Thorlabs' TLX3 O-Band Tunable Laser is a turnkey, self-contained, tunable laser for the O-Band (1250 nm to 1350 nm) wavelength range based on the use of a fiber-coupled, semiconductor gain module and an intracavity tunable filter. This instrument has no moving parts, which enables continuous wavelength tuning at up to 400 nm/s, as well as 10 pm tuning resolution and ±50 pm wavelength accuracy. With output power in the 10 mW to 40 mW range and polarization-maintaining single mode output, it is an ideal source for communication applications and manufacturing testing. For maximum measurement flexibility, this tunable laser can be operated in three modes, which include manual, stepped sweep, and continuous sweep.
The optical output for this instrument is fiber-coupled via an FC/APC connector, and single mode or polarization maintaining fiber patch cables designed for operation in the O-band wavelength range can be connected. Note that the polarization axis is aligned with the narrow key of the bulkhead connector, as well as the slow-axis of the connected PM fiber.
BNC connectors for a Trigger Out and a Sync Clock Output are included on the back panel of this laser. The Trigger Out connector provides a 4.1 V digital signal for synchronizing external instruments to the Stepped Sweep and Continuous Sweep modes, while the Sync Clock Output provides a series of 3.3 V pulses for synchronizing to the continuous sweep of the laser.
Software
A user-friendly GUI is included with this instrument, which allows the user to select between the manual, stepped sweep, and continuous sweep modes. Operating parameters for each mode can also be set within the GUI, and direct readout of the operating wavelength and output power are also provided. Please see the Software tab for more information on each operating mode. This laser can also be operated without the software GUI via SCPI-type serial commands, which requires the instrument to be connected to the PC using the RS-232 or USB ports (see Pin Diagrams tab) on the back panel. A programming guide containing supporting commands is available for download. Note that the software GUI installer also installs the required driver for USB remote control. The installer is not required for remote control over the RS-232 interface.
The TLX3 Tunable Laser operation mode can be changed to manual, stepped-sweep, or continuous sweep using the software GUI.
Mounting
Designed for use with a standard 19" equipment rack, the TLX3 laser housing has a height of 2U and includes mounting brackets. Each bracket has two 0.28" x 0.28" (7.0 mm x 7.2 mm) slots for standard rack mounting screws, which are not included.
Performance
- Wavelength Range: 1250 nm to 1350 nm
- Tuning Resolution: 10 pm
- Wavelength Accuracy: ±50 pm
- Sweep Speeds up to 400 nm/s
- Remote Control via USB or RS-232 Connections
Features
- O-Band Tunable Laser (1250 nm - 1350 nm)
- Three Operating Modes: Manual, Step Sweep, or Continuous Sweep
- PM Fiber Output with Narrow-Key FC/APC Connector
- Trigger Signal and Clock Output for Synchronization with External Instrumentation
- Control via Included Software GUI or SCPI Commands
- 2U Housing Designed for 19" Racks
| Key Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Output Powera | 10 - 40 mW |
| Power Stability | ±0.02 dB |
| Power Repeatability | ±0.05 dB |
| Wavelength Accuracy | ±50 pm |
| Wavelength Stability | ±30 pm |
| Wavelength Repeatability | ±20 pm |
| Tuning Resolution | 10 pm |
| Linewidth | <500 MHz |