Fabry-Perot Laser Diodes, Pigtailed Butterfly Package

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

• Center Wavelengths from 785 nm to 2000 nm
• FC/APC Connectors (2.0 mm Narrow Key) with SM or PM Fiber
• Integrated TEC Element
• 14-Pin, Type 1 Butterfly Package
• OEM Solutions Available

These laser diodes are housed in a type 1, 14-pin butterfly package. They include fiber pigtails from 1 to 1.5 m in length, terminated with FC/APC connectors (2.0 mm narrow key). Each butterfly package laser diode includes a data sheet with operating data for the particular unit. For information on custom butterfly-packaged laser diodes, please contact Technical Support.

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. Diodes can be temperature tuned, which will alter the lasing wavelength. The FPL785S-250, FPL808S, FPL830S, and FPL852S laser diodes are available as serialized items. 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.

Laser diodes are sensitive to electostatic shock. Please take the proper precautions when handling the device, such as using an ESD wrist strap. For warranty information and precautions concerning laser diodes, please refer to the LD Operation tab.

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. 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. A selection of fiber cleaning supplies is available here. For all of these pigtailed laser diodes, the laser must be off when connecting or disconnecting the device from other fibers, particularly at power levels above 10 mW.

Mount and Driver Options
These butterfly packages are compatible with the CLD1015 laser diode mount with integrated controller and TEC. They are also compatible with the LM14S2 mount and ITC4001 LD/TEC controller.

Type 1 Butterfly Package Pin Diagram

Laser Diode and Laser Diode Pigtail Warranty

When operated within their specifications, laser diodes have extremely long lifetimes. Most failures occur from mishandling or operating the lasers beyond their maximum ratings. Laser Diodes are among the most static-sensitive devices currently made. Proper ESD Protection should be worn whenever handling a laser diode. Due to their extreme electrostatic sensitivity, laser diodes cannot be returned after their sealed package has been open. Laser diodes in their original sealed package can be returned for a full refund or credit.

Handling and Storage Precautions

Due to 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.
• Laser Diode Storage: 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 laser diode. 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 diode 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 diode 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 drive current listed on the specification sheet with each laser diode, even momentarily. Also, reverse voltages as little as 3 V can damage a laser diode.

ESD Sensitive Device:
Currently operating lasers are susceptible to ESD damage. This is particularly aggravated by using long interface cables between the laser diode 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:
Due to 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, and fluorescent lamps can cause large momentary transients. Thus, always use surge-protected outlets.

If you have any questions regarding laser diodes, please call your local Thorlabs Technical Support office for assistance.