Sponsored by MKS OphirReviewed by Olivia FrostJul 29 2026
ALPhANOV's fiber laser division experts constantly strive to develop out-of-the-ordinary solutions. Engineers at the institute create prototypes of ultrashort-pulse laser systems, fiber amplifiers, and other optical components. Their external partners use them as a foundation for novel applications, such as ophthalmology and macromaterial processing.
Image Credit: MKS Ophir
Large mode area (LMA) fibers are commonly employed because they have a greater damage threshold and can carry high-power pulses.
This advanced development work needs dependable measuring methods. MKS Instruments' Ophir BeamSquared instrument for measuring beam caustics replaces their previous measurement gauges, supplying essential parameters consistently and 100 times quicker.
Tailwind for Photonics
The Bordeaux area has more to offer than just fine wine; within the global laser community, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is regarded as France's laser technological powerhouse. The establishment of ALPhANOV in 2007 had a big impact on this, as the Technology Resource Center (TRC) was created expressly to develop the local photonics industry.
This has been to great effect: since 2007, researchers and developers have seen consistent success in generating novel technologies and translating them into market-ready goods. Numerous start-ups have already been established in the region surrounding ALPhANOV, and firms worldwide are building prototypes for lasers and optical fiber components.
As laser technologies evolve, so must the instruments that measure them. However, experts working on fiber lasers had been disappointed with the current measurement equipment and were seeking a better solution.
Product
- Ophir® BeamSquared® Beam Propagation Analyzer
Field of Application
Uses
- Measurements to align the beam and find the optimized collimation
Benefits
- Simple to use
- Very short measurement cycle
- Reliable, consistent measurements
- Quick to set up
Confidence in Measurement Technology
ALPhANOV is active in a variety of projects and conducts internal R&D on new or untested optical LMA fibers.
One of the most important qualities to be investigated is the modal behavior of this type of fiber. The engineers required a measurement instrument that provided accurate, consistent readings to compare each fiber on a common quality level.
ALPhANOV requires three main parameters: the beam propagation ratio M2, astigmatism, and beam shape. However, the meter previously used by ALPhANOV yielded results that the developers had little confidence in. In addition, special requirements may necessitate a half-day measuring setup to align the beam!.
This is when ALPhANOV went to MKS Instruments, and the first demo of the Ophir BeamSquared analysis system revealed its benefits in terms of measurement repeatability and speed.
A swift choice was reached on the instrument, and the BSQ-SP920 arrived a few weeks later.
Figure 1. Example of glass processing equipment: Fujikura LZM-125A+. Image Credit: MKS Ophir
Figure 2. Endcap on Rod-Type fiber for High-energy laser. Image Credit: MKS Ophir
Figure 3. VLMA Ytterbium-doped fiber. Image Credit: MKS Ophir
One Hundred Times Faster and More Reliable
The BeamSquared system measures beam propagation in the x and y axes, and the supplied software calculates ISO-compliant diameter and position of the beam waist, divergence, Rayleigh length, diffraction index M2 or BPP (beam propagation product), astigmatism, and beam asymmetry.
Depending on the application, the system is equipped with various beam profile cameras. ALPhANOV typically uses fiber lasers with a 1 µm wavelength, which may be monitored using a silicon CCD camera.
The ALPhANOV team was amazed by the measuring speed: all findings were accessible within seconds. Importantly, they were logical, and many measurements produced repeatable findings.
We were able to install the Ophir BeamSquared system ourselves and have been using it regularly for the alignment of our lasers ever since. This process is so much more efficient now! Instead of several hours, we only need minutes for the alignment, as each measuring procedure takes only seconds and is reliable.
Christophe Pierre, ALPhANOV
Questions about using the software were quickly clarified by Ophir experts.
In addition, the engineers at ALPhANOV like the freedom the system provided. Because BeamSquared can be used vertically or horizontally, it is well-suited to physically constrained situations.
Figure 4. 4F-V2 measurement setup with optics, power meter, and Beamsquared. Image Credit: MKS Ophir
Reliable Measurements Boost Innovation
When building integrated laser systems that include amplifiers, optics, and isolators, the output characteristics of the laser beam must be monitored to identify any changes in the beam caustic.
In addition, ISO-compliant measurement and recording of the M2 value demonstrate the laser's performance. Several new types of extremely large LMA fibers were created as part of the 4F-V2 national project, which was supported by BPI France. ALPhANOV evaluated and compared the behavior of these fibers.
The BeamSquared systems proved to be extremely useful throughout the project, providing accurate measurements and laying the groundwork for the next generation of fiber. Overall, the Ophir BeamSquared technology has resulted in a significant boost in quality and optimization of ALPhANOV's development process.
Figure 5. Example of M2 measurement with Beamsquared for the 4F-V2 ytterbium-doped VLMA Fiber. Image Credit: MKS Ophir
Image Credit: MKS Ophir
MKS Photonics Solutions
MKS Instruments helps organizations overcome their most difficult technological hurdles. As a trusted partner of the world's major electronics and industrial firms, MKS uses cutting-edge science and engineering expertise to provide solutions that increase process performance and efficiency for its clients.
The MKS Instruments Photonics Solutions segment includes the brands Spectra-Physics, Ophir, Newport, and ESI. Spectra-Physics combines cutting-edge laser technology with extensive application knowledge to produce industry-leading lasers for precise industrial and scientific research applications.
Ophir specializes in laser and LED measuring equipment, such as laser power and energy meters and laser beam profilers. Ophir also manufactures high-performance infrared thermal imaging lenses and optical components, as well as optics for CO2 and high-power fiber laser processing.
Newport offers a comprehensive suite of solutions, including precise motion control, optical tables and vibration isolation systems, photonic instruments, temperature monitoring, and optical and optomechanical components.
ESI provides industry-leading solutions for flexible PCB laser processing, high-speed MLCC testing, and CO2-laser-based HDI PCB and IC substrate production.
MKS Photonics Solutions helps its clients improve their capabilities and productivity in the semiconductor, advanced electronics, and specialty industrial industries.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by MKS Ophir.
For more information on this source, please visit MKS Ophir.