Mid-IR Laser Sources: 2.7 µm


  • Single Mode, Fiber-Coupled CW Mid-IR Fiber Laser
  • Maximum Output Powers Up to 30 mW
  • Superior Alternative to Antimonide-Based Laser Diodes

LFL2700

Shown above is the output beam of an LFL2700 mid-IR laser source, collimated using an RC02APC-P01 reflective collimator. The output is delivered to the colimator using a P3-23Z-FC-1 mid-IR single mode patch cable.

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Single Channel Benchtop Laser Sources Selection Guide
Spectrum Wavelength TEC Laser Type Cavity Type Output Fiber Type
Visible 405 - 675 nm No Semiconductor Fabry Perot SM, MM, or PM
405 - 685 nm Yes Semiconductor Fabry Perot SM
NIR 785 - 1550 nm No Semiconductor Fabry Perot SM or PM
705 - 2000 nm Yes Semiconductor Fabry Perot SM
1310 - 1550 nm Yes Semiconductor DFB SM
1900 - 2000 nm N/A Fiber Laser Fabry Perot SM
Mid-IR 2.7 µm N/A Fiber Laser Fabry Perot SM
Other Fiber-Coupled Laser Sources

Features

  • Turnkey CW Laser Emission Centered Near 2.7 µm
  • Adjustable Output Powers
  • Single Mode Fiber Output
  • Telecom-Reliable Pump Diode
  • Modulation Capabilities via External Input Voltage
  • Intuitive Turnkey Operation Through Panel Interface or Remote USB Command
  • FC/APC-Compatible Bulkhead

Thorlabs' LFL2700 turnkey fiber-coupled fiber laser sources are reliable and easy to operate, featuring high brightness and an emission wavelength centered near 2.7 µm. Incorporating an erbium-doped ZrF4 fiber laser, these mid-IR laser sources are ideal for test and measurement applications. Models are available with maximum output powers of >5 mW (LFL2700-5), >10 mW (LFL2700-10), or >30 mW (LFL2700). Compared to antimonide-based laser diodes at this wavelength, these mid-IR laser sources are more powerful and offer superior mode and beam quality.

The modulation capability of the LFL2700 lasers enables the use of lock-in detection techniques to reduce measurement noise and to improve detection sensitivity. This capability, combined with a single-mode, high-brightness beam, makes the laser ideal for high-dynamic range measurements, such as polarization extinction ratio or power isolation measurements.

The laser output of our LFL2700-10 and LFL2700 mid-IR laser sources can be modulated at frequencies up to 40 kHz using an external modulation input; see the Modulation tab for more details and examples of possible modulated laser outputs. Please note that the LFL2700-5 mid-IR laser source does not support modulation. Thorlabs' mid-IR FC/APC-compatible patch cables using zirconium fluoride fiber (for example, Item # P3-23Z-FC-1) are ideal for connecting the output of these laser sources to other fiber-coupled devices or free-space optics. Please note that the up-conversion process in the Er-doped fiber will also produce green fluorescence. A small amount of this fluorescence is guided in the fiber to the output port of the laser. The power level of the green fluorescence exiting the output port is approximately 10 µW (typical). In applications where the green light is undesirable, it can be filtered out using a MIR filter or by using an AR coated MIR window with no transmission in the visible range, such as Germanium or Silicon windows.

An intuitive LCD interface allows the user to view and set the parameters for the fiber laser. The user can adjust the drive current of the pump laser to control the fiber laser output power; each laser is shipped with test data that shows output power scaling as a function of the pump drive current. A USB interface allows control of the laser source through a command line interface. Please see the Software tab for Windows drivers. Each laser source also includes a universal power supply, operating at 100 to 240 VAC without the need for selecting the voltage.

Key Specificationsa
Item # LFL2700-5 LFL2700-10 LFL2700
Center Wavelength Min 2711 nm
Typ. 2713 nm
Max 2715 nm
Max Spectral Width (RMS) 1.5 nm
Min Output Power at Max Currentb 5 mW 10 mW 30 mW
Polarization Random
External Modulation Frequency (Sine Wave)c N/A DC to 40 kHz
Output Fiber Core Diameter 9 µm
Output Fiber NA 0.19
Output Fiber Connector FC/APC Compatible, 2.0 mm Narrow Key
  • Complete specifications may be found on the Specs tab.
  • Output power measured at fiber bulkhead.
  • Modulation is only supported by the LFL2700-10 and LFL2700 sources. Full modulation depth is achievable up to a modulation frequency of 2 kHz. Other waveforms are possible if the frequency components do not exceed 40 kHz.

