14-Pin Butterfly Package Pigtailed with ≥1 m of SM or PM Fiber
2.0 mm Narrow Key FC/APC Connector
Integrated TEC and Thermistor
Superluminescent Diodes (SLDs) are excellent high-power, broadband light sources that are ideal for use in applications such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Imaging Systems and Fiber Optic Gyroscopes (FOG). The butterfly-packaged SLDs offered here up to 1100 nm are gallium arsenide (GaAs) substrate based and the rest are indium phosphide (InP) devices.
Each device is built into a 14-pin butterfly package with an integrated thermoelectric cooler (TEC) and thermistor to ensure output stability. The output is coupled into an SM or PM fiber terminated with a 2.0 mm narrow key FC/APC connector. Please note that optical feedback can diminish the output power or damage the SLD. We do not recommend using these SLDs with components that are prone to back reflections, such as FC/PC connectors. The SLD1325 1325 nm superluminescent diode incorporates an integrated isolator. If you are interested in an SLD at a different wavelength with an integrated isolator, please contact Tech Support with inquiries.
Each SLD is shipped with an individualized product data sheet, which includes information on the spectrum and operating parameters of the device. Test data for a specific SLD can be requested by contacting Tech Support.
The SLDs featured on this page have either a near-Gaussian or flat-top optical spectrum. The calculation for the center wavelength differs with these two spectral shapes. Please see the Specs tab for center wavelength calculations.
Thorlabs is able to provide low-ripple SLDs with custom wavelengths or higher power diodes. Please note that the engineering design and wafer manufacturing costs involved make the purchase of low quantities very costly. For a quote on custom SLDs, please contact Tech Support. A selection of the SLDs sold here are also available as benchtop sources. For more information, see the Selection Guide tab.
Due to the nature of producing superluminescent diodes with ultra wide bandwidths, some of the SLDs sold below have spectral shapes that are near gaussian, while others have a shape with a flattened top. This difference in spectral shape demands two different methods of defining center wavelength in order to provide an accurate description of the diode.
Near-Guassian Center Wavelength Definition The center wavelength for devices with a near-gaussian spectral shape is defined by an average weighted by the relative amplitude and may not correspond to peak power or the FWHM center wavelength due to the variability of the spectrum shape. For a given Optical Spectrum Analyzer (OSA) trace:
where
CW is the Specified Center Wavelength
Xi is the Wavelength of a Trace Data Point
Yi is the Amplitude of a Trace Data Point
Flat-Top Center Wavelength Definition The center wavelength for devices with a flat-top spectral shape is defined by the midpoint between the two wavelengths located at 3 dB below the maximum intensity point on the spectrum. For a given OSA trace:
where
CW is the Specified Center Wavelength
XR_3dB is the Right Wavelength Edge of the 3 dB Bandwidth
XL_3dB is the Left Wavelength Edge of the 3 dB Bandwidth
SLD Specifications
Note that these specifications are given as guidelines. The characterization sheet shipped with each SLD provides the minimum, maximum, and recommended operating parameters and specifications specific to that device. The ASE Power specification is the output from the fiber pigtail.
These Operating Specifications are a consistent set of values which will yield the specified performance. Please note that exceeding the Absolute Maximum Ratings in the table may cause device failure.
The center wavelength for an SLD with a near-Gaussian spectral shape is defined by an average weighted by relative amplitude and may not correspond to the peak power or FWHM center wavelength. See the definitions above for details.
At Operating Current
At the minimum ASE power, the minimum 3 dB bandwidth is guaranteed.
These Operating Specifications are a consistent set of values which will yield the specified performance. Please note that exceeding the Absolute Maximum Ratings in the table may cause device failure.
The center wavelength for an SLD with a near-Gaussian spectral shape is defined by an average weighted by relative amplitude and may not correspond to the peak power or FWHM center wavelength. See the definitions above for details.
At Operating Current
At the minimum ASE power, the minimum 3 dB bandwidth is guaranteed.
These Operating Specifications are a consistent set of values which will yield the specified performance. Please note that exceeding the Absolute Maximum Ratings in the table may cause device failure.
