Spectra-Physics SpitFire Pro

The Spectra-Physics SpitFire Pro is a high-energy, ultrafast Ti:Sapphire regenerative amplifier that serves as the "workhorse" for time-resolved experiments at the Center for Photochemical Sciences. By delivering intense, femtosecond-scale pulses, it allows CPS researchers to capture chemical events—such as electron transfer or molecular vibrations—that occur too quickly for conventional instruments to detect.

Its integration into the CPS labs has fundamentally expanded our capacity to study the interaction between light and matter at the most fundamental level.

## Critical Research Benefits

• Ultrafast Kinetic Studies: The SpitFire Pro provides the necessary pulse duration (typically < 120 fs) to perform pump-probe spectroscopy. This allows researchers to "freeze" molecules in transition, providing a step-by-step look at how solar cells convert light to energy or how photodynamic therapy drugs react in a biological environment.

• Multi-Color Versatility: When paired with Optical Parametric Amplifiers (OPAs), the SpitFire Pro can be tuned to produce light across a vast spectral range—from the deep UV to the mid-infrared. This flexibility is essential for the interdisciplinary nature of the CPS, supporting researchers working on everything from organic electronics to photosynthesis.

• High-Energy Pulse Generation: The "Pro" series is designed for high stability and millijoule-level pulse energies. This power is critical for driving non-linear optical processes, which are used in the Center to study advanced materials like colloidal nanocrystals and quantum dots.

• Enhanced Data Precision: Its industry-leading stability minimizes "noise" during long experimental runs. This ensures that the data published by CPS faculty and students is of the highest quality, facilitating high-impact publications in journals like JACS and Nature Chemistry.

## Core Technical Profile

Pulse Width

Femtosecond (fs) resolution for capturing "instantaneous" chemical reactions.

Peak Power

High energy density allows for the study of multi-photon processes.

Repetition Rate

1 kHz standard, enabling rapid data acquisition for statistical accuracy.

Thermal Stability

Advanced cooling and cavity design ensure consistent performance over 24-hour experiments.

## Impact on the CPS Mission

The SpitFire Pro is more than just a laser; it is a catalyst for the Center's global reputation.

• Training the Next Generation: As the home of the world’s only Ph.D. program in Photochemical Sciences, the CPS uses this system to train students on state-of-the-art ultrafast technology, preparing them for top-tier careers in laser spectroscopy and materials science.

• Collaboration Magnet: The high-performance specifications of the SpitFire Pro make the CPS a destination for collaborative research with other universities and industrial partners, particularly those focused on the development of next-generation photoswitchable materials and sensors.

Safety Note: The SpitFire Pro is a Class IV high-power laser system. Access is restricted to trained personnel, and appropriate laser safety eyewear must be worn at all times during operation.