Nominal Wavelengths Ranging from 265 nm to 1650 nm
White, Dual-Peak, and Broadband LEDs Also Available
Minimum Outputs Ranging from 10 mW to 2350 mW
LED Mounted on Metal-Core Printed Circuit Board for Excellent Heat Management
Long Lifetimes (See Specs Tab for Details)
Thorlabs' LEDs on Metal-Core Printed Circuit Boards (MCPCBs) are designed to provide high-power output in a compact package. Each LED package consists of a single LED that has been soldered to an MCPCB. These LEDs are ideal for OEM or custom applications; they should not be used for household illumination.
Thorlabs uses high-thermal-conductivity MCPCB materials. The MCPCB is designed to provide good thermal management. However, the LED must still be mounted onto an appropriate heat sink using thermal paste to ensure proper operation and to maximize operating lifetime. Mounting holes are provided on the MCPCB surface for attaching the LED to a heat sink; the Ø2 mm through holes are compatible with #1 (M2) screws (not included).
The spectrum of each LED and associated data file can be viewed by clicking on the links in the table to the right. Multiple windows can be opened simultaneously in order to compare LEDs.
Thorlabs also offers mounted LEDs with an integrated heat sink, as well as collimated mounted LEDs, which are compatible with microscopes from major manufacturers. For fiber applications, we also offer fiber-coupled LEDs. For questions on choosing an appropriate LED and to discuss mounting requirements, please contact Tech Support.
Optimized Thermal Management These LEDs possess good thermal stability properties; hence, degradation of the optical output power due to increased LED temperature is not an issue when the LED is properly mounted to a heat sink using thermal paste, thermal epoxy, or thermally conductive double-sided tape.
White Light, Dual-Peak, and Broadband LEDs Our warm, neutral, and cold white LEDs feature broad spectra that span several hundred nanometers. The difference in appearance amongst these three LEDs can be described using the correlated color temperature, which indicates that the LEDs color appearance is similar to a black body radiator at that temperature. In general, warm white LEDs offer a spectrum similar to a tungsten source, while cold white LEDs have a stronger blue component to the spectrum; neutral white LEDs provide a more even illumination spectrum over the visible range than warm white or cold white LEDs. Cold white LEDs are more suited for fluorescence microscopy applications or cameras with white balancing, because of a higher intensity at most wavelengths compared to warm white LEDs. Neutral white LEDs are ideal for horticultural applications.
For horticultural applications requiring illumination in both red and blue portions of the spectrum, Thorlabs offers the MPRP1D2. This purple LED features dual peaks at 455 nm and 640 nm, respectively, to stimulate photosynthesis (see graph to compare the absorption peaks of photosynthesis pigments with the LED spectrum). The LED was designed to maintain the red/blue ratio of the emission spectrum over its lifetime to provide high uniformity of plant growth.
The MBB1D1 broadband LED has a relatively flat spectral emission over a wide wavelength range. Its FWHM bandwidth ranges from 500 nm to 780 nm, while its 10 dB bandwidth ranges between 470 nm and 940 nm. The MBB2D1 broadband LED features a spectrum with peaks at approximately 770 nm, 860 nm, and 940 nm.
Soldering These LEDs have been soldered to a metal core with low thermal resistance. While this feature allows for good thermal management, it can also prevent the metal pads from reaching the appropriate temperature for soldering when the package is connected to a heat sink. To properly solder wires to the pads, first make sure that the metal core is not in contact with a heat sink or a metal surface. We recommend using a small vise or similar device to hold the MCPCB during the soldering process and wires with a minimum gauge of 24 AWG (0.25 mm2).
To solder wires to the MCPCB, first hold the copper bit of the soldering iron on one of the pads for approximately 30 seconds using a soldering temperature of about 350 °C. The soldering iron will heat the entire metal-core PCB, so do not touch the LED package until it has cooled down after the soldering process. Test the temperature by touching tin solder to the pad: the solder will melt and flow evenly over the entire pad at the correct temperature. Coat the other pads with tin solder. Now, solder the wires to the pads. Use tweezers or pliers to remove the MCPCB from the vise and place it on a heat sink or metal surface. The metal-core PCB will cool down in several seconds and is now ready for your application.
