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HeNe Lasers: Red![]()
HNL020LB 2 mW, Linearly Polarized HNLS008R 0.8 mW, Randomly Polarized Application Idea HNL150RB Mounted in C1512 Clamps on Ø1.5" Posts Related Items ![]() Please Wait
Applications
Features
Thorlabs offers an extensive selection of CE compliant 632.8 nm (red) Helium-Neon (HeNe) Lasers with powers from 0.8 mW to 22.5 mW from stock. In addition to the applications listed to the right, HeNe lasers are widely used in education and as alignment tools due to their excellent beam quality and gas discharge laser characteristics. Depending upon the model, the output beam is either linearly polarized or randomly polarized (unpolarized). The polarization state of a randomly polarized HeNe changes on nanosecond timescales; when averaged over time, the light emitted from these lasers appears randomly polarized. However, any polarization optics in the path (intentional or unintentional) can cause large variations in the output power. Only polarized lasers should be used in applications that involve polarization optics. Due to the significant ASE background, a bandpass filter should be used for precision measurements. Specifications common to all of the lasers featured on this page are listed in the table to the right, and model-dependent information is given in the tables below. All but the self-contained packages feature remote interlock connections and integrated shutters. Please see the Interlock Disassembly tab for integrating the remote interlock connector into an interlock or lab safety system. For specialized applications, Thorlabs offers a Stabilized Red HeNe Laser, which is capable of either ±2 MHz stabilization in frequency stabilization mode, or ±0.2% power stabilization in intensity stabilization mode. 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:
FiberPort and Thread AdaptersFiberPort and Thread Adapters for Self-Contained HeNe LasersThe SM1A32 Thread Adapter allows externally SM05-threaded or internally SM1-threaded optomechanics to be attached to the output aperture of the The HCL2 Adapter, which features external 5/8"-32 threading, allows a FiberPort coupler to be attached directly to the threaded aperture of our self-contained HeNe lasers or any other 5/8"-32 tapped hole. A slip-plate design allows the position of the fiberport to be shifted and locked to maximize coupling efficiency. FiberPort mounting screws are included. FiberPort and Thread Adapters for Standard Cylindrical HeNe LasersaThe SM05AHN Thread Adapter allows SM05-threaded components to be attached directly to the front of a HeNe laser and is ideal for enclosing a HeNe beam path using SM05 Lens Tubes. The HCL FiberPort Adapter allows a FiberPort coupler to be attached directly to the front of a HeNe laser. Both adapters can be attached to the laser via counterbored slots that fit industry-standard M3 and 4-40 four-bolt patterns. The HCL can also be mounted via the internal C-Mount-Threaded (1.00"-32) central bore. Mounting AdaptersDrop-In Post Clamp![]() Click to Enlarge The C174TC is designed specifically for mounting Ø1.74" (44.2 mm) cylindrical lasers to Thorlabs optical posts with 8-32 (M4) taps. A captive screw with a 3/32" (2.5 mm) hex secures the laser in place.
V-Clamp Post Mount![]() Click to Enlarge The C1512(/M) and C1513(/M) are designed specifically for fastening Ø0.56" (14 mm) to Ø2" (50 mm) cylindrical lasers to Thorlabs' rigid Ø1.5" Posts. One PM4(/M) Clamping Arm is included with each unit and additional clamping arms can be purchased as needed here. Post and Cage Mount![]() Click to Enlarge The HCM2 Cage Mount enables integration of a cylindrical HeNe laser with a diameter between 1.74" and 1.77" (44.2 mm and 45.0 mm) into a 60 mm cage system or SM2 (2.035"-40) lens tube system. The HCM2 provides ±1.0 mm of coarse X and Y adjustment, and is compatible with Ø1/2" and Ø1" posts.
![]() Click to Enlarge Remote Interlock Connector for 100 - 240 VAC Power Supplies Interlock DisassemblyEach of Thorlabs' HeNe laser sources includes an external power supply with a remote interlock connector. The interlock connector can be disassembled for integration into an interlock system. The interlock is at AC line potential, so proper care must be taken to use the correct connectors and hardware. Be sure to confirm compatibility between the AC line and the interlock system. The 100 - 240 VAC external power supply that comes with our cylindrical HeNe lasers uses a simplified interlock connector that includes a black, plastic cover that can be unscrewed. Once unscrewed, the shorting conductor on the connector is removed prior to integration into the interlock system (see image to the right). Insights into HeNe LasersScroll down to read about:
Click here for more insights into lab practices and equipment.
