Features

• 4 Laser Output Channels with FC/PC Connectors
• Independent Temperature Control Gives High Temperature Stability
• Low Noise Output
• USB Interface
• Low-Profile Package
• 24 Wavelengths Available (See Table Below for Details)

Thorlabs' 4-Channel, Fiber-Coupled, Customizable Laser Source provides easy coupling and simple control of laser-diode-driven fiber optics. The laser source is configured to accept a wide range of fiber-pigtailed laser diodes with discrete wavelengths in the spectral range from 405 - 1550 nm, in any combination. The laser source allows more than one channel to be turned on simultaneously; however, it is only possible to adjust the power output of one at a time from the front panel.

Each laser diode is operated from an independent, high-precision, low-noise, constant-current source and temperature control unit. An intuitive LCD interface allows the user to view and set the laser current and temperature independently for each laser. The display indicates the channel number selected, the output wavelength of the source, the operating power calculated from the laser diode monitor diode, and the actual temperature the laser is set to.

This device includes a microcontroller to fully control the laser's optical power and temperature as well as to monitor the system for fault conditions. The laser source includes a USB connection that allows remote enabling, power adjustment, and temperature adjustment. On the rear panel, analog inputs are available to modulate the laser diodes' outputs with an externally generated waveform. To prevent damage, the microcontroller will disable the output if the sum of the analog input and internal set point exceeds the laser limits.

Safety
While most output sources fall within the class 3R laser rating, the system was fully designed to meet laser class 3B requirements. There is an interlock located on the rear panel that must be shorted in order for any laser output to be enabled. This can easily be configured to be triggered by doors to disable the lasers in unsafe conditions. The power switch is a keylock system to prevent accidental or unwanted use. Each source has its own enable button allowing the user to choose the light source or sources they wish to be active, as well as a master enable that must also be set. Each channel includes a green LED indicator to easily determine its current state. There is a 3 second delay before the lasers turn on, and the user is warned by the LED rapidly blinking.

In the Box
The MCLS includes a universal power supply allowing operation over 100 - 240 VAC without the need for selecting the line voltage. The fuse access is conveniently located on the rear panel. This unit is supplied with a U.S. line cord as well as a standard European line cord, the pre-configured MCLS1 with all selected lasers installed, and the manual.

Below is a list of available lasers listed by wavelength and showing the corresponding minimum output power and pigtail fiber type. To discuss potential custom configurations not available below, please contact Technical Support. Please use the configurator below to select the pigtails and locations you would like. Note: If you leave a channel blank, the unit will be shipped without a laser in that channel. Thorlabs will fill the empty slot at a later date if you desire. Please contact Tech Support prior to sending your unit back to us.

Laser Safety and Classification

Safe practices and proper usage of safety equipment should be taken into consideration when operating lasers. The eye is susceptible to injury, even from very low levels of laser light. Thorlabs offers a range of laser safety accessories that can be used to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries. Laser emission in the visible and near infrared spectral ranges has the greatest potential for retinal injury, as the cornea and lens are transparent to those wavelengths, and the lens can focus the laser energy onto the retina. 

Safe Practices and Light Safety Accessories

• Thorlabs recommends the use of safety eyewear whenever working with laser beams with non-negligible powers (i.e., > Class 1) since metallic tools such as screwdrivers can accidentally redirect a beam.
• Laser goggles designed for specific wavelengths should be clearly available near laser setups to protect the wearer from unintentional laser reflections.
• Goggles are marked with the wavelength range over which protection is afforded and the minimum optical density within that range
• Laser Barriers and Blackout Materials can prevent direct or reflected light from leaving the experimental setup area.
• Thorlabs' Enclosure Systems can be used to contain optical setups to isolate or minimize laser hazards.
• All beams should be terminated at the edge of the table, and laboratory doors should be closed whenever a laser is in use.
• Do not place laser beams at eye level.
• Carry out experiments on an optical table such that all laser beams travel horizontally.
• Remove unnecessary reflective items such as reflective jewelry (e.g., rings, watches, etc.) while working near the beam path.
• Be aware that lenses and other optical devices may reflect a portion of the incident beam from the front or rear surface.
• Operate a laser at the minimum power necessary for any operation.
• If possible, reduce the output power of a laser during alignment procedures.
• Use beam shutters and filters to reduce the beam power.
• Post appropriate warning signs or labels near laser setups or rooms.
• Use laser sign lightboxes if operating Class 3R or 4 lasers (i.e., lasers requiring the use of a safety interlock).
• Do not use Laser Viewing Cards in place of a proper Laser Barrier or Beam Trap.

Laser Classification

Lasers are categorized into different classes according to their ability to cause eye and other damage. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a global organization that prepares and publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic, and related technologies. The IEC document 60825-1 outlines the safety of laser products. A description of each class of laser is given below:

Class	Description	Warning Label
1	This class of laser is safe under all conditions of normal use, including use with optical instruments for intrabeam viewing. Lasers in this class do not emit radiation at levels that may cause injury during normal operation, and therefore the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) cannot be exceeded. Class 1 lasers can also include enclosed, high-power lasers where exposure to the radiation is not possible without opening or shutting down the laser.
1M	Class 1M lasers are safe except when used in conjunction with optical components such as telescopes and microscopes. Lasers belonging to this class emit large-diameter or divergent beams, and the MPE cannot normally be exceeded unless focusing or imaging optics are used to narrow the beam. However, if the beam is refocused, the hazard may be increased and the class may be changed accordingly.
2	Class 2 lasers, which are limited to 1 mW of visible continuous-wave radiation, are safe because the blink reflex will limit the exposure in the eye to 0.25 seconds. This category only applies to visible radiation (400 - 700 nm).
2M	Because of the blink reflex, this class of laser is classified as safe as long as the beam is not viewed through optical instruments. This laser class also applies to larger-diameter or diverging laser beams.
3R	Lasers in this class are considered safe as long as they are handled with restricted beam viewing. The MPE can be exceeded with this class of laser, however, this presents a low risk level to injury. Visible, continuous-wave lasers are limited to 5 mW of output power in this class.
3B	Class 3B lasers are hazardous to the eye if exposed directly. However, diffuse reflections are not harmful. Safe handling of devices in this class includes wearing protective eyewear where direct viewing of the laser beam may occur. In addition, laser safety signs lightboxes should be used with lasers that require a safety interlock so that the laser cannot be used without the safety light turning on. Class-3B lasers must be equipped with a key switch and a safety interlock.
4	This class of laser may cause damage to the skin, and also to the eye, even from the viewing of diffuse reflections. These hazards may also apply to indirect or non-specular reflections of the beam, even from apparently matte surfaces. Great care must be taken when handling these lasers. They also represent a fire risk, because they may ignite combustible material. Class 4 lasers must be equipped with a key switch and a safety interlock.
All class 2 lasers (and higher) must display, in addition to the corresponding sign above, this triangular warning sign