Do you work with high power lasers? Then you need a device that can handle that power – a 1064nm high power circulator. Circulators are passive devices that can increase the power capacity and provide protection for delicate laser equipment. In this article, we’ll look at what circulators do, why a 1064nm high power model is essential for certain lasers, and the major benefits these devices offer.

What Does a Circulator Do?

A circulator works like a traffic cop for light signals moving through optical fibers. It directs incoming light from one port to the next in sequence. This means light entering Port 1 gets routed to Port 2, then light at Port 2 gets circulated to Port 3. This one-way routing prevents back reflections that could damage laser cavities.

Circulators provide isolation between ports, ensuring light signals move forward in one direction with no power loss. This helps circulators to protect sensitive laser sources from destructive optical feedback.

Why Choose 1064nm High Power Circulator?

The 1064nm wavelength is commonly used in many high power laser applications like material processing, spectroscopy, medicine, and defense. This includes neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) and ytterbium fiber lasers.

For these 1064nm lasers, a circulator designed specifically for this wavelength is necessary. The circulator contains a birefringent crystal that separates light based on polarization. For best performance, the crystal must be tuned for 1064nm signals.

High power lasers also generate intense optical energy that can damage components. So the circulator must have a construction that can handle power levels of 50W or more without failing. This often requires special housing materials and heat dissipation designs.

Key Benefits of a 1064nm Circulator

There are several important benefits that a 1064nm high power circulator provides:

Increased power handling capability: Prevents damage from intense 1064nm light. Can withstand peak powers over 10kW.

Isolation between ports: Blocks back reflections and redirects light forward. Isolation is over 30dB.

Low insertion loss: Minimal signal loss as light passes through. Under 1.5dB insertion loss.

High return loss: Prevents light leakage for efficient circulation. Over 45dB return loss.

Excellent temperature stability: Durable performance across temperature shifts. 0-60°C operation.

Reliable operation: Built to survive high powers for extended periods. Over 100,000 hours of lifetime.

Small dimensions: Saves space with a small circulator package under 30mm diameter.

Customizable: Available with various fiber types and configurations.

By combining high power capacity with low loss circulation and isolation, these 1064nm circulators let you get the most out of a high-powered laser system safely..

Applications Using 1064nm High Power Lasers

Some examples of applications that use 1064nm lasers and can benefit from a high power circulator include:

Material processing: Cutting, welding, drilling metals, and other materials.

Medical procedures: Selective photothermolysis for skin treatments.

Spectroscopy: Raman spectroscopy, LIBS, absorbance measurements.

LIDAR: Light detection and ranging for remote sensing.

Defense: Target designation, rangefinding, directed energy.

Optical pumping: For fiber lasers and other solid-state lasers.

If you use powerful 1064nm lasers, investing in a 1064nm High Power Circulator is worthwhile. This affordable component boosts performance, prevents damage from back reflections, and enables reliable long-term operation. It saves you from costly laser repairs or replacements down the line.