News

8 April 2010

 

Thorlabs launches 1310 and 1550nm turnkey broadband SLD benchtop sources for imaging applications

Photonic product maker Thorlabs Inc of Newton, NJ, USA has introduced the S5FC series of benchtop superluminescent diode (SLD) light sources, which integrate proprietary indium phosphide (InP) SLDs made by Covega (now Thorlabs Quantum Electronics, TQE, since its acquisition from Gemfire Corp in March 2009) with Thorlabs’ all-inclusive benchtop platform.

Thorlabs hence now offers turnkey broadband SLD sources for use in optical coherence tomography (OCT), imaging systems, and fiber-optic gyroscopes (FOG). Each benchtop is available in 1310nm and 1550nm wavelength versions with SM (single-mode) and PM (polarization-maintaining) fiber and is equipped with FC/APC bulkhead connectors for easy coupling. Typical power output ranges from 2.5mW to 30mW.

An intuitive LCD interface enables users to view and set the current and temperature for each fiber-coupled laser independently, which provides high temperature stability. The laser source also includes a USB connection for remote laser adjustment and rear analog inputs to modulate output with an external signal.

Each source includes a rear panel interlock, keylock power switch, and independent enable buttons. Users can easily configure the interlock to trigger when doors open, disabling the lasers and providing a key safety feature when operating in high-traffic facilities.  To prevent damage, the unit is also equipped with a microcontroller, which will disable the output if input settings exceed laser limits.

See related item:

Thorlabs acquires Covega from Gemfire

Search: Superluminescent diode InP

Visit: www.thorlabs.com