Boston Micromachines Corp. (BMC), a leading developer of advanced MEMS (microelectromechanical systems)-based mirror products, is Thorlabs’ newest strategic partner. Through this partnership, deformable mirrors (DMs) will be integrated into photonics research, thereby increasing exposure of the capabilities of adaptive optics. This partnership will lead to diverse market opportunities that will potentially lead to significant advancements in the fields of retinal imaging, microscopy, and laser communications.
BMC fabricates micromachined deformable mirrors for advanced optical control. The mirror consists of a membrane that is deformed by an array of electrostatic actuators, each of which can be individually controlled. Unlike piezoelectric mirrors, the electrostatic actuation used with BMC’s mirrors ensures deformation without hysteresis. Although the use of DMs in astronomy is well known, these miniature, precision wavefront control devices are also helping researchers to make breakthroughs in microscopy, laser control, and retinal imaging.			Deformable mirrors are being used for advancement in a wide variety of scientific endeavors from astronomy and retinal imaging to microscopy and laser communications.
BMC can fabricate a custom mirror designed and manufactured to meet your organization's unique needs.		With three different stock models to choose from and custom design-manufacturing capabilities, BMC offers deformable mirrors to meet the needs of those interested in laboratory-scale adaptive optics as well as of those requiring robust systems capable of advanced wavefront control. In addition, their long-standing expertise in deformable mirror technology enables them to provide custom design-manufacturing services for both corporate and government organizations. All mirrors are available with either a gold or aluminum mirror coating, have an AR-coated protective window, and provide frame rates up to 1 kHz.
Mini-DM  o 32 Actuators (6 x 6 Array)  o 1.5 - 2.25 mm Aperature  o 1.5 - 6.0 µm Stroke Kilo-DM  o 1024 Actuators   (32 x 32 Array)  o 10.5 mm Aperature  o 1.5 µm Stroke Custom-DM Multi-DM  o 140 Actuators   (12 x 12 Array)  o 3.3 - 4.9 mm Aperature  o 1.5 - 6.0 µm Stroke				OCT is an interferometric imaging technique that creates 3D scanned images. Here, cross-sectional images obtained with (right) and without (left) an adaptive optic (AO) spectral domain OCT (AO-SDOCT) system are shown. These images are compliments of D. X. Hammer, et. al, of Physical Sciences, Inc. In the OCT images taken with AO, the external limiting membrane (shown by the arrow) is better resolved, as are capillaries and structures in other retinal layers.

MenloSystems Inc.

The Octavius Femtosecond Laser

MenloSystems Inc. was founded in late 2006 by MenloSystems GmbH and Alex Cable. The spin-off company was conceived as a way to further leverage MenloSystems GmbH’s success in the United States. In early 2007, the existing team partnered with Franz Kärtner and James Fujimoto, both professors at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The two are serving as distinguished scientific advisors and additional members of the founding team.
	Franz Kärtner is one of the true pioneers in the field of ultrafast physics. He is a principal investigator in the Research Laboratory of Electronics (RLE) at MIT. His research interests have included modeling and simulation of nonlinear dynamics, noise in microwave oscillators and circuits, and quantum noise. Prof. Kärtner’s current interests are focused on ultrashort pulse generation in the few-cycle regime and applications using novel chirped mirror technology.
	James Fujimoto is one of the inventors of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and is widely known for his contribution to the field of biological imaging. He is a principal investigator in the Research Laboratory of Electronics at MIT, and his research involves the development and application of femtosecond laser technology, studies of ultrafast phenomena, and laser medicine and surgery. His many honors include the 1999 Discover Magazine Award for Technological Innovation and the 2001 Rank Prize in Optoelectronics.
Through the combined efforts of Thorlabs, MenloSystems GmbH, and MIT, MenloSystems Inc. will develop new products for the ultrafast physics community and explore new opportunities in imaging and microscopy. MenloSystem Inc.’s first product is the Octavius laser and octave spanning Ti:Sapphire femtosecond laser. With a pulse duration of less than 6 femtoseconds, it is the fastest laser commercially available. The laser is a perfect example of the collaborative nature of the Thorlabs Strategic Partnership Program. MenloSystems Inc. was able to leverage Thorlabs’ long experience in optomechanical design. While the optical layout and mirror design was done in close collaboration with MIT, the entire monolithic mechanical design was a joint venture of the MenloSystem Inc. and Thorlabs teams.

