TeraFlash smart

Ultrafast Time-Domain Terahertz Platform – Fast measurements of complete terahertz waveforms with 1600 pulse traces / sec

1600 pulse traces / sec
Proprietary and patented ECOPS technology
Robust design, no mechanical delay line
Time-domain dynamic range: 50 dB in < 1 ms, 80 dB in 1 s
Spectral bandwidth: 3 THz in < 1 ms, 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	typ. 80 fs
Laser repetition rate	80 MHz

Additional Information

Schematic of the TeraFlash smart. Red: optical signals, blue: analog signals, black: digital signals.

Terahertz spectrum of air with water vapor lines, obtained with the TeraFlash smart. With 1000 averages, the spectrum spans almost 5 THz – within a measurement time as short as 600 milliseconds.

Time-domain dynamic range vs. measurement time. Yellow and black symbols denote measurement speeds of 1600 traces/s and 200 traces/s, respectively.
Applications
Downloads
- Product Brochure Terahertz Systems
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)
- Review paper: Naftaly, M., et al., Industrial applications of terahertz sensing: State of play, Sensors (2019)
- Scientific paper: Damyanov, D., et al., High resolution lensless terahertz imaging and ranging, IEEE Access (2019)
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

External fiber length	10.8 m
Terahertz emitter*	PCA-TD-030-TX-1: InGaAs/InP photoconductive switch with strip-line antenna, 0.3 m fiber pigtail
Terahertz receiver*	PCA-TD-030-RX-1: InGaAs/InP photoconductive switch with dipole antenna, 0.3 m fiber pigtail, integrated preamplifier
Antenna package	Cylindrical, 25 mm, integrated Si lens and SM/PM fiber pigtail
Scan range	150 ps / 300 ps / 700 ps
Scan speed	1600 traces/s (150 ps) 800 traces/s (300 ps) 200 traces/s (700 ps)
Spectral range	0.1 – 4.5 THz, in < 1 s
Average terahertz power	Typ. 30 µW
Time-domain dynamic range	typ. > 50 dB in < 1 ms 80 dB in 1 s
Spectral peak dynamic range	typ. 35 dB in < 1 ms > 60 dB in 1 sec
Useable terahertz path length	10 – 180 cm, adjustable via software (electronic phase shift)
Frequency resolution @ max. scan range	< 1.5 GHz
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 mm³
System weight	20 kg
Operating voltage	24 V DC, power supply included
Accessories	Transmission optomechanics, Reflection head
* Operation with transceiver PCA-TD-030-TRX-1 also possible, see Photoconductive Switches