Benchtop SLD Light Sources

Features

• Broadband Emission Centered at 1050 nm, 1310 nm or 1550 nm
• Single Mode (SM) or Polarization-Maintaining (PM) Output with FC/APC, 2.0 mm Narrow Key Connector
• TEC for Temperature Stabilization
• Low Output Noise: <0.1%
• USB 2.0 Interface for Remote Operation
• Each Unit Ships with a Complete Test Report

Thorlabs' Fiber-Coupled SLD Sources are benchtop units that have an integrated superluminescent diode (SLD), controller, and TEC. These sources produce broadband emission centered at 1050 nm, 1310 nm, or 1550 nm and the output is coupled to an FC/APC connector. The center wavelength with these devices, as with all broadband devices, is defined by an average weighted by the relative amplitude and may not correspond to peak power or the FWHM center wavelength due to the asymmetry of the spectrum.

The 1050 nm SLD source is available with PM fiber output, while the other wavelengths are available from stock with either SM or PM fiber outputs. See the tables to the right for a summary of available sources. Custom units with different connectors, fibers, or an optical isolator incorporated into the unit are available upon request.

An intuitive LCD interface on the front of the unit allows the user to view the parameters for the SLD. For more details, please see the Operation tab. A USB 2.0 connector is provided for remotely enabling the SLD and adjusting the temperature and power. On the rear panel, an analog input is available to modulate the SLD with an external signal of 0 to 5 V, which is added to the internal setpoint. To prevent damage, an integrated microcontroller will disable the output if the analog input plus the internal setpoint exceeds the SLD limits.

The SLDs in these benchtop sources are operated using an independent, high-precision, low-noise constant current source and temperature control unit. The integrated microcontroller fully regulates the SLD's optical power and temperature as well as monitors the system for fault conditions.

Superluminescent diodes are excellent high-power broadband light sources for use in applications such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Fiber Optic Gyroscopes (FOG). The SLDs offered here are indium phosphide (InP) devices.

The S5FC includes a universal power supply allowing operation over 100 to 240 VAC without the need for selecting the line voltage. The fuse access is conveniently located on the rear panel.

We also offer custom wavelength benchtop SLD sources to meet the needs of customers whose applications are not covered by our stock selection. Contact techsupport@thorlabs.com for more information.

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Viewing Information

Thorlabs' SLDs use a single four quadrant LCD to display information as shown in the photograph to the right (Digital Display with Backlight).

• Top Left: Indicates device type.
• Top Right: Indicates the wavelength of the SLD.
• Bottom Left: If a monitor diode is included in the pigtailed diode, a power reading (in mW) will be displayed. When enabled, the current power level determined from the monitor photodiode will indicate the approximate power level of the output. When disabled, the power level will read "0.00 mW". If a monitor diode is not included in the pigtailed diode, a current reading (in mA) will be indicated instead.
• Bottom Right: Indicates the actual temperature (in °C) the SLD is stabilized to. The default temperature is set to 25.00 °C and is user adjustable.

Adjusting the SLD Output Power and Temperature

The control knob/switch utilizes an intelligent speed control. Turning the knob slowly corresponds to fine adjustment while turning the knob quickly corresponds to coarse adjustment. The SLD current threshold is a user-selectable command parameter that allows the user to filter out nonlinear sections of the SLD power curve. The threshold current is defaulted to 1 mA on initial power up.

The unit will be in Display Mode when it is first turned on to show the variables such as power reading, temperature, and wavelength. Pressing the control knob/switch once enables the Current Control Mode. Simply turn the knob will allow the user to adjust the current. Pressing the control knob one more time enables Temperature Control Mode. The user will be able to adjust temperature in this mode. The resolution for the current adjustment is 0.1 mA and 0.01 °C for temperature adjustment.

Modulating the SLD Output

The Analog In input can be used to modulate the SLD output or to set the SLD output remotely using a 5 V power source. The 5 V maximum input corresponds to the maximum calibrated power, which operates the SLD using a constant current drive technique. The resulting actual output power is dependent on the set current and operating temperature.

In addition, in order to eliminate a dead zone in the power control knob, the output of the unit is offset to the threshold current of the coupled SLD diode. Adjusting the knob below threshold will immediately set the current to 0.0 mA, or Standby mode. Therefore, there are two modes of modulation available. First, setting the control to "Standby" allows the analog modulation to utilize the full 0 to 5 V input range. The drawback is that a minimum voltage will be required to operate above the threshold current but allows more flexibility by the user. The second mode is to adjust the control knob so that the SLD is at threshold or above. The analog modulation voltage will be limited to less than the full 0 to 5 V range, but a DC offset will not be required. This should be kept in mind when using the modulation input since it will limit the actual input voltage range.

Making the Safety Interlock Connections

The S5FC series of SLD sources are equipped with a remote interlock connector located on the rear panel. All units have this feature regardless of their FDA and IEC classifications. In order to enable the S5FC source, a short circuit must be applied across the terminals of the Remote Interlock connector. In practice this connection is made available to allow the user to connect a remote-actuated switch to the connector (i.e., an open door indicator). The switch (which must be normally open) has to be closed in order for the unit to be enabled. Once the switch is in an open state, the S5FC source will automatically shut down. If the switch returns to a closed condition, the S5FC source must be re-enabled at the unit by pressing the ENABLE switch.

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 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