Globar Light Source

Silicon Nitride Globar with 500 - 9000 nm Output
Stabilized Color Temperature and Output Power
Compact Housing: 228.6 mm × 55.0 mm x 72.2 mm
Long Lifespan: 10 000 Hours (Average)

SLS203F

Broadband 500 - 9000 nm Light Source

SLS253

Replacement Silicon Carbide
Globar Module

SLS203C

Collimation Package

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Overview
Specs
Graphs
Pin Diagram
Globar Replacement
Application
Feedback
Lamp Selection Guide

Key Specifications^a
Emitter Type	Silicon Nitride Globar
Wavelength Range	500 - 4500 nm (ZBLAN Fiber) 500 - 9000 nm (Free Space)
Color Temperature^b	1600 K (ZBLAN Fiber) 1500 K (Free space)
Peak Wavelength	1900 nm
Emitter Electrical Power	24 W
Fiber-Coupled Output Power^c	1 mW
Free Space Output Power^d	1.8 W
Collimated Output Power^e	10 mW
Output Power Stability^f	≤0.05%
Output Power Drift per Hour	0.03%
Output Power Drift per °C	0.1%
Included Power Supply	24 V, 90 - 264 VAC (Replacement Item # DS24)

Please see the Specs tab for full list of specifications.
Free space color temperature is theoretical and provided by the emitter vendor.
Typical value with MZ41L1 patch cable (sold separately). Power measured at output of fiber and at beginning of emitter lifetime.
Measured directly at the output port with the front lens tube removed after 90 minutes warm-up.
Measured directly at the output port with collimation package engaged after 90 minutes warm-up.
The standard deviation of optical output power in percentage, measured at room temperature over 1 hour with a 1 Hz sampling rate after 90 minutes warm-up.

Accessories

ZBLAN Fiber Patch Cable
Free-Space Collimation Package
Replacement Globar Module
Extra Filter Holders
Blank Insert
Variable Attenuator Insert

Features

Constant, Stable Intensity Output
- 0.1% per °C
- 0.03% per Hour
Closed-Loop Control for High Stability
- Output Power Stability: ≤0.05%
10 000 Hour Average Emitter Lifespan
SMA Fiber Interface or Free Space Output
Removable Filter Holder Accepts Ø1" and Ø25 mm Filters
Compatible with 30 mm Cage System
Low-Noise Fan Cooling

Thorlabs' SLS203F(/M) Stabilized Globar Light Source provides a constant-intensity blackbody radiation spectrum from 500 to 9000 nm in free-space applications and 500 to 4500 nm using ZBLAN fiber patch cables (sold separately). An internal feedback system is employed to achieve a highly stable power output. The superior performance of Thorlabs' stabilized light sources makes them ideal for experiments that require high accuracy and stability, such as transmittance and reflectance measurements.

The SLS203F(/M) light source features an integrated filter holder and fiber-coupling adapter. The source can also be used without the adapter or with the SLS203C collimation package (sold separately below) for 1.4° beam divergence. Internally-threaded lens tubes can also be attached directly to the front of the light source using the SM1QAM Quick-Release Adapter for custom optical systems. The compact housing (see Specs tab) gives the user flexibility with positioning this light source on a crowded optical table. The light source can be post mounted by using the two 1/4"-20 (M6) taps on the bottom of the device and our Ø1" posts.

The front face features four 4-40 taps (as shown in the left image below) for Ø6 mm cage rods, making this device compatible with Thorlabs' 30 mm cage system. The back face has an on/off toggle switch, power indicator LED, and power connection (see image to the bottom right). A filter holder is included with each light source. This filter holder can accommodate Ø1" and Ø25 mm optics up to 0.31" (8.0 mm) thick, allowing bandpass filters to be placed in the light path for applications requiring constant-intensity illumination at a specific wavelength. Alternatively, a sample can be installed in the filter holder between two glass plates, allowing this light source to be used for material analysis. An included SM1RR retaining ring is used to secure the optic inside the holder. We recommend the SPW602 spanner wrench to secure the retaining ring without damaging the optic. The filter holder can be locked into place using the included hex key and a setscrew located on the side of the device. The light sources are also compatible with the CFH2-F filter holder (sold separately below), enabling the user to quickly change between different filters or samples. Additionally, the CFH2-V Variable Attenuator Insert can be used in place of the filter holder to partially or completely block light from passing through the aperture.

Replacement Globars are available below; please see the Globar Replacement tab above for detailed instructions. If a higher color temperature is desired, our color-balancing filters can be used to attenuate red light from the light sources while passing blue light. This results in a beam with a higher color temperature and lower total power.