For convenient connection of the LEDs to the drivers listed on the LED Drivers tab, please order the optional CAB-LEDD1 LED connection cable below.
Driver Options and Pin Assignments Thorlabs offers four drivers: LEDD1B, DC2200, DC4100, and DC4104 (the latter two require the DC4100-HUB). See the LED Drivers tab for compatibility information and a list of specifications. The LEDD1B is capable of providing LED modulation frequencies up to 5 kHz, while DC4100 and DC4104 can modulate the LED at a rate up to 100 kHz. The DC2200 can provide modulation at up to 250 kHz if driven by an external source. Please note that MCPCB LEDs are not compatible with the EEPROM feature of the DC2200, DC4100, and DC4104, which automatically adjusts for the current limits of our mounted LEDs. Therefore, care must be taken not to exceed the current limits of the LEDs offered on this page.
To connect the PCB to a controller, please note that the soldering pad labeled "+" is the Anode (+V), and the pad labeled "-" is the Cathode. Although it is not required to make any connections in order to operate the LED, the EEPROM IO and EEPROM GND connections can be used when any LED listed in the tables below is operated with a Thorlabs LED driver. The soldering pads on different items may be in different locations, but the labels are the same.
Due to variations in the manufacturing process and operating parameters such as temperature and current, the actual spectral output of any given LED will vary. These values were measured with the back side of the PCB at 25 °C at the maximum current, unless otherwise noted. Output plots and center wavelength specs are only intended to be used as a guideline.
For LEDs in the visible spectrum, the nominal wavelength indicates the wavelength at which the LED appears brightest to the human eye. The nominal wavelength for visible LEDs may not correspond to the peak wavelength as measured by a spectrograph.
Values are typical unless otherwise stated.
Irradiance is measured at a distance of 200 mm from the LED. Typical value unless otherwise noted.
Our 265 nm to 430 nm LEDs radiate intense UV light during operation. Precautions must be taken to prevent looking directly at the UV light and UV light protective glasses must be worn to avoid eye damage. Exposure of the skin and other body parts to the UV light should be avoided.
Measured at 25 °C
When driven with a current of 500 mA.
When driven with a current of 1000 mA.
These LEDs are phosphor-converted and may not turn off completely when modulated above 10 kHz at duty cycles below 50%.
When driven with a current of 100 mA.
Percentage of LED intensity that emits in the blue portion of the spectrum, from 400 nm to 525 nm. See spectrum graph for details.
Correlated Color Temperature
The MBB1D1 LED may not turn off completely when modulated at frequencies above 1 kHz with a duty cycle of 50%, as the broadband emission is produced by optically stimulating emission from phosphor. For modulation at frequencies above 1 kHz, the duty cycle may be reduced. For example, 10 kHz modulation is attainable with a duty cycle of 5%.
10 dB Bandwidth
Relative Power
The actual spectral output and total output power of any given LED will vary due to variations in the manufacturing process and operating parameters, such as temperature and current. Both a typical and minimum output power are specified to help you select an LED that suits your needs. Each metal-core PCB LED will provide at least the minimum specified output power at the maximum current. In order to provide a point of comparison for the relative powers of LEDs with different nominal wavelengths, the spectra in the plots below have been scaled to the minimum output power for each LED. This data is representative, not absolute. An Excel file with normalized and scaled spectra for all of the unmounted LEDs can be downloaded here.
One characteristic of LEDs is that they naturally exhibit power degradation with time. Often this power degradation is slow, but there are also instances where large, rapid drops in power, or even complete LED failure, occur. LED lifetimes are defined as the time it takes a specified percentage of a type of LED to fall below some power level. The parameters for the lifetime measurement can be written using the notation BXX/LYY, where XX is the percentage of that type of LED that will provide less than YY percent of the specified output power after the lifetime has elapsed. Thorlabs defines the lifetime of our LEDs as B50/L50, meaning that 50% of the LEDs with a given Item # will fall below 50% of the initial optical power at the end of the specified lifetime. For example, if a batch of 100 LEDs is rated for 150 mW of output power, 50 of these LEDs can be expected to produce an output power of ≤75 mW after the specified LED lifetime has elapsed.
