Webpage Features
	Clicking this icon below will open a window that contains specifications and mechanical drawings.
	Clicking this docs icon next to the item number (e.g., LP808-SF30) will allow you to download our standard support documentation. In addition, after clicking "Choose Item" below, clicking the docs icon next to the serial number (e.g., 120810-51) will allow you to view unit-specific L-I-V and spectral measurements.

Features

• Fabry-Perot (FP), Distributed Feedback (DFB), and Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting (VCSEL) Laser Diodes
• Output Powers up to 3 W
• Center Wavelengths Available from 805 nm to 2000 nm
• Various Packages Available: TO, TO Pigtails, Butterfly, VCSEL, C-Mount, and Chip on Submount
• Easily Choose a Compatible Mount Using Our LD Pin Codes
• Compatible with Thorlabs' Laser Diode and TEC Controllers
• For Convenience, Thorlabs Retains the LD Manufacturer's Item Numbers

This web page contains Thorlabs' laser diodes with center wavelengths from 805 nm to 2000 nm. Diodes are arranged by wavelength and then power. The tables below list basic specifications to help you narrow down your search quickly. Lasers that are highlighted in light green in these tables below are single-frequency laser diodes. The blue button in the Info column within the tables opens a pop-up window that contains more detailed specifications for each item, as well as mechanical drawings.

Notes on Center Wavelength
While the center wavelength is listed for each laser diode, this is only a typical number. The center wavelength of a particular unit varies from production run to production run, so the diode you receive may not operate at the typical center wavelength. Diodes can be temperature tuned, which will alter the lasing wavelength. A number of items below are listed as Wavelength Tested, which means that the dominant wavelength of each unit has been measured and recorded. After clicking "Choose Item" below, a list will appear that contains the dominant wavelength, output power, and operating current of each in-stock unit. Clicking on the red Docs Icon next to the serial number provides access to a PDF with serial-number-specific L-I-V and spectral characteristics.

Packages and Mounts
We offer laser diodes in various packages including standard Ø5.6 mm and Ø9 mm TO packages, as well as Fiber-Pigtailed TO-Packaged Diodes, Chip on Submounts, and C-Mounts. We have categorized the pin configuration of TO-packaged diodes in to standard A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H pin codes (see image below). This pin code allows the user to easily determine compatible mounts. TO-packed diodes are the most widely supported diodes by our product line, followed by butterfly-packaged lasers. Chip on Submount and C-Mount lasers are better suited for OEM applications.

Spatial Mode and Linewidth
Most lasers offered here are single-transverse mode ("single mode") and a few are designed for higher-power multi-transverse mode ("multimode") operation. We offer laser diodes with different output characteristics (power, wavelength, beam size, shape, etc.). Some single mode laser diodes can be operated with limited single-longitudinal mode characteristics. For better side-mode-suppression ratio (SMSR) performance, other device such DFB lasers or external cavity lasers should be considered. Thorlabs also offers very narrow linewidth (<100 kHz), single-frequency lasers (SFL Series, highlighted in the charts below). Alternatively, broad-area lasers (BAL Series), which have a spectral bandwidth of 1.5 to 3 nm and offer high output powers >2 W, are also available. Please see our Laser Diode Tutorial for more information on these topics and laser diodes in general.

Laser diodes are sensitive to electrostatic shock. Please take the proper precautions when handling the device; see electrostatic shock accessories. Lasers diodes are also sensitive to optical feedback, which can cause significant fluctuations in the output power of the laser diode depending on the application. Members of our technical support staff are available to help you select a laser diode and to discuss possible operation issues.

Ø5.6 mm and Ø9 mm Pin Configurations

Choosing a Collimation Lens for Your Laser Diode

Since the output of a laser diode is highly divergent, collimating optics are necessary. Since aspheric lenses do not introduce spherical aberration, they are commonly chosen when the collimated laser beam is to be between one and five millimeters. A simple example will illustrate the key specifications to consider when choosing the correct lens for a given application.

Example:
Laser Diode to be Used: L780P010
Desired Collimated Beam Diameter: Ø3 mm (Major Axis)

The specifications for the L780P010 laser diode indicate that the typical parallel and perpendicular beam divergences are 10^o and 30^o, respectively. Therefore, as the light diverges, an elliptical beam will result. To collect as much light as possible during the collimation process, consider the larger of these two divergence angles in any calculations (i.e., in this case use 30^o). If you wish to convert your elliptical beam in to a round one, we suggest using an Anamorphic Prism Pair, which magnifies one axis of your beam.

