Thorlabs MIR Fabry-Perot lasers that emit at either a center wavelength of 4.00 µm or 4.55 µm with a minimum optical output power of 250 mW are available from stock. They exhibit broadband emission in a range spanning roughly 50 cm^-1. The laser's specified output power is the sum over the full spectral bandwidth. Because these lasers have broadband emission, they are well suited for medical imaging, illumination, and microscopy applications. The optical output is vertically polarized.

Before shipment, the spectrum, output power, and beam profile are measured for each serial-numbered device by an automated test station. These measurements are available by clicking "Choose Item" below and are also included on a data sheet with the laser.

Since the EEPROM in the laser head contains all the values required for calibrated operation, it is possible to purchase additional laser heads and operate them with the same controller. Thorlabs' semiconductor foundry regularly fabricates laser chips that are suitable for these turnkey systems. To inquire about wavelength and output power availability, please contact Lastek.

• Fabry-Perot Lasers with 4.00 µm or 4.55 µm CWL
• 250 mW Minimum Output Power
• Center Wavelengths from 3 to 12 µm Available by on request.
• Includes Factory-Calibrated Laser Head, Touchscreen Controller, and All Other Items in Shipping List Tab

Thorlabs' Turnkey MIR Lasers are ready-to-use, ultra-low-maintenance laser systems that provide collimated 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.

Fabry-Perot and Distributed Feedback Laser Comparison
Fabry-Perot (FP) Lasers have broadband emission, while Distributed Feedback (DFB) Lasers emit at a well defined wavelength.

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 (see the Specs tab). Fabry-Perot lasers available from stock emit at either a 4.00 µm or 4.55 µm CWL with a minimum output power of 250 mW. Stocked DFB lasers feature a CWL within the 4 - 5 µm range, and this emission wavelength is temperature- and current-tunable over a narrow range that varies for each device. Item-specific information such as the factory-measured spectrum, output power, and beam profile of each stocked item is available by clicking "Choose Item" below. Additionally, custom Fabry-Perot and DFB lasers at CWLs from 3 to 12 µm (refer to the graph below) are available.

Wavelengths Available as Custom Orders
Custom turnkey MIR lasers are available with typical lead times of 12 to 14 weeks. In the past, we have manufactured lasers at all of the wavelengths shown above.

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. Screenshots of the interface are available in the Controller Interface tab. 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.

Three SWB/M Mounting Feet provide a nominal beam height of 67.0 mm. These individually adjustable feet allow for coarse beam height adjustment over a ±10.0 mm range and contain swivel joints, allowing the beam pointing to be adjusted while keeping the laser level with the optical table. When the mounting feet are locked down by a clamping fork, the angle of each foot becomes fixed. Three CF175 Clamping Forks are included with the laser head.