Shimadzu has launched the customisable LA series of planar diffraction gratings for laser systems. Diffraction grating elements for the 633nm to 1,064nm waveband, with 1,600 lines/mm, exhibit a diffraction efficiency of 98 per cent. This feature is important for expansion and compression of laser pulses for light sources used in laser processing. The gratings can also be used in analytical instruments for research in the life sciences, chemistry, environmental monitoring, and optical communications.
The groove shapes are designed to attain the highest efficiency for TM polarised light for each laser wavelength band. These device characteristics are particularly suitable for external resonators and cavities, and pulse control.
Shimadzu will produce customised gratings with regards to coating properties, and substrate and external shapes, for the production of gratings with specific characteristics.