Our complete selection of laser diodes is available on the LD Selection Guide tab above.
Webpage Features
Clicking this icon opens a window that contains specifications and mechanical drawings.
Clicking this icon allows you to download our standard support documentation.
Choose Item
Clicking the words "Choose Item" opens a drop-down list containing all of the in-stock lasers around the desired center wavelength. The red icon next to the serial number then allows you to download L-I-V and spectral measurements for that serial-numbered device.
Features
Single Mode Pigtailed Laser Diodes from 405 nm to 1625 nm
Internal 8°-Angle-Cleaved Fiber (See the Design Tab)
Connector: FC/PC or FC/APC (2.0 mm Narrow Key)
1 m of Single Mode Fiber
Custom Pigtails Available Upon Request by Contacting Tech Support
Thorlabs offers a variety of laser diodes pigtailed with single mode (SM) optical fiber. Diodes are sorted by wavelength and then power, and the tables below list key specifications for quick identification of diodes suitable for your application. The blue button in the Info column within the tables opens a pop-up window that contains more detailed specifications for each item, as well as mechanical drawings.
Our precise pigtail alignment process for laser diodes includes multiple test and inspection points that ensure that the coupling efficiency of the laser emission into the single mode pigtail is maximized. In addition, the input end of the fiber is cleaved at an 8° angle in order to minimize back reflections that can cause the output intensity to fluctuate (see the Design tab for details). We offer versions based on TO-packaged diodes (Ø5.6 mm, Ø9 mm, or non-standard Ø9.5 mm).
While the center wavelength is listed for each laser diode, this is only a typical number. The center wavelength of a particular unit varies from production run to production run, so the diode you receive may not operate at the typical center wavelength. After clicking "Choose Item" below, a list will appear that contains the dominant wavelength, output power, and operating current of each in-stock unit. Clicking on the red Docs Icon next to the serial number provides access to a PDF with serial-number-specific L-I-V and spectral characteristics.
The reliability of the laser diode rapidly declines at higher temperatures. Therefore, for stable output power and wavelength, it is highly recommended that you use a temperature controller with these products. Diodes can also be temperature tuned, which will alter the lasing wavelength.
Laser diodes are sensitive to electrostatic shock. Please take the proper precautions when handling the device, such as using an ESD wrist strap. These lasers are also sensitive to optical feedback, which can cause significant fluctuations in the output power of the laser diode depending on the application.
We recommend cleaning the fiber connector before each use, if there is any chance that dust or other contaminants may have deposited on the surface. To view our fiber cleaning products, click here. The laser intensity at the center of the fiber tip can be very high and may burn the tip of the fiber if contaminants are present. While the connectors on these pigtailed laser diodes are cleaned and capped before shipping, we cannot guarantee that they will remain free of contamination after they are removed from the package. For all of these pigtailed laser diodes, the laser should be off when connecting or disconnecting the device from other fibers, particularly for lasers with power levels above 10 mW.
Please contact Tech Support if you would like a quote on custom pigtailed laser diodes or for a volume order.
Pin Codes
For warranty information, please refer to the LD Operation tab.
Pin Code
Monitor Photodiode
A
Yes
B
Yes
C
Yes
D
Yes
E
No
F
Yes
G
No
H
No
The drawing to the right shows a laser diode's emitted light focused into an angle-polished fiber. By angling the optical fiber at 8°, light that is not coupled into the optical fiber is reflected away from the laser diode. If this reflected light were reflected back toward the diode, light would be coupled into the diode and cause fluctuations in power and wavelength.
Further Reducing Back Reflection Although we use a fiber coupling design that minimizes back reflections, other factors may couple light back into the fiber. Many of our standard pigtailed laser diodes feature optical fiber with an FC/PC connector. When the FC/PC connector is not connected directly to another FC/PC connector, about 4% of light in the fiber is reflected back toward the laser diode due to the silica/air interface. Customers who require a silica/air interface or minimal back reflections in their application can contact Tech Support to request FC/APC connectors. As FC/APC connectors have an angled polish, light reflected back toward the diode will be further minimized.
