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Turnkey MIR Laser Systems![]()
MLQF4550 4.55 µm CWL, 250 mW Related Items ![]() Please Wait ![]() Click to Enlarge Touchscreen Controller Interface Each turnkey MIR laser system includes a touchscreen controller that provides easy access to all laser parameters. More details are given in the Controller Interface tab.
![]() Click to Enlarge Fabry-Perot and Distributed Feedback Laser Comparison Fabry-Perot (FP) Lasers have broadband emission, while Distributed Feedback (DFB) Lasers emit at a well defined wavelength. Turnkey Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCL)
Thorlabs' Turnkey MIR Lasers are ready-to-use, ultra-low-maintenance laser systems that provide collimated CW output in the MIR. Each laser system consists of a single-spatial-mode quantum cascade laser head that is operated by a touchscreen current / temperature controller with a 4.3" LCD. Using the same automated test stations that qualify our packaged MIR laser chips, we measure the wavelength and L-I-V characteristics of each laser head at the factory, then store the test results on an EEPROM inside the laser head enclosure. This EEPROM allows the controller to automatically adjust itself for calibrated plug-and-play operation. In general, Fabry-Perot lasers offer higher power and broadband emission, while DFB lasers provide single-wavelength emission that can be tuned over a 1 to 5 cm-1 range, depending upon the chip (see the Specs tab). Fabry-Perot lasers available from stock emit at either a 4.00 µm or 4.55 µm CWL with a minimum output power of 250 mW. Stocked DFB lasers feature a CWL within the 4 - 5 µm range, and this emission wavelength is temperature- and current-tunable over a narrow range that varies for each device. Item-specific information such as the factory-measured spectrum, output power, and beam profile of each stocked item is available by clicking "Choose Item" below. Additionally, custom Fabry-Perot and DFB lasers at CWLs from 3 to 12 µm (refer to the graph below) are available by contacting Tech Support. ![]() Click to Enlarge Wavelengths Available as Custom Orders Custom turnkey MIR lasers are available with typical lead times of 12 to 14 weeks. In the past, we have manufactured lasers at all of the wavelengths shown above. Please contact us with inquiries. Touchscreen Controller Air-Cooled Laser Head Three SWB/M Mounting Feet provide a nominal beam height of 67.0 mm. These individually adjustable feet allow for coarse beam height adjustment over a ±10.0 mm range and contain swivel joints, allowing the beam pointing to be adjusted while keeping the laser level with the optical table. When the mounting feet are locked down by a clamping fork, the angle of each foot becomes fixed. Three CF175 Clamping Forks are included with the laser head. When installing the laser system, note that air vents are located on the top, sides, and bottom of the laser head, so it is necessary to leave adequate room near the vents for air circulation. The laser head should not be operated while the mounting feet are removed. Fabry-Perot Laser Heads![]() Click to Enlarge This sample spectrum is measured at 25 °C. Each device has a unique spectrum. To get the spectrum of a specific, serial-numbered device, click "Choose Item" below, then click on the Docs Icon next to the serial number. If you need spectral characteristics different than those shown, please contact Tech Support to inquire about a custom laser. ![]() Click to Enlarge This sample spectrum is measured at 25 °C. Each device has a unique spectrum. To get the spectrum of a specific, serial-numbered device, click "Choose Item" below, then click on the Docs Icon next to the serial number. If you need spectral characteristics different than those shown, please contact Tech Support to inquire about a custom laser.
![]() Click to Enlarge Individually-normalized sample spectrum showing tuning under varying current and internal temperature conditions. Each device has a unique spectrum. To get the spectrum of a specific, serial-numbered device, click "Choose Item" below, then click on the Docs Icon next to the serial number. If you need spectral characteristics different than those shown, please contact Tech Support to inquire about a custom laser. ![]() Click to Enlarge Plot of output power with wavenumber tuning using Wavelength or Wavenumber Interpolation Mode Distributed-Feedback (DFB) Laser Head
MLSC Laser Controller
Controller InterfaceThe touchscreen controller uses an intuitive two-level menu hierarchy. The Home screen displays the laser's setpoints and actual values, while the Menu screen gives access to all settings screens. Large characters are used for the laser's operating parameters, making them easy to read at a distance. In order to change a parameter, simply tap it with your finger or a stylus to enable the editor. The Home and Menu screens are never more than one tap away, unless the user is currently editing a parameter. A persistent status bar at the bottom of the screen provides laser and TEC toggles, along with status indicators for the keylock, interlock circuit, laser over-temperature protection circuit, and current limits.
