Introducing the New Enhanced-Stability CW-Mode Hop-Free Mid-IR Laser
Daylight Solutions is proud to introduce the TLS-41000-MHF, a new generation of mode hop-free (MHF) lasers. A complete redesign based on Finite Element Analysis (FEA) maximizes the lasers robustness with respect to vibrations and acoustic perturbations. A factor of 5 linewidth reduction (now <10 MHz over a 1 s integration time) over our previous model and maximum stability are combined with new modulation capabilities to provide the ultimate tool for high-resolution spectroscopy and sensor development.
Our highest-performing tunable external cavity laser, the CW-MHF series provides continuous tuning in the mid-IR. The combination of a narrow linewidth and excellent wavelength control allows for highly resolved spectral features in both survey and short, high-resolution scans. Two options for wavelength modulation are standard on the TLS-41000-MHF series: piezoelectric (PZT) for low bandwidth (DC to 600 Hz) and current modulation for high bandwidth (200 Hz to 1 MHz). Both systems have been improved, increasing and overlapping their response bandwidths.
Our highest-performing tunable external cavity laser, the CW-MHF series provides continuous tuning in the mid-IR. The combination of a narrow linewidth and excellent wavelength control allows for highly resolved spectral features in both survey and short, high-resolution scans. Two options for wavelength modulation are standard on the TLS-41000-MHF series: piezoelectric (PZT) for low bandwidth (DC to 600 Hz) and current modulation for high bandwidth (200 Hz to 1 MHz). Both systems have been improved, increasing and overlapping their response bandwidths.
Features
- Wavelengths offered: 4.0, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.9, 5.3, 6.1, 7.8, 9.5, 10.5 µm
- Mode-Hop-Free tuning range: 60 cm-1 typical, ≥30 cm-1 guaranteed
- CW output power: >70 mW typical
- Wavelength accuracy: ±0.5 cm-1 (±15 GHz), unidirectional
- Linewidth as low as 5 MHz(1)
- Improved PZT modulation bandwidth: 0-600 Hz
- Improved current modulation bandwidth: 200 Hz – 1 MHz
- Highly collimated beam
- Controller includes TEC and laser driver
- Room temperature operation with only a water chiller
(1) Over 100 ms
Benefits
- Center wavelengths covering most of the mid-IR
- Broad tuning range – see more molecules per laser
- See CH4, CO2, CO, NO, N2O, NO2, NH3, H2O, & many more molecules
- High-power means easy experimental design & often no need for LN2-cooled detectors
- Accuracy is built in. No need for a wavemeter for many experiments
- New level of resolution
- Open-loop experimental versatility and overlapping control bandwidths mean maximum control in closed-loop experiments
- More usable photons
- Convenient, turn-key product
- No cryogenic cooling
Product Details
Daylight Solutions is pleased to announce the TLS-41000-MHF – the next generation of broadly tunable, mode hop-free (MHF), mid-IR lasers based on quantum cascade and diode laser technology. Center wavelengths of the series span the mid-IR spectrum from 4 μm to 10.5 μm and provide guaranteed continuous tuning of at least 30 cm-1.The highly successful Mode Hop-Free laser product line has been completely redesigned for higher stability and increased versatility. Guided by an exhaustive Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of the vibrational modes of the tuning elements, the cavity is now much more resistant to acoustic perturbations and vibrations. The new design will allow for narrower open-loop linewidth (≤5 MHz with a 100 ms integration time) and reduced jitter both at a single wavelength and while scanning. The result will be improved quality high-resolution spectra. The enhanced mechanical stability allows for a dramatic increase in the bandwidth of the piezoelectric tuning element (PZT) to over 600 Hz.
The new TLS-41000-MHF model line also features a redesigned current modulation circuit optimized for high-resolution spectroscopy. The circuit has a widened bandwidth (200 Hz to over 1 MHz) with low phase delay. The overlap of the PZT and current modulation bandwidths allows the implementation of a traditional two-stage locking circuit to minimize the center linewidth drift and jitter. Higher resolution, smoother tuning, and the ability to tightly lock the source to a reference are the hallmarks of this new line of laser products
Offering excellent linewidth characteristics, these CW lasers tune mode hop-free across their specified tuning range. The survey scanning is complemented by PZT and current modulation to perform modulation spectroscopy or stabilization and locking experiments.
Designed by the world’s leading experts in tunable lasers, these sources are small, robust, and utilize specially designed miniature lenses to optimize system performance. Each system integrates a TEC for temperature control, so only a water chiller is needed—no cryogenic cooling!