Laser Diode and Laser Diode Pigtail Warranty
When operated within their specifications, laser diodes have extremely long lifetimes. However most failures occur from mishandling or operating the lasers beyond their maximum ratings. Laser Diodes are among the most static sensitive devices currently made. Since Thorlabs does not receive any warranty credit from our laser manufacturers we cannot guarantee the lasers after their sealed package has been open. Thorlabs will be happy to extend a full refund or credit for any lasers returned in their original sealed package.
Handling and Storage Precautions
Because of their extreme susceptibility to damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD), care should be taken whenever handling and operating laser diodes:
Wrist Straps: Use grounded anti-static wrist straps whenever handling diodes.
Anti-static Mats: Always work on grounded anti-static mats.
Storing Lasers: When not in use, short the leads of the laser together to protect against ESD damage.
Operating and Safety Precautions
Use an appropriate driver, laser diodes require precise control of operating current and voltage to avoid overdriving the lasers. In addition, the laser driver should provide protection against power supply transients. Select a laser driver appropriate for your application. Do not use a voltage supply with a current limiting resistor since it does not provide sufficient regulation to protect the laser.
Power Meters: When setting up and calibrating a laser with its driver, use a NIST-traceable power meter to precisely measure the laser output. It is usually safest to measure the laser output directly before placing the laser in an optical system. If this is not possible, be sure to take all optical losses (transmissive, aperture stopping, etc.) into consideration when determining the total output of the laser.
Reflections: Flat surfaces in the optical system in front of a laser diode can cause some of the laser energy to reflect back onto the laser’s monitor photodiode giving an erroneously high photodiode current. If optical components are moved within the system and energy is no longer reflected onto the monitor photodiode, a constant power feedback loop will sense the drop in photodiode current and try to compensate by increasing the laser drive current and possibly overdriving the laser. Back reflections can also cause other malfunctions or damage to laser diodes. To avoid this, be sure that all surfaces are angled 5-10° and when necessary, use optical isolators to attenuate direct feedback into the laser.
Heat Sinks: Laser lifetime is inversely proportional to operating temperature. Always mount the laser in a suitable heat sink to remove excess heat from the laser package.
Voltage and Current Overdrive: Be careful not to exceed the maximum voltage and currents even momentarily. Also, reverse voltages as little as 3 V can damage a laser diode.
ESD Sensitive Device: Even when a laser is operating it is susceptible to ESD damage. This is particularly aggravated by using long interface cables between the laser and its driver due to the inductance that the cable presents. Avoid exposing the laser or its mounting apparatus to ESDs at all times.
ON/OFF and Power Supply Coupled Transients: Because of their fast response times, laser diodes can be easily damaged by transients less than 1 µs. High current devices such as soldering irons, vacuum pumps, fluorescent lamps, etc., can cause large momentary transients; use surge-protected outlets.
If you have any questions regarding laser diodes, please call your local Thorlabs Technical Support office for assistance.
Laser Safety and Classification
Safe 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
Thorlabs recommends the use of safety eyewear whenever working with laser beams with non-negligible powers (i.e., > Class 1) since metallic tools such as screwdrivers can accidentally redirect a beam.
Laser goggles designed for specific wavelengths should be clearly available near laser setups to protect the wearer from unintentional laser reflections.
Goggles are marked with the wavelength range over which protection is afforded and the minimum optical density within that range.
Blackout Materials can prevent direct or reflected light from leaving the experimental setup area.
Thorlabs' Enclosure Systems can be used to contain optical setups to isolate or minimize laser hazards.
A fiber-pigtailed laser should always be turned off before connecting it to or disconnecting it from another fiber, especially when the laser is at power levels above 10 mW.
All beams should be terminated at the edge of the table, and laboratory doors should be closed whenever a laser is in use.
Do not place laser beams at eye level.
Carry out experiments on an optical table such that all laser beams travel horizontally.
Remove unnecessary reflective items such as reflective jewelry (e.g., rings, watches, etc.) while working near the beam path.
Be aware that lenses and other optical devices may reflect a portion of the incident beam from the front or rear surface.
Operate a laser at the minimum power necessary for any operation.
If possible, reduce the output power of a laser during alignment procedures.
Post appropriate warning signs or labels near laser setups or rooms.
