Focus on lasers, imaging, microscopy, and nanoscience

Short-wavelength lasers

To expand the possibilities in high-resolution Raman spectroscopy, microlithography, multiwavelength digital holography, and interferometry, Toptica now offers wavelengths at 445 nm and 447 nm in its TopMode diode laser series. The compact, reliable lasers allow for easy OEM integration and enable repeatable, high-resolution measurements. According to the company, the TopMode lasers operate as easily as helium–neon lasers but offer higher power and a choice of wavelength. The proprietary CHARM (coherence-advanced regulation method) technology stabilizes the lasers’ coherence and ensures continuous single-frequency operation. Other applications for the short-wavelength lasers include scatterometry, precision metrology, and quantum cryptography. Toptica Photonics Inc, 1120 Pittsford Victor Rd, Pittsford, NY 14534, www.toptica.com

High-power, ultrafast, handheld 515 nm laser

Calmar has unveiled the latest addition to its Carmel X-series. According to the company, its Carmel X-515 is the first high-power, handheld green femtosecond fiber laser. It delivers over 0.4 W of power at 515 nm, ultrashort pulse widths of less than 100 fs, and excellent beam quality with M² of less than 1.2. No chiller is required because it is air cooled. The Carmel X-515 is available in a scientific version with front-panel control knobs and an OEM version operated through an RS-232 interface. The latter offers full remote access with the capability for logging data, monitoring power, running system diagnostics, and making automated adjustments to prolong its lifetime. Each version features a small 2U rackmount controller connected via a robust armored cable to an ultracompact laser head. The Carmel X-515 is suitable for various applications, including multiphoton microscopy, 3D photopolymerization, optical metrology, and ophthalmology. Calmar Laser, 951 Commercial St, Palo Alto, CA 94303, www.calmarlaser.com

High-power 561 nm CW laser

Hübner Photonics has released a higher-power model of the Cobolt Jive 561 nm laser from the 05-01 series platform. Because it delivers up to 1 W of CW output power, the Cobolt Jive is suitable for demanding applications in fluorescence microscopy. It is especially appropriate for superresolution microscopy, such as DNA-PAINT (DNA point accumulation in nanoscale topology), and for interferometric-based techniques, such as particle-flow analysis. The Cobolt Jive is a single-frequency, diode-pumped laser operating at 561.2 nm in a pure TEM₀₀ beam with an M² factor of less than 1.1. The proprietary laser-cavity design ensures ultralow noise—typically less than 0.1% rms over a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 MHz and a temperature range of 10–40 °C. It provides high power stability of less than 2% over a temperature range of ±2 °C and a time frame of up to eight hours. All Cobolt lasers are manufactured using the company’s HTCure technology; the resulting compact, hermetically sealed package provides high reliability and high immunity to varying environmental conditions. Hübner Photonics Inc, 2635 N 1st St, Ste 202, San Jose, CA 95134, https://hubner-photonics.com

Raman microscope

The fully automated and remotely controllable LabRAM Odyssey system has replaced Horiba Scientific’s LabRAM HR Evolution microscope. In addition to the company’s DuoScan and ultrafast SWIFT Raman imaging technologies, the LabRAM Odyssey integrates two new calibration tools: video Raman matching (VRM) and objective adjustment (OA). VRM ensures a perfect match between the video image and the Raman map locations; OA lets users keep their region of interest in the field of view with whichever objective they use. The LabRAM Odyssey can be configured to enable semiconductor process users to qualify the different steps quickly and confidently. With its 300 mm × 300 mm automated sample stage and automated objective turret, the LabRAM Odyssey Semiconductor can perform photoluminescence and Raman imaging on wafers with a diameter of up to 300 mm. A high-spatial-resolution mode can detect and identify defects and submicron inhomogeneities. The DuoScan imaging function permits laser macrospots of variable size for full wafer maps and high-spatial submicron step scanning for small area maps. Horiba Scientific, 20 Knightsbridge Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, www.horiba.com

Nano- and biomaterials characterization

The NanoSight Pro nanoparticle tracking analysis system now available from Malvern Panalytical offers smart features and upgraded NS Xplorer software that enables automated measurements. According to the company, it delivers ultrahigh-resolution size and concentration measurements for nanomaterials at up to three times the speed previously possible. Optimized for use with drug-delivery systems and samples that include exosomes, viruses, and vaccines, NanoSight Pro overcomes limitations linked to small biological particles and other low scatterers. It is powered by machine learning coupled with state-of-the-art technology, including an upgraded temperature controller that permits stress and aggregation studies to be performed at up to 70 °C. Interchangeable lasers enable application flexibility. A dedicated fluorescence mode facilitates confident detection of fluorescent subpopulations and their discrimination from the total population. Malvern Panalytical Ltd, Enigma Business Park, Grovewood Rd, Malvern WR14 1XZ, UK, www.malvernpanalytical.com

Camera for near-UV and visible imaging

Teledyne DALSA has announced its Linea HS 16k backside-illuminated (BSI) time-delay-integration (TDI) camera. Compared with front-side illumination (FSI), the BSI model raises quantum efficiency in the near-UV and visible wavelengths and improves the signal-to-noise ratio for imaging applications in light-starved conditions, according to the company. Its enhanced near-UV and visible sensitivity makes the camera suitable for such applications as photoluminescence and life-sciences imaging and wafer, flat-panel-display, and electronic-packaging inspection. The Linea HS 16k BSI camera uses the company’s charge-domain CMOS TDI 16k sensor with a pixel size of 5 µm × 5 µm and delivers a maximum line rate of 400 kHz aggregate. The Camera Link HS data interface delivers a data throughput of 6.5 GPx/s in a single cable. An active optical cable enables a longer cable length and eliminates the need for a repeater, which thus improves data reliability and reduces system costs. Teledyne DALSA, 605 McMurray Rd, Waterloo, ON N2V 2E9, Canada, www.teledynedalsa.com