The center wavelength for an SLD with a flat-top spectral shape is defined as the midpoint of the 3 dB bandwidth; for an SLD with a near-gaussian spectral shape, the center wavelength is defined by an average weighted by relative amplitude and may not correspond to the peak power or FWHM center wavelength. See the definitions above for details.
At Operating Current
Corresponds to the output of the fiber pigtail.
For the SLD830S-A10W and SLD830S-A20W: At the minimum ASE power, the minimum 3 dB bandwidth is guaranteed.
These Operating Specifications are a consistent set of values which will yield the specified performance. Please note that exceeding the Absolute Maximum Ratings in the table may cause device failure.
Defined as the midpoint of the 3 dB bandwidth. See the definitions above for details.
At Operating Current
Corresponds to the output of the fiber pigtail.
At the minimum ASE power, the minimum 3 dB bandwidth is guaranteed.
These Operating Specifications are a consistent set of values which will yield the specified performance. Please note that exceeding the Absolute Maximum Ratings in the table may cause device failure.
Defined as the midpoint of the 3 dB bandwidth. See the definitions above for details.
Specification given at operating current. At the minimum ASE power, the minimum 3 dB bandwidth is guaranteed.
These Operating Specifications are a consistent set of values which will yield the specified performance. Please note that exceeding the Absolute Maximum Ratings in the table may cause device failure.
Defined as the midpoint of the 3 dB bandwidth. See the definitions above for details..
At Operating Current
Corresponds to the output of the fiber pigtail.
At the minimum ASE power, the minimum 3 dB bandwidth is guaranteed.
Measurement Resolution = 0.02 nm
The connector key is aligned to the slow axis of the PM fiber.
These Operating Specifications are a consistent set of values which will yield the specified performance. Please note that exceeding the Absolute Maximum Ratings in the table may cause device failure.
Defined as the midpoint of the 3 dB bandwidth. See the definitions above for details..
At Operating Current
Corresponds to the output of the fiber pigtail.
At the minimum ASE power, the minimum 3 dB bandwidth is guaranteed.
Measurement Resolution = 0.02 nm
The connector key is aligned to the slow axis of the PM fiber.
These Operating Specifications are a consistent set of values which will yield the specified performance. Please note that exceeding the Absolute Maximum Ratings in the table may cause device failure.
Defined as the midpoint of the 3 dB bandwidth. See the definitions above for details.
At Operating Current
Corresponds to the output of the fiber pigtail.
At the minimum ASE power, the minimum 3 dB bandwidth is guaranteed.
Measurement Resolution = 0.02 nm
The connector key is aligned to the slow axis of the PM fiber.
These Operating Specifications are a consistent set of values which will yield the specified performance. Please note that exceeding the Absolute Maximum Ratings in the table may cause device failure.
For an SLD with a near-gaussian spectral shape, the center wavelength is defined by an average weighted by relative amplitude and may not correspond to the peak power or FWHM center wavelength; the center wavelength for an SLD with a flat-top spectral shape is defined as the midpoint of the 3 dB bandwidth. See the definitions above for details.
Specification given at the operating current. For the SLD1050S-A60: At the minimum ASE power, we guarantee the minimum 3 dB bandwidth.
Corresponds to the output of the fiber pigtail.
For the SLD1050P-A60: At the minimum ASE power, we guarantee the minimum 3 dB bandwidth.
Measurement Resolution = 0.02 nm
The connector key is aligned to the slow axis of the PM fiber.
These Operating Specifications are a consistent set of values which will yield the specified performance. Exceeding the maximum operating parameters in the table may cause device failure.
The center wavelength is defined by an average weighted by relative amplitude and may not correspond to the peak power or FWHM center wavelength. See the definitions above for details.
At Operating Current
Corresponds to the output of the fiber pigtail.
Measurement Resolution = 0.1 nm
The connector key is aligned to the slow axis of the PM fiber.
