NKT Photonics bandwidth filter makes supercontinuum sources tunable

The SuperK VARIA computer-controlled variable bandwidth filter from NKT Photonics (Birkerød, Denmark) transforms supercontinuum lasers into single-line lasers with a 450 nm tuning range for fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) and flow cytometry, among others. The passband's center wavelength offers tunability between 400 and 850 nm, with variable bandwidth between 2 and 100 nm to reduce speckle in imaging applications. Out-of-band suppression up to 50 dB is possible for FLIM.

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PRESS RELEASE

Unique SuperK VARIA filter from NKT Photonics turns supercontinuum sources into ultra tunable high-power lasers

Birkerød, Denmark (May 13th, 2011), NKT Photonics launches the SuperK VARIA - the world’s first computer controlled variable bandwidth filter of its type, empowering the SuperK supercontinuum lasers for applications in fluorescence lifetime imaging, flow cytometry, inspection and many others.

The unique SuperK VARIA is a cost effective and flexible alternative to a monochromator, effectively turning the SuperK supercontinuum white light source into a powerful single-line laser with a 450 nm tuning range and variable bandwidth. The center wavelength of the passband can be tuned anywhere between 400 and 850 nm and the bandwidth is variable between 2 and 100 nm, making the SuperK VARIA the most flexible filter solution on the market. Increasing the bandwidth of the filter has the added advantages of higher power throughput and reduced speckle in imaging applications. Moreover, a high out-of-band suppression of up to 50dB makes the SuperK VARIA an ideal tool for FLIM and other applications using high sensitivity detectors.

The SuperK VARIA is designed to be used with the SuperK supercontinuum sources, but can also used with traditional laser systems or broadband light sources. Use the collimated free-space output from the filter directly or combine the VARIA with the SuperK CONNECT broadband fiber delivery system for pristine singlemode fiber delivery over the entire tuning range in one single fiber.

Highlights:
400 - 850 nm wideband coverage
2 – 100 nm variable bandwidth, for higher power and reduced speckle
Up to 50 dB suppression of out-of-band light
Highest transmission (no polarization loss)
Handles high average power
Single-mode fiber delivery over the entire tuning range
Available with active output power stabilization
Fully computer controlled – plug & play

For more details about the SuperK VARIA and the SuperK portfolio, please visit our website http://www.nktphotonics.com/superk_accessories or visit us at the LASER Munich exhibition booth# B1.461

About the SuperK supercontinuum lasers
The SuperK series of industrial supercontinuum lasers and accessories are used in biomedical instrumentation for applications in imaging and analysis. All SuperK lasers are based on a monolithic fiber platform and needs no alignment, no warm up time and have lifetimes exceeding industry standards – none of which is achievable with standard techniques. The SuperK series is based on a telecom-grade monolithic fiber platform and is produced on semi-automated equipment enabling high quality with consistent production and constantly improved life time.

About NKT Photonics
NKT Photonics designs and manufactures commercial and industrial class specialty microstructured fibers and high power fiber amplifiers. The company also designs and manufactures fiber-based industrial systems such as supercontinuum lasers and ultra precise DFB fiber lasers. The mentioned products are produced under the brand names CRYSTAL FIBRE, aeroLASE™, SuperK™ and KOHERAS™. These systems are commercially deployed in material processing, bio-photonics, metrology, optical sensors, coherent communications, test and measurement, high resolution spectroscopy and LIDAR markets. NKT Photonics has its headquarters in Denmark. Sales & services offices are in the USA, Germany and France. NKT Photonics is wholly owned by the Danish industrial conglomerate NKT Holding A/S.

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Posted by Lee Mather

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