The Problem
High Energy Laser (HEL) and Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) front-end timing demands tight jitter against an external master clock and the ability to pre-compensate pulse shaping for downstream amplifier distortion. AWGs typically meet one demand or the other, not both. Many sites live with a hand-built timing chain.
Why the Model 686 fits HEL and ICF Front-End Timing
One AWG that delivers low-jitter master-clock-referenced timing and in-firmware pulse pre-compensation. Direct drive at usable amplitude removes the need for an external amplifier on EOM and AOM front-end stages.
- Sub-2 ps trigger jitter against external master clock
- Sub-100 fs channel synchronization across separate units
- Low-jitter mode purpose-built for this application
- Pulse pre-compensation in AWG firmware to fight downstream amplifier nonlinearity
- 5 Vpp into 50 Ω for direct EOM and AOM drive in the front-end
- Long pattern memory for shot scheduling
Requirements vs. BNC 686 Capability
| Front-End Timing Requirement | Model 686 Capability |
|---|---|
| Trigger jitter against external master clock | < 2 ps |
| Channel synchronization across separate units | < 100 fs |
| Low-jitter operating mode for shot-critical events | Purpose-built mode included |
| Pulse pre-compensation for downstream amplifier nonlinearity | In AWG firmware — no external box |
| Direct EOM / AOM drive amplitude | 5 Vpp into 50 Ω |
| Pattern memory for shot scheduling | Long pattern memory |
Where This Is Being Used
ICF, fusion, and HEL Physicists, directed-energy test engineers working on amplifier-chain front ends where jitter again an external master clock and pulse shape pre-compensation matters.
Key Capabilities at a Glance
- Sub-2 ps trigger jitter, sub-100 fs cross-unit channel sync
- In-firmware pulse pre-compensation for amplifier nonlinearity
- 5 Vpp direct EOM / AOM drive into 50 Ω
