The Thorlabs QF4600HS is a high-speed quantum cascade laser that can be used in applications requiring rapid intensity modulation in the mid-infrared. The laser can be run with continuous wave (CW) current through the laser current pins with high-speed RF intensity modulation (1000 MHz) provided by applying a radio frequency (RF) signal to the RF input (SMA connector).
- Fabry-Perot QCLs in Thermoelectrically Cooled HHL Packages
- Center Wavelengths from 3.85 - 10.6 µm (2597 - 943 cm-1)
- Optical Output Powers Up to >1.5 W
- Custom Wavelengths, Packages, and Output Powers Available Upon Request
Features
- Broadband Fabry-Perot Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs)
- Center Wavelengths from 3.85 - 10.6 µm (2597 - 943 cm-1)
- High-Speed Modulation Option Available (Item # QF4600HS)
- Horizontal, Collimated, Vertically Polarized Output
- High Heat Load Package Simplifies Thermal Management and System Integration
- Custom Wavelengths and Mounts Also Available
Thorlabs' Fabry-Perot Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs) exhibit broadband emission and the laser's specified output power is the sum over the full spectral bandwidth. Since these QCLs have broadband emission, they are well suited for medical imaging, MIR illumination, and microscopy applications. The output spectrum, LIV curve, and beam propagation data of each serial-numbered device, measured by an automated test station before shipment, are available below and are also included on a data sheet that ships with the device.
These QCLs emit a vertically polarized, collimated beam. At the output, a wedged, AR-coated zinc sulfide window prevents back reflections from returning to the laser chip, but also causes the beam to exit the mount at a 2.0 ± 0.6° angle (±0.75° for the QF7900HB, QF8500HB, and QF9200HB QCLs). A thermoelectric cooler and a thermistor are integrated into each laser for temperature control. The laser package is sealed, although the seal is not hermetic.
Although these lasers are specified for CW output, they are compatible with pulsed applications provided that the CW max operating current is not exceeded. These lasers do not have built-in monitor photodiodes and therefore cannot be operated in constant power mode.
Thorlabs also offers the QF4600HS laser, which is unique in the fact that it can be run with continuous wave (CW) current through the laser current pins with RF intensity modulation provided by applying a radio frequency (RF) signal to the RF input (SMA connector).