Optimizing Thermal Management
In order to achieve stable optical output power and maximize lifetime from your LED, the MCPCB must be properly mounted to a heat sink using thermally conductive paste in order to minimize the degradation of optical output power caused by increased LED junction temperature (see the graph to the right).
Very Compact Footprint 60 mm x 73 mm x 104 mm (W x H x D)
Touchscreen Interface with Internal and External Options for Pulsed and Modulated LED Operation
4 Channelsc
4 Channelsc
EEPROM Compatible: Reads Out LED Data for LED Settings
-
LCD Display
-
Please note that the EEPROM readout feature that automatically adjusts the driver's current limit for our mounted LEDs is not compatible with our LEDs on MCPCB.
The DC4100 and DC4104 can power and control up to four LEDs simultaneously when used with the DC4100-HUB. The LEDs on this page all require the DC4100-HUB and the CAB-LEDD1 cable when used with the DC4100 or DC4104 drivers.
These LED drivers have a maximum forward voltage rating of 5 V and can provide a maximum current of 1000 mA. As a result, they cannot be used to drive LEDs which have forward voltage ratings greater than 5 V. LEDs with maximum current ratings higher than 1.0 A can be driven using this driver, but will not reach full power.
The MCPCB LEDs sold below are compatible with the LED2 Terminal via the CAB-LEDD1 (available separately below).
Small Signal Bandwidth: Modulation not exceeding 20% of full scale current. The driver accepts other waveforms, but the maximum frequency will be reduced.
Several of these LEDs produce light by stimulating emission from phosphor, which limits their modulation frequencies. The M565D2, M595D3, and all purple or white LEDs may not turn off completely when modulated above 10 kHz at duty cycles below 50%. The MBB1D1 LED may not turn off completely when modulated at frequencies above 1 kHz with a duty cycle of 50%. When the MBB1D1 is modulated at frequencies above 1 kHz, the duty cycle may be reduced; for example, 10 kHz modulation is attainable with a duty cycle of 5%.
Item #
Information File
Available Ray Files
File Size
Click to Download
M365D1
M365_Info.pdf
100,000 Rays and 1 Million Rays
27 MB
M385D1
M385_Info.pdf
1 Million Rays and 5 Million Rays
147 MB
M450D3a
LD_CQAR_20150731_info.pdf
100,000 Rays, 500,000 Rays, and 5 Million Rays
123 MB
M505D2a
LV_CK7P_191212_info.pdf
100,000 Rays, 500,000 Rays, and 5 Million Rays
123 MB
M850D2a
SFH4715S_100413_info.pdf
100,000 Rays, 500,000 Rays, and 5 Million Rays
139 MB
M940D2a
SFH_4725S_110413_info.pdf
100,000 Rays, 500,000 Rays, and 5 Million Rays
140 MB
A radiometric color spectrum, bare LED CAD file, and sample Zemax file are also available for these LEDs.
Ray data for Zemax is available for some of the bare LEDs incorporated into these high-powered light sources. This data is provided in a zipped folder that can be downloaded by clicking on the red document icons () next to the part numbers in the pricing tables below. Every zipped folder contains an information file and one or more ray files for use with Zemax:
Information File: This document contains a summary of the types of data files included in the zipped folder and some basic information about their use. It includes a table listing each document type and the corresponding filenames.
Ray Files: These are binary files containing ray data for use with Zemax.
For the LEDs marked with an superscript "a" in the table to the right, the following additional pieces of information are also included in the zipped folder:
Radiometric Color Spectrum: This .spc file is also intended for use with Zemax.
CAD Files: A file indicating the geometry of the bare LED. For the dimensions of the high-power mounted LEDs that include the package, please see the support drawings provided by Thorlabs.
Sample Zemax File: A sample file containing the recommended settings and placement of the ray files and bare LED CAD model when used with Zemax.
The table to the right summarizes the ray files available for each LED and any other supporting documentation provided.
Posted Comments:
Hajun Song
 (posted 2020-11-09 01:45:59.967)
I want to use the LD as a flash for the high speed flash. So, the LD should be modulated as fast as possible. Could you give me a information about the LD's bandwidth or rising time?
dpossin
 (posted 2020-11-09 10:13:11.0)
Dear Hajun,
Thank you for your feedback. Unfortunately we do not have information on the rise time of our metalcore PCB LEDs due to the fact that we are bandwidth limited by our drivers. However a good assumption is a rise time of at least 100ns which corresponds to an 3dB bandwidth of 3.5 MHz.
