Ultrafast Laser Brewster's Angle Dispersing Prisms
  • For precise dispersion compensation
  • For external cavity pulse manipulation
  • UV fused silica, LaKL21 optical glass or NEW SF10 higher index material
  • 15 mm or 25 mm sizes
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DescriptionSpecifications Models Catalog PDF

For ultrashort pulse laser systems, Brewster’s angle dispersing prisms can be critical components. These prisms are used intracavity to compensate for dispersion of fixed cavity optics, such as a Ti:Sapphire crystal, or external cavity to manipulate the pulse characteristics.

The quality of the prism material, accuracy of the angle, and fabrication tolerances ultimately impact ultrafast laser performance. Newport's prisms are made from only precision quality material, with tightly toleranced prism angles, and λ/10 surface flatness. The prism apex angle is precisely fabricated at Brewster’s angle to minimize Fresnel losses.

Three prism materials are offered to compensate for different pulse dispersion conditions, such as Ti:Sapphire crystal lengths. Fused silica prisms provide group velocity dispersion of 360 fsec2/cm at 800 nm, while LaKL21 glass prisms provide 600 fsec2/cm of second order dispersion at 800 nm.

Two sizes are available in each material: 25 mm and 15 mm. The 25 mm prism provides more material for light to propogate through and hence offers more flexibility when used for beam displacement. The 15 mm prism is ideal in environments with space constraints.

To simplify the process of prism selection and set up, please refer to Newport Application Note # 29, "Prism Compressor for Ultrashort Laser Pulses". Please see the Application Notes and Movies section for our full selection of application notes.