Support
Frequently Asked Questions of Products/Service and Downloads
Product
FAQ & reference documents
Service
Pre-order, order & after service
Downloads
Manual, Drawings, Brochures
Product FAQ & reference documents
01. How do I select chips? Bulk chips or waveguides(WG)?
In general, bulk chip can handle high power (above W level). For example, at CW, the input can be up to 50-100W, while the waveguide features high efficiency (with less power, such as <1W). However, as the technique improves, HCP can now offer 5W output at C-band with waveguides.
If selecting bulk chips or waveguides confuses you, please contact us at
service@hcphotonics.com
and advise the pump condition & target performance
-Pump (wavelength, power type, etc)
1. If CW: power, laser linewidth, polarization
2. If Pulsed: average/peak power, pulse width, repetition rate, whether
-Target performance (output power, efficiency, etc)We'd be glad to help.
02. How do you define the length, width and thickness of bare crystals?
Length = X, Width = Y, Thickness = Z (see sketch)
03. Do you offer holder for crystals?
Yes, we offer free holders and mounting service for fs chips (length <1.0mm). For other length of chips, customers can also purchase from us.
04. Do you offer pigtail package for PPLN?
Yes, we offer both bare chip and pigtail package for PPLN.
05. Can I use the same oven for both bulk chips and waveguides?
Ovens for bulk chips and waveguides are different due to different dimensions. Therefore, different ovens are applied.
06. What's the difference between chips with and without C(CAP) for the Series Name, such as FSHVIS-MA-C & FSHVIS-MA?
Chips without CAP, the poled length is same as physically length. Chips with CAP, the physical length is 1mm, but the poled length is 0.3mm or 0.5mm.
With additional cap, the beam size at input/output surfaces can be larger so as to lower the intensty and increases the damage threshold. However, the cap may also contribute additional walk-off effects slightly.
.
07. What's the difference between RPE and ridge waveguides?
RPE waveguides have better efficiency, but the possible photorefractive effect may cause degradation over time. Ridge waveguides can handle higher power than RPE.
08. How do I calculate QPM?
Our Sellmeir equation for QPM calculation is based in Gayer’s paper 2008, but modified with our own experimental data per different wafer index.
09. How do I find optimal phase matching temperature(PMT)?
On the product report by shipment, we would recommend the phase matching temperature(PMT) with tolerance of +/-10 deg.C(for bulk chip) and +/-20 deg.C(for waveguide). Users may try to locate the right temperature within this range. The tolerance is due to the variation of wafer index, ambient temperature, thermal control equipment, pump source and optical setups.
10. Can you customized fan-out chips with fully poled/no blank area?
Yes. We can customize the fan-out chips with preferred poling layout. For details, please contact:
service at hcphotonics.com11. Can you polish the bulk chips with angles?
Yes. we can polish angles for input facets (S1&S2). Both bulk chips and waveguides can be angle-polished. Available polishing angle
12. Can you make PPLN/waveguide(WG) for room temperature?
We can design the phase matching temperature(PMT) at room temperature. However, due to the variation of wafer index per production lot, the tolerance may be up to +/-10~20 deg.C. Thus, we'd aim the PMT at a bit higher than room temperature and that our mixer is embedded with TEC for temperature control.
13. How do I clean PPLN chips?
Please refer to the link for methods to clean PPLN chips.
14. How do I avoid PPLN damange during operation?
1. Crystal should be thoroughly cleaned EVERY time before use, especially facets for S1&S2.
2. Pump power should be increased gradually, instead of pumping strong power all at once.
3. Crystal should not be moved during temperature tuning. When shifting crystal is required, the pump should be off or under low power.15. What's the damage threshold of the crystal?
There are various factors in considering damage threshold, such as laser intensity, wavelength, pulse duration, repetition rate, and surface quality, etc. For more details, please refer to the info about "Damage & green induced IR absorption"at our technical center.
16. What's the temperature range the PPLN can stand?
PPLN bulk crystals can stand temperature up to 200 deg.C, but most of the operation temperature falls between 30-150 deg.C. However, temperature isn’t the only factor that determines whether the crystal may be damaged. For more details, please refer to the info about "Damage & green induced IR absorption"at our technical center.
17. What's the range of wavelength of PPLN?
The working range for PPLN is around 355~5000nm. The steep slope at near UV and near MIR range is due to material absorption. In addition, there is a transmission dip near 2870 nm due to OH- absorption.
18. What's the conversion efficiency of bulk chip and waveguide?
Our chip is nonlinear crystal so the overall efficiency mainly depends on following factors:
1. Wavelength (for SHG, the shorter wavelength, the higher efficiency)
2. Crystal length (the longer the higher)
3. Polarization >100:1 is preferred
4. Linewidth: typical linewidth acceptance is 0.1 nm for 1064 nm SHG for example (the shorter wavelength, the narrower)
5. Power: the higher power the higher efficiency
6. Phase matching temperature: the crystal needs to be operated at optimized phase matching temperature.For more details, please refer to the info at our technical center.
