TeraFlash smart – Ultrafast Time-Domain Terahertz Platform

Fast measurements of complete terahertz waveforms with1600 pulse traces / sec

1600 pulse traces / sec
Proprietary and patented ECOPS technology
Robust design, no mechanical delay line
Time-domain dynamic range: > 50 dB single-shot, > 80 dB in 1 s
Spectral bandwidth: 3 THz single-shot, 4 THz in 1 s

TOPTICA’s TeraFlash smart utilizes a proprietary scheme dubbed ECOPS ("electronically controlled optical sampling"). The system comprises two synchronized femtosecond lasers, eliminating the need for a mechanical delay. This results in extremely high measurement speeds: the TeraFlash smart acquires 1600 complete terahertz waveforms per second, enabling terahertz-based thickness gauging at unprecedented speed. The system thus lends itself to measurements on rapidly moving samples, e.g. conveyor belts, papermaking machines, or extrusion lines. Learn more about TOPTICA's advanced terahertz solutions.

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Specification

Specifications	TeraFlash smart
Components	• 2 synchronized femtosecond lasers • SM/PM fiber delivery • 2 InGaAs photoconductive switches • Electronics for data acquisition
Laser wavelength	1560 nm
Laser pulse width	< 100 fs (80 fs typ.)
Laser repetition rate	80 MHz

Additional Information

Time-domain dynamic range as a function of the measurement time. Red and orange symbols denote measurement speeds of 200 traces/s and 1600 traces/s, respectively. The graph shows how the dynamic range increase with trace averaging.

Dynamic range of the terahertz power for a single-shot measurement (black trace), and for 10 (red), 100 (green), 1000 (blue) and 10000 (orange) terahertz waveforms averaged.

Schematic of the TeraFlash smart. Red: optical signals, blue: analog signals, black: digital signals.
Applications
Downloads
- Datasheet TeraFlash smart
Literature
- Publication: M. Yahyapour et al., Fastest thickness measurements with a terahertz time-domain system based on electronically controlled optical sampling; Appl. Sciences (2019)
- Conference proceeding: Yahyapour et al., Extremely fast thickness measurements with an ECOPS-based TD-THz system, IRMMW-THz 2018
- Conference proceeding: Yahyapour et al., Non-Contact Thickness Measurements with Terahertz Pulses, WCNDT 2016
- Scientific paper: Dietz et al., All fiber-coupled THz-TDS system with kHz measurement rate based on electronically controlled optical sampling; Opt. Lett. (2014)
Related Products
- TeraFlash pro: Versatile time-domain terahertz platform
- TeraSpeed: Superfast Terahertz Screening Platform
- FemtoFErb 1560 FD6.5: Compact ultrafast fiber laser
- InGaAs photoconductive switches: Compact modules for pulsed terahertz generation
- Optomechanics: Setups for transmission or reflection measurements

Fiber delivery	Included
Terahertz emitter	InGaAs/InP photoconductive switch with 100 µm strip-line antenna #EK-001123: fiber length = 0.3 m
Terahertz receiver	InGaAs/InP photoconductive switch with 25 µm dipole antenna, 10 µm gap #EK-001125: fiber length = 0.3 m
Antenna package	Cylindrical, ∅ 25 mm, integrated Si lens and SM/PM fiber pigtail
Delay stage	Electronic delay (ECOPS)
Scan range	> 700 ps @ 200 Hz > 400 ps @ 800 Hz > 150 ps @ 1600 Hz
Terahertz spectral range	Typ. 3 THz single-shot, 4 THz in 1 s
Average terahertz power	Typ. 30 µW
Time-domain dynamic range	> 50 dB single-shot, > 80 dB in 1 s
Peak dynamic range of spectrum	Typ. 35 dB single-shot, 60 dB in 1 s
Useable terahertz path length	10 - 180 cm, adjustable via software control
Frequency resolution	< 1.5 GHz @ 700 ps scan range < 7 GHz @ 150 ps scan range
Maximum measurement speed	1600 pulse traces/s
Relative timing jitter	< 50 fs (100 Hz – 100 kHz)
Fiber length of antennas	10.5 m outside main unit, + 0.3 m antenna pigtails
Computer interface	Ethernet and USB; data streaming via USB
Computer software	Labview-based GUI, included
Size ( H x W x D)	200 x 450 x 440 mm
System weight	20 kg
Operating voltage	24 V / 8 A, power supply included