Selected Screens![]() Click to Enlarge Home Screen The Home screen displays the laser's setpoints and actual values, and gives access to four user-defined setpoints. When the controller is powered on, it recalls the last used settings. ![]() Click to Enlarge Menu Screen Tapping the Menu button at the bottom right brings up the Menu screen, which gives access to all settings screens. ![]() Click to Enlarge Modulation Screen For sine waveforms, the maximum frequency range for internal modulation is 10 Hz to 100 kHz, while for triangle and square waveforms, it is 10 Hz to 10 kHz. External modulation from DC to 100 kHz is supported by the SMA connector on the controller. ![]() Click to Enlarge Laser Setup Screen Displays the factory-measured center wavelength, optical output power, maximum forward voltage, and maximum drive current. Changing "FP Laser Interpolation Type" from NONE to POWER allows the user to request a specific output power in mW. For DFB laser heads, users can also set the output spectrum as a wavelength or wavenumber. ![]() Click to Enlarge TEC Driver Setup Screen Provides settings for the TEC current limit, lower temperature limit, and upper temperature limit. ![]() Click to Enlarge System Settings Screen Used to configure the display brightness from 20% to 100% and to toggle the wavelength display between nm and cm-1. Pin Diagrams![]() Click to Enlarge The back of the laser head has a female HD DB26 connector that connects to the laser controller. Modulation InSMA Female![]()
The sensitivity level of the modulation coefficient and the status of the noise reduction filter are configured in the Laser Setup Screen (see the Controller Interface tab). Activating the noise reduction filter reduces the drive current noise by approximately 2X. Tune InSMA Female![]()
The Tune In input is used to fine tune a DFB laser to a spectral absorption line and lock the wavelength using error signal feedback. Sync OutSMA Female![]()
The TTL output signal switches from low to high when the internal modulation signal increases past zero. Computer ControlFemale USB Mini B![]() This interface allows a computer to change the controller's settings using an SCPI-compliant command set (see the Software tab) and is used to load firmware upgrades via a Windows® operating system. Interlock2.5 mm Mono Jack![]() This connector must be short-circuited to enable laser emission. A jumper pin is included with the laser system. Ground4 mm Banana Jack![]() If desired, the user may use this connector to ground the system. Power SupplyFemale 4-Pin Mini-DIN![]() This connector provides power for Laser Head to ControllerFemale HD DB26![]() One of these connectors is located on the laser head, and another is located on the laser controller. They are used to transmit signals and power. Drivers for Remote Control of Touchscreen ControllerThe download button below links to VXIpnp instrument drivers and support documentation for operating our turnkey MIR laser system with user-written software. The controller understands the SCPI-compliant command set described in the Programming Reference tab on the software download page. The C, C++, C#, LabVIEW®, LabWindows™/CVI, and Visual Studio programming environments are supported. ![]() Click to Enlarge Contents of MLQF4550 MIR Laser System Shown (North American Power Cord Shown) Shipping ListEach turnkey MIR laser system includes:
![]() Click to Enlarge Some of Our Available Packages ![]() Click for Details Wire Bonding a Quantum Cascade Laser on a C-Mount Custom & OEM Quantum Cascade and Interband Cascade LasersAt our semiconductor manufacturing facility in Jessup, Maryland, we build fully packaged mid-IR lasers and gain chips. Our engineering team performs in-house epitaxial growth, wafer fabrication, and laser packaging. We maintain chip inventory from 3 µm to 12 µm, and our vertically integrated facilities are well equipped to fulfill unique requests. High-Power Fabry-Perot QCLs DFB QCLs at Custom Wavelengths The graphs below and photos to the right illustrate some of our custom capabilities. Please visit our semiconductor manufacturing capabilities presentation to learn more. ![]() Click to Enlarge Available Wavelengths for Custom QCLs and ICLs ![]() Click to Enlarge Maximum Output Power of Custom Fabry-Perot QCLs ![]() Click to Enlarge Electroluminescence Spectra of Available Gain Chip Material Laser Safety and ClassificationSafe 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
Laser ClassificationLasers 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:
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MIR Fabry-Perot lasers that emit at either a center wavelength of 4.00 µm or 4.55 µm with a minimum optical output power of 250 mW are available from stock. They exhibit broadband emission in a range spanning roughly 50 cm-1. The laser's specified output power is the sum over the full spectral bandwidth. Because these lasers have broadband emission, they are well suited for medical imaging, illumination, and microscopy applications. The optical output is vertically polarized. Before shipment, the spectrum, output power, and beam profile are measured for each serial-numbered device by an automated test station. These measurements are available by clicking "Choose Item" below and are also included on a data sheet with the laser. Since the EEPROM in the laser head contains all the values required for calibrated operation, it is possible to purchase additional laser heads and operate them with the same controller. Thorlabs' semiconductor foundry regularly fabricates laser chips that are suitable for these turnkey systems. To inquire about wavelength and output power availability, please contact Tech Support. ![]()
Distributed-Feedback (DFB) Quantum Cascade Lasers emit at a well-defined center wavelength within 4 to 5 µm and provide single spatial mode operation. By tuning the input current and internal temperature, the output frequency can be tuned over a narrow range between 1 cm-1 and 5 cm-1. They are ideal for chemical sensing, optical communications, and other applications. Before shipment, the spectrum, output power, and beam profile are measured for each serial-numbered device by an automated test station. These measurements are available by clicking "Choose Item" below and are also included on a data sheet with the laser. Please note that the narrow tuning range for each serial-numbered DFB laser is specified on the support documentation; these lasers are not tunable over the entire 4 to 5 µm range. Each laser head is shipped with an onboard EEPROM that contains the factory-measured center wavelength, L-I-V characteristics, and wavelength / wavenumber tuning characteristics. Since the EEPROM in the laser head contains all the values required for calibrated operation, it is possible to purchase additional laser heads and operate them with the same controller. Thorlabs' semiconductor foundry regularly fabricates laser chips that are suitable for these turnkey systems. To inquire about wavelength and output power availability, please contact Tech Support. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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