Filter Holder in Stabilized Lamp Housing

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The removable filter holder (filters sold separately) allows the user to mount Ø25 mm or Ø1" optics inside the stabilized light source. The filter holder can be locked into place with the filter setscrew located on the side of the housing.

Lamp Housing with Collimation Package and Cage System

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The included fiber coupling package can be quickly removed and replaced with a collimation package. The front face of the light source features four 4-40 tapped holes, making it compatible with our 30 mm cage system.

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The on/off switch, power indicator, and power input are located on the back of the light source.

Item #	SLS203F(/M)
Emitter Type	Silicon Carbide Globar
Wavelength Range	500 - 4500 nm (ZBLAN Fiber) 500 - 9000 nm (Free Space)
Color Temperature^a	1600 K (ZBLAN Fiber) 1500 K (Free space)
Peak Wavelength	1900 nm
Emitter Electrical Power	24 W
Output Coupling	Fiber, SMA
Fiber-Coupled Optical Power (Typ.)^b	1 mW
Free Space Optical Power (Typ.)^c	1.8 W
Collimated Optical Power (Typ.)^d	10 mW
Beam Divergence without Fiber Coupler^e	20°
Collimated Beam Divergence^e	1.4°
Collimated Beam Diameter^f	12 mm
Optical Power Drift per Hour (Typ.)	0.03%
Optical Power Drift per °C (Typ.)	0.1%
Output Power Stability^g	≤0.05%
Emitter Lifespan (Avg.)^h	10 000 Hours
Compatible Filter Size	Ø1" and Ø25 mm Up to 0.31" (8.0 mm) Thick
Operating Temperature	10 °C to 40 °C
Storage Temperature	-15 °C to 70 °C
Included Power Supply	DS24
Power Supply Input Voltage	90 - 264 VAC at 47 - 63 Hz
Dimensions (L × W × H)	228.6 mm × 55.0 mm x 72.2 mm (9.00" × 2.17" x 2.84")
Mass	1.1 kg

Free space color temperature is theoretical and provided by the emitter vendor.
Typical value with MZ41L1 450 µm, 0.2 NA ZBLAN multimode fiber, 1 m long. Power measured at output of fiber and at beginning of emitter lifetime.
Measured directly at the output port with the front lens tube removed after 90 minutes warm-up.
Measured directly at the output port with collimation package engaged after 90 minutes warm-up.
Designed value @ 1900 nm.
Measured 10 cm away from the collimation package.
The standard deviation of optical output power in percentage, measured at room temperature over 1 hour with a 1 Hz sampling rate after 90 minutes warm-up. Please see the Graphs tab for the results of our stability testing.
Defined as the time it takes for the lamp output power to decrease to 50% of its initial level.

Click to Enlarge
Click for Raw Data
The measured power spectral distribution for the SLS203F light source after a MZ41L1 ZBLAN fiber patch cable. The structures in the measured light source spectra are due to absorption from various molecules such as H₂O and CO₂.

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The power output and temperature of an SLS203F light source were measured over 50 hours of continuous operation. The source was run for 30 minutes to warm up and stabilize before this data was taken.

SLS203F(/M) Stabilized Light Source Power Connector

Pin	Description
1	+24 VDC
2	Ground
3	No Connection

The installation instructions and animation below detail the recommended procedure for replacing the Globar module in the SLS203F(/M) Stabilized Light Source. Be sure to install the correct Globar module in its corresponding light source, as the they are not interchangeable.

We strongly recommend wearing gloves when replacing the Globar to prevent skin oils from being deposited onto the Globar. If you suspect the Globar is dirty, carefully clean it with alcohol before connecting it to a power supply.

Globar Replacement Procedure

Open the Cavity

Using a 2 mm hex key, remove the screw closest to the end of the unit on the left and right sides. Do not remove the screws closest to the fan ventilation holes.
Using the same 2 mm hex key, remove the four screws securing the cavity cover, located on the underside of the unit.

Remove the Old Globar

Unplug the white plug that is connected to the Globar module. This plug is located on the far side of the circuit board if the output aperture of the Globar is facing to the right.
Using the 1.5 mm ball-end hex key included with each replacement Globar, remove the cap screw located about half way down on the aluminum divider that separates the PCB chamber and the Globar chamber.
Remove the old Globar by sliding the wire and attached plug out through the hole in the aluminum divider.
Note: Two aluminum dowel pins, located on either side of the Globar module, may slip out of their holes while the Globar is being removed. Be careful not to misplace them as they are needed for the new Globar installation.

