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Fiber-Coupled Laser Sources: Visible, with TEC![]() The High-Power Laser Source Front Panel Provides an Enable Button, Display Screen, and Laser Power and Temperature Control
S4FC473 473 nm, 20 mW Related Items ![]() Please Wait
Features
Thorlabs offers two types of fiber-coupled laser sources with temperature control. The Fabry-Perot Laser Sources with TEC are offered with four different wavelengths, ranging from 405 nm to 520 nm. The High-Power Fabry-Perot Laser Sources with TEC are offered with seven different wavelengths, ranging from 473 nm to 685 nm, and include a software package to control settings and display features. See below for details regarding each type. The front panel of each FP laser source with TEC includes a display that shows the output power in mW or the temperature in °C, an on/off key, an enable button, a knob to adjust the laser power (drive current), and a remote interlock input (2.5 mm mono jack) for added safety. The standard FP sources have a knob to adjust the temperature (TEC current), while the high-power FP sources have a trimpot to adjust the temperature. The back panel includes a BNC input that allows the laser diode drive current to be controlled via an external voltage source (0 - 5 V) and a remote interlock input. This input enables intensity modulation of the laser source. The high-power FP laser sources permit a maximum modulation frequency up to 100 kHz using a sine wave. A USB connector on the back panel enables computer communication. The included GUI provides control and readout of the laser's output power and setpoints (see Software tab). The FP laser diode inside each laser source is pigtailed to a single mode fiber that is terminated at an FC/PC bulkhead connector (wide and narrow key compatible) on the front panel. To minimize losses, we recommend using a fiber patch cable that is the same fiber type as the fiber-pigtailed laser. Please refer to the table to the right for all of our single channel benchtop laser sources. For applications that require several laser sources, consider the temperature-stabilized four-channel fiber coupled laser source.
The stability data below pertains to our high-power FP laser sources with TEC, and was obtained using an S4FC660 Laser Source. The performance is representative of our other S4FC sources. ![]() Click to Enlarge A demonstration of the long-term stability of the S4FC660 Laser source, shown over the course of 25 hours. The device is capable of maintaining a constant laser diode temperature, and thus constant output power, over long periods of operation. To obtain the detector signal, the S4FC660 output power was set to 75% of maximum and passed through ND filters reducing the power to 1 mW. The resultant beam was directed into a DET100A (previous generation) detector which was then connected to an oscilloscope via a T-adapter and high-impedance terminator. ![]() Click to Enlarge The graph above demonstrates the ability of the S4FC660 to maintain steady temperature regulation even with large changes in the environmental temperature. Even when the environment changes by 20 °C, the S4FC660 is able to maintain a steady and regulated temperature of the laser diode, yielding a consistent power output. To obtain the detector signal, the S4FC660 output power was set to 75% of maximum and passed through ND filters reducing the power to 1 mW. The resultant beam was directed into a DET100A (previous generation) detector which was then connected to an oscilloscope via a T-adapter and high-impedance terminator. Modulation InBNC Female0 to 5 V Max, Remote Interlock Input2.5 mm Mono Phono JackTerminals must be shorted either by included plug or user device, i.e. external switch, for laser mode "ON" to be enabled. USBUSB Type BComputer Interface ![]() Click to Enlarge S4FC GUI Interface S4FC Software PackageThis software is available only for our S4FC high-power FP laser sources. Our other FP sources cannot be operated by a GUI. SoftwareVersion 2.0.1 Includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs S4FC Benchtop Laser Sources. To download, click the button below. GUI Interface 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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These Fiber-Coupled Laser Sources have an integrated TEC element that is used to stabilize the temperature of the FP laser diode, which in turn stabilizes the output power and wavelength of the laser diode for a given drive current. The FC/PC bulkhead connector is located on the front panel. Also on the front panel is a display that shows the output power in mW or the temperature in °C, an on/off key, an enable button, a knob to adjust the laser power (drive current), and a knob to adjust the temperature (TEC current). The back panel includes an input that allows the laser diode drive current to be controlled via an external voltage source (0 - 5 V) and a remote interlock input. For applications that require several laser sources, consider the temperature-stabilized four-channel fiber coupled laser source. Note: The laser must be off when connecting or disconnecting fibers from the device, particularly for power levels above 10 mW. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge An illustration of the difference in the intensity noise floor of the S3FC520 to the S4FC660. The noise signal from the S4FC660 shows a considerable reduction in the peak-to-peak noise amplitude as well as suppression of high frequency components that are seen in the noise signal of the S3FC520. The S3FC520 plot was vertically offset in order to better compare the two signals.
Thorlabs' High-Power Fiber-Coupled Laser Sources are high-performance benchtop Fabry-Perot laser diode sources offering excellent stability and computer control. The internal electronics isolate the laser diode driver from noise coupling (such as that produced by nearby switching supplies). This results in laser sources with lower noise intensity compared to our standard FP Sources with TEC above (see graph to the right). The integrated, high-current TEC element can provide excellent temperature regulation and stability to the laser diode, as illustrated in the graphs on the Temp. Stability tab. Even when the ambient temperature changes significantly, the temperature control servo is capable of maintaining constant temperature at the laser diode head. This exceptional temperature stability produces a constant and stable power output from the device. ![]() Click to Enlarge The Controls tab of the software when a S4FC Series Benchtop Laser Source is connected and the laser is enabled. The laser diode is pigtailed to a single mode fiber that is terminated at an FC/PC bulkhead connector (wide and narrow key compatible) on the front panel. Also found on the front panel is a display that shows the output power in mW or the temperature in °C, an on/off key, an enable button, a knob to adjust the laser power (drive current), and a trimpot to adjust the temperature (TEC current). The back panel includes a BNC input that allows the laser diode drive current to be controlled via an external voltage source (0 - 5 V) and a remote interlock input. This input enables intensity modulation of the laser source. Using a sine wave, the output can obtain full-depth modulation at frequencies up to 100 kHz. A USB connector on the back panel enables computer communication. The included GUI provides control and readout of the laser's output power and setpoints (see Software tab). The back panel also features a remote interlock input (2.5 mm mono jack) for added safety. Note that the fiber bulkhead and patch cable ferrule must be cleaned prior to connecting a patch cable. For instructions, please refer to the operating manual. The laser must be off when connecting or disconnecting fibers from the device, particularly for power levels above 10 mW. For applications that require several laser sources, consider the temperature-stabilized four-channel fiber coupled laser source. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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