APE has released the LX Spider, a compact and robust instrument for complete spectral and temporal characterisation of femtosecond laser pulses.
Based on a patented technology using a single crystal to up-convert the two test pulses and to introduce spectral shear without the need of an additional chirped pulse, the LX Spider measures the spectral amplitude and phase using the Spider (Spectral Phase Interferometry for Direct Electric-field Reconstruction) algorithm. From the spectral quantities the temporal amplitude and phase are derived in real-time.
Distributed in the UK by Photonic Solutions, the LX Spider incorporates a simplified Spider scheme that retains all the advantages of the method, but with a simplified scheme that incorporates a single long non-linear crystal (LX) to up-convert the two test pulses and introduce the spectral shear. This scheme removes the requirement for an additional chirped pulse, and as such, has opened the way for development of the LX Spider - a compact, robust and turn-key characterisation device.
The LX Spider operates over a wavelength range from 750 to 900nm and enables pulse characterisation down to durations of about 20fs. The device is smaller than a shoe box, portable, easy to align and operate and features automatic calibration through the click of a button.