Hallo
gäbe es diese LED auch für 1000mA Stromstärke?
wir benützen den Wellenlängenbereich ab 1070nm für quasi-IR Imaging, also den Grenzbereich der grad noch mit Silizium-Chips machbar ist. Mit einer IR-Quelle und einem 1070nm Langpassfilter hat man ganz gute ergebnisse. Unsere Stromversorgungen sind standardisiert auf 1000mA. Wenn es da LEDs gäbe im Bereich 1050nm-1200nm mit 1000mA wären die für uns gut zu gebrauchen. Gäbe es da inzwischen LEDs in diesem Bereich?
Grüße
Ulrich Leischner
MKiess
 (posted 2020-07-10 09:36:13.0)
Vielen Dank für Ihre Anfrage. Eine IR-LED, mit einer Wellenlänge zwischen 1050nm und 1200nm, auf einem Metallkern PCB, welche bei 1000mA betrieben werden kann, haben wir leider nicht als standard Produkt in unserem Sotrtiment. Eine Übersicht aller LEDs können Sie unter folgendem Link finden:
https://www.thorlabs.de/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_ID=6071&tabname= LED Selection Guide
Ich habe Sie direkt kontaktiert um die genauen Anforderungen mit Ihnen zu diskutieren.
alekkom
 (posted 2017-12-15 11:09:23.127)
Can I use laser diode driver LD3000R as LED driver for M780D3 diode?
swick
 (posted 2017-12-20 03:52:04.0)
This is a response from Sebastian at Thorlabs. Thank you for the inquiry.
In general it should work to drive LEDs with constant current drivers so LD3000R (2.5 A , 12 V) should be compatible to M780D3 (800 mA, 7.8 V).
ludoangot
 (posted 2017-11-16 22:57:56.71)
Which of your white LED has the highest Color Rendition Index (CRI)?
mvonsivers
 (posted 2017-11-21 04:47:52.0)
This is a response from Moritz at Thorlabs. Thank you for you inquiry.
Unfortunately, we cannot specify CRI values for our LEDs.
I will contact you directly for further information.
ludoangot
 (posted 2016-05-24 23:39:01.57)
Do you offer sm1 sized blank mounting plates for these LED? I have in mind 2 configurations: a 1" pre-drilled plate to insert in sm1 tubes or the same but with SM1 external thread.
shallwig
 (posted 2016-05-25 02:29:13.0)
This is a response from Stefan at Thorlabs. Thank you very much for your inquiry. These LEDs on Metal-Core PCB must still be mounted onto an appropriate heat sink using thermal paste to ensure proper operation and to maximize operating lifetime. We do not offer these heat sinks separately. Our mounted LEDs with heatsink http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_ID=2692 feature an internal SM1 Threading for attaching collimation adapters or 1’’ lens tubes.
I will contact you directly to discuss your application in more detail.
kwestla
 (posted 2015-01-29 13:03:14.38)
What is the control voltage needed to turn the device on via the EEPROM IO, is it TTL, CMOS etc?
shallwig
 (posted 2015-01-30 05:24:28.0)
This is a response from Stefan at Thorlabs. Thank you very much for your inquiry. The EPROM cannot be used to turn the LED on. This chip only has saved information about the maximum driving current for this specific LED. It gets connected with an EPROM compatible driver like the DC2100 via the IO and GND Pad but the LED and EPROM have two different circuits. The driver reads out the EPROM information and sets the current limit accordingly.
The M385D1 needs to be supplied via Cathode and Anode Pad with a constant current of 700 mA, the current must not exceed the max current of 700 mA. The current source must be able to deliver this current at a “Forward Voltage” of 4.3 V.
I will contact you directly to discuss your application in detail.
jamesfreal
 (posted 2013-08-27 11:58:01.013)
The Excel data file for the M365D1 is not correct on your web site. It looks like it contains the spectral data for the M505D2. Could you send me the correct file?
