Laser Diode Tools and Accessories


  • Sockets for Laser Diodes
  • Strain Relief Provides Safe and Convenient Access to Laser Diodes
  • Hand-Held Can Remover

SR9A

S8060

Ø9.0 mm LD

S8060-4

Ø9.0 mm LD

S7060R

Ø5.6 mm LD

WR1

Designed to Remove Cans from
Standard Laser Diode Packages

S038S

Ø3.8 mm LD

Related Items


Please Wait
Socket Selection Guide
Laser Diodes
Light Emitting Diodes
Photodiodes

Thorlabs offers a versatile range of accessories for convenient integration of laser diodes into functional systems. These laser diode sockets are ideal for OEM-type implementations and are compatible with our selection of Ø3.8 mm, Ø5.6 mm, Ø9 mm, and TO-5 laser diode packages. All of these sockets are available individually or in packs of 5, with select models also available in packs of 25 or 100. Our large selection of strain-relieved assemblies provides a safe and convenient method of connecting your Ø5.6 mm to Ø9 mm laser diodes to our line of Laser Diode Drivers.

Thorlabs also offers a hand-held diode can opener (Item # WR1) designed to remove the cap from TO-style diode packages. Removing the cap from the diode package allows for closer access to the actual laser chip and is beneficial when the entrance windows are adversely impacting an optical signal with etalon effects or wavelength filtering.

Laser Diode Accessory Selection Guide
Temperature Controlled
Mounts
Passive Mounts Passive Mounts with
Collimation Package
Strain Relief Cables Diode Sockets Controllers

Strain Relief Cable DB9 Connector Pin Configurations

D-type Male

DB9 Male
The following pin configurations are provided for strain relief cables that use a DB9 connector (Item #'s ending in -DB9) when used with the compatible style of laser diode. Each relief cable with bare wire leads has the same wire-color-to-laser-diode-pin configuration as its DB9-terminated counterpart.

Pin Configuration for SR9A-DB9, SR9D-DB9,
SR9F-DB9, SR9HA-DB9, and SR9HF-DB9
Pin Wire Color Connection
1 - Connected to Pin 5a
2 White Photodiode Cathode (PDK) /
Laser Diode Anode (LDA)
3
4 Red Photodiode Anode (PDA)
5 - Connected to Pin 1a
6 - -
7 Green Laser Diode Cathode (LDK)
8 - -
9 - -
  • Pins 1 and 5 are connected for compatibility with drivers that need the interlock to be grounded on one of these pins.
Pin Configuration for SR9B-DB9 and SR9HB-DB9
Pin Wire Color Connection
1 - Connected to Pin 5a
2 White Photodiode Cathode (PDK) /
Laser Diode Cathode (LDK)
3
4 Red Photodiode Anode (PDA)
5 - Connected to Pin 1a
6 - -
7 - -
8 Green Laser Diode Anode (LDA)
9 - -
  • Pins 1 and 5 are connected for compatibility with drivers that need the interlock to be grounded on one of these pins.
Pin Configuration for SR9C-DB9
Pin Wire Color Connection
1 - Connected to Pin 5a
2 Red Photodiode Cathode (PDK)
3 White Photodiode Anode (PDA) /
Laser Diode Cathode (LDK)
4
5 - Connected to Pin 1a
6 - -
7 - -
8 Green Laser Diode Anode (LDA)
9 - -
  • Pins 1 and 5 are connected for compatibility with drivers that need the interlock to be grounded on one of these pins.

Posted Comments:
user  (posted 2020-11-06 11:45:56.24)
Question on the SR9 cables: do you have a spec for the max modulation frequency they can carry?
asundararaj  (posted 2020-11-12 04:39:55.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The SR9 strain relief cables were originally intended for use with the LDC series current controllers, which have a max modulation frequency of 250 kHz. We would not recommend exceeding this bandwidth limit. 
apalmentieri  (posted 2009-12-15 16:53:37.0)
A response from Adam at Thorlabs: Currently, we do not offer this as a stock item. The part number for the replacement blade is WR1-3 and is $13.75. This can be ordered by contacting our sales department at 973-300-3000 or sales@thorlabs.com.
naranjo  (posted 2009-12-15 16:33:43.0)
Do you have replacement blades for the WR1 can opener? My blade is a bit chipped and rusty.
Back to Top

Sockets for Laser Diodes

  • Sockets Compatible with Ø3.8 mm, Ø5.6 mm, Ø9 mm, or TO-5 Can Laser Diodes
  • Models Available with 3 or 4 Gold-Plated Beryllium Copper (BeCu) Contacts
  • Also Available in Packs of 5
  • Select Models Offered in 25 and 100 Packs

Thorlabs offers a range of laser diode sockets that provide compatibility with our wide selection of Ø3.8 mm, Ø5.6 mm, Ø9 mm, and TO-5 Can laser diode packages. These sockets have gold-plated BeCu contacts and meet RoHS compliance. The S8060 and S8060-4 sockets have a polarization dot on the top of the package (see drawings below for more information). Colors vary by lot and may be white, off white, black, or tan.