Use a laser sign with a lightbox if operating Class 3R or 4 lasers (i.e., lasers requiring the use of a safety interlock).
Do not use Laser Viewing Cards in place of a proper Beam Trap.
Laser Classification
Lasers 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:
Class
Description
Warning Label
1
This class of laser is safe under all conditions of normal use, including use with optical instruments for intrabeam viewing. Lasers in this class do not emit radiation at levels that may cause injury during normal operation, and therefore the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) cannot be exceeded. Class 1 lasers can also include enclosed, high-power lasers where exposure to the radiation is not possible without opening or shutting down the laser.
1M
Class 1M lasers are safe except when used in conjunction with optical components such as telescopes and microscopes. Lasers belonging to this class emit large-diameter or divergent beams, and the MPE cannot normally be exceeded unless focusing or imaging optics are used to narrow the beam. However, if the beam is refocused, the hazard may be increased and the class may be changed accordingly.
2
Class 2 lasers, which are limited to 1 mW of visible continuous-wave radiation, are safe because the blink reflex will limit the exposure in the eye to 0.25 seconds. This category only applies to visible radiation (400 - 700 nm).
2M
Because of the blink reflex, this class of laser is classified as safe as long as the beam is not viewed through optical instruments. This laser class also applies to larger-diameter or diverging laser beams.
3R
Lasers in this class are considered safe as long as they are handled with restricted beam viewing. The MPE can be exceeded with this class of laser, however, this presents a low risk level to injury. Visible, continuous-wave lasers are limited to 5 mW of output power in this class.
3B
Class 3B lasers are hazardous to the eye if exposed directly. However, diffuse reflections are not harmful. Safe handling of devices in this class includes wearing protective eyewear where direct viewing of the laser beam may occur. In addition, laser safety signs lightboxes should be used with lasers that require a safety interlock so that the laser cannot be used without the safety light turning on. Class-3B lasers must be equipped with a key switch and a safety interlock.
4
This class of laser may cause damage to the skin, and also to the eye, even from the viewing of diffuse reflections. These hazards may also apply to indirect or non-specular reflections of the beam, even from apparently matte surfaces. Great care must be taken when handling these lasers. They also represent a fire risk, because they may ignite combustible material. Class 4 lasers must be equipped with a key switch and a safety interlock.
All class 2 lasers (and higher) must display, in addition to the corresponding sign above, this triangular warning sign
Hello, can you please specify the wavelength/temperature coefficient (nm/C)? How broad can these lasers be tuned? I'm also interested in LP852-SF30. Thank you
YLohia
 (posted 2020-11-19 01:59:22.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The temperature tuning coefficient for both the LP785-SF100 and LP852-SF30 is around 0.25 nm/C. The tunability is entirely limited by the center wavelength spec (at 25 C) and minimum/maximum operating temperature specs.
Greetings, I would like to know how fast can I modulate the light source? Thank you!
YLohia
 (posted 2020-07-22 09:37:19.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Unfortunately, we do not characterize the rise/fall time or bandwidth for these laser diodes. That being said, we expect speeds > 100 MHz to be achievable with the proper drivers/mounts.
Greetings,
I would like to know the linewidth of this laser.
Thanks,
YLohia
 (posted 2018-05-03 08:32:11.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. All of our pigtailed laser diodes are individually tested and come with their unique spec sheets. These are available online and contain the measured spectrum to help our customers pick the particular diode that works better for their application. These individual spec sheets can be accessed by clicking on the "Choose Item" link on the left side of the product number. This will open up a drop-down of different serial numbers we currently have in stock of that part number. Clicking on the red "document" icon next to the serial number will bring up the spec sheet.
scottie730318
 (posted 2017-10-17 18:33:28.8)
Dear sir
We are interest in Pigtailed Laser Diode (LP940-SF30).
How can I buy the Pigtailed Laser Diode and specify the emission wavelength at 940nm?
nbayconich
 (posted 2017-11-14 03:08:52.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. A particular serial number can be selected from our inventory closer to your desired center wavelength. Additionally these lasers can be slightly tuned by changing the operating temperature. I will contact you directly with a quote for our closest matching centerwavelength diode.
yjb4174
 (posted 2017-06-20 16:04:58.793)
Can I change diode only? I already bought that some months ago but it doesn't work now so I need to have a new one but I want to save my money as much as possible.