From the information above, the focal length of the lens can be determined:

With this information known, it is now time to choose the appropriate collimating lens. Thorlabs offers a large selection of aspheric lenses to choose from. For this application the ideal lens is an -B AR coated molded glass aspheric lens with focal length near 5.6 mm. The C170TME-B (mounted) or 352170-B (unmounted) aspheric lenses have a focal length of 6.16 mm, which will result in a collimated beam diameter (major axis) of 3.3 mm. Next, check to see if the numerical aperture (NA) of the diode is smaller than the NA of the lenses so that the light emitted from the laser diode is not clipped by the lens:

0.30 = NA_Lens > NA_Diode ~ sin(15) = 0.26

Laser Diode and Laser Diode Pigtail Warranty

When operated within their specifications, laser diodes have extremely long lifetimes. Most failures occur from mishandling or operating the lasers beyond their maximum ratings. Laser Diodes are among the most static-sensitive devices currently made. Proper ESD Protection should be worn whenever handling a laser diode. Due to their extreme electrostatic sensitivity, laser diodes cannot be returned after their sealed package has been open. Laser diodes in their original sealed package can be returned for a full refund or credit.

Handling and Storage Precautions

Due to their extreme susceptibility to damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD), care should be taken whenever handling and operating laser diodes:

• Wrist Straps: Use grounded anti-static wrist straps whenever handling diodes.
• Anti-Static Mats: Always work on grounded anti-static mats.
• Laser Diode Storage: When not in use, short the leads of the laser together to protect against ESD damage.

Operating and Saftey Precautions

Use an Appropriate Driver:
Laser diodes require precise control of operating current and voltage to avoid overdriving the laser diode. In addition, the laser driver should provide protection against power supply transients. Select a laser driver appropriate for your application. Do not use a voltage supply with a current limiting resistor since it does not provide sufficient regulation to protect the laser.

Power Meters:
When setting up and calibrating a laser diode with its driver, use a NIST-traceable power meter to precisely measure the laser output. It is usually safest to measure the laser output directly before placing the laser in an optical system. If this is not possible, be sure to take all optical losses (transmissive, aperture stopping, etc.) into consideration when determining the total output of the laser.

Reflections:
Flat surfaces in the optical system in front of a laser diode can cause some of the laser energy to reflect back onto the laser’s monitor photodiode giving an erroneously high photodiode current. If optical components are moved within the system and energy is no longer reflected onto the monitor photodiode, a constant power feedback loop will sense the drop in photodiode current and try to compensate by increasing the laser drive current and possibly overdriving the laser. Back reflections can also cause other malfunctions or damage to laser diodes. To avoid this, be sure that all surfaces are angled 5-10°, and when necessary, use optical isolators to attenuate direct feedback into the laser.

Heat Sinks:
Laser diode lifetime is inversely proportional to operating temperature. Always mount the laser in a suitable heat sink to remove excess heat from the laser package.

Voltage and Current Overdrive:
Be careful not to exceed the maximum voltage and drive current listed on the specification sheet with each laser diode, even momentarily. Also, reverse voltages as little as 3 V can damage a laser diode.

ESD Sensitive Device:
Currently operating lasers are susceptible to ESD damage. This is particularly aggravated by using long interface cables between the laser diode and its driver due to the inductance that the cable presents. Avoid exposing the laser or its mounting apparatus to ESDs at all times.

ON/OFF and Power Supply Coupled Transients:
Due to their fast response times, laser diodes can be easily damaged by transients less than 1 µs. High current devices such as soldering irons, vacuum pumps, and fluorescent lamps can cause large momentary transients. Thus, always use surge-protected outlets.

If you have any questions regarding laser diodes, please call your local Thorlabs Technical Support office for assistance.

Life Support and Military Use Application Policy

Thorlabs' products are not authorized for use as critical components in life support devices or systems or in any military applications without the express written approval of the president of Thorlabs:

1. Life support devices or systems are devices or systems intended for either surgical implantation into the body or to sustain life and whose failure to perform, when properly used in accordance with instructions for use provided in the labeling, can be reasonably expected to result in a significant injury to the user.
2. A critical component is any component in a life support device or system whose failure to perform can be reasonably expected to cause the failure of the life support device or system or to affect its safety or effectiveness.
3. Thorlabs' laser diodes are not intended nor warranted for usage in Military Applications.

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