Kinesis® K-Cube™ Laser Sources

Overview
Specs
Pin Diagrams
K-Cubes vs. T-Cubes
Kinesis Software
Kinesis Tutorials
Laser Safety
Feedback

Click to Enlarge
A KCH301 USB Controller Hub with Installed KLS1550 and KPZ101 K-Cube Modules

Compact Light Source & Driver Modules
K-Cube Modules^a
Laser Diode Driver
Laser Sources
T-Cube Modules^a
High Power LED Driver

K-Cubes and T-Cubes are fully compatible with one another.

Click to Enlarge
Top and Back Views of KLS635 Laser Source
(See the Pin Diagrams Tab for More Information)

Features

Compact Footprint: 121.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 47.0 mm
635 nm or 1550 nm Wavelengths Available
Single Mode Fiber Interface with FC/PC Bulkhead
LCD Display Screen and Controls for Standalone Operation
USB Connection for Remote PC-Controlled Operation
SMA Input for Laser Intensity Control from External Source
Two Bidirectional I/O Triggers (5 V TTL Signal)
Safety Enable Key Switch and Laser Safety Interlock Jack
Kinesis^® Software Control Suite Included
Software Compatible with Other Kinesis and APT Controllers for Integrated Systems Development
Single-Channel PSU Options Available Separately
USB Controller Hubs for Operating Multiple K-Cubes™ or T-Cubes™ (Sold Separately)
Magnetic, Clip-On Optical Table Mounting Adapter Included

Thorlabs' K-Cube Laser Sources are fully functional, highly compact, fiber-coupled laser sources with a center wavelength of either 635 nm or 1550 nm. Each unit incorporates driver electronics and an FC/PC (2.1 mm wide key) fiber interface. The internally pigtailed Fabry-Perot laser diode is connected to the rear panel FC/PC output via a single mode fiber. With this fiber-to-fiber connection at the output, these devices deliver optical power more efficiently than air-to-fiber systems that use a receptacle with embedded optics. The laser can be operated independently via the top panel controls and display screen or remotely by PC via a USB connection. The output power is monitored continuously and a feedback circuit adjusts the laser power to achieve a constant output power.

The unit has a highly compact 121.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 47.0 mm footprint, allowing it to be positioned close to the rest of the system for added convenience when manually adjusting the laser output using the top panel controls. Tabletop operation also allows minimal cable lengths for easier cable management. A power switch on the front of the unit turns the K-Cube on and off. The top panel display screen enables operation as soon as the unit is turned on, without the need for connection to a PC. When the switch is turned off, the K-Cube saves all user-adjustable settings for the next session. Please note that the power switch should always be in the "off" position when plugging in or unplugging the unit. The laser must be turned off when connecting or disconnecting a fiber from the input. Please ensure the fiber tip and connector bulkhead are clean prior to use; the FBC250 Bulkhead and Connector Cleaner can be used to clean the bulkhead and connecting fiber.

USB connectivity provides easy 'Plug-and-Play' PC-controlled operation with the Kinesis software package, which features new .NET controls that can be used by third-party developers working in the latest C, C#, LabVIEW™ or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications. A USB 3.0 type A to type Micro B cable is included with each K-Cube laser source. For more details, please see the Kinesis Software and Kinesis Tutorials tabs.

Optical Table Mounting Plate
Each unit comes with a mounting plate that clips onto the base of the module. The plate contains two magnets for temporary placement on an optical table and two counterbored slots for 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screws for a more permanent placement on the tabletop.

Power Supply Options
The preferred power supply (single channel, multi-channel, or hub-based) depends on the end user's application and whether you already own compatible power supplies. To that end and in keeping with Thorlabs' green initiative, we do not ship these units bundled with a power supply.

Multiple units can be connected to a single PC by using the KCH301 or KCH601 USB Controller Hubs, available below, for applications involving multiple K-Cubes and/or T-Cubes. The KCH301 features three controller mounting bays while the KCH601 features six controller mounting bays. Note that these K-Cube laser sources occupy two mounting bays on the USB controller hubs.

All power supply options compatible with the K-Cube laser sources can be found below.

