1. What electrical connections are required?

 

The LM Series uses a multi‑pin electrical interface that provides:

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• DC power input (3.1–12 VDC)

• RS‑232  for remote communication

• TTL modulation input (0–5 V)

 

This pinout is compatible with standard RS‑232 cables or USB‑to‑RS‑232 adapters for easy system integration.

 

2. Does the LM Series support external modulation?

 

Yes. The LM Series supports external TTL modulation from 0 to 5 V, with modulation speeds up to 3 kHz, enabling simple on/off control or low‑frequency modulation for automated analytical instrumentation measurements.

 

3. Can the laser be controlled by a host PC or embedded controller?

 

Yes. OEM customers commonly integrate the LM Series using:

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• PC‑based control via RS‑232

• Embedded controllers using RS‑232 or USB‑to‑serial adapters

 

This allows full remote adjustment of laser operating current and temperature setpoints within the stabilized operating range.

 

4. What optical output configurations are available for system integration?

 

The LM Series is available in multiple configurations to match OEM optical designs:

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• Free‑space output

• Single‑mode or polarization‑maintaining (PM) fiber‑coupled output.  FC/APC connectors

• Optional optical isolators for feedback‑sensitive applications.   

 

5. When is an optical isolator recommended?

 

An optical isolator is strongly recommended for any application where optical feedback is possible

Optical feedback can destabilize wavelength‑stabilized diodes or cause latent damage; isolator‑equipped LM models are available to mitigate this risk.

 

6. How is thermal management handled in OEM systems?

 

The LM Series is designed to be mounted to a heat sink. Integrated temperature control stabilizes the laser diode, but OEM systems must provide:

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• Proper heat‑sinking

• Reasonable airflow or conduction cooling

• Minimal airflow near the optical aperture for best wavelength stability

 

Improper thermal management can lead to degraded performance or permanent damage.

 

7. What safety features are included for OEM and non‑OEM versions?

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• OEM versions are supplied without a keyswitch, intended for integration into certified systems.

• Non‑OEM versions (e.g., for lab use or U.S. customers) include a keyswitch for laser enable.

 

This allows OEMs to meet system‑level regulatory requirements without redundant safety components. 

 

8. How quickly does the LM Series reach stable operation?

 

The LM Series achieves stable operation within a few minutes of power‑up, making it suitable for systems requiring fast startup and minimal warm‑up time.

 

9. Can the LM Series maintain stability across the full power range?

 

Yes. Thanks to SureLock™ technology and PowerLocker® VHG stabilization, the LM Series maintains consistent wavelength and spectral performance from 0% to 100% output power, which is critical for calibrated analytical instruments.

 

10. Is the LM Series suitable for continuous operation in embedded systems?

 

Yes. The LM Series is designed for continuous OEM operation when properly heat‑sunk and operated within specified electrical and environmental limits. Power stability is typically ~3% over 5 hours, with excellent short‑term stability.

 

11. What types of OEM applications is the LM Series best suited for?

 

Typical OEM integrations include:

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• Raman spectroscopy

• Interferometry

• Metrology and HeNe replacement

• Bio‑instrumentation

• Particle characterization

• Sensing and analytical instrumentation

 

The combination of compact size, integrated electronics, and wavelength stability makes it well‑suited for embedded optical systems.

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12. What is the difference between vacuum and air-referenced wavelengths?

 

Because we tightly control wavelength accuracy and tolerance, it is important to specify the reference medium used for wavelength measurement.

 

Light travels slightly more slowly in air than in vacuum, causing the wavelength in air to be marginally shorter. To avoid ambiguity and ensure consistency, wavelengths in our datasheets are vacuum‑referenced, which is also the convention used by many spectroscopy databases.  As an example, a HeNe laser specified at 632.991 nm in vacuum corresponds to 632.816 nm in air. This difference does not indicate a physical change in the laser, only a difference in how the wavelength is referenced.