I used this laser for alignment a few months but the power of the laser decreased gradually even I can not find the beam with light.
Please, let me know can I buy and change diode only instead of buying the whole product.
Best regards
Jungbae Yoon
Korea University
tfrisch
 (posted 2017-06-27 10:45:34.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Unfortunately, the diode is not replaceable in a pigtailed laser diode. The coupling optics and fiber are permanently fixed in the housing and would not be aligned to a different diode.
user
 (posted 2017-04-13 02:16:24.717)
Dear,
Could you let me know the bandwidth of LPS-635-FC?
Thank you.
tfrisch
 (posted 2017-04-20 01:46:19.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The bandwidth will vary slightly from unit to unit. We give individualized spec sheets for available units on the webpage. They can be viewed by clicking the "Choose Item" link below and then selecting the spec sheet from the documents list. The bandwidth is typically around 1.5nm FWHM. Please contact us at TechSupport@Thorlabs.com to discuss further.
sales
 (posted 2016-11-16 01:05:24.24)
Dear Sir,
We are planning to UTILIZE the pigtailed laser diodes in our products, Will we able to sell our products to our Customers?, Please advise, Thanks for fast reply, Best Regards, Michael Winik
tfrisch
 (posted 2016-11-16 02:02:13.0)
Hello Michael, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I have reached out to you directly.
Regarding the LPS-635-FC, all the choices of the diodes are 637 nm. May I ask is it possible to replace the laser diode of one's own choice. In other words, can Thorlab customize for me? I'm interested in using the laser diode HL6312G.
jlow
 (posted 2015-09-21 10:34:17.0)
Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: We can customize our laser pigtail with other LD. For this case, the HL6312G has a central wavelength tolerance range of 625-640nm so there's no guarantee that a laser pigtail made with this LD will have 635nm central wavelength.
muttahid07
 (posted 2015-06-04 22:25:14.187)
Hello,
Please inform me refractive index of core & cladding "LP405-SF10" of this optical fiber.
Thanks.
jlow
 (posted 2015-08-25 11:53:52.0)
Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: We are not permitted to publish this information on the website. I will contact you directly to provide this. You can also contact us directly at techsupport@thorlabs.com for similar requests in the future.
tcohen
 (posted 2012-06-20 10:19:00.0)
Response from Tim at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. I would like to review your profile and share some pictures of ones we have tested to compare. Please ensure that both the collimator and the fiber are clean. Dirt can accumulate on the fiber tip which will impose dark spots on your image. These can be seen clearly through a fiber scope and can be remedied with our fiber cleaning products, http://www.thorlabs.com/NewGroupPage9.cfm?ObjectGroup_ID=3317. To see imperfections on the scale of darkening that a multimodal pattern would produce is highly irregular. I will contact you to get more information so we can determine the cause of the problem.
Hello,
I have a question regarding LP642-SF20. I have installed it and coupled its FC/PC output connector via FCB1 to P1-630-FC-2. Now I image the beam onto the CCD camera at ca. 30 cm distance (7x7mm, 1 MPixels). I observe practically homogenous illumination of CCD. Then I install the F280FC-B collimator, which should give us a Gaussian beam with ca. 3-4 mm diameter. I tried with CFC-11X-B too.
The problem is that while beam profile looks like a Gaussian beam in general, it contains also a lot of distortions in it - it is not homogenous and contains some structure in it - brighter / darker spots (not speckles!), like in multimode fibers. I do not have an experience with fibers - is it something to be expected or something is really wrong with my setup? Idea was to use such fiber spatial filter instead of a generic pinhole spatial filter and get a more or less homogenous illumination of area of about 1 mm2.
tcohen
 (posted 2012-05-08 09:22:00.0)
Response from Tim at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback! We do have plans to spectrum test every laser pigtail in the future. I have opened a discussion with our engineers regarding your suggestions so that we may provide more useful documentation in the future. Thank you for your suggestions!
Dear ThorLabs,
I always liked the straight-forward organisation of the ThorLabs website. Finding anything is quick and easy. If I can't find it I know it most likely isn't there.
