IO-5-1550-HP In Stock

The ThorLabs IO-5-1550-HP is a free-space polarization-dependent optical isolator that is specifically designed to mitigate the effects of optical feedback, such as noise, amplitude fluctuation, and laser damage. This high-performance device not only ensures maximum forward transmission and reverse isolation but also maintains beam alignment and safeguards the laser.

With the ability to transmit light in a single direction, the IO-5-1550-HP effectively shields upstream optics from back reflections that can cause instability in light sources, leading to issues such as intensity noise, frequency shifts, mode hopping, and loss of mode lock. This makes the IO-5-1550-HP an essential tool for ensuring optimal laser performance and longevity.

The IO-5-1500-HP features a Faraday rotator, consisting of a magneto-optic material within a magnetic field and at least two polarizers. The polarizer cells are located at the end of the Faraday rotator and are indicated by engraved lines that indicate the axis of polarization. With a black slip ring that has an 8-32 tapped hole for post mounting, the IO-5-1550-HP can be easily mounted and integrated into your optical setup.

This isolator has a 5 mm aperture, a 1550 nm center wavelength, and HP polarizers. Additionally, it is an adjustable narrowband isolator that provides the user with the flexibility to adjust the alignment of the input and output polarizers, allowing the center wavelength to be turned within a 60-100 nm range. When used at the center wavelength,  the IO-5-1550-HP provides maximum isolation. In the case of any deviation from the center wavelength, rotation is no longer the ideal 45 and isolation decreases. The isolator can be tuned to maintain full isolation and near-isolation transmission within ±5% of the central wavelength.

The IO-5-1500-HP has two operation modes, forward and reverse mode. In forward mode, the laser light is firstly sent through an input polarizer which is then followed by a rotator which rotates the plane of polarization by +45°. This process of the light entering through isolator allows for it to be linearly polarized. The beam then exits through the output polarizer, whose axis is oriented +45°. In reverse mode, a portion of the random beam reflections is directed back toward the laser. This feedback enters the isolator again through the output polarizer and is polarized at 45° with respect to the input beam. The feedback is eliminated through the rotation of the laser and it is thus effectively protected from its own reflections.