The Newport Variable Attenuator (MVA) Kit is an easy to use kit for the continuous attenuation of the laser output power. Often times the output power of a laser is fixed at full power and users are not able to adjust the power coming out of the laser directly. To adjust the laser power down to the level required, typically users are forced to use either neutral density filters or other devices to reduce the pump power going to an experiment. These techniques do not typically allow for continuous control of the laser power. This kit allows the user to assemble pre-selected off-the-shelf components for a cost effective, manual, continuous power control solution for linearly polarized lasers.
The Newport Variable Attenuator Kit is based on a half waveplate and polarizer combination. Users are able to adjust the transmitted power simply by adjusting the rotation angle of the half wave plate with respect to the polarizer axis. The MVA kit is suitable for attenuation of a linearly polarized laser beam with a wavelength in the 690 nm – 1040 nm range and with an average power of up to 100 Watts. The kit also includes two routing mirrors and mounts as well as a beam dump to safely terminate the rejected power from the polarizer. The MVA kit is offered in Mai Tai® and Tsunami® Laser compatible versions as well as Metric and English versions. A detailed explanation of this kit, how the setup works, and alignment procedures can be found in Newport Application Note 26, Variable Attenuator for Lasers.
The MVA kits and associated application note (Application Note #26) have been prepared based on development activities and experiments conducted in Newport’s Technology and Applications Center and the results associated therewith. Actual results may vary based on laboratory environment, setup conditions and the type and condition of actual components and instruments used and user skills.