If further assistance is required for defining the efficiency, please contact us at
service at hcphotonics.com
We'd be glad to help.19. Do you have PPKTP? BBO?
Sorry, we don't have PPKTP nor BBO. PPLN might be solution if you need higher efficiency. Please check our web-site of "Material properties of PPLN" for more information,
20. Do you have PPLT?
Yes. The PPLT we provide is MCLT, which is 8 mol% MgO-doped congruent lithium tantalate.
21. Can you make Type II waveguide?
Our stocked chips are typically Type 0, whose conversion efficiency is higher than chips of Type II because the d coefficient(d33) of Type 0 is higher. However, we can also design Type II waveguides upon request. For more information, please contact us at
service at hcphotonics.com
We'd be glad to help.22. Do I have to use ovens for PPLN chips/waveguides?
In order to achieve efficient conversion, phase matching among mixing waves is required. And to find optimal temperature is key to good efficiency. In some case, the wavelength bandwidth is so narrow that even the bias of 0.3 deg.C may cause the conversion efficiency drop to 40% or less. Therefore, precise temperature control is very crucial. It's also the strong market demand that pushes HCP to develop a temperature controller set featuring the precision down to 0.1 deg.C and becomes one of the bestsellers. To a better yet reason to own it, it works only only with PPLN chips, but also PPLT, PPKTP, KTP, etc. For more details, please visit the page for oven-set.
23. Can I use my temperature controller on your ovens or vice versa?
As we are not sure whether the interface is compatible, we do not suggest use other controller on our ovens, or the other way around. But with the spirit of exploring the unknown, one can always give
24. What's the standard fiber for mixers at different wavelengths?
Different fibers are applied for different wavelengths. The common material we use are list here.
25. What is the fiber length? Can you supply mixer with customized fiber length?
Our fibers are made with Ø900um loose tubes at typical length >=1 meter. Other length and protection options are also available upon request. For further assistance, please contact us at service at hcphotonics.com
We'd be glad to help.26. Can you add connectors on the mixer? How do I use if there's no connector on the mixer?
FC/APC can get damaged easily during high power operation. Therefore, for high power mixer, we usually offer fiber without connector. However, if connectors on mixers are preferred, we'd suggest splice a short fiber with new connector to replace the damaged one. Or "U-bench" is also recommended for direct connection.
27. How do I avoid connector damage
1. Connectors should be thoroughly cleaned EVERY time before use.
2. The physical contact between two connectors(plug & jack) needs to be very good, without resonant gap.
3. Performing connection/disconnection only when the laser is off.28. How do I use mixer? Do you have manual?
Each qualified mixer will be packed with test report. It shows the optical setup of ours and provides phase matching temperature for reference. This serves a guideline for users to scan the temperature and find the optimal point. Due to the different equipment and optical layout, there is tolerance and require some trial before hitting the best output.
29. What's the suggestion for handling care and maintenance on mixers?
1. Isolators are strongly recommended to protect pump lasers against back reflection from mixers.
2. Mixers with FC/APC Narrow Key (2.0 mm) connectors require thorough cleaning.
3. Pumping power should increase slowly. Quick strong input is not suggested.
4. When output power reaches the suggested level at quoted spec, users should stop pumping more.30. What do I do if the connector of mixer is damaged?
If direct fiber splicing is unavailable, one can use a indirect device like U-bench to replace direct connection between two connectors.
31. Do I have to tune the temperature on the mixers? And how?
Yes, temperature tuning is key to reach optimal output. All mixers are embedded with TEC, which cools and heats the crystal. With HCP's temperature controller (DTSC-20), users can tune the temperature by the scale of 0.1 deg.C. To answer the strong demand of good controllers, HCP offers special discount if users purchase the controller together with mixers. It's HOT SALES now. Don't miss this opportunity!
For more information, please visit here.
Or contact us at
service at hcphotonics.com
We'd be glad to help.32. Do I need additional ovens for tuning the mixer?
No, users don't need additional ovens for temperature tuning for mixers. All mixers are embedded with TEC (Peltier cooler), which cools and heats the crystal. However, a good temperature controller is required for operation. Now HCP offers special discount if users purchase the controller together with mixers. Don't miss this opportunity!
For more information, please visit here.
Or contact us at
service at hcphotonics.com
We'd be glad to help.33. Is the TEC (Peltier cooler) unit supplied as part of the mixer capable of both cooling and heating?
Yes, the TEC is embedded in the mixer. It is capable of both cooling and heating. Users thus don’t need additional ovens. For temperature tuning, HCP's controller(DTSC-20) functions to control the TEC. HCP's temperature controller (DTSC-20) features to tune the temperature by the scale of 0.1 deg.C.
34. Can your TEC (Peltier cooler) work at 10 ~ 80 C-degree?
Basically, the TEC control range can cover 10~80 deg.C. HOWEVER, the reason why we make it operate only between 15~70 deg.C is the mixer.