Install the New Globar

Place the two dowel pins in their corresponding holes in the new Globar module.
Slide the new Globar module in the Globar chamber, point up. Pass the wire and plug through the hole in the divider first and then insert the module. The two dowel pins should slide smoothly into the holes in the divider.
While pressing the Globar against the divider, screw the cap screw back in using the included 1.5 mm ball-end hex key.
Insert the white plug back into the circuit board and secure the cavity cover.

Reflection Spectroscopy Application

This broadband light source can be used along with our reflection spectroscopy probes, CCD spectrometers, and fiber probe holders to take diffuse reflection, specular reflection, and color measurements.

Reflection Spectroscopy Fiber Probe Bundle

Spectrometers
Thorlabs offers several CCD-based spectrometers for use in the visible, NIR, or UV to NIR spectral ranges. The CCS100 and CCS175 operate in the 350 - 700 nm and 500 - 1000 nm spectral ranges with 0.5 nm and 0.6 nm resolution, respectively. The extended-range CCS200 operates in the 200 - 1000 nm spectral range with 2.0 nm resolution, but the UV range may be heavily attenuated when analyzing broadband spectra.

Light Sources
The SLS203F(/M) Globar broadband light source, sold below, delivers a 1500 K blackbody-type spectrum in the 500 - 9000 nm wavelength range and has active electronic stabilization for low spectral and intensity drift. Alternatively, the SLS201L(/M) tungsten-halogen light source provides fiber-coupled output with a 2796 K temperature and 360 - 2600 nm emission range. We also offer fiber-coupled LEDs available with a selection of peak wavelengths or a broadband white-light emission spectraand our line of fiber-coupled laser sources offers a selection of options for intense single-wavelength illumination.

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Diffuse Measurement Taken at 45° Using RPH Holder Block

Reflection Probe Fiber Bundles
Thorlabs offers reflection probes with either high-OH or low-OH multimode fiber for wavelengths from 250 - 1200 nm and 400 - 2400 nm, respectively. Probes are available with a sample end that terminates in either a Ø1/4" probe or an SMA905 connector. We also offer Ø1/4" and SMA-terminated probes with linear fiber bundle spectrometer ends for increased spectrometer coupling efficiency for samples with low reflectance.

If the coaxial illumination provided by a reflection probe bundle is not critical, separate fiber patch cables or bundles with SMA connectors can be used for illumination and signal collection. Our large-core round bundles maximize illumination intensity, while our single-fiber multimode SMA patch cables are useful for precise illumination, or for connection to a fiber-coupled laser. We also offer round-to-linear fiber bundles, which maximize signal strength at the spectrometer.

Reflection Probe Holders
Thorlabs offers the RPS and RPS-SMA fiber probe stands (RPS-SMA shown above and to the right), which allow for precise, stable positioning of the fiber optic probe at an angle of 90° or 45° relative to the sample. The probe holder arms (also sold separately) can also be integrated into other optomechanical setups using Ø1/2" posts. Alternatively, the RPH and RPH-SMA probe holder blocks sit directly on a sample, allowing the fiber tip to be positioned close to the surface and also blocking out room lights from the area under test.

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Below is a selection guide for all of our white-light, broadband, lamp-based light sources. In addition to these sources, Thorlabs also offers unmounted white-light LEDs, white-light mounted LEDs, white-light fiber-coupled LEDs, and high-powered, white-light Solis^® LEDs.