Item # S038S S7060R STO5S S8060 S8060-4
Photo
(Click to Enlarge)
S6070R S6070R S8060 S8060-4
Material Beryllium Copper (BeCu)
Insulator FR-4 PTFE
Compatible Lead Diameters 0.008" - 0.014"
(0.20 mm - 0.36 mm)
0.016" - 0.020"
(0.41 - 0.51 mm)
Ø0.015" - Ø0.020"
(0.38 mm - 0.51 mm)
0.016" - 0.020"
(0.41 - 0.51 mm)
Compatible Lead Lengths ≤0.09" (2.27 mm) ≤0.15" (3.8 mm)
Outer Diameter 0.153" (3.9 mm) 0.200" (5.08 mm) 9.1 mm (0.36") 0.25" (6.4 mm) 0.25" (6.4 mm)
Substrate Thickness 0.093" (2.4 mm) 0.062" (1.57 mm) 3.18 mm (0.125") 0.19" (4.8 mm) 0.19" (4.8 mm)
Drawing
(Click for Details)
S038S S7060R S8060 S8060-4
Compatibility
Laser Diodes Ø3.8 mm Yes x x x x
Ø5.6 mm x Yes x o o
Ø9.0 mm x x x Yes Yes
TO Can Packages TO-5 x x x x
TO-18 x x x o o
TO-46 x x x o o

Yes Fully Compatible
o Not a Perfect Fit, but Functional
x Not Compatible

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
S038S Support Documentation
S038SLaser Diode Socket for Ø3.8 mm Laser, 3 Pin
$4.62
Today
S038S-P5 Support Documentation
S038S-P5Laser Diode Socket for Ø3.8 mm Laser, 3 Pin, 5 Pack
$22.36
Today
S7060R Support Documentation
S7060RLaser Diode Socket for Ø5.6 mm Laser, 3 Pin
$6.54
Volume Pricing
Today
S7060R-P5 Support Documentation
S7060R-P5Laser Diode Socket for Ø5.6 mm Laser, 3 Pin, 5 Pack
$31.68
Volume Pricing
Today
S7060R-P25 Support Documentation
S7060R-P25NEW!Laser Diode Socket for Ø5.6 mm Laser, 3 Pin, 25 Pack
$158.40
Today
S7060R-P100 Support Documentation
S7060R-P100NEW!Laser Diode Socket for Ø5.6 mm Laser, 3 Pin, 100 Pack
$601.00
Today
STO5S Support Documentation
STO5SSolder Tail Photodiode Socket for TO-5 and TO-39 Diodes
$4.40
Today
STO5S-P5 Support Documentation
STO5S-P5Solder Tail Photodiode Socket for TO-5 and TO-39 Diodes, 5 Pack
$21.30
Today
S8060 Support Documentation
S8060Laser Diode Socket for Ø9 mm Laser, 3 Pin
$8.15
Volume Pricing
Today
S8060-P5 Support Documentation
S8060-P5Laser Diode Socket for Ø9 mm Laser, 3 Pin, 5 Pack
$39.50
Volume Pricing
Today
S8060-P25 Support Documentation
S8060-P25NEW!Laser Diode Socket for Ø9 mm Laser, 3 Pin, 25 Pack
$198.50
Today
S8060-P100 Support Documentation
S8060-P100NEW!Laser Diode Socket for Ø9 mm Laser, 3 Pin, 100 Pack
$750.00
Today
S8060-4 Support Documentation
S8060-4Laser Diode Socket for Ø9 mm Laser, 4 Pin
$10.82
Today
S8060-4-P5 Support Documentation
S8060-4-P5Laser Diode Socket for Ø9 mm Laser, 4 Pin, 5 Pack
$52.44
Today
Back to Top

