The Stanford Research Systems SR470 Laser Shutter System delivers precision beam modulation and blocking for demanding optical research and industrial applications. The controller manages timing, triggering, and fault detection, while the shutter head employs closed-loop DSP control with sapphire jewel bearings for vibration-free operation on optical tables.
Technical Specifications
Controller Timing
• Resolution: 100 µs (8-digit display)
• Accuracy: 100 ppm
• Pre-exposure delay: 0 to 10,000 seconds
• Exposure time: 4 ms to 10,000 seconds
• Post-exposure delay: 4 ms to 10,000 seconds
• Repetition rate: DC to 125 Hz (any duty cycle)
• Triggered burst capability: 1 to 99,999,999 timing cycles
Shutter Head Performance
The SR475 delivers a 3 mm minimum clear aperture and reaches 100 Hz repetition rate with 500 µs typical rise/fall time. The SR476 provides 1 mm minimum clear aperture and exceeds 125 Hz with 750 µs typical rise/fall time. Both heads achieve minimum exposure of 5 ms, 10 µs rms insertion delay jitter, and exceed 10 million cycle lifetime. Beryllium-copper blades with black oxide finish ensure durability.
Control & Monitoring
• Triggering modes: Internal, external TTL, external level, front-panel, continuous
• Shutter polarity: Selectable Normally Open or Normally Closed
• Fault detection with audible alarm, LED indicator, and TTL rear-panel output
• Configuration storage: Nine complete instrument setups in non-volatile RAM
• Blade control: Closed-loop PID, never contacts physical stops, zero bounce
Interfaces & Power
• Communication: GPIB, RS-232, Ethernet
• Auxiliary I/O: TTL-level, multi-purpose rear-panel ports
• Power: 90 to 264 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz, 75 W nominal consumption
• Operating temperature: 0 °C minimum
– Key Features
• Ultra-low vibration design minimizes optical table disturbance
• Closed-loop DSP control with sapphire jewel bearings ensures smooth, repeatable blade motion
• Independent timing control for pre-exposure, exposure, and post-exposure intervals
• Flexible triggering accommodates burst sequences up to 99,999,999 cycles
• Selectable shutter polarity via DIP switch or front-panel control
– Typical Applications
Pump-probe spectroscopy, time-resolved fluorescence, ultrafast imaging, laser material processing, and precision photonics research requiring accurate beam gating with minimal mechanical disturbance.
– Compatibility & Integration
The SR470 controller interfaces with standard laboratory instrumentation through GPIB, RS-232, and Ethernet. TTL trigger and sync outputs enable synchronization with external timing systems. Multi-purpose auxiliary I/O ports support context-sensitive triggering and monitoring.