Item #	KLS635	KLS1550
Wavelength	635 nm	1550 nm
Maximum Output Power	8.0 mW	7.0 mW
Output Fiber Connector	FC/PC (Wide 2.1 mm Key Compatible)
Stability	±0.1 dB
Display Accuracy	±10%
Set Point Resolution	0.01 mW
Modulation Input	0 to 10 V = 0 to Full Power
Modulation Bandwidth	Sine Wave: 600 Hz at 3 dB 1 kHz at 6 dB
EXT IN Input Impedance^a	16 kΩ
Input Voltage	15 V
Operating Temperature	15 to 35 °C
Storage Temperature	0 to 50 °C
Housing Dimensions (W x D x H)	121.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 47.0 mm (4.76" x 2.36" x 1.85")
Weight	350 g	300 g

When the EXT IN is used for modulation, the K-Cube works in hybrid constant current mode. The K-Cube searches for the laser threshold and then switches to current modulation.

Computer Connection

The USB 3.0 port is compatible with a USB 2.0 Micro B connector if the Micro B connector is plugged into the shaded region in the photo above. A USB 3.0 type A to type Micro B cable is included with the K-Cube Laser Sources.

I/O 1 & 2

SMA Female

These connectors provide a 5 V logic level input and output that can be configured to support triggering into and out of external devices. Each port can be independently configured to control the logic level or to set the trigger as an input or output.

Ext In

SMA Female

Used to control the intensity of the laser output from an external source. This input can be driven from a 0 to 10 V voltage source. The input impedence is 16 kΩ.

Interlock

2.5 mm Pin

Interlock Jack must be shorted with included 2.5 mm pin or external user gate before laser may be enabled.

K-Cube™ vs. T-Cube™ Feature Comparison
Feature	KLS635 & KLS1550 K-Cubes	TLS001-635 & TLS001-1550 T-Cubes
Kinesis Software Compatibility
APT Software Compatibility	N/A
Kinesis USB module Hubs Compatibility		Requires KAP102 Adapter
Previous Generation TCH002 Controller Hub	N/A
On/Off Switch		N/A
Safety Key Switch
Bidirectional SMA Trigger Port^a	2	N/A
SMA External Analog Input^a
Computer Connection^a	USB 3.0 Micro B (USB 2.0 Compliant)	USB 2.0 Micro B (USB 2.0 Compliant)
Included Mounting Plate
Size (W x D x H)	121.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 47.0 mm (4.76" x 2.36" x 1.85")	121.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 47.0 mm (4.76" x 2.36" x 1.85")
On-Unit Digital Display
Output Intensity Control via Top Panel
Control Source Selection		N/A
Display Screen Brightness Adjustment
Information Readout	Power, Current, and Temperature	Power and Current

Please see the Pin Diagrams tab for details.

Introducing Thorlabs' Kinesis^® Laser Sources

A major upgrade to the former-generation T-Cubes, the growing K-Cube line of high-end modules provides increased versatility not only through the new Kinesis software, but through an overhaul and updating of their physical design and firmware.

Every K-Cube includes a digital display. In addition to basic input and output readouts, the K-Cube laser sources feature a scroll wheel for adjusting the output power and other settings. Each unit contains a front-located power switch that, when turned off, saves all user-adjustable settings, as well as two bidirectional SMA trigger ports that accept or output a 5 V TTL logic signal.

Please see the table to the right for a full comparison of the features offered by our new K-Cubes and previous-generation T-Cube laser sources.

Click for Details
KLS635 K-Cube Kinesis 635 nm Laser Source

Kinesis USB Controller Hubs
Complementing our K-Cubes are our Kinesis USB 2.0 controller hubs. With two versions available for three or six K- or T-Cubes, these USB hubs are designed specifically for communication between multiple modules and the host control PC. These hubs are backward compatible with our T-Cubes.

K-Cubes simply clip into place using the provided on-unit clips, while current- and previous-generation T-Cubes require the KAP101 Adapter Plate, shown in the animation below on the right. The hub vastly reduces the number of USB and power cables required when operating multiple modules. Note that the KLS635 and KLS1550 are twice as long as a standard K-Cube and occupy two ports on the controller hub.

K-Cube Table Mounting Plate

Unlike T-Cubes, every K-Cube includes a mounting plate that clips onto the base of the controller. The plate contains two magnets for temporary placement on an optical table and two counterbores for 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screws for more permanent placement on the tabletop.

Kinesis USB Controller Hubs

3- and 6-Port USB Controller Hubs allow multiple controllers to be connected to one PC for multi-axis applications. K-Cubes can be directly attached to the hubs while T-Cubes require a KAP101 Adapter Plate.

Thorlabs' Kinesis^® software can be used to control devices in the Kinesis or APT™ family, which covers a wide range of devices ranging from small, low-powered, single-channel drivers (such as the K-Cubes and T-Cubes) to high-power, multi-channel, modular 19" rack nanopositioning systems (the APT Rack System).

