NOMINAL WAVELENGTH: Tolerances on diode laser wavelengths are typically ±10 nm, however, they can be as much as ±30 nm Please consult a LaserMax Sales Engineer for information on a specific module.

LONGITUDINAL MODE: If a laser is listed as single mode, it will typically lase single mode once it has warmed up for roughly 30 minutes, if no optical feedback is present. During steady-state operation, wavelength typically drifts 0.25 nm per degree Celsius and will occasionally bring the laser to the interface between two longitudinal modes. These modes will then compete, interrupting single mode operation. To assure stable single mode operation, use the LaserMax BTC-2000 thermoelectric cooler. Lasers listed as "multiple longitudinal mode" will typically lase with anywhere from 2 to 10 modes over a 1 to 10 nm envelope, depending on the laser. Multiple longitudinal mode lasers are less susceptible to intensity fluctuations due to feedback, and are useful in applications where a broad spectrum of output is desirable.

BEAM DIMENSIONS/ASPECT RATIO: Beam dimensions listed are nominal full-width half-maximum values.

DIVERGENCE: The intensity distribution of diode laser beams are generally elliptical. The far field divergence angles for both axes are dependent on the size of the beam as it leaves the laser. The smaller divergence angle is specified. For example, if a divergence specification is listed as 0.2 mrad half angle, and the elliptical aspect ratio is listed as 4, then the larger divergence angle will be nominally 0.8 mrad half angle.

BORE SIGHTING: Laser beams are bore sighted to the front section of the laser housing. Bore sighting specifications are null and void if the focusing lens is adjusted, or when the laser is equipped with accessories such as pattern generators or circularizers.

CURRENT DRAW: These values are nominal, and changes as temperature changes to maintain constant laser output power. If a keybox is required for FIB, MDL and ULX lasers, add 18 mA.

MODULATION: All digital inputs to lasers must be TTL LINE DRIVER or equivalent to source enough current for top laser performance.

SAFETY RATING: If you have questions about laser safety, contact LaserMax. We can put you in touch with a US Government representative to assist you with your particular solution. You may also wish to visit the Food and Drug Administration's CDRH home page. Common sense is the most important element in any safety program. All lasers shipped meet all safety requirements of the FDA.

MEAN TIME TO FAILURE (MTTF): This is the mean time to failure in hours of the laser diode as specified by the laser diode manufacturer @ 20° C. The MTTF will decrease rapidly with an increasing temperature. A rule of thumb for the MTTF is that for every reduction in junction temperature by 8° C, you can expect a doubling of the lifetime of the laser diode.

DEPTH OF MODULATION: Power out of the laser module changes with the modulation of the signal voltage. See diagram

OUTPUT POWER: Typical optical power out of the laser at 20° C. Output power will vary with temperature. For all of our lasers except the LFX, we set the output power to ±5% from the specified value. An LFX, especially the higher power 635 nm ones, may vary ±20% from the specified value. After the laser has warmed up, the output power is stable to ±0.5% unless there is significant temperature changes. Typically it takes about 15 minutes for a diode laser to stabilize unless it is in a temperature controlled heat sink.

POLARIZATION: A property of an electromagnetic wave that describes the orientation, i.e. time-varying direction and amplitude, of the electric field vector. Our lasers typically have better than 100 to 1 linear polarization ratios.

The electric field is polarized parallel to the major (long) axis of the elliptical beams at the output of our 635 nm lasers, but it is parallel to the minor (short) axis for our 650 to 830 lasers. The minor axis of the laser is aligned with the accessory screws on our LAS and LSX lasers. Use the orientation of the beam close to the laser as a reference. Due to the difference in the divergence of the two axes, the aspect ratio of the beam will change with distance from the laser.

REMEMBER: Never allow your eyes or another person's eyes to be in the path of a laser beam, whether or not the laser is turned on. Ensuring this often means that beam guards must be erected to prevent exposure. Please call us if you have any questions or concerns!

All specifications subject to change without notice. For specific requirements, please fill out an applications request form or consult a LaserMax sales engineer at 585.272.5420 and ask for OEM/Scientific sales.