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Broadband & Supercontinuum Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
A broadband supercontinuum source is a type of light source that produces a wide range of wavelengths spanning from the UV to the near-IR region. It is created by sending an intense laser pulse through a highly nonlinear optical fiber, which results in a broad and smooth spectrum.
Broadband supercontinuum sources offer several benefits over traditional light sources, including high brightness, high spectral density, and low coherence. They are ideal for use in a wide range of applications, including biomedical imaging, spectroscopy, microscopy, and telecommunications.
Broadband supercontinuum sources are used in a wide range of applications, including biomedical imaging, spectroscopy, microscopy, and telecommunications. They are also used in research settings for applications such as ultrafast spectroscopy, time-resolved imaging, and nonlinear optics.
When choosing a broadband supercontinuum source, it's important to consider factors such as the output power, spectral range, spectral density, and coherence length. It's also important to consider the application and whether the source will need to be integrated into a larger optical system.
Supercontinuum is generated through a process called nonlinear optical effects. When a high-intensity laser pulse is launched into an optical fiber, the pulse propagates and interacts with the fiber's material properties, leading to a range of nonlinear effects such as self-phase modulation, four-wave mixing, and stimulated Raman scattering. These effects cause spectral broadening and the creation of a smooth, continuous spectrum of light.
The output power of a supercontinuum source can be controlled by varying the input pulse energy, duration, or repetition rate. Additionally, the power can be controlled by adjusting the optical power of the pump laser or by using optical filters to adjust the output spectrum.
The coherence length of a supercontinuum source refers to the length of the fiber over which the coherence is maintained. The coherence length depends on the spectral bandwidth of the source and is typically much shorter than the length of the fiber used to generate the supercontinuum.
The spectral properties of a supercontinuum source can be optimized by selecting the appropriate fiber type, optimizing the input pulse parameters, and selecting the appropriate pump laser wavelength. Additionally, optical filters and dispersive elements can be used to modify the output spectrum.
Did You know?
1 - Supercontinuum Generation
2 - Supercontinuum Sources
3 - All Fiber Lasers
4 - Fiber Amplifiers