If the operating temperature goes down to 10 deg.C at the ambient temperature over 20 deg.C, there will be condensation. During laser operation, water could damage the mixer.
If the operating temperature goes up to 80 deg.C, the conversion of mixer may be worse than the quoted spec.Therefore, in terms of quality and stability, we do not suggest any operation lower than 15 deg.C or higher than 70 deg.C.
35. Can I use my own controller for the mixer? What's the pin info/layout?
Yes, users may use their own controllers. The PIN info is listed on the product report together with shipment. Or, you can find them at menu: Contact --> Download --> Drawings (link copied), or sections of mixer list.
36. For the dual ports mixer controller, what is the “aiming beam” and “photodiode measurement” function?
Per customers request, HCP can customize the mixers integrated with aiming beam and photodiode.
-Aiming beam is used for optical alignment when the mixer is designed as free-spaced input.
-Photodiode is applied for power monitor, such as the power level or the stability.
And HCP's controller(DTSC-20) serves to perform these functions.37. How do I optimize the focusing on bare chips?
The frequency conversion is a nonlinear process, and normally need a high intensity. Focusing is normally needed for using a PPLN, and the optimal condition is L/b=2.84, where L is the crystal length and b is the confocal parameter and exactly twice of Raleigh range. Check "Focusing condition and wavelength conversion efficiency" and "SHG normalized efficiency and pump wavelength dependence" to see more about the focusing/nornalized conversion efficiency vs. wavelengths.
38. What is the recommended torque for fastening the WG mixer?
The reference torque is 0.6Nm. Mounting the mixer on a flat plate and applying the torque force evenly are important to
avoid the uneven stress on housing. Users should also adjust the optimized torque according to individual operation environment. For example, in the working environment of constant vibration, screws might get loose overtime. Users thus would need to tighten the screws from time to time.Service FAQ & reference documents
01. Is HCP an ISO-certified company?
Yes, ISO 9001:2015
02. Are your products RoHS regulated?
Yes, our products are RoHS, REACH, CE regulated and all package materials are qualified with PPWD and TPCH.
03. Is your company regulated at SAM (The System for Award Management)?
Yes, we are and here is related information about HC Photonics Corp. (HCP):
DUNS: 658028662
NCAGE Code: SW258
NAICE CODE: 33331404. Do you have distributors?
Yes, we do have partners worldwide and please find the contact information here. https://www.hcphotonics.com/contact-us
05. Can I pay with credit card? American Express/JCB/paypal?
Yes, we accept major credit cards such as VISA, Master or JCB cards. AE is not acceptable. Please ask for credit card authorization form from our Sales team before payment.
06. What's the discrepancy between the final amount I'm charged and the quotation HCP provided?
Please be informed since HCP is located in Taiwan, all the credit card payments will be processed by the currency of NTD (New Taiwan Dollar).
Therefore, there shall be a slight discrepancy caused by the exchange rate.
Also, there might be extra handling fee charged by your credit card issuing bank and please check with your bank for further information.07. Where can I find HCP's bank information for payment?
Please find the informaiton on our official quotation and Sales Confirmaiton or contact the Sales Team (service at hcphotonics.com) directly.
08. What's the banking charge for?
Banking and Handling fees are charged by banks including your bank and Intermediary bank (corresponding bank) to process wire transfers. That’s why you will see “Banking and Handling fees” on invoice total.
09. What's the tariff code for crystals/mixer/IR card/ovens/controllers?
HS Code/CCC Code for Export
PPLN: 8541.40/8541.40.11.009
Mixer(module): 9013.80/9013.80.90.001
TEC controller: 9032.89.90.009
Oven set: 8514.30/8514.30.00.007
TC038: 9032.89/9032.89.90.009
IR card: 9027.50/9027.50.00.00010. How do I track my order?
HCP would email the shipping notice including invoice/tacking list and tracking number information after shipment to the email address of goods receiver and Account payable. Furthermore, please be informed, the invoice will be shipped along with the goods so no further invoice will be posted separately.
11. What can I do if I lost the product report?
Please contact the Sales team (service at hcphotonics.com) directly and provide the SC No. information.
12. How could I do if I get a problem with HCP's products?
If you get a problem with HCP's products, please contact our Sales team (service at hcphotonic.com) directly and provide the series No. or chip ID on our products and we will process the follow-up immediately. In case we need to call the product back for further investigation, a RMA document will be issued for returning process
13. What is the RMA procedure?
After receiving the RMA document, customer needs to take care of the freight for the return. There will be investigation fee charged but it would be deducted if rework needed.
14. Note for Procurement Order
[1] Please place order to service@hcphotonics.com[2] If shipping freight is removed from the order, please advise your FedEx/DHL/UPS account number for delivery.
[3] For either CIF or ex-work term, Customs Clearance & duty/tax are on buyer. Please specify preferred Customs Broker at PO. Without consigned customs broker, Customs Clearance would be processed by Express Courier.
© 2017 HC Photonics. All Rights Reserved.