Download Spitfire - Spectra

Preface
This manual contains information you need to safely operate and maintain
your Spectra-Physics Spitfire Ti:sapphire amplifier system. The Spitfire is
available in a wide variety of models; this manual covers the Spitfire F, P,
PM, USF, and 50FS versions. Other versions of the Spitfire, such as the
Spitfire HP, are described in their own manuals.
The Spitfire systems amplify short duration optical pulses emitted by
mode-locked, Ti:sapphire lasers, such as those produced by the SpectraPhysics Tsunami or Mai Tai. The Spitfire can amplify either picosecond
pulses or femtosecond pulses at near infrared and red wavelengths. Two
basic repetition rates are available, 1 kHz and 5 kHz, and the system can be
adjusted for lower pulse repetition rates.
The system comprises two units: the Spitfire head assembly and its control
unit, the Synchronous Delay Generator, or SDG II. The SDG II is a tabletop unit that is provided with all systems. The Spitfire amplifier head itself
contains three assemblies: a pulse stretcher, a Ti:sapphire regenerative
amplifier and a pulse compressor.
The Spitfire stretcher and compressor designs are based on the pulse width
of the input and output pulses. The optics, including the pulse stretcher and
compressor, are optimized for the range of wavelength, pulse width, and
repetition rate used. This manual contains information on the optics sets
and the stretcher and compressor configurations available for this system.
Please note that the Spitfire performance specifications can be met only if
the mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser is operating within the specifications and
requirements outlined in this manual. The amplifier is designed specifically
for the Spectra-Physics Tsunami or Mai Tai lasers.
The “Introduction” contains a brief description of the Spitfire head assembly and the SDG II controller.
Following that section is an important chapter on laser safety. The Spitfire
is a Class IV laser and, as such, emits laser radiation which can permanently damage eyes and skin. This section contains information about these
hazards and offers suggestions on how to safeguard against them.
“General Description,” contains an introductory section on laser theory,
pulse stretching, laser amplification and pulse compression. Specifications
for the various Spitfire systems are included at the end of this chapter.
The next chapter is an overview of the external controls and external
adjustments of the system. Please familiarize yourself with this material
before operating the amplifier.
iii