Rubidium Titanyl Phosphate (RTP) Description
Rubidium Titanyl Phosphate (RTP) is a crystalline solid used in photo optic applications. It belongs to the family of ferroelectric crystals and is transparent in the UV, visible, and near-infrared regions. RTP is the material of choice for many NLO and electro-optic applications. Its high optical damage threshold makes it especially useful in high-power laser applications such as SHG and OPO applications.
Rubidium Titanyl Phosphate (RTP) Specifications
Dimension Tolerance
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±0.1mm
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Flatness
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λ/8 @633nm
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Surface Quality Scratch/Dig
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10/5
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Parallelism
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Better than 30 arc sec.
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Perpendicularity
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Better than 30 arc min
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Angle Tolerance
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△< 0.5°,△< 0.5°
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AR Coating
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AR coatings
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Clear Aperture
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>90% central area
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Transmitting Wavefront Distortion
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Less than λ/8 @ 633nm
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Rubidium Titanyl Phosphate (RTP) Advantages
- Excellent crystal for Electro-Optical applications at a high repetition rate.
- High Damage Threshold, low Insertion Loss
- It does not induce the piezo-electric effect
- Non-hygroscopic
- High Extinction and Contrast Ratio
Rubidium Titanyl Phosphate (RTP) Applications
- Frequency Conversion: RTP is commonly used in nonlinear frequency conversion processes, such as second-harmonic generation (SHG) and optical parametric oscillation (OPO).
- Laser Systems: RTP crystals are used in the construction of lasers for a wide range of purposes. RTP-based lasers are employed in medical devices, laser eye surgery, telecommunications, and military applications.
- Laser Beam Control: RTP can be used in acousto-optic devices that enable precise control of laser beams. This technology is employed in areas like laser marking, laser cutting, and laser welding, where precise beam steering and intensity modulation are required.
- Quantum Optics: In quantum optics experiments, RTP crystals can be used to generate non-classical states of light, such as squeezed states and entangled photon pairs. These properties are essential for research in quantum computing and quantum communication.
- Remote Sensing: RTP-based lasers find applications in remote sensing systems, including LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). The ability of RTP to generate coherent, high-energy laser beams at specific wavelengths is crucial for remote sensing applications in environmental monitoring, atmospheric studies, and geology.
- Defense and Security: RTP-based lasers have applications in defense and security systems, including laser rangefinders, target designators, and countermeasure systems. Their ability to produce high-power, tunable laser beams is valuable in military and security applications.
- Optical Communications: RTP can be used in telecommunications systems for wavelength conversion, which is essential for signal routing and amplification in optical networks.
- Scientific Research: RTP is used in various scientific experiments and research studies, particularly in the field of nonlinear optics.
- Entertainment and Display: RTP lasers are used in some laser display and entertainment systems, including laser light shows and projectors.
Rubidium Titanyl Phosphate (RTP) FAQs
Q1 What are the key applications of RTP crystals?
RTP crystals are commonly used in:
- Electro-optic Q-switches for solid-state lasers
- Frequency doubling and mixing (SHG and THG)
- Optical parametric oscillators (OPOs)
- Pulse-picking and modulation applications
- High-power laser systems requiring high damage resistance
Q2 How do RTP crystals compare to KTP crystals?
RTP and KTP crystals share similarities but differ in key aspects:
- RTP:
- Non-hygroscopic and suitable for high-power applications.
- Higher damage threshold than KTP.
- Better suited for applications in humid environments.
- KTP:
- Higher nonlinear coefficient, ideal for frequency doubling at lower power levels.
- More sensitive to humidity, requiring careful handling.
Q3 How are RTP crystals used in Q-switching?
RTP crystals are widely used in Q-switches due to their low power consumption and high damage resistance. They act as electro-optic modulators, enabling precise control of laser pulses in solid-state laser systems.