The Kinesis Software features new .NET controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™ or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications. Low level DLL libraries are included for applications not expected to use the .NET framework. A Central Sequence Manager supports integration and synchronization of all Thorlabs motion control hardware.

By providing these common software platforms, Thorlabs has ensured that users can easily mix and match any of the APT and Kinesis controllers in a single application, while only having to learn a single set of software tools. In this way, it is perfectly feasible to combine any of the controllers from the low-powered, single-axis to the high-powered, multi-axis systems and control all from a single, PC-based unified software interface.

The software packages allow two methods of usage: graphical user interface (GUI) utilities for direct interaction with and control of the controllers 'out of the box', and a set of programming interfaces that allow custom-integrated positioning and alignment solutions to be easily programmed in the development language of choice.

Software

Kinesis Version 1.14.25

The Kinesis Software Package, which includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' Kinesis and APT™ system controllers.

Also Available:

Communications Protocol

Kinesis GUI Screen for K-Cube Laser Sources

Thorlabs' Kinesis^® software features new .NET controls which can be used by third-party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications.

C#
This programming language is designed to allow multiple programming paradigms, or languages, to be used, thus allowing for complex problems to be solved in an easy or efficient manner. It encompasses typing, imperative, declarative, functional, generic, object-oriented, and component-oriented programming. By providing functionality with this common software platform, Thorlabs has ensured that users can easily mix and match any of the Kinesis controllers in a single application, while only having to learn a single set of software tools. In this way, it is perfectly feasible to combine any of the controllers from the low-powered, single-axis to the high-powered, multi-axis systems and control all from a single, PC-based unified software interface.

The Kinesis System Software allows two methods of usage: graphical user interface (GUI) utilities for direct interaction and control of the controllers 'out of the box', and a set of programming interfaces that allow custom-integrated positioning and alignment solutions to be easily programmed in the development language of choice.

For a collection of example projects that can be compiled and run to demonstrate the different ways in which developers can build on the Kinesis motion control libraries, click on the links below. Please note that a separate integrated development environment (IDE) (e.g., Microsoft Visual Studio) will be required to execute the Quick Start examples. The C# example projects can be executed using the included .NET controls in the Kinesis software package (see the Kinesis Software tab for details).

Click Here for the Kinesis with C# Quick Start Guide
Click Here for C# Example Projects
Click Here for Quick Start Device Control Examples

LabVIEW
LabVIEW can be used to communicate with any Kinesis- or APT-based controller via .NET controls. In LabVIEW, you build a user interface, known as a front panel, with a set of tools and objects and then add code using graphical representations of functions to control the front panel objects. The LabVIEW tutorial, provided below, provides some information on using the .NET controls to create control GUIs for Kinesis- and APT-driven devices within LabVIEW. It includes an overview with basic information about using controllers in LabVIEW and explains the setup procedure that needs to be completed before using a LabVIEW GUI to operate a device.

Click Here to View the LabVIEW Guide
Click Here to View the Kinesis with LabVIEW Overview Page

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.
Laser Safety Curtains and Laser Safety Fabric shield other parts of the lab from high energy lasers.
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.
Use beam shutters and filters to reduce the beam power.
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

Posted Comments:

Jaeduck Jang (posted 2019-03-27 03:56:32.89)

Dear Mr/Ms I want to know optical bandwidth of KLS1550 laser. Is it single frequency laser at 1550nm ? Some laser diodes in THORLABS have 10~20nm optical bandwidth and the others are single frequency laser diodes. KLS1550 is in which case?

user (posted 2019-04-04 03:59:09.0)

Response from Radu at Thorlabs. The laser diode inside KLS1550 is a distributed feedback diode. We consider them to be single frequency. Having looked in the test data obtained for one of the units that is currently in stock, I see that we measured a linewidth of ~ 70 pm.

david.panak (posted 2018-01-27 11:50:23.97)

can the control panel be remoted, ~24" away from the unit? How many and what type of connections would be needed for a cable?

bwood (posted 2018-01-30 08:55:58.0)

Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for your question. The TLS001-635 can only safely be used as a complete, enclosed unit as sold, so we cannot recommend any physical modifications to the unit. If you need to operate the device remotely, we would suggest using our software package.

user (posted 2017-05-25 12:32:16.563)

Hello, thank you for nice product. Please, what is typical coherence lengh of this Laser source? regards,Paul

bwood (posted 2017-05-26 06:52:20.0)

Response from Ben at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback. We have not measured the coherence length of this laser source. In general, the coherence length of our laser diodes will be reasonably small (of the order of mm), and I would expect the same for this source

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