THz Attenuators
Tydex offers a set of THz attenuators for attenuation of high-power THz radiation.
The variable wheel attenuator consists of 5 wheels. Four wheels contain metalized wedged silicon wafers with different attenuation levels and one wheel is empty. If necessary the empty wheel can be filled with a custom element (e.g. filter). Four attenuators have transmission 30%, 10%, 3%, and 1%. These attenuator elements can be used as a single attenuator or in combination that allows achieving different levels of attenuation.
Transmission curves (noise is smoothed) of attenuator elements are shown below. Measurements were made up to 1000 μm. However, operating wavelength range is much wider. It follows from physical mechanism of attenuator operation.
Transmission values of different combinations of attenuators are given in the table below.
Combination of attenuator elements
Normal value of tranmission, %
30+10
3
30+3
0.9
30+1
0.3
10+3
0.3
10+1
0.1
3+1
0.03
30+10+3
0.09
30+10+1
0.03
10+3+1
0.003
30+3+1
0.009
30+10+3+1
0.0009
Common specification:
Operating wavelenth range, μm
40 ÷ >1000
Quality of wheels in the mount, pcs.
5
Quality of attenuation grades, pcs.
4
Transmission tolerance of attenuator element, % of nomanal value
+/- 10
Damage threshold, W/cm2
several hundreds
The following THz attenuators are available from stock:
No.
Clear aperture, mm
1
25.4
2
50.8
Attenuator elements can be supplied in wheel mount as well as without it.
Different clear apertures (up to 54.5 mm) attenuators are manufactured upon request.
The mount design of custom-made attenuators is discussed additionally.