Variable Attenuator, Mai Tai Lasers

The MVA-MT-KT Variable Attenuator (MVA) Kit for Mai Tai is an easy to use kit for the continuous attenuation of the laser output power. Often times, to adjust the laser power down to the level required, 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. It is based on a half waveplate and polarizer combination. You can adjust the transmitted power simply by adjusting the rotation angle of the half wave plate with respect to the polarizer axis. It is suitable for attenuation of a linearly polarized laser beam with a wavelength in the 690 nm to 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. This version is Mai Tai laser compatible with English components. 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 have been prepared based on development activities and experiments conducted in Newport’s Technology and Applications Center.