Thorlabs' Turnkey Mid-Infrared (MIR) Lasers are ready-to-use, ultra-low-maintenance laser systems that provide collimated continuous wave (CW) output in the MIR. Each laser system consists of a single-spatial-mode quantum cascade laser head that is operated by a touchscreen current / temperature controller with a 4.3" LCD. Using the same automated test stations that qualify our packaged MIR laser chips, we measure the wavelength and L-I-V characteristics of each laser head at the factory, then store the test results on an EEPROM inside the laser head enclosure. This EEPROM allows the controller to automatically adjust itself for calibrated plug-and-play operation.
- Plug-and-Play Benchtop Laser Systems
- Fabry-Perot (3.40 µm, 4.00 µm, 4.55 µm, or 10.5 µm) or Distributed Feedback (3 - 3.5 µm, 4 - 5 µm, or 9 - 10 µm)
- Collimated CW Output
- Each System Includes a Laser Head & Touchscreen Controller
In general, Fabry-Perot lasers offer higher power and broadband emission, while DFB lasers provide single-wavelength emission that can be tuned over a 1 to 5 cm-1 range, depending upon the chip. Fabry-Perot lasers available from stock emit at a 3.40 µm, 4.00 µm, 4.55 µm, or 10.5 µm CWL with a minimum output power of 30 mW for the MLIF3400 laser, 250 mW for the MLQF4000 and MLQF4550 lasers, or 200 mW for the MLQF10500 laser. Stocked DFB lasers feature a CWL within the 3 - 3.5 µm, 4 - 5 µm, or 9 - 10 µm range, and this emission wavelength is temperature- and current-tunable over a narrow range that varies for each device.
Touchscreen Controller
The controller enables local and remote control of the laser's optical output. A resistive touch screen allows for the screen to be operated when using gloves or other protective equipment. The back of the controller includes three SMA connectors: an external modulation input for sine, triangle, or square waves; an external tuning input for fine tuning DFB lasers to a spectral absorption line and locking the wavelength using error signal feedback; and a TTL synchronization output. A 2.5 mm mono jack is included for interlock connections, and a 4 mm banana jack is included for use with a ground pin. In addition, a USB 2.0 mini B connector allows remote operation using software written by the user in C, C++, C#, LabVIEW®, LabWindows™/CVI, or Visual Studio.
Air-Cooled Laser Head
The laser head contains the laser chip and a collimating aspheric lens. The only connection between the laser head and controller is made through the included HD DB26 cable. A built-in thermistor and thermoelectric cooler (TEC) allow the controller to set and actively regulate the laser chip's temperature, while an automatic over-temperature shutoff protects the laser from thermal damage. No chiller lines are required.
Figure 1.1 Touchscreen Controller Interface: Each turnkey MIR laser system includes a touchscreen controller that provides easy access to all laser parameters.
Figure 1.2 A comparison of Fabry-Perot (FP) and Distributed Feedback (DFB) lasers shows that FP Lasers have broadband emission while DFB Lasers emit at a well defined wavelength.
Figure 1.3 Wavelengths Available as Custom Orders. Custom turnkey MIR lasers are available with typical lead times of 12 to 14 weeks.
At-a-Glance:
- Fabry-Perot Lasers Offered from Stock:
- Center Wavelengths (CWL) at 3.40 µm, 4.00 µm, 4.55 µm, or 10.5 µm
- Minimum Output Power:
- MLIF3400: 30 mW
- MLQF4000 and MLQF4550: 250 mW
- MLQF10500: 200 mW
- Broadband Emission
- Distributed Feedback (DFB) Lasers Offered from Stock:
- Single-Frequency CWLs from 3 - 3.5 µm, 4 - 5 µm, and 9 - 10 µm
- Typical Output Power:
- MLID3250: 5 mW
- MLQD4500: 40 mW
- MLQD9500: 30 mW
- CWL Tunable Over a 1 to 5 cm-1 Range (See Item-Specific Data Sheets)
- Fabry-Perot & DFB Lasers from 3 to 12 µm Available Made-to-Order (See Figure 1.3)
- Easy-to-Use Touchscreen Controller
- Internal and External Modulation at up to 100 kHz
- Integrated Interlock Circuit and Hand-Operated Shutter
- Higher Output Powers Available by Contacting Tech Sales