MEMS Grating Modulator

High Throughput from 600 - 1100 nm
Tunable Deflection Over a Range of Wavelengths
Polarization Independent Operation
Response Times of Less Than 2.5 µs

Device Architecture of MEMS Grating Modulator

MGR6N

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Overview
Specs
Graphs
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Close-Up of Deformable Grating Active Aperture

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Front of MEMS Grating Modulator

Features

Reflective Gold Coating with Near Zero Dispersion
600 - 1100 nm Operating Range
Frequency Range of 0 - 200 kHz
Polarization Independent Operation
Response Times of Less Than 2.5 μs
Continuous Sustained Operation
Large Clear Active Aperture of Ø6.0 mm

This Micro-Electro-Mechanical (MEMS) Grating Modulator, manufactured by our strategic partner Boston Micromachines Corporation, has controllable groove depth which modulates intensity. This reflective, low-modulation MEMS grating acts as a metallic plane mirror when no voltage is applied and becomes a deformable reflective one-dimensional grating with controllable groove depth when voltage is applied for advanced optical control. The circular Ø6.0 mm gold coated region shown in the figure on the right is the active aperture that consists of an array of electrostatic actuators. The grating modulator can achieve a high extinction ratio of 200:1 in the 600 - 1100 nm wavelength range at a 10° angle of incidence (AOI) or less (see the Graphs tab for more information). A 10° angled WG11050-B window that is AR coated for the 650 - 1050 nm range protects the device.

An external high-voltage power source, such as the HVA200 High-Voltage Amplifier (not included), is needed to drive the grating modulator. The maximum operating voltage varies from device to device but will not exceed 200 V. Each unit is labeled with the maximum operating voltage and ships with a data sheet that notes the optimal voltage settings. To connect a voltage source, connect a cable to the SMB male connector on the housing rear. Electrically, the modulator behaves as a capacitor with a capacitance of 250 pF. Each wavelength of interest for the grating requires a different extinction voltage which can be adjusted by the user. The modulator has a frequency range of up to 200 kHz with full modulation and higher speeds with partial modulation. Use the modulator to replace a pockels cell or as a substitute for an acousto-optic or electro-optic modulator for applications that require higher throughput.

A Ø1" lens tube houses the grating modulator, allowing it to be mounted using our SM1RC(/M) slip ring, SM1TC clamp, or other mounts for Ø1" lens tubes. Alternatively, the SM2A21 adapter can be used to mount mounted the modulator in the KM200 Ø2" Precision Kinematic Mirror Mount. and easily mounted Please see the Specs tab for more information on the housing dimensions.

Please note that these products are statically sensitive; always handle in an electrostatically sensitive environment and wear a grounded ESD wrist strap.

Thorlabs also offers Fast Laser Power Modulators for Two-Photon Microscopy that provide an integrated solution to enable high-speed intensity modulation and beam attenuation optimized for imaging applications.

Diffracted Beam Elimination
Since the grating diffracts incident light, the pattern spreads out continuously. To eliminate diffracted orders from entering the beam path, an iris (not included) is recommended. If the beam size is still too large, place the optical elements far away from the grating to prevent overlap of the non-diffracted and diffracted beams.

Warning on Voltage Sources
The grating modulator can be operated using any high-voltage power source that is free from noise that exceeds the maximum rated voltage. Before use, verify that the control voltages of the power source are well conditioned and produce no voltage spikes, which can irreversibly damage the device if the maximum device voltage is exceeded. If possible, install a switch between the voltage source and the unit to disconnect the grating from the voltage source whenever a change in conditions is necessary.

Item #	MGR6N
Housing Dimensions (D x L)	Ø1.30" x 2.22"
Reflective Coating (Click for Plot)	Gold
Frequency Range	0 to 200 kHz
Rise/Fall Time: 90% - 10%	<2.5 μs
Rise/Fall Time: 97% - 3%	<4 μs
Peak Extinction Ratio^a	200:1 at 632 nm
Optimal Wavelength Range	600 - 1100 nm
Angle-of-Incidence for Peak Extinction	<10° (Lateral Incident Angle)
Maximum Extinction Frequency Limit, -3 dB^b	100 kHz
Active Aperture	Ø6.0 mm
Total Reflected Wavefront Error (P-V)	λ/4
Maximum Operating Voltage (Device Dependent)^c	<200 V
Maximum Extinction Voltage (Device Dependent; Angle Dependent Above 10°)^d	See Graphs Tab for Typical Performance
Protective Window
Item #	WG11050-B
Angle	10°
Substrate	N-BK7^e
Diameter	1"
Thickness	5 mm

Devices measured using 635 nm light and 650 - 1050 nm AR-coated protective window.
Maximum Extinction Frequency Limit is defined as the frequency of the device above which the maximum extinction of the beam as noted on the data sheet is no longer attained.
The maximum operating voltage is labeled on each unit and also in the data sheet that comes with each unit.
The maximum extinction voltage, which is always below the max operating voltage, varies depending on the wavelength of interest, angle, and device. Each unit ships with a data sheet that notes the optimal voltage settings and associated extinction ratios for normal incidence.
Click link for detailed specifications on the substrate.

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Dimensions for the MEMS Grating Modulator

Performance Graphs

This data reflects the typical performance of our MEMS deformable grating and is presented for reference only. The guaranteed specifications are shown in the Specs tab.

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Click Here for Raw Data
The graph above shows the extinction for various angles of incidence on a typical device. For maximum extinction and reduced beam distortion, the angle should be below 20°. For higher angles of incidence, the voltage should be re-optimized.

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Click Here for Raw Data
The graph above shows the typical extinction versus voltage at 632 nm. The optical extinction varies with angle of incidence as well as from device to device. Each unit ships with a data sheet that notes the optimal voltage settings and associated extinction ratios for normal incidence.

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The graph above shows the reflectance of the gold coating. The blue shaded region indicates the specified wavelength range for which the performance is guaranteed. Performance outside the shaded regions will vary from lot to lot.

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The graph above shows the typical deflection of a deformable grating as a function of voltage. Ensure that the maximum rated voltage is not exceeded under any circumstances or the device will be irreparably damaged.

Posted Comments:

Florent Haiss (posted 2021-11-01 11:57:44.28)

Would this device (MGR6N) also work with at 1300 nm (2 MHz, 50fs, 3W laser) after replacing the front window for a C coating window?

YLohia (posted 2021-11-12 04:50:11.0)

Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Unfortunately, the change in the window's AR coating alone will not work. The issue is that it’s difficult to reach full extinction over a reasonable distance. We are in the process of releasing a 1300 nm version of our OM6N modulator, based on a similar technology. That being said, we don't have an exact release date scheduled for this product yet. We will reach out to you directly to discuss further.