Broadband Light Source Selection Guide
Item #	(Click to Enlarge; Not to Scale)	Emitter Type	Wavelength Range (Click for Plot)	Output Coupling	Output Power	Lamp Electrical Power	Color Temperature	Lamp Lifetime	Replacement Lamp
SLS204		Deuterium	200 - 700 nm	Free Space or Fiber Coupled (SMA)	2 mW^a 0.1 mW^b (Typ.)	30 W	N/A	2000 h^c	SLS254B
SLS205		Xenon Arc	240 - 1200 nm	Free Space or Fiber Coupled (SMA)	290 mW^a 5 mW^d (Typ.)	75 W	5800 K^a 5400 K^d	2000 h^c	SLS255B
SLS401		Xenon Arc	240 - 2400 nm	Free Space^e	>1.3 W^a	150 W	5800 K	2000 h^c	SLS401B^f or SLS402B
SLS402		Mercury-Xenon Arc	240 - 2400 nm	Free Space^e	>1.3 W^a	150 W	6000 K	2000 h^c	SLS401B or SLS402B^f
SLS302		Quartz Tungsten-Halogen	360 - 2500 nm	Free Space^e	>10 W^a	150 W	3400 K	1000 h^g	SLS301B
SLS201L(/M)		Quartz Tungsten-Halogen	360 - 2600 nm	Free Space^e or Fiber Coupled (SMA)	500 mW^a 10 mW^h	9 W	2796 K	10 000 h	SLS251
SLS301		Quartz Tungsten-Halogen	360 - 3800 nm	Free Space^e	>1.6 W^a	150 W	3400 K	1000 h^g	SLS301B
SLS603		Xenon Arc	380 - 780 nm	Ø3 mm Liquid Light Guide	>7 W^h	300 W	6000 Kⁱ	1000 h^c	SLS600B
SLS605		Xenon Arc	380 - 780 nm	Ø5 mm Liquid Light Guide	>15 W^h	300 W	6000 Kⁱ	1000 h^c	SLS600B
OSL2		Tungsten-Halogen	400 - 1600 nm (Typical)	Fiber Bundle	1.4 W^k	150 W	3200 K	1000 h^c	OSL2B^f, OSL2B2, or OSL2BIR
OSL2IR		Tungsten-Halogen	400 - 1750 nm (Typical)	Fiber Bundle	3.8 W^k	150 W	3200 K	200 h^c	OSL2B, OSL2B2, or OSL2BIR^f
QTH10(/M)		Quartz Tungsten-Halogen	400 - 2200 nm	Free Space	50 mW (Typ.)	10 W	2800 K^l (Typ.)	2000 h	QTH10B
SLS203F(/M)		Silicon Carbide Globar	500 nm - 9 µm	Free Space^e or Fiber Coupled (SMA)	1.8 W^a	24 W	1500 K	10 000 h	SLS253
SLS303		Silicon Nitride Globar	550 nm - 15 µm	Free Space	4.5 W^a	70 W	1200 K	5000 h^g	SLS303B

Free-space optical power measured without adapters at the beginning of lamp lifetime.
Measured with Thorlabs' M114L01 solarization-resistant patch cable at beginning of lamp lifetime.
Operation time before the maximum optical output power of the lamp reaches 50% of its original output.
Measured with Thorlabs' M111L01 solarization-resistant patch cable at beginning of lamp lifetime.
Adapters are available separately to couple the free-space output into liquid light guides (LLGs).
This lamp is identical to the original lamp that comes with the light source.
Operation time before the controller cannot stabilize the output power of the lamp.
Measured at the liquid light guide tip at the beginning of lamp lifetime.
Prior to LLG
Fiber-coupled optical power, measured with included fiber patch cable at beginning of lamp lifetime.
Power at Fiber Tip at Maximum Lamp Intensity
Color temperature will vary from unit to unit.

Stabilized Globar Light Source

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Simplified Optical Diagram of the SLS203F

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The SLS203F(/M) source contains an LA5370 collimating lens and LB5774 focusing lens to couple blackbody radiation into a fiber.

500 - 9000 nm Stabilized Light Source
1 mW Coupled Power Through Thorlabs' MZ41L1 ZBLAN MIR Patch Cable
Recommended for Use with Our Mid-IR Fluoride Fiber Patch Cables and Fiber Bundles
1.8 W Free-Space Power
Includes a DS24 Power Supply

Thorlabs' SLS203F(/M) Stabilized Globar Light Source provides a constant-intensity, 1.8 W blackbody radiation spectrum from 500 to 9000 nm in free-space applications and 500 to 4500 nm using the included fiber focusing package and ZBLAN fiber patch cables (sold separately). Since the blackbody spectrum spans the visible and mid-infrared spectral ranges, this source is ideal for integration into mid-IR measurement and analysis systems. It uses a silicon carbide Globar that is housed in an ellipsoid reflector to increase the optical output. A LA5370 Plano-Convex Lens inside the main housing coarsely collimates the output light and the included fiber package focuses it down onto a fiber tip. The included filter holder is interchangeable with the CFH2-F filter holder, sold below. The SLS203 collimation package (sold separately below) produces a beam with lower divergence.

Additionally, this light source features an internally SM1-threaded (Ø1.035"-40) lens tube at the output of the device. This tube is removable and includes an SM1RR retaining ring which can be used to secure Ø1" or Ø25 mm optics up to 18 mm thick inside it. A low-noise fan inside this light source engages when the temperature exceeds 65 °C to provide temperature regulation. The SLS203F(/M) includes a universal AC/DC power converter capable of accepting 90 - 264 VAC at 47 - 63 Hz.

Collimation Packages

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The SLS203C collimation package attaches using a quick-release mechanism.

