Thorlabs’ GSL Series Gain-Switched Lasers provide picosecond, nanosecond, and continuous wave operation in compact, fiber-coupled, turnkey sources. Gain-switched pulse generation with adjustable pulse widths and repetition rates up to 200 MHz make these lasers suitable for high-speed imaging, fluorescence lifetime measurements, and impulse testing. GSL series lasers are also ideal seed sources for additional amplification using Thorlabs' range of fiber-based amplifiers.
Features:
- 450 nm to 1550 nm Center Wavelengths
- <130 ps Pulse Width, 1 to 65 ns Pulse Widths, and CW Operation
- Fiber-Coupled Output with FC/APC Connector
- Precision Patch Cable Included for Lasers with Center Wavelengths ≤1064 nm
- Integrated Drive and Temperature Control Electronics
- Trigger Output for Pulse Synchronization
- Internal and External Triggering from Single Shot to 200 MHz
The drive electronics and temperature control circuits for the laser diode are integrated into each device and are powered by an included DS15 power supply with region-specific plug. Single-mode fiber output through an FC/APC connector allows for integration with a wide range of fiber-terminated devices.
Patch Cables with Precision Connectors
GSL series lasers with mode-field diameters <7 μm include a fiber patch cable with precision connectors, please see the Precision Patch Cables tab for details.
Pulse Width & Repetition Rate Controls
Each GSL series laser offers a control for varying the pulse width between picosecond operation (<130 ps), nanosecond operation adjustable over 14 discrete settings (1 to 65 ns), and continuous wave operation. Single shot operation is also available for pulse widths ≥6 ns. The pulse width control, located on the back panel, directly programs the pulse generator and can be adjusted to one of 16 positions using the included 2.5 mm screwdriver. Plots of typical pulse waveforms and typical pulse width as a function of the pulse width control setting are available in the Specs tab.
Alongside the pulse width control, the repetition rate control provides access to four internal and two external trigger settings, accommodating both Hi-Z and 50 Ω impedance connections. The internally available rates include 1 MHz, 10 MHz, 100 MHz, and 200 MHz. Use the included 2.5 mm flathead screwdriver to select the desired trigger setting.
Applications
- Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging
- Time-Resolved Imaging
- Fiber Amplifier Seed Source
- Impulse Test and Measurement
- Quantum Key Distribution
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Key Specifications |
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Item # |
Center |
Pulse |
Peak |
Avg. Powerd |
|
GSL45A |
450 ± 10 nm |
<90 ps |
>32 mW |
>0.6 mW |
|
1 to 65 ns |
12 mW |
- |
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|
GSL52A |
520 ± 10 nm |
<120 ps |
>40 mW |
>1.0 mW |
|
1 to 65 ns |
15 mW |
- |
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|
GSL63A |
633 ± 10 nm |
<130 ps |
>75 mW |
>2.0 mW |
|
1 to 65 ns |
35 mW |
- |
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|
GSL106A |
1064 ± 10 nm |
<100 ps |
>35 mW |
>0.7 mW |
|
1 to 65 ns |
25 mW |
- |
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GSL131A |
1310 ± 20 nm |
<80 ps |
>43 mW |
>0.7 mW |
|
2 to 65 ns |
37.5 mW |
- |
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|
GSL155A |
1550 ± 20 nm |
<80 ps |
>37 mW |
>0.6 mW |
|
2 to 65 ns |
30 mW |
- |
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