Tempest is a compact pulsed Nd:YAG laser system delivering maximum performance in a compact, inexpensive platform. Designed with scientific applications in mind, the Tempest is easy to use and readily adaptable to specific requirements. It's proven resonator design is robust and provides superior beam pointing and energy stability with minimum beam divergence.

With four available output beam wavelenghts and a wide range of repetition rates (with single-shot, burst and continuous operating modes), the Tempest provides a complete solution for many applications.

 


Features and Benefits

Compactness
Compact head configuration minimizes optical bench space requirement and simplifies OEM package design. Optional "Narrow Body" laser head (not shown) further minimizes footprint.
Compact power supply fits under optical bench or wherever convenient.
Pulse energy per unit volume is highest in the industry.

Ease of Use
Remote control panel with 10 ft. (3 m) umbilical allows control of all laser functions from a convenient location.
Single-phase, 110/220 VAC power and self-contained cooling system simplify set up and operation.
Intuitive controls and ergonomic design simplify operation and maintenance, increasing user productivity.

Reliable Operation
Thermally compensated, three-rod Invar resonator assures stable operation.
Minimal maintenance is required.
Field-proven reliability permits users to concentrate on their applications, rather than on system upkeep.

Exceptional Performance
Superior, proven design provides stable, high-energy output with excellent beam quality and pulse-to-pulse stability.
Diffuse reflector pump chamber configuration provides low thermal loading, good beam quality and long flashlamp life.
Compact resonator design provides excellent beam-pointing and energy stability.
Predictable high performance ensures that your work gets done faster.

Application Flexibility
Repetition rates to 30 Hz and optional field-installable harmonics facililtate matching the output beam to specific requirements.
Multiple triggering options provide user with comprehensive control of the experiment.
Ergonomic design assures safe operation, speeds learning and simplifies implementation as experiments change.

Options
Harmonics are available to produce outputbeams at wavelengths from infrared to ultraviolet.
Motor-controlled half-wave plate and polarizer combine to attenuate the energy without affecting beam characteristics. The graph below shows transmitted energy as a function of the attenuator reading (Tempest 10, 20 & 30 only).

 


System Operation

Tempest is easy to install and easy to operate. The laser requires no external cooling water, and it operates on single-phase 110/220 VAC power. A power supply-mounted key switch provides basic electrical control of Tempest. Once in the "on" position, all system functions are activated. The control panel, which can be located as far as 10 ft. (3m) from the power supply, provides complete system control. Included on the control panel is a trigger control to select single-shot, fixed, variable or external TTL-triggered operation. A potentiometer controls the repetition rate, variable up to the maximum for the model.

The laser features synchronization options, with I/O BNCs located on the rear of the power supply. The external fire sequence is initiated by sending a TTL pulse to trigger the flashlamp. The Q-switch can be fired internally or by a second TTL pulse, providing precise control of the laser pulse. Outputs for the lamp and Q-switch provide TTL pulses to trigger interfacing equipment.

The configuration of Tempest is very flexible requiring simple changes to switch from fundamental to optional harmonic wavelengths. The optional attenuator provides variable energy without affecting beam characteristics. Ergonomic design makes Tempest easy to set up and easy to operate.

 


Specifications

 

 

Tempest 10 Tempest 20 Tempest 30 Tempest 300
  Repetition Rate (Hz) 10 20 30 10
  Energy1
(mJ)
1064 nm 200 200 180 300
532 nm 100 100 90 180
355 nm 50 50 40 75
266 nm 30 30 20 40
  Energy
Stability2
(±%)
1064 nm 2 2 2 2
532 nm 3.5 3.5 4 4
355 nm 8 8 9 9
266 nm 9 9 10 10
  Pulse Width3 (ns) 3 - 5 3 - 5 3 - 5 3 - 5
  Divergence4 (mrad)  < 1  < 1 < 1 < 1
  Beam Pointing Stability (µrad)  < 100 < 200 < 250 < 200
  IR Beam Quality5 (TDL) 1.5 1.5 2 1.5
  Jitter (±ns) 6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
  Beam Diameter @ 1064 nm 5 mm 5 mm 5 mm 6 mm
  1)   Optical losses due to optional attenuator will reduce maximum energy by 10%
2)   Pulse-to-pulse for 98% of shots after 30 minutes warm up
3)   Full width half maximum
4)   Full angle for 86% of the energy, at 1/e2 point
5)   Times diffraction limited, at 1/e2 point
6)   From Q-Switch synch out to light pulse, 98% of 1000 shots
 


Dimensions1

 


Laser Head
Tempest
10,20,&30
Laser Head
Tempest 300
Laser Head
Base Plate
Power Supply Remote Control Panel
  Length 13.4" / 34 cm2 15.0" / 38.0 cm2 7.0" / 17.8 cm 20.5" / 52.1 cm2 6.3" / 16.0 cm
  Width 7.0" / 17.8 cm 7.0" / 17.8 cm 9.0" / 22.9 cm 8.7" / 22.1 cm 8.2" / 20.8 cm
  Height 3.5" / 8.9 cm 3.5" / 8.9 cm 0.5" / 1.3 cm 15.7" / 39.9 cm 3.5" / 8.9 cm
  Weight 12 lbs / 5.5 kg 15 lbs / 6.8 kg 5 lbs / 2.3 Kg 55 lbs / 25 kg 5 lbs / 2.3 kg
  Umbilical Length 8 ft / 2.4 m 8 ft / 2.4 m     10 ft / 3 m
  1)   Nominal values only, contact NWR representative for full specifications
2)   Add 5.0" / 13.0 cm for umbilical bend radius
 


Attenuator Reading

Operating Requirements

 

Temperature

70° ± 10° F (21° ± 5° C)
  Relative Humidity
20 – 80% non-condensing
  Voltage
95-120 or 200-250 VAC, 50/60 Hz
  Power
600 Watts
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