The SuperK SELECT

The SuperK SELECT is a tunable wavelength filter based on Acousto-optic Tunable Filter technology (AOTF). AOTFs tune over one octave of optical frequency and the SuperK SELECT allows the integration of two AOTF crystals to provide wide spectral coverage. Together with a range of unique features, the SuperK SELECT provides an easy to use, flexible and accurate tuning accessory to access any wavelength in the SuperK spectrum.

The SuperK SELECT can be equipped with up to two Acousto-Optic Tunable Filters (AOTFs) which are powered by an RF driver, integrated within the SuperK EXTREME..
The SuperKontrol software automatically recognizes and initializes the integrated AOTF(s) within SuperK SELECT.

Wavelength Tuning

The SuperK SELECT is equipped with either one or two Acousto-Optic Tunable Filters (AOTF) allowing tunable filtering over two octaves in the visible, nIR or IR spectra. Each octave has its own optical output, which is either a free-space collimated beam as standard or a fiber delivered output. Up to 8 wavelengths can be continuously tuned simultaneously for each AOTF and the power of each tuned wavelength can be controlled as well through the SuperKontrol software.

Connectivity

Intelligent SuperK accessories communicate with the SuperK Extreme via the specially designed communication bus. No need for complicated downloads or configuration when attaching the accessories. Just plug in the accessory and the SuperK automatically recognizes and installs it.  Additional accessories? No problem! The external bus can handle the connection of multiple accessories allowing the SuperK to flexibly expand its uses without any fuss. All information about the status of SuperK SELECT are available in SuperKontrol software. LEDs on the side panel of SuperK SELECT inform the user optionally about the shutter position (Emission), Interlock, applied RF signal and about the supply voltage via the External bus. Moreover, the SELECT features a build in RF switch for switching between the two AOTFs without cable connection change.

The self-aligning collimator housing of SuperK EXTREME ensures “Plug & Play” interfacing to SuperK SELECT. The superior design of the SuperK EXTREME collimator provides a highly collimated single mode beam and unparalleled beam pointing stability, ensuring maximum transmission through the Acousto-Optic Tunable Filters (AOTF).

See SuperK Fiber Delivery section for more details and wavelength coverage.

Power Lock (external power locking option)

The Power Lock options enables you to lock the power output of the SuperK SELECT via a build in photo detector. Simply connect the detector to the External Feedback BNC connector of the SuperK. Activate locking from the control panel and the SuperK will now lock the power output of the SELECT. Power Lock monitors are available for both output ports.

The long term stability of a locked output will typically be better than +/- 0.5 % (over many hours) - depending on the wavelength.

SuperK COMMAND (Fast wavelength switching and modulation option)

Wavelength sweeping or wavelength interrogation is important for a number of applications and can easily be obtained using a SuperK Supercontinuum sources with a SuperK SELECT multi channel AOTF filter equipped with the SuperK COMMAND fast wavelength switching box.

The main advantages of wavelength sweeping or wavelength interrogation using the SuperK COMMAND is the ability of changing  wavelength or amplitude on a timescale shorter then <100 us. Up to 16 wavelength channels can be enabled simultaneously for very Rapid color interrogation/switching. In addition, the Fast Wavelength Switching functionality can be utilized to high-frequency amplitude modulate the signal, thereby replacing e.g. a mechanical chopper functionality. The advantage is that the frequency can be very high and free space coupling is avoided. Download SuperK COMMAND application note.

Software Control

The SuperKontrol software  automatically recognizes and initializes the integrated AOTF(s) within SuperK SELECT making them ready for use. No need for complicated downloads, just plug in the SuperK SELECT and let the SuperK EXTREME take care of the rest!

When connected, you can control all the functions in the SuperK SELECT through the intuitive graphical user interface in SuperKontrol.