These lasers are turnkey systems: each comes with an intuitive, easy-to-use multifunction controller. The controller is accessible to a PC through RS-232, USB 2.0, and GPIB interfaces. This allows external control of the tunable laser for a variety of applications. The controller is also manually accessible through its easy-to-use front panel.
Daylight Solutions’ overall system leverages the last 15 years of tunable-laser development and manufacturing, and incorporates the company’s latest patented tuning and packaging technology for the mid-IR.
The availability of robust, easy-to-use mode hop-free tunable lasers in the 4 to 10.5 μm region of the spectrum has taken a step up in stability and flexibility. These lasers enable application research in the field of molecular detection and imaging. Common applications include high-resolution spectroscopy, greenhouse gas sensor development, the detection of biomarkers in the breath, and the detection of chemical and biological agents.
This new TLS-41000-MHF featuring highly stable mode hop-free performance is available in a full range of wavelength spanning the mid-IR from 4 to 10.5 µm.
Daylight Solutions – the Source for All Applications in the Mid-IR
Call today for pricing and availability of specific wavelengths
Specifications
| Product Specifications | |
| Operation | Continuous wave, mode hop-free (CW-MHF) |
| Center Wavelengths (units in μm) | 4.0, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.9, 5.3, 6.1, 7.8, 9.5, 10.5 |
| Optical Parameters | |
| Tuning Range | Guaranteed ≥ 30cm-1 minimum, 60cm-1 typical |
| Minimum Avg. Power1 | 1 mW |
| Maximum Avg. Power | >70 mW typical |
| Power Variations | <1% over 5 mins., <4% avg. over 1 day |
| Linewidth | <5 MHz over 100 ms <10 MHz over 1 s |
| Beam Divergence | <5 mrad |
| Beam Waist | 30–50 cm Typical (from exit port) |
| Polarization | Linear, 100:1, Vertical |
| Pointing Stability | <1 mrad up to 100cm-1 tuning |
| Spot Size Minimum | <2.5 mm 1/e Electric Field Dia. |
| Beam Quality | TEM00 |
| Electrical Parameters | |
| CW-MHF | True Continuous Wave, Mode Hop-Free operation |
| CW | Extended CW tuning range also included2 |
| Triggering | Internal and External Pulse3, External Trigger4 |
| Scanning | Uni- and Bi-directional survey scan, Start, Stop, Step, Pause scanning programmable |
| External Interface | RS-232, USB 2.0, GPIB |
| Piezoelectric Modulation |
1 cm-1 at 100 Hz, ≥600 Hz bandwidth |
| Current Modulation | ≥ 0.05 cm-1 at 200 Hz to 2 MHz |
| Mechanical Parameters | |
| Full Range Tuning Speed | <3 sec for 100 cm-1 scan |
| Display Accuracy | ±0.5 cm-1 uni-directional |
| Display Repeatability | <0.02 cm-1 uni-directional |
| Cooling Requirements4 |
Water cooling, no cryogenic cooling |
| Gain Chip Relative Temperature Range |
±5°C Programmable |
| Head Size | 6.5" L × 4.4" W × 5.73" H |
1 At edges of gain curve
2 In “extended” range, system will mode hop as it is tuned.
3 This laser is an inherently cw laser. Pulsed operation functionality is limited to reducing the load on the gain chip during alignment procedures. It is not intended for collection of accurate data.
4 Ambient temperature 20°C, 10% to 90% humidity
Industries & Applications
Scientific
Defense
- Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS)
- Rovibrational spectroscopy
- Cavity ring-down spectroscopy
- Wavelength modulation spectroscopy
Defense
- Explosives Detection
- Photoacoustic spectroscopy
- Remote sensing
Medical
Environmental
Industrial
- Breath analysis
Environmental
- Atmospheric research
- Pollution monitoring
- Toxic industrial chemicals detection
- Cavity ring-down spectroscopy
- Greenhouse gas monitoring (GHG)
Industrial
- Process control
- Fence line monitoring
- Toxic industrial chemicals detection
- Combustion diagnostics
Literature & Downloads
Specifications
TLS-41000-MHF Specifications Sheet [PDF, 470KB] - Introduced in 2012
TLS-21000-MHF Specifications Sheet [PDF, 560KB] - Introduced in 2008
TLS-21000-MHF Specifications Sheet [PDF, 560KB] - Introduced in 2008