MenloSystems, Inc. 77 Massachusetts Avenue #36-393 Cambridge, MA 02139-4307 USA	Phone: +1-617-894-0816 Fax:     +1-617-812-5952	E-mail: ussales@menlosystems.com sales@menlosystems.com

MenloSystems GmbH

Optical Frequency Synthesizers

MenloSystems GmbH, a Thorlabs partner since late 2001, is a spin-off from the renowned Max-Planck-Institute for Quantum Optics (MPQ, Garching, Germany). Professor T. W. Hänsch, director of the Institute, and his coworkers have pioneered a revolutionary and simple technique for measuring the frequency of light. This invention has been named “...the biggest advance in precision electromagnetic measurements since people began to measure laser frequencies in the seventies.”
This technique for measuring laser frequencies was the starting point for the original foundation of MenloSystems GmbH in 2001 by Prof. T. W. Hänsch, Dr. Ronald Holzwarth, Dr. Michael Mei, Dr. Bruno Gross, and Alex Cable. The first company product was the very high accuracy optical frequency synthesizer based on the legendary frequency chain at the Max-Planck-Institute. Numerous world records in precision measurements have been set with the original frequency chain, including the determination of the Rydberg constant. Today the company’s objective is to develop techniques and applications that exploit the powerful tool of optical frequency measurement both for research and industry applications.
The MenloSystems Team: Professor T. W. Hänsch, co-founder and scientific advisor. Winner of the 2005 Nobel Prize in Physics and one of the true pioneers in high resolution spectroscopy, Professor Hänsch is director at the Max-Planck- Institute for Quantum Optics and Professor of Physics at the University of Munich. He has shaped the evolution of laser technology and is one of the leading scientists in the field of atomic and quantum physics. For more than 30 years, he has inspired quantum optics and laser spectroscopy researchers with exciting ideas and novel techniques. Alex Cable, co-founder and member of the board. Alex is founder and president of Thorlabs, Inc. and co-founder of Nova Phase, Inc., FiberLabs, Japan, Thorlabs HL, and partner and board member in Stratophase LLC. Dr. Michael Mei, co-founder and chief executive officer. Michael has transferred the femtosecond comb technology from the visible to the telecom spectral range. In addition to his role as managing director, Michael manages product development and manufacturing lines. Dr. Ronald Holzwarth, co-founder and chief technology officer. Ronald is one of the inventors of the femtosecond comb technology. He is the author of several scientific publications regarding the application of this technology to precision measurements.

Menlo Systems GmbH Am Klopferspitz 19 D-82152 Martinsried (Munich) Germany	Phone: +49 89 189166–0 Fax:     +49 89 189166-11	Internet: www.menlosystems.com E-mail: sales@menlosystems.com

Stratophase

PPLN Crystals

Stratophase Ltd is a spin-out company from the world-famous Optoelectronics Research Centre at the University of Southampton in the UK. The company brings together many years of technology development in nonlinear and integrated optics by world leading scientists and has been a Thorlabs strategic partner since 2004. StratoLase Laser Sources: Thorlabs has partnered with Stratophase to introduce a new family of selectable wavelength mid-infrared lasers specifically designed for lab-based alignment and test applications. The SSOPO optical parametric oscillators rely on Stratophase's Periodically Poled Lithium Niobate (PPLN) Technology, allowing a wide range of wavelengths to be achieved easily.
The StratoLase sources allow users to select the desired operating wavelength using simple controls located on the front panel of the system control enclosure. The system then automatically tunes the phase-matching conditions of the OPO to give the desired output. This series offers the user turnkey access to an impressively wide range of wavelengths, making them an invaluable multipurpose tool for any lab-based IR alignment or test activities.
Two versions are available: the SSOPO2 (with a wavelength range of 1400-1545 nm) and the SSOPO3 (with a wavelength range of 1540-1780 nm). As an unspecified extra, the SSOPO3 allows wavelengths past 1780 nm with up to 2 µm range. Both systems can also be configured to allow access to the pump laser at 1047 nm bypassing the nonlinear conversion in the PPLN crystal.
Integrated Optical Bragg Gratings in Refractive Index Sensing: The process of direct grating writing is a revolutionary technique for the production of integrated optical circuits.
Unlike conventional techniques, this process does not involve photolithography, thereby enabling easy modifications to the design. In addition, the ability to write Bragg gratings simultaneously enables flexible functionality in circuits, and systems are used for applications such as refractive index monitoring and biological agent detection.