Thanks
James Freal
sharrell
 (posted 2013-08-27 12:35:00.0)
Response from Sean at Thorlabs: Thank you for contacting us. We’ve updated the file linked on our website with the correct data.
Light Emitting Diode (LED) Selection Guide
(Click Representative Photo to Enlarge; Not to Scale)
These Collimated LEDs are compatible with the standard and epi-illumination ports on the following microscopes: Olympus BX/IX (Item # Suffix: -C1), Leica DMI (Item # Suffix: -C2), Zeiss Axioskop (Item # Suffix: -C4), and Nikon Eclipse (Bayonet Mount, Item # Suffix: -C5).
Typical power when used with MM Fiber with Ø400 µm core, 0.39 NA.
Our Multi-Wavelength LED Sources are available with select combinations of the LEDs at these wavelengths.
Typical power for LEDs with the Leica DMI collimation package (Item # Suffix: -C2).
Minimum power for the collimated output of these LEDs. The collimation lens is installed with each LED.
Typical power for LEDs with the Olympus BX and IX collimation package (Item # Suffix: -C1).
Typical power for LEDs with the Nikon Eclipse collimation package (Item # Suffix: -C5).
Measured at 25 °C
Percentage of LED intensity that emits in the blue portion of the spectrum, from 400 nm to 525 nm.
Deep UV LEDs (265 - 340 nm)
Please note that our deep UV LEDs radiate intense UV light during operation. Precautions must be taken to prevent looking directly at the UV light, and UV light protective glasses must be worn to avoid eye damage. Exposure of the skin and other body parts to UV light should be avoided.
Click on the wavelength to view a typical spectrum for the LED.
Due to variations in the manufacturing process and operating parameters such as temperature and current, the actual spectral output of any given LED will vary. Output plots and nominal wavelength specs are only intended to be used as a guideline.
When Driven at the Maximum Current
Irradiance is measured at a distance of 200 mm from the LED. Typical value unless otherwise noted.
Measured at 25 °C
UV LEDs (365 - 405 nm)
Please note that our UV LEDs radiate intense UV light during operation. Precautions must be taken to prevent looking directly at the UV light, and UV light protective glasses must be worn to avoid eye damage. Exposure of the skin and other body parts to UV light should be avoided.
Click on the wavelength to view a typical spectrum for the LED.
Due to variations in the manufacturing process and operating parameters such as temperature and current, the actual spectral output of any given LED will vary. Output plots and nominal wavelength specs are only intended to be used as a guideline.
Irradiance is measured at a distance of 200 mm from the LED.
When Driven with a Current of 500 mA
When Driven with a Current of 1000 mA
When Driven at the Maximum Current
Single-Color Cold Visible LEDs (415 - 565 nm)
Please note that the 415 nm (violet) LED radiates intense UV light during operation. Precautions must be taken to prevent looking directly at the UV light, and UV light protective glasses must be worn to avoid eye damage. Exposure of the skin and other body parts to the UV light should be avoided.
Click on the wavelength to view a typical spectrum for the LED.
Due to variations in the manufacturing process and operating parameters such as temperature and current, the actual spectral output of any given LED will vary. Output plots and nominal wavelength specs are only intended to be used as a guideline.
The nominal wavelength indicates the wavelength at which the LED appears brightest to the human eye. The nominal wavelength for visible LEDs may not correspond to the peak wavelength as measured by a spectrometer.
When Driven at the Maximum Current
Irradiance is measured at a distance of 200 mm from the LED.
This LED is phosphor-converted and may not turn off completely when modulated above 10 kHz at duty cycles below 50%.
Click on the wavelength to view a typical spectrum for the LED.
Due to variations in the manufacturing process and operating parameters such as temperature and current, the actual spectral output of any given LED will vary. Output plots and nominal wavelength specs are only intended to be used as a guideline.
The nominal wavelength indicates the wavelength at which the LED appears brightest to the human eye. The nominal wavelength for visible LEDs may not correspond to the peak wavelength as measured by a spectrometer.
When Driven at the Maximum Current
Irradiance is measured at a distance of 200 mm from the LED.
This LED is phosphor-converted and may not turn off completely when modulated above 10 kHz at duty cycles below 50%.