1325 nm Superluminescent Diode
Item #
SLD1325
Parametera
Min
Typical
Max
Operating Current
-
-
780 mA
Center Wavelengthb
-
1325 nm
-
Spectral Shape
Flat Top
ASE Powerc
10 mW
-
-
Optical 3 dB Bandwidth
100 nm
-
-
RMS Gain Ripple
-
-
-
Forward Voltage
-
-
4 V
Fiber Type
SMF-28e
Operating Temperature Range
0 to 40 °C
TEC Operation
TEC Current
-
-
4 A
TEC Voltage
-
-
4 V
Thermistor Resistanced
-
-
10 kΩ
Integrated Isolator
Isolation
30 dB
-
-
Performance Plots (Click Icons for Plots)
Output Spectrum
LIV Plot
These Operating Specifications are a consistent set of values which will yield the specified performance. Exceeding the maximum operating parameters in the table may cause device failure.
Defined as the midpoint of the 3 dB bandwidth. See the definitions above for details.
Corresponds to the output of the fiber pigtail at the operating current.
These Operating Specifications are a consistent set of values which will yield the specified performance. Exceeding the maximum operating parameters in the table may cause device failure.
The center wavelength is defined by an average weighted by relative amplitude and may not correspond to the peak power or FWHM center wavelength. See the definitions above for details.
At Operating Current
Corresponds to the output of the fiber pigtail.
Measurement Resolution = 0.1 nm
The connector key is aligned to the slow axis of the PM fiber.
Butterfly Package, Type 1
Pin
Description
Pin
Description
1
+ TEC
14
- TEC
2
Thermistor
13
Case Ground
3
NC
12
NC
4
NC
11
SLD Cathode
5
Thermistor
10
SLD Anode
6
NC
9
NC
7
NC
8
NC
Posted Comments:
Byeong-Kwan YANG
 (posted 2020-11-13 05:31:56.183)
This is YANG, Byeong-Kwan of Jiny Photonics in S. Korea.
I purchased SLD830S-A20W (serial number: SLD-41707-40313.2.A04) and I am testing it now.
When measured with a low resolution spectrometer (USB4000), its spectrum comes out smoothly. We are currently manufacturing a high-resolution spectroscopy (spectral resolution 0.04 nm), and if I measure the spectrum with the spectrometer being manufactured, high-frequency components are measured.
I don't have a spectrum analyzer, so I can't get a high resolution spectrum to verify. Can I get the high resolution spectrum of the SLD830S-A20W?
YLohia
 (posted 2020-11-13 02:02:12.0)
Hello, we measure each unit with a high resolution optical spectrum analyzer (resolution 0.02 nm). I have reached out to you directly with the data for your serial number.
Ronald Dekker
 (posted 2019-12-13 03:00:30.13)
Can the SLD830S-A20W also be delivered with a PM fiber?
YLohia
 (posted 2019-12-13 09:54:13.0)
Hello, we will reach out to you directly to discuss the possibility of offering this.
max.koeppel
 (posted 2016-09-08 06:30:40.14)
Dear ladies and gentlemen,
Is the SLD1005S (22 mW SLD, CWL= 1550 nm, FWHM = 50 nm, Butterfly Pkg, SM Fiber, FC/APC) also available with a PM fiber output (FC/APC)?
Regards,
Max
tfrisch
 (posted 2016-09-08 11:19:30.0)
Hello, I will contact you directly with a quote.
hallt
 (posted 2014-03-20 17:38:49.003)
Hi. I'm also interested in intensity noise. Do you have any measurements for your SLDs that you could share?
cdaly
 (posted 2014-04-09 03:32:58.0)
Response from Chris at Thorlabs: We will contact you directly information on the relative noise intensity. Laser diodes generally show a peak in the RIN curve from some resonance effects of the cavity, whereas ASE sources do not. Noise at various frequencies(frequency of intensity noise, not wavelength of the light) in ASE source would be more flat.
neil.troy
 (posted 2014-03-13 22:36:43.313)
What fibers are used with all of these modules?
myanakas
 (posted 2014-03-20 12:19:08.0)
Response from Mike at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. Based on your feedback we have updated our web presentation to include the fiber types included with our SLDs. This information can now be found in the specification tables located in the “Specs” tab and in the Sub Groups above where the Products are sold.