Mid-IR Laser Source Block Diagram
Item # LFL2700-5 LFL2700-10 LFL2700
Center Wavelength Min 2711 nm
Typ. 2713 nm
Max 2715 nm
Max Spectral Width (RMS) 1.5 nm
Min Output Power at Maximum Drive Currenta 5 mW 10 mW 30 mW
Polarization Random
Power Stability (Ambient Temperature ±2 °C) <±2% Over 24 Hours (After 15 min Warm Up)
External Modulation Inputb N/A 1.2 V to 5 V (High Z)
External Modulation Frequency (Sine Wave)b N/A DC to 40 kHz
Output Fiber Core Diameter 9 µm
Output Fiber NA 0.19
Output Fiber Connector FC/APC Compatible, 2.0 mm Narrow Key
  • Output power measured at fiber bulkhead.
  • Modulation is only supported by the LFL2700-10 and LFL2700 sources. Full modulation depth is achievable up to a modulation frequency of 2 kHz. Other waveforms are possible if the frequency components do not exceed 40 kHz.
General Specifications
AC Input 100 - 240 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz
Input Power 20 VA (Max)
Fuse Ratings 500 mA
Fuse Type IEC60127-2/III (250 VA, Slow Blow Type "T")
Fuse Size 5 mm x 20 mm
Dimensions (W x H x D) 5.76" x 11.43" x 2.59"
(146.3 mm x 290.3 mm x 65.8 mm)
Weight 1.96 kg (4.32 lbs)
4.13 kg (9.1 lbs) Shipping Weight
Operating Temperature 15 to 35 °C
Storage Temperature 0 to 50 °C
Connections and Controls
Interface Control Optical Encoder with Pushbutton
Enable Select Keypad Switch Enable with LED Indicator
Power On Key Switch
Display LCD, 16x2, Alphanumeric Characters
Input Power Connection IEC Connector
Modulation Input Connectora BNC (Referenced to Chassis)
Interlock 2.5 mm Mono Phono Jack
Communications
Communications Port USB 2.0 Compatible
Com Connection USB Type B Connector
Required Cable 2 m USB Type A to Type B Cable
(Replacement Item # USB-A-79)
  • Modulation input is only present on the LFL2700-10 and LFL2700 sources.

Click to Enlarge
Due to the Fabry-Perot nature of the cavity and mode competition, multiple modes within the gain bandwidth fade in and out. The total long-term spectral width of the emission band is <1.5 nm (RMS). This sample measurement was made by calculating an average of twenty traces, then applying a 6-point moving average to the twenty-trace average. The data was obtained using Thorlabs' Optical Spectrum Analyzer with a resolution of 180 pm. The 5 mW LFL2700-5 and 10 mW LFL2700-10 mid-IR fiber laser sources produce similar spectra to the 30 mW LFL2700 mid-IR fiber laser source. The spectrum curve of each source is measured and provided on an individualized item data sheet that ships with each item.

Click to Enlarge
These L-I curves provide an example of how the output power varies with the pump current, which is adjustable via the knob on the front panel of each source. Note that the LFL2700-5 mid-IR fiber laser source has a maximum pump laser drive current of 500 mA. The L-I curve for each source is measured and provided on an individualized item data sheet that ships with each item.

The plots below show the laser output intensity with an external modulation waveform applied to an LFL2700 mid-IR fiber laser source. Note that only the LFL2700-10 and LFL2700 mid-IR fiber laser sources support modulation. It is necessary to carefully tune the input waveform parameters until the desired modulated laser output is achieved. For example, the amplitude and DC offset can be adjusted until the maximum modulation depth is obtained. The output can be modulated using waveforms with frequency components up to 40 kHz; however, the full modulation depth is only achievable up to 2 kHz. The modulation is ideal for sensitive detection using a lock-in amplifier.

Modulation In
(LFL2700-10 and LFL2700 Only)

BNC Female

BNC Female

1.2 to 5 V Max (Hi-Z)

Remote Interlock Input

2.5 mm Mono Phono Jack

 

2.5 mm Phono Jack

Terminals must be shorted either by included plug or user device, i.e. external switch, for laser mode "ON" to be enabled.

USB

USB Type B

USB Type B

Computer Interface

LFL Drivers

Version 2.12.18

Includes drivers required to control our LFL laser sources in a Windows™ environment.

Software Download

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Mid-IR Laser Sources

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