Thorlabs' Pre-Configured, Multi-Channel, Fiber-Coupled Laser Sources provide easy coupling and simple control of laser-diode-driven fiber optics. The MCLS1C3 system is equipped with three Fabry-Perot (FP) lasers at 488 nm, 520 nm, and 638 nm, while the MCLS1C1 and MCLS1C2 systems are equipped with four 1310 nm or 1550 nm distributed feedback (DFB) lasers, respectively.
- 488, 520, and 638 nm FP Laser Output Channels with FC/PC Connectors
- Four 1310 or 1550 nm DFB Laser Output Channels with FC/PC Connectors
- TEC and Controller for Each Channel
- Stable, Low Noise Output
The single-frequency DFB laser diodes in the MCLS1C2 and MCLS1C2 laser sources achieve a 0.1 nm typical linewidth with an excellent side mode suppression ratio (40 dB typical), and provide mode-hop-free, continuous current tuning over the full temperature adjustment range of 20 °C to 30 °C. These laser sources allow more than one channel to be turned on simultaneously; however, it is only possible to adjust the power output of one at a time from the front panel.
Each laser diode is operated from an independent, high-precision, low-noise, constant-current source and temperature control unit. An intuitive LCD interface allows the user to view and set the laser current and temperature independently for each laser. The display indicates the channel number selected, the output wavelength of the source, the operating power calculated from the monitor photodiode, and the actual temperature to which the laser is set.
Features
- Independent Temperature Control Gives High Temperature Stability
- Multiple Laser Output Channels with FC/PC Connectors
- Three FP Lasers at 488, 520, and 638 nm (Item # MCLS1C3)
- Four DFB Lasers at 1310 nm (Item # MCLS1C1)
- Four DFB Lasers at 1550 nm (Item # MCLS1C2)
- Low-Noise Output
- USB Interface
- Low-Profile Package, 2.5" (64 mm) Tall
These devices incorporate a microcontroller to fully control the laser's optical power and temperature as well as to monitor the system for fault conditions. The laser source includes a USB connection that allows remote enabling, power adjustment, and temperature adjustment. On the rear panel, analog inputs are available to modulate the laser diodes' outputs with an externally generated waveform. To prevent damage, the microcontroller will disable the output if the sum of the analog input and internal set point exceeds the laser limits.
Thorlabs offers the MCLS1-CUSTOM as a customizable, 4-channel laser source, with 31 different laser diode options. We also offer the MCLS2-CUSTOM 4-channel, fiber-coupled, customizable source with alternative laser diode and superluminescent diode (SLD) options. The MCLS2-CUSTOM source features a touchscreen interface and a modulation bandwidth of 200 kHz.
Safety
The MCLS1 system was fully designed to meet laser class 3B requirements, and is able to support the class 3B lasers of the MCLS1C3 source as well as the class 1 lasers of the MCLS1C1 and MCLS1C2 sources. There is an interlock located on the rear panel that must be shorted in order for any laser output to be enabled. This can easily be configured to be triggered by doors to disable the lasers in unsafe conditions. The power switch is a keylock system to prevent accidental or unwanted use. Each source has its own enable button allowing the user to choose which light sources to be active, as well as a master enable that must also be set.
| Key Specifications | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | MCLS1C3 | MCLS1C1 | MCLS1C2 | ||
| Channel | C1 | C2 | C3 | C1 - C4 | C1 - C4 |
| Typical Wavelength | 488 nm | 520 nm | 638 nm | 1310 nm | 1550 nm |
| Display Power Accuracy | ±10% | ||||
| Current Set Point Resolution | 0.01 mA | ||||
| Temperature Adjustment Range | 20.00 to 30.00 °C | ||||
| Temperature Set Point Resolution | ±0.01 °C | ||||
| Noise | <0.5% Typical | ||||
| Rise/Fall Time | <5 µs | ||||
| Modulation Bandwidth | 80 kHz Full Depth of Modulation | ||||
For further information, please contact