user
 (posted 2014-01-28 10:32:58.903)
Hello: what is the typical output power (normalized to peak at 1050 nm) for SLD1050S between 950 nm to 850 nm? Thanks.
jlow
 (posted 2014-01-30 11:51:35.0)
Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: The intensity at 950nm is estimated to be around -25dB lower than the peak. It falls sharply after that to around -60dB at 850nm. Since you did not leave your contact info, can you contact me at techsupport@thorlabs.com please? I can provide a spectral scan for a SLD1050S unit.
bdada
 (posted 2012-04-25 10:50:00.0)
Response from Buki at Thorlabs to alexandru.serb05:
Thank you for your feedback. Gain ripple is not intensity noise. It is due to interference between two SLD facets such that, on its spectrum, you will see variation of the amplitude of the spectrum density vs. wavelength.
SLD noise only depends its bandwidth and in principle, it is frequency independent. We have done some studies on that and I have contacted you with the results.
Hallo,
I just need to ask a couple of questions:
1) Could you please explain to me the concept of gain ripple? Is it variations in average output intensity:
a) between different LEDs?
b) between different frequency bins within the same LED?
c) at each frequency bin over time within the same LED?
d) Something completely different?
2) Is there a way I can see some noise plots for all these products? It would be particularly useful if I had access to such data and comparable data relating to the pigtailed laser diode range of products you offer. Noise vs frequency as measured by the same photodetector capturing the entire outgoing beam at a specificed power output is the sort of plot I have in my mind, but anything that yields meaningful comparative noise data will do. Note: both laser and non-laser diode may be assumed to be driven by a controller + TEC, but without feedback stabilisation if such data is available. Introducing feedback brings along a whole array of other parameters and will only make comparisons more difficult...
Thanks.
Basic superluminescent diode characteristics can be measured by increasing current (I) while measuring the device voltage (V) and light output (L). The resulting data is usually referred to as an LIV curve.
For more information on how the center wavelength for our NIR SLDs is defined, please see the Specs tab on the NIR Superluminescent Diodes presentation.
In order to support OCT imaging applications, this SLD is designed with a low gain ripple no higher than 0.3 dB (RMS) and a typical ripple value of 0.01 dB (RMS). More information on Thorlabs' SLDs for OCT systems can be found here. Note that the bandwidth will decrease as the current is decreased; bandwidth specifications below are specified at the operating current.
Full specifications are available by clicking on the Specs tab above.
The center wavelength for an SLD with a near-Gaussian spectral shape is defined by an average weighted by relative amplitude and may not correspond to the peak power or FWHM center wavelength. See the Specs tab above for details.
At Operating Current
At the minimum ASE power, the minimum 3 dB bandwidth is guaranteed.
In order to support OCT imaging applications, these SLDs are designed with a low gain ripple no higher than 0.15 dB (RMS) and a typical ripple value of 0.03 dB (RMS). More information on Thorlabs' SLDs for OCT systems can be found here. Note that the bandwidth will decrease as the current is decreased; bandwidth specifications below are specified at the operating current.
Full specifications are available by clicking on the Specs tab above.
The center wavelength for an SLD with a near-Gaussian spectral shape is defined by an average weighted by relative amplitude and may not correspond to the peak power or FWHM center wavelength. See the Specs tab above for details.
At Operating Current
At the minimum ASE power, the minimum 3 dB bandwidth is guaranteed.
In order to support OCT imaging applications, these SLDs are designed with a low gain ripple no higher than 0.3 dB (RMS) and a typical ripple value of 0.03 dB (RMS). More information on Thorlabs' SLDs for OCT systems can be found here. Note that the bandwidth will decrease as the current is decreased; bandwidth specifications below are specified at the operating current.
Additional specifications are available by clicking on the Specs tab above.
The center wavelength for an SLD with a flat-top spectral shape is defined as the midpoint of the 3 dB bandwidth; for an SLD with a near-gaussian spectral shape, the center wavelength is defined by an average weighted by relative amplitude and may not correspond to the peak power or FWHM center wavelength. See the Specs tab above for details.
At Operating Current
Corresponds to the output of the fiber pigtail.