SLS203C: Collimation Package for SLS203F(/M) Stabilized IR Light Source
Collimation Packages for Previous-Generation SLS Sources

The SLS203C collimation package for the SLS203F(/M) Globar IR stabilized light source consists of two collimating lenses and a pinhole packaged inside an internally SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) quick-release lens tube, which is engraved with the item number for easy identification. The SLS203C collimation package contains two LB5774 Uncoated CaF₂ Bi-Convex Lenses.

We also offer the SLSC202C and SLSC2 collimation packages for our previous-generation SLS202L(/M) and SLS202(/M) sources, respectively. These collimators are not compatible with the SLS203F(/M) light source sold above.

To install, unthread the fiber adapter from the output of the light source and thread on the collimation package.

Please note that the output beam cannot be perfectly collimated due to the Globar's incoherent emission. The collimation package may be used directly with its compatible light source, or it may be used in conjunction with a Ø1" mounted diffuser attached to the threaded end of the collimation package. The diffuser serves to smooth out the beam profile while increasing the beam divergence angle.

Item #	Compatible Stabilized Light Source^a	Beam Diameter	Half Divergence Angle	Output Power (Typ.)	Outer Dimensions	Threads on Output Port
SLS203C	SLS203F(/M)	12 mm^b	1.4° ^c	10 mW	Ø30.5 mm x 97.6 mm (Ø1.20" x 3.84")	Internal SM1 (1.035"-40)
SLS202C	SLS202L(/M)^d	10.0 mm^b	1.4° ^e	15 mW	Ø30.5 mm x 97.6 mm (Ø1.20" x 3.84")
SLSC2	SLS202(/M)^d	16.8 mm^f	1.0° ^g	19 mW^h	Ø30.5 mm x 35.0 mm (Ø1.20" x 1.38")

Collimation packages are not interchangeable between sources.
Measured 10 cm away from the collimation package.
Design value @ 1900 nm.
These collimation packages are only compatible with our previous generation of SLS light sources.
Half angle, design value @ 587 nm.
Theoretical RMS beam diameter at 10 mm after the collimating lens in the collimation package.
Theoretically calculated using the operating wavelength ranges of the respective lamp.
Measured with a thermal sensor at the output port of the collimation package.

Replacement Globar

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Replacement Silicon Carbide Globar for SLS203F(/M) and Previous-Generation SLS203L(/M) Stabilized Light Sources
Electrical Power: 24 W
Color Temperature: 1500 K

The SLS253 Globar module is a replacement for the SLS203F(/M) and previous-generation SLS203L(/M) Globar stabilized light sources. Please see the Globar Replacement tab for detailed instructions. Each Globar module comes with the required 1.5 mm balldriver / hex key. Be sure to install the correct module in its corresponding light source, as the modules are not interchangeable.

Note: We strongly recommend wearing gloves when replacing the module in any of our stabilized light sources to prevent skin oils from being deposited onto the light emitter. If you suspect the emitter is dirty, carefully clean it with alcohol before connecting it to a power supply.

Extra Filter Holder and Other Inserts

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Pushing the adjuster down on the CFH2-V quickly closes the shutter.

Inserts Compatible with Our Compact Stabilized Light Sources
SM1-Threaded Filter Holder Insert Mounts Ø1" or Ø25 mm Optics up to 0.31" (8.0 mm) Thick
Blank Plate can be Machined for Mounting Custom Optics
Variable Attenuator Insert with Adjustable Shutter

The CFH2-F Filter Holder accommodates Ø1" or Ø25 mm optics up to 0.31" (8.0 mm) thick and can be used as a replacement for the filter holders included with the light sources sold above. With multiple filter holders, filters can be quickly swapped in and out of the stabilized light sources. The optic is secured against the back lip of the mount using the included SM1RR retaining ring.

The CFH2-B Blank Plate, also purchased separately, can be used as a manual shutter or machined to suit your specific requirements. The top plate of the CFH2-F and CFH2-B feature two laser-engraved boxes for labeling and identification of the mounted optic.

The CFH2-V is a variable attenuator insert that is equipped with a black-oxide-coated variable single-blade shutter to partially or fully block light. The shutter moves vertically from the top across the Ø0.54" aperture and is intended for a maximum 0.50" beam diameter. Shutter position is controlled with a 3/16"-120 adjuster that provides 0.005" shutter translation per revolution; fine adjustments can be performed with the included 5/64" hex key. To quickly close the shutter, press the adjuster down (see photo to the right); letting go of the adjuster will return the shutter to the set position (within 0.0005"). For best performance, light after the attenuator insert should be coupled into a fiber optic patch cable as the output beam profile will not be circular. The lamp output will be clipped on the attenuator if the aperture is smaller than the beam size; therefore, the output power will be smaller even if the shutter is completely open.