Stratophase Ltd Unit A7, The Premier Centre Premier Way, Romsey Hampshire SO51 9DG United Kingdom	Phone: +44 (0)1794 511226 Fax: +44 (0)8704 580754	Internet: www.stratophase.com Email: enquiries@stratophase.com

Thorlabs HL

PPLN Crystals

Thorlabs HL AG (THL) specializes in the development of Fourier Domain OCT Systems. The Company was founded in 2005 by Alex Cable of Thorlabs and Peter Koch and Christian Winter, both former researchers from the Medical Laser Center Lübeck and cofounders of 4optics. Leveraging the decade of experience of the 4optics founders, along with the expertise and knowledge of the Thorlabs' OCT team in New Jersey, the Thorlabs HL team develops OCT instruments that complement Thorlabs’ growing line of OCT products.
About OCT and Spectral Radar Optical Coherence Tomography is an emerging optical imaging technology for non-contact measurements of surfaces and scattering volumes. It brings together the principals of ultrasound imaging and the accuracy and resolution of optical techniques. OCT makes it possible to image solid objects and human tissue with micrometer resolution, which is several orders of magnitude better than existing commercial imaging technologies. Among the OCT technologies, Spectral Radar OCT or Fourier Domain OCT promises fast cross sectional and volumetric image generation with extraordinary sensitivity.
Standard Products To cover virtually as many applications as possible of OCT, Thorlabs HL offers a broad range of OCT systems. They cover a range of resolutions from 4 – 12 µm and a measurement range from 0.9 – 3.6 mm. The light sources cover the wavelength band from 800 – 1000 nm, depending on the application and the required resolution of the system. The Thorlabs HL Spectral-OCT systems come complete and are operational within minutes. Simply make a few connections, power up the pre-configured PC, and begin taking images of your sample.
Thorlabs HL Offers Two Standard Probes: A handheld probe for cross sectional images. This probe was originally designed for use in dermatology, but due to its small size, it is also a good, cost effective choice for applications with limited access to the sample. For investigations on smaller technical sample, and/or in vitro biomedical samples, we offer a microscope style 3D imaging probe. With the choice of three base units and two probes, an OCT solution tailored to the needs of many customers can be assembled. To extend the range of possible applications even further, Thorlabs HL is developing new probes and base units.

Thorlabs HL AG Maria-Goeppert-Straße 1 23562 Lübeck Germany	Phone: +49-451-2903370 Fax: +49-451-2903375	Internet: www.thorlabs-hl.com Email: info@thorlabs-hl.de

Nova Phase A division of Thorlabs

Crystals to Components

Nova Phase was founded as one of the original Thorlabs Strategic Partner companies in 1999 and became a division of Thorlabs in 2006. They serve the OEM and industrial optics community by specializing in the fabrication of high-precision optical components. Nova Phase’s expertise combines precision optics fabrication and crystalline materials fabrication. They’re an industry leader in the manufacture of calcite polarizers and components, as well as ND filters, wave plates, and mirrors. We have expanded our thin film optical coating capabilities by adding state-of-the-art E-beam ion-assist deposition (IAD) to our in-house capabilities.

Design Capabilities Custom and OEM Products Designed With Optical, Mechanical, and Electronic Components Small Runs and Prototypes can be Provided When Applicable Complex Optical Designs for Thorlabs Including the ASOM Lens Design Manufacturing Capabilities Optics Volume Capability Mechanics Volume Capability Assemblies Capabilities Fully Integrated Assemblies Flexible Blanket Deliveries of Components to Full Assemblies Measurements Capabilities High-Quality Measuring Devices Used for Testing all Products and Systems to Ensure They Meet All Design Specifications Perkin Elmer Lambda 950 Spectrophotometer and the Zygo GPI Interferometer

	Our Guarantee We will provide you with a price quotation within 24 hours of receipt of your complete drawing specifications. Please be sure to include all pertinent information along with your drawing.     Custom Optics Quoted in 24 Hours Nova Phase specializes in custom optics made to your exacting specifications - from prototype to full OEM production. With a proven track record of on-time deliveries of the highest quality optics, we're ready to meet your custom optic needs.

Nova Phase Inc. 43 Sparta Ave. Newton, NJ 07860	Phone: 973-579-6682 Fax: 973-383-6037	Internet: www.novaphase.com