For SLD830S-A10W and SLD830S-A20W: At the minimum ASE power, the minimum 3 dB bandwidth is guaranteed.
In order to support OCT imaging applications, these SLDs are designed with a low gain ripple no higher than 0.3 dB (RMS) and a typical ripple value of 0.03 dB (RMS). More information on Thorlabs' SLDs for OCT systems can be found here. Note that the bandwidth will decrease as the current is decreased; bandwidth specifications below are specified at the operating current.
These SLDs are designed to be used in OCT imaging applications. They have a low gain ripple no larger than 0.3 dB (RMS) and a typical ripple value 0.03 dB (RMS). More information on Thorlabs' SLDs for OCT systems can be found here. Note that the bandwidth will decrease as the current is decreased; bandwidth specifications below are specified at the operating current.
These SLDs are designed to be used in OCT imaging applications. They have a low gain ripple no larger than 0.3 dB (RMS) and a typical ripple value 0.02 dB (RMS). More information on Thorlabs' SLDs for OCT systems can be found here. Note that the bandwidth will decrease as the current is decreased; bandwidth specifications below are specified at the operating current.
These SLDs are designed to be used in OCT imaging applications. They have a low gain ripple no larger than 0.3 dB (RMS) and a typical ripple value 0.06 dB (RMS). More information on Thorlabs' SLDs for OCT systems can be found here. Note that the bandwidth will decrease as the current is decreased; bandwidth specifications below are specified at the operating current.
In order to support OCT imaging applications, these SLDs are designed with a low gain ripple no higher than 0.2 dB (RMS) and a typical ripple value of 0.03 dB (RMS). More information on Thorlabs' SLDs for OCT systems can be found here. Note that the bandwidth will decrease as the current is decreased; bandwidth specifications below are specified at the operating current.
The SLD1050S-A60 is designed to be used in OCT imaging applications. More information on Thorlabs' SLDs for OCT systems can be found here. Note that the bandwidth will decrease as the current is decreased; bandwidth specifications below are specified at the operating current.
Additional specifications are available by clicking on the Specs tab above.
For an SLD with a near-gaussian spectral shape, the center wavelength is defined by an average weighted by relative amplitude and may not correspond to the peak power or FWHM center wavelength; the center wavelength for an SLD with a flat-top spectral shape is defined as the midpoint of the 3 dB bandwidth. See the Specs tab above for details.
Specification given at the operating current. For SLD1050S-A60: At the minimum ASE power, the minimum 3 dB bandwidth is guaranteed.
Corresponds to the output of the fiber pigtail.
For SLD1050P-A60: At the minimum ASE power, the minimum 3 dB bandwidth is guaranteed.
Measurement Resolution = 0.02 nm
The connector key is aligned to the slow axis of the PM fiber.
Additional specifications are available by clicking on the Specs tab above.
The center wavelength is defined by an average weighted by relative amplitude and may not correspond to the peak power or FWHM center wavelength. See the Specs tab above for details.
At Operating Current
Corresponds to the output of the fiber pigtail.
Measurement Resolution = 0.1 nm
The connector key is aligned to the slow axis of the PM fiber.
The SLD1325 is designed to have a broad bandwidth of >100 nm for improved resolution when used in Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) systems. This SLD is packaged with an integrated TEC and thermistor for temperature control, as well as an optical isolator for enhanced optical stability. More information on Thorlabs' SLDs for OCT systems can be found here. Note that the bandwidth will decrease as the current is decreased; bandwidth specifications below are specified at the operating current.
Item #a
SLD1325
Parameter
Min
Typ.
Max
Operating Current (mA)
-
-
780
Center Wavelength (nm)b
-
1325
-
Spectral Shape
Flat Top
ASE Power (mW)c
10
-
-
Optical 3 dB Bandwidth (nm)
100
-
-
Fiber Type
SMF-28e
Integrated Optical Isolator
Isolation (dB)
30
-
-
Performance Plots (Click Icons for Plots)
Output Spectrum
LIV Plot
Additional specifications are available by clicking on the Specs tab above.
Defined as the midpoint of the 3 dB bandwidth. See the Specs tab above for details.