SuperK SELECT – tunable multi-channel filter
The SuperK SELECT is a tunable wavelength filter based on Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter (AOTF) technology. An AOTF can tune across several hundred nanometers, and the SuperK SELECT can integrate two AOTF crystals to provide a very wide spectral coverage, thereby giving easy-to-use and flexible access to any wavelength in the spectrum of our SuperK supercontinuum sources with very fast wavelength switching.
The SuperK SELECT is designed for both academic and industrial use and comes with easy-to-use software featuring scripting functions, as well as a Software Development Kit (SDK) for full and advanced integration.
Key Features
400-2000 nm tuning range
8 simultaneous, tunable channels
Dual VIS/nIR, nIR/IR port access
Robust and maintenance-free
Easy connection to SuperK lasers
Simple user interface via CONTROL
AOTF combinations
| AOTF1/AOTF2 | VIS-nIR 500-900 nm | nIR 640-1100 nm | IR 1100-2000 nm |
| UV-VIS 400-650nm | 400-650 nm / 690-900 nm | 400-650 nm / 690-1100 nm | 400-650 nm / 1100-2000 nm |
| VIS-nIR 500-900nm | – | – | 500-900 nm / 1100-2000 nm |
| nIR 640-1100nm | – | – | 640-1100 nm / 1200-2000 nm |
For our PhotoVivo platform, we use the SuperK FIANIUM with SuperK accessories. We can now measure optical coefficients of ex vivo biological tissues, synthetic materials, i.e. optical phantoms in the 380-2000 nm range.
CRAN, Universit̩ de Lorraine РCNRS
Focus on ease of use
Built-in intelligence, RF switch, and external filter holders
When the SuperK SELECT is connected to the SuperK laser, the CONTROL software automatically recognizes and initializes it.
The SELECT includes a built-in RF switch that enables switching between the two AOTFs without any physical cable changes.
It is also supplied with detachable external filter holders that can accommodate 1-inch optics, such as cleanup filters, providing maximum flexibility in optical system design.
Fast wavelength switching and scripting functionality
The SELECT enables rapid wavelength sweeps across the crystal bandwidth. This built-in functionality can be activated through the CONTROL software or the SDK, providing high-speed control of wavelength output and power levels with trigger-based synchronization. For additional details, refer to the application notes.
The SELECT also includes an integrated scripting tool for creating custom routines for wavelength selection, sweeping, and related operations.
High-speed wavelength sweeping
Wavelength sweeping, also known as wavelength interrogation, is important for a wide range of applications. This can be easily achieved using a SuperK source laser and the SuperK SELECT multi-channel AOTF filter. A key feature of wavelength sweeping or interrogation is the ability to change wavelengths or amplitudes on timescales of less than 50 µs.
Up to 8 channels can be enabled simultaneously within a single profile, enabling very rapid color interrogation or switching. If you need to scan through more than 8 wavelengths, you can activate multiple profiles – with up to 8 wavelengths per profile – using the CONTROL software, with a longer activation time between profiles.
In addition, the Fast Wavelength Switching functionality can be used to perform high-frequency amplitude modulation of the signal, effectively replacing, for example, a mechanical chopper. This approach allows much higher modulation frequencies while avoiding free-space beam handling, as required when using a beam chopper.
Fiber coupling of the filtered light
The SuperK SELECT can be combined with the high-performance SuperK LINK fiber delivery system, supplied with broadband fibers and termination options, such as FC/APC connectors and achromatic collimators for the visible or NIR range.
Fiber coupling is handled by the SuperK FDS and LINK coupling equipment, ensuring stable and efficient single-mode coupling that can be disconnected and reconnected without realignment.
Options – up to 8 wavelengths
The SuperK SELECT offers a choice of AOTF crystals, which must be selected to cover the wavelength range needed. Seven different crystals are available, covering the wavelength range from 400 nm to 2000 nm.
Stability through feedback
The SuperK SELECT has built-in power monitors that can stabilize output variations by locking the wavelength in SuperK CONTROL and thereby achieve high output power stability over time, as illustrated in the graph below.
Specifications
1) Collimated free-space output, FWHM bandwidth.
2) Horizontal with respect to the base.
All measurements in mm.
