Chapter 5 Using The Free-Space Input - THORLABS Redstone OSA305 Manual

Optical Spectrum Analyzers Chapter 5: Using the Free-Space Input
Chapter 5 Using the Free-Space Input
Figure 7. Front Panels of the OSA201C and Redstone OSA305
These instruments have two input options: fiber coupled and free-space. It is not possible to use both input
options at the same time. By default, we provide an FC/PC receptacle for the fiber input, but other receptacles
can be requested at the time of the order.
Figure 8. Free-Space Input (Left) and FC/PC Input (Right) on the OSA20xC front
Figure 9. Free-Space Input (Left) and FC/PC Input (Right) on the Redstone OSA305 front
5.1. Table Mounting when Using the Free-Space Input
The OSA20xC interferometer assembly normally "floats" on gel bushings inside the case. When coupling an
external light source to the free-space input, it may be desirable to lock the interferometer to a stable surface
such as an optical table. This can be accomplished by using the provided mounting feet to secure the OSA to
the breadboard using two or more of Thorlabs' CF175 clamping forks, as shown in Figure 10. Likewise, even
though the Redstone OSA305 is solid, it is recommended to use two or more clamping forks when using the
free-space input.
Rev D, June 16, 2022 Page 14