – Feedback Protection for Diode Lasers
- Faraday rotator plus high-quality polarization optics
- Wide wavelength range available: UV to IR
- Single-stage models: > 30 dB, 390 .. 2300 nm
- Double-stage models: > 60 dB, 405 .. 1585 nm
- 3 .. 5 mm aperture
- Fine-tuning to application wavelength upon request
An optical isolator transmits light in one direction only, by rotating the polarization axis of linearly polarized light. This is achieved by means of a crystal placed within a magnetic field (Faraday effect). The isolator thus prevents unwanted feedback into the laser source, which would else affect the laser’s coherence, or even damage the diode itself. TOPTICA offers single-stage and double-stage models for a wide wavelength range.
Technical Information
Technical Information
| Single-stage isolators | Double-stage isolators | |
| Wavelength range * | 390 .. 2300 nm | 405 nm, 640 .. 1585 nm |
| Typical extinction ratio | 30 .. 35 dB | > 60 dB |
| Typical transmission | 85 .. 90% | > 80% |
| Aperture * | 3 .. 5 mm | 3 .. 5 mm |
| Application | Coupling into FC/APC fibers, resonator alignment (e.g. FPI 100) | Coupling into PC fibers or fiber-optic splitters, fiber coupling of high-power lasers |
* Model dependent
Extinction curve of a single-stage isolator at 780 nm. The maximum extinction is -40 dB. The arrow indicates a range of approx. 25 nm, where the extinction is < -30 dB.
Options & Related Products
Options & Related Products
- Single-stage models: isolation > 30 dB typ.
- Double-stage models: isolation > 60 dB typ.
- Aperture 3 / 4 / 5 mm (model dependent)
- Tunable and fixed-wavelength versions
- Fine-tuning to application wavelength on request
- Tunable diode lasers: DL pro, DL 100 / pro design, DL DFB, DL 100
- BlueMode: 405 nm laser with high coherence and high power
- High power lasers: TA pro, BoosTA, DLX
- Frequency-converted lasers: DL SHG pro, TA SHG pro, TA FHG pro
Technical Drawings
Technical Drawings
The footprint of an optical isolator depends on the wavelength, the number of Faraday rotator stages (single-stage or double-stage), and the aperture. Please inquire for details.
Applications
Applications
Please refer to the Applications pages of our tunable diode lasers.