HeNe Lasers: Handling and Mounting Guidelines![]() Click to Enlarge Figure 1: The external housing of HeNe lasers is mechanically coupled to the components of the lasing cavity. Stress applied to the external housing can misalign and potentially fracture lasing cavity components, which can negatively impact the quality and power of the output laser beam (red arrow) or lead to laser failure
HeNe lasers should be handled and mounted with care to protect them from damage. Never apply a bending force to the laser housing. Stress applied to the laser's external housing can misalign or damage components in the laser cavity. This can:
Factory packaging protects the HeNe lasers from shocks and vibrations during shipping, but end users directly handle the bare laser housing. Due to this, HeNe lasers are in greater danger of experiencing dangerous stress during handling by the end user. A result is that the primary cause of damage to HeNe lasers is rough handling after receipt of the laser. In extreme cases, shock and vibrations can shatter or fracture glass components internal to the laser. To maintain the optimum performance of your HeNe laser, do not drop it, never use force when inserting it into fixture, and use care when installing it into mounts, securing it using cage components or ring accessories that grip the housing, transporting it, and storing it. HeNe lasers will provide optimum performance over a long lifetime when they are handled gently. Date of Last Edit: Dec. 4, 2019
![]() ![]() Note that the output polarization applies only to lasers linearly polarized. ![]() Click to Enlarge Self-Contained HeNe Lasers can be fiber-coupled using a FiberPort Coupler and HCL2 FiberPort Adapter. Mounting Options
Thorlabs' Self-Contained Helium-Neon Lasers integrate a red (632.8 nm) HeNe laser tube with a built-in voltage transformer. The rectangular housing incorporates a hard-sealed internal mirror and plasma tube design that maximizes the lifetime of the laser. The power cord and on/off rocker switch are located on the back of the housing. Please note that these self-contained lasers do not feature a remote interlock connector or an integrated shutter. The HNLS008L lasers feature a linearly polarized output beam, which is vertically polarized with respect to the rectangular housing, while the HNLS008R features a randomly polarized output beam. These lasers are an ideal choice for applications that require low-power or ease of use, such as alignment or the classroom. The lasers have an external 120 V, 230 V (-EC), or 100 V (-JP) wall adapter that plugs into the back of the module. If you require a different adapter plug, please contact Tech Support before ordering. Mounting Options In addition, as shown to the left, the bottom of the laser contains a groove that accepts our XE25T3 (XE25T3/M) Low-Profile T-Nuts, providing an easy way to use standard optomechanical bases to mount the laser to a breadboard or optical table.
![]() ![]() Note that the output polarization applies only to lasers linearly polarized.
Thorlabs' cylindrical, 2.0 mW, red (632.8 nm) Helium-Neon lasers feature a tube design that makes them easy to mount in nearly any optical system. These lasers are offered with either linear (500:1 polarization ratio) or random polarization. The linearly polarized beam is polarized vertically with respect to the cable at the rear of the laser's housing. A built-in interlock circuit is included that can be integrated with lab safety systems (see Interlock Disassembly tab for details). An external power supply and a location-specific power cord are included.
![]() ![]() Note that the output polarization applies only to lasers linearly polarized.
Thorlabs' cylindrical, 5.0 mW, red (632.8 nm) Helium-Neon lasers feature a tube design that makes them easy to mount in nearly any optical system. These lasers are offered with either linear (500:1 polarization ratio) or random polarization. The linearly polarized beam is polarized vertically with respect to the cable at the rear of the laser's housing. A built-in interlock circuit is included that can be integrated with lab safety systems (see Interlock Disassembly tab for details). An external power supply and a location-specific power cord are included.
![]() ![]() Note that the output polarization applies only to lasers linearly polarized.
Thorlabs' cylindrical, 10.0 mW, red (632.8 nm) Helium-Neon lasers feature a tube design that makes them easy to mount in nearly any optical system. These lasers are offered with either linear (500:1 polarization ratio) or random polarization. The linearly polarized beam is polarized vertically with respect to the cable at the rear of the laser's housing. A built-in interlock circuit is included that can be integrated with lab safety systems (see Interlock Disassembly tab for details). An external power supply and a location-specific power cord are included.
![]() ![]() Note that the output polarization applies only to lasers linearly polarized.
Thorlabs' cylindrical, 15.0 mW, red (632.8 nm) Helium-Neon lasers feature a tube design that makes them easy to mount in nearly any optical system. These lasers are offered with either linear (500:1 polarization ratio) or random polarization. The linearly polarized beam is polarized vertically with respect to the cable at the rear of the laser's housing. A built-in interlock circuit is included that can be integrated with lab safety systems (see Interlock Disassembly tab for details). An external power supply and a location-specific power cord are included.
![]() ![]() Note that the output polarization applies only to lasers linearly polarized.
Thorlabs' cylindrical red (632.8 nm) Helium-Neon lasers feature a tube design that makes them easy to mount in nearly any optical system. The HNL210LB outputs a 21.0 mW, linearly polarized beam that is polarized vertically with respect to the cable at the rear of the laser's housing. The HNL225R model offers a 22.5 mW, randomly polarized output. A built-in interlock circuit can be integrated with lab safety systems (see Interlock Disassembly tab for details). An external power supply and a location-specific power cord are included.
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