TeraFlash smart

Ultrafast Time-Domain Terahertz Platform

Fast measurements of complete terahertz waveforms: 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.

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Specifications

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
- 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