Nanosecond Pulsed Laser Systems

Features

• Typical Center Wavelength: 522 nm, 640 nm, or 641 nm
• Drive and Temperature Stabilization Electronics Integrated into Laser Head
• Fixed Pulse Width Model (Item Numbers Ending in A)
  • Provides Pulses with Fixed 10 ns Typical Duration
  • Requires a User-Supplied External Trigger up to 10 MHz to Generate Pulses 
• Adjustable Pulse Width Models (Item Numbers Ending in B)
  
  • Provide Pulses with Typical Durations from 5 ns to 39 ns
  • Internally Trigger Pulses at 1, 5, and 10 MHz Rates with Synchronized Output Signal
  • Enable Pulses to be Externally Triggered at Rates up to 10 MHz
• Peak Optical Powers from 13 mW to 50 mW
• Two ECM225 Clamps Included for Post Mounting the Laser Head 

Thorlabs' Nanosecond Pulsed Laser Diode Systems are designed to provide a convenient, turn-key source of nanosecond pulse trains at repetition frequencies up to 10 MHz. These compact instruments consist of a laser head, an external +15 V power supply with location-specific plug, and two ECM225 mounting clamps. The drive electronics and temperature stabilization circuits for the laser diode are all integrated into the laser head, as are safety interlocks. An adjustable lens controls beam divergence, and a safety shutter can be rotated to cover the optical output port, as shown in the images to the right. Peak optical output power is a function of the particular laser diode, but it is typically in the range of 10 mW to 50 mW.

The NPL64A laser system provides pulses with 10 ns typical durations in response to a user-supplied trigger signal input to the SMA connector on the back panel. When powered using the included power supply, only the application of the external trigger signal is required to generate pulses at rates up to 10 MHz. 

The NPL52B and NPL64B lasers systems provide pulses with durations adjustable from 5 ns to 39 ns. Internal oscillators generate 1, 5, and 10 MHz frequency trigger signals, enabling these systems to produce stable trains of nanosecond laser pulses without an external trigger. Alternatively, pulses up to 10 MHz can be triggered by applying a user-supplied external trigger signal. The Rep Rate selector on the back panel allows the user to easily choose the desired internal or external trigger setting. Depending on the Rep Rate selector setting, the SMA connector on the back panel outputs a signal synchronized with the internally triggered pulses or accepts the user supplied trigger signal. For additional information, please see the Specs tab and the Back Panels tab.

Lasing is enabled when power is supplied to the laser head using the included +15 V power supply, the key switch is turned on, the interlock circuit is complete, initial laser warm-up has concluded, and a trigger signal is supplied. The interlock circuit can be completed using the included interlock pin. Alternatively, an external safety circuit or other type of remotely-controlled switch can be used to enable laser output. This requires wiring a 2.5 mm phono-type plug to the external safety circuit and installing the phono plug in the laser's interlock jack. The laser is enabled when the connection is closed.

The optical output is a free-space beam collimated by an integrated aspheric collimating lens, which is positioned in a tube with SM05(0.535"-40) internal threading located behind the shutter. The lens position is factory set for a nominal divergence of about 1 mrad. If desired, the divergence of the beam can be tuned by adjusting the lens position using a SPW908spanner wrench, as described in Section 5.6 of the manual. The output beam is elliptical, as is typical of solid-state diode lasers that do not use anamorphic optical components to circularize the beam. If an application requires circularizing the beam, Thorlabs offers anamorphic elements, such as anamorphic prism pairs.

The two included ECM225 mounting clamps each possess three counterbores that accept 8-32 (M4) cap screws (not included). Screw each clamp to the desired base or post before attaching it to the bottom or top of the laser housing and securing it using the integrated 5/64" (2 mm) locking screw. If desired, ECM175 mounting clamps, available below, can be used to mount the laser using the side of the laser housing.

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

The shutter rotates open (left) and closed (right) and is held in position by magnets built into the shutter fixture. When the shutter is closed, the target on the cover indicates the approximate location of the beam.