Thorlabs' Ultra-Low-Noise (ULN) Hybrid Lasers consist of a single angled facet (SAF) gain chip coupled to an exceptionally long fiber Bragg grating (FBG) enclosed in a hermetically sealed case.1 The conjunction of these elements creates a laser cavity similar to an external-cavity semiconductor laser through the length of the fiber. Two integrated thermoelectric coolers (TECs) and thermistor pairs act in a closed loop to control the temperature of the gain chip and FBG independently. In addition, each laser features an auxiliary thermistor that monitors the case temperature and a built-in monitor photodiode.
- Wavelengths Targeting Rb, Cs, K and Sr; and the C- and O-Bands
- Typical Linewidths as Low as 100 Hz
- Typical Relative Intensity Noise (RIN) as Low as -165 dBc/Hz
- Integrated TEC Elements and Thermistors
This patented design provides signals with relative intensity noise (RIN) as low as -165 dBc/Hz and exceptionally narrow typical (Lorentzian) linewidths, as narrow as 100 Hz. Each ULN offered below is designed to meet a drive current and temperature to provide ≥70 mW of optical power. The single mode output can reach typical optical powers as high as 140 mW with a side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) as high as 70 dB. As a result of this unique design, the mode-hop-free single-frequency regions are not continuous as the laser current is adjusted, typically limited to 20 mA to 50 mA wide current regions. ULNs with center wavelengths up to 850 nm have larger single mode continual tuning bands than ULNs with center wavelengths >850 nm.
Features:
- Typical Center Wavelengths from 770 nm to 1550 nm
- Relative Intensity Noise (RIN) as Low as -165 dBc/Hz
- Typical SMSR as High as 70 dB
- 14-Pin Hermetically Sealed Extended Butterfly Package
- Two Integrated Thermoelectric Coolers (TEC) and Thermistors
- PM Fiber Pigtail with 2.0 mm Narrow Key FC/APC Connector
- Compatible with LM14TS Active Butterfly Laser Diode Mount
- Requires Low-Noise Current Source, Such as Our LNC31 Low-Noise Laser Diode Driver
Lasers with inherently narrow linewidth and low noise require a driver current with minimal current noise, such as our LNC31 low-noise laser diode driver, to reach their specified optical performance. The chosen current supply should be given time to stabilize before the output of the laser is measured. In addition, an optical isolator should be placed at the output of the laser.
Our 1550 nm ultra-low-noise lasers are available in either a current- or temperature-tuning configuration. The lasing spectrum of both of these sources changes between single longitudinal mode and multimode depending on the drive current. As the system experiences effects of hysteresis, the width of these ranges will also change depending on whether the drive current is being increased or decreased. Each laser's center wavelength is tested and reported on a serialized data sheet. Users should reference the laser's individual data sheet to see where these regions exist for their device.
For ULNs with center wavelengths not listed below, such as 1542 nm, 1550.1 nm, or 1560 nm, please contact us.
For further information, please contact