ESD Protection and Strain Relief

Item #
Prefixa
Supported
Pin Style
Component
Socket
Max LD
Forward
Voltage
SR9A A and E S8060 3.3 V
SR9B B and H S8060
SR9C C and H S8060
SR9D D S8060-4
SR9F F and G S8060-4
SR9HA A and E S8060 7.5 V
SR9HB B and H S8060
SR9HF F and G S8060-4
  • Standard cables are terminated with bare wires. Cables with a -DB9 suffix in the item # are DB9 terminated.
Diode Compatibility with Strain Relief Cables
Laser Diodes Ø3.8 mm x
Ø5.6 mm o
Ø9.0 mm Yes
TO Can Packages TO-5 x
TO-18 o
TO-46 o

Yes Fully Compatible
o   Not a Perfect Fit, but Functional
x   Not Compatible

These strain relief and ESD protection products offer a convenient means of connecting a Ø5.6 mm or Ø9 mm laser diode to many of Thorlabs' laser diode controllers. Each model comes with a laser socket mounted to a small-printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB contains a Schottky diode to clamp any reverse voltages that might appear across the laser diode, as well as a Zener diode to shunt any excessive voltages or ESD away from the diode.

Each model corresponds to one or more of the standard Pin Styles for laser diodes (see the diagram below) and is compatible with our Laser Diode Collimation and Focusing Tubes, Ø1/2" Post Mounts, and Cage Plate Mounts. SR9 models are designed for laser diodes with forward voltages up to 3.3 V, while SR9H models are designed for laser diodes with forward voltages up to 7.5 V. Each strain relief is available with or without a DB9 connector. Models with item #'s that end in -DB9 are pin compatible with many of our Laser Diode Controllers (see the strain relief cable and controller pin diagrams to determine compatibility).

Note: These cables are not designed to provide any temperature regulation. More information on temperature regulating a laser diode is provided in the Laser Diode Tutorial.

Supported Laser Diode Pin Codes
Supported Pin Codes
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SR9A Support Documentation
SR9AESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes A and E, 3.3 V
$59.39
Today
SR9A-DB9 Support Documentation
SR9A-DB9ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes A and E, 3.3 V, with DB9
$63.26
Today
SR9B Support Documentation
SR9BESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes B and H, 3.3 V
$59.39
Today
SR9B-DB9 Support Documentation
SR9B-DB9ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes B and H, 3.3 V, with DB9
$63.26
Today
SR9C Support Documentation
SR9CESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes C and H, 3.3 V
$59.39
Today
SR9C-DB9 Support Documentation
SR9C-DB9ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes C and H, 3.3 V, with DB9
$63.26
Today
SR9D Support Documentation
SR9DESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Code D, 3.3 V
$59.39
Today
SR9D-DB9 Support Documentation
SR9D-DB9ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Code D, 3.3 V, with DB9
$63.26
Today
SR9F Support Documentation
SR9FESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes F and G, 3.3 V
$59.39
Today
SR9F-DB9 Support Documentation
SR9F-DB9ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes F and G, 3.3 V, with DB9
$63.26
Today
SR9HA Support Documentation
SR9HACustomer Inspired! ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes A and E, 7.5 V
$59.39
Today
SR9HA-DB9 Support Documentation
SR9HA-DB9Customer Inspired! ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes A and E, 7.5 V, with DB9
$63.26
Today
SR9HB Support Documentation
SR9HBCustomer Inspired! ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes B and H, 7.5 V
$59.39
Today
SR9HB-DB9 Support Documentation
SR9HB-DB9Customer Inspired! ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes B and H, 7.5 V, with DB9
$63.26
3 weeks
SR9HF Support Documentation
SR9HFESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes F and G, 7.5 V
$59.39
Today
SR9HF-DB9 Support Documentation
SR9HF-DB9ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes F and G, 7.5 V, with DB9
$63.26
Today
Back to Top

Can Opener for Laser Diodes and Photodiodes

WR1 Application
Click to Enlarge

The WR1 Can Opener Cutting Open a TO Can
  • Ideal for: Ø2 mm through Ø24 mm Laser Diode Packages
  • Compatible with TO-3, TO-5, TO-8, TO-18, TO-39, and TO-46 Packages

The WR1 Can Opener is a hand-held device designed to remove the cans from standard laser packages. Many applications, such as fiber pigtailing, can be optimized by having closer access to the laser chip.

Operation is as simple as placing a diode onto the two rollers at the front of the device, lightly applying pressure with the rubber covered grips, and turning the blade actuator (as shown in the image to the right). The precision ground, hardened steel blade will easily cut through the wall of the diode can, safely removing it. For packages greater than 20 mm (0.8") in diameter, the rollers must be removed and reinstalled in their outer mounting positions using a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key.

The WR1 can opener is also compatible with any photodiodes and LEDs packaged in one of the TO can sizes listed above.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
WR1 Support Documentation
WR1Can Opener for Laser Diodes
$160.36
3 weeks