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PEM‑200 Digital Photoelastic Modulator

Advanced Polarisation Modulation System for High‑Precision Optical Measurements

The PEM‑200 Digital Photoelastic Modulator from Hinds Instruments is a high‑performance solution for accurate and reliable polarisation modulation in optical measurement systems.

Designed for demanding research and industrial environments, the PEM‑200 delivers exceptional duty cycle stability, broad spectral capability and modern digital control in a compact, energy‑efficient format.

Ideal for laboratories, universities and OEM instrumentation, the PEM‑200 supports a wide range of polarisation measurement, polarimetry and optical characterisation applications.

 

Overview

The Hinds Instruments PEM‑200 combines proven photoelastic modulation technology with a digitally controlled architecture to provide highly stable 1f and 2f modulation signals. An improved 50/50 duty cycle, simplified cabling and USB or optional Ethernet communication allow straightforward integration into modern optical and spectroscopic systems.

Supporting wavelengths from the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) to the far‑infrared (FIR), the PEM‑200 accommodates multiple optical head materials, modulation frequencies and aperture sizes. High optical transmission, large acceptance angles and excellent laser power handling ensure consistent and repeatable performance across a wide variety of experimental conditions.

Low power consumption and robust construction make the PEM‑200 suitable for continuous operation and long‑term use.

Key Features of the PEM‑200

  • High‑Precision Duty Cycle Control – 50% ± 1% at both fundamental (1f) and second harmonic (2f) frequencies

  • Compact Footprint – 62 mm × 135 mm × 174 mm

  • Simplified System Connectivity – Dual SMA cable from optical head to controller

  • Digital Communication Interfaces – USB 2.0 as standard; optional Ethernet for remote control and automation

  • Low Power Consumption – Typical 1.7 W (71 mA at 24 V), supporting energy‑efficient system design

  • Future‑Ready Architecture – Optional synchronous detection and signal processing (planned development)

 

Key Advantages of Hinds Photoelastic Modulators

High Optical Transmission

  • Greater than 90% transmission without anti‑reflection coatings
  • Up to 99% transmission with AR coatings at selected wavelengths

High Laser Power Handling

  • Estimated power handling greater than 5 GW/cm²
  • Compatible with most continuous‑wave and pulsed laser systems

Wide Spectral Coverage

  • Optical materials available for wavelengths from vacuum UV to far‑infrared

Large Acceptance Angle

  • Useful acceptance angles reported up to ±40°, allowing flexible optical layouts

Large Clear Apertures

  • Aperture sizes from 13 mm to 56 mm, supporting a wide range of beam diameters

High Measurement Sensitivity

  • Polarisation sensitivity better than 10⁻⁶ in integrated PEM‑based instruments

Proven Durability

  • Built from precision optics in a robust mechanical design
  • Many Hinds PEM systems manufactured over 20 years ago remain in active use

Why Choose the PEM‑200?

The PEM‑200 Digital Photoelastic Modulator delivers the precision, stability and flexibility required for modern polarisation measurement systems. With its compact design, wide spectral compatibility and long‑term reliability, the PEM‑200 is trusted worldwide for scientific research, industrial metrology and advanced optical instrumentation.

Applications 

The PEM‑200 Digital Photoelastic Modulator supports a wide range of polarisation‑based optical techniques, operating at modulation frequencies from 20 kHz to 84 kHz. Typical applications include:

  • Light beam chopping (20–84 kHz)
  • Birefringence measurements
  • Stokes polarimetry
  • Optical rotation polarimetry
  • Linear and circular dichroism in UV‑Vis and infrared (IR) regions
  • Magnetic circular dichroism (MCD)
  • FTIR double‑modulation spectroscopy, including VCD, VLD and IRRAS
  • Ellipsometry
  • Fluorescence polarisation
  • Waveplate characterisation and calibration
  • Thin‑film and multilayer characterisation
  • Magnetic and magneto‑optic material research
  • Photovoltaic device optimisation
  • Optical lithography and semiconductor process monitoring
  • Astronomical polarimetry
  • Remote sensing and fibre‑optic polarisation analysis

By varying the material, size and geometry of the optical element, and by closely coupling matched drive and control electronics to the PEM optics, Hinds Instruments has developed a comprehensive range of photoelastic modulators. These systems support diverse applications across a wide spectral range, from ultraviolet (UV) to far‑infrared (far‑IR).

Datasheets 

Manual

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