For that reason I'd like to recommend that when uploading documentation for light sources (I'm looking at pigtailed lasers) this documentation is complete and thorough. For example, for the LP-1550-FC the manual is merely 2 pages. A number of crucial things are missing, such as plots of output power vs wavelength at a reference electrical power input and steady state, plots of the power spectral density of noise as detected by a well-characterised photodetector (mathematically discounting for the noise of the photodetector would also be very useful in this case) and, equally crucially, in the online version of the manual there is no indication of the IEEE laser classification. Admittedly this is often easy to guess, but not always... This can delay H&S preparations (as it did in my case when I found out that my 1,5mW IR laser diode is a class 3R and not 3B as I guessed).
As such, I wish to reiterate my recommendation that all components that make it to the market should be extensively characterised and proper, extensive manuals should also be provided along with the 'executive summaries' currently displayed for many such products. Incidentally, I've had a similar problem with SLDs. Unless I can get my hands on noise data for them I can not make a convincing case to my supervisor for buying one.
This is my only criticism to an otherwise unusually user-friendly and well-organised website.
Thank you.
bdada
 (posted 2011-10-04 19:49:00.0)
Response from Buki at Thorlabs:
Thank you for your feedback. Our list of stock PM pigtailed diodes is smaller than our selection of SM pigtails but we will take your request into consideration as we continue expanding our selection of PM pigtails.
In the meantime, we have contacted you regarding a custom version of the LPS-675-FC.
Why is it not possible to get the model LPS-675-FC with a polarization maintaining fiber? Is this setup simply not listed or not possible for other reasons?
apalmentieri
 (posted 2010-01-27 09:11:12.0)
A response from Adam at Thorlabs to Juergen: The diodes that are used in our pigtails can be found under the specifications tab, and they contain links direct to the manufacturers specification sheet. For the LPS-1550-FC, they use the ML925B45F. This diode has a maximum voltage requirement of 1.5V and a maximum rise time of .7ns. I will email you a copy of the specification sheet for this diode.
juergen.bosse
 (posted 2010-01-27 05:50:32.0)
And the product would be REALLY useful if I knew exactly which diode you are using here. I need to modulate it with 2.5 GHz, so the forward voltage and rise/fall time would be the most important parameters to know. Why dont you include the link to the manufacturers data sheet as you do on so many other products?
Thank you in advance, Juergen Bosse
acable
 (posted 2007-07-26 15:17:56.0)
I would go one further and say the drive current and other main specifications need to be listed on the Specs tab for each of the pigtailed lasers. I would probably not recommend that we list this information in the catalog becasue it is nice to be able to switch diodes as they periodically change due to obsolescence or short supply.
Also please make it clear that the angle cleave is internally to the package, i also beleive this design is used for all the pigtails.
cjohns
 (posted 2007-07-26 13:56:45.0)
We should definately show the which diode is used in these so the customers can easily tell the drive current needed
The rows shaded green below denote single-frequency lasers.
Do not exceed the maximum optical power or maximum drive current, whichever occurs first.
Laser diodes with A, B, C, or D pin codes have a built-in monitor photodiode and therefore support constant power operation.
This socket is included with the purchase of the corresponding laser diode.
The ITC4001 driver is only necessary if the LDM9LP mount or a custom mount is used, as the CLD1010LP and CLD1011LP are each a combined mount and driver.
Do not exceed the maximum optical power or maximum drive current, whichever occurs first.
Laser diodes with A, B, C, or D pin codes have a built-in monitor photodiode and therefore support constant power operation.
This socket is included with the purchase of the corresponding laser diode.
The ITC4001 driver is only necessary if the LDM9LP mount or a custom mount is used, as the CLD1010LP and CLD1011LP are each a combined mount and driver.
Do not exceed the maximum optical power or maximum drive current, whichever occurs first.
Laser diodes with A, B, C, or D pin codes have a built-in monitor photodiode and therefore support constant power operation.
This socket is included with the purchase of the corresponding laser diode.
The ITC4001 driver is only necessary if the LDM9LP mount or a custom mount is used, as the CLD1010LP and CLD1011LP are each a combined mount and driver.
The LP980-SA100 has a Reverse G pin code. Please see Spec Sheet for details.