Click on the wavelength to view a typical spectrum for the LED.
Due to variations in the manufacturing process and operating parameters such as temperature and current, the actual spectral output of any given LED will vary. Output plots and nominal wavelength specs are only intended to be used as a guideline.
When Driven at the Maximum Current
Irradiance is measured at a distance of 200 mm from the LED.
Measured at 25 °C
Purple LED (455 nm / 640 nm)
Our dual-peak LED was designed for applications requiring illumination in both red and blue portions of the spectrum, such as horticulture. This purple LED features dual peaks at 455 nm and 640 nm, respectively, to stimulate photosynthesis (see graph to compare the absorption peaks of photosynthesis pigments with the LED spectrum). The LED was designed to maintain the red/blue ratio of the emission spectrum over its lifetime to provide high uniformity of plant growth.
Click on the wavelength to view a typical spectrum for the LED.
Due to variations in the manufacturing process and operating parameters such as temperature and current, the actual spectral output of any given LED will vary. Output plots and nominal wavelength specs are only intended to be used as a guideline.
When Driven at the Maximum Current
Irradiance is measured at a distance of 200 mm from the LED.
This LED is phosphor-converted and may not turn off completely when modulated above 10 kHz at duty cycles below 50%.
Percentage of LED intensity that emits in the blue portion of the spectrum, from 400 nm to 525 nm. Click on the wavelength for details.
White LEDs (400 - 700 nm Wavelength Range)
Our warm, neutral, and cold white LEDs feature broad spectra that span several hundred nanometers. The difference in appearance among these LEDs can be described using the correlated color temperature, which indicates that the LEDs color appearance is similar to a black body radiator at that temperature. In general, warm white LEDs offer a spectrum similar to a tungsten source, while cold white LEDs have a stronger blue component to the spectrum; neutral white LEDs provide a more even illumination spectrum over the visible range than warm white or cold white LEDs. Cold white LEDs are more suited for fluorescence microscopy applications or cameras with white balancing, because of a higher intensity at most wavelengths compared to warm white LEDs. Neutral white LEDs are ideal for horticultural applications.
Click on the wavelength to view a typical spectrum for the LED.
Due to variations in the manufacturing process and operating parameters such as temperature and current, the actual spectral output of any given LED will vary. Output plots and correlated color temperature specs are only intended to be used as a guideline.
When Driven at the Maximum Current
Irradiance is measured at a distance of 200 mm from the LED.
This LED is phosphor-converted and may not turn off completely when modulated above 10 kHz at duty cycles below 50%.
Broadband LEDs
The MBB1D1 broadband LED has a relatively flat spectral emission over a wide wavelength range. Its 10 dB bandwidth ranges between 470 nm and 850 nm. The MBB2D1 broadband LED features a spectrum with peaks at approximately 770 nm, 860 nm, and 940 nm.
Click on the wavelength to view a typical spectrum for the LED.
Due to variations in the manufacturing process and operating parameters such as temperature and current, the actual spectral output of any given LED will vary. Output plots and nominal wavelength specs are only intended to be used as a guideline.
When Driven at the Maximum Current
Irradiance is measured at a distance of 200 mm from the LED.
The LED may not turn off completely when modulated at frequencies above 1 kHz with a duty cycle of 50%, as the broadband emission is produced by optically stimulating emission from phosphor. For modulation at frequencies above 1 kHz, the duty cycle may be reduced. For example, 10 kHz modulation is attainable with a duty cycle of 5%
The 4-Pin M8 connection cable can be used to connect the LEDs on metal-core PCBs to the following Thorlabs LED drivers: LEDD1B, DC2100, DC4100, and DC4104 (the latter two require the DC4100-HUB).
Pin Connections The diagram above shows the male connector for use with the above Thorlabs LED drivers. The connector is a standard M8x1 sensor circular connector. Pins 1 and 2 are the connection to the LED. Please note that the bare PCB board LEDs shown on this page do not include an EEPROM like our mounted LEDs; hence pins 3 and 4 should not be connected. Also, note that the pin connection diagram shown here may not be valid for third-party LED drivers.
For customers using their own power supplies, we also offer a female 4-pin M8 connector cable (item # CON8ML-4).