Chapter 4 Operation - THORLABS DFB13TK User Manual

Low-Noise DFB Laser System
Chapter 4 Operation
Operating the Laser
1. Please consult with your organization's laser safety officer regarding proper operation of the laser at your
institution.
2. It is highly recommended to secure the laser to an optical table or metal breadboard. This improves heat
dissipation from the laser housing and its long-term thermal stability. The laser housing includes two sets
of mounting holes (4x) designed for Imperial and Metric breadboards.
3. Ensure the interlock pin is fully installed
4. Connect the DC power supply (DS12) via the M8 connector on the back panel of the system.
5. Turn on the power switch on the back panel of the system. The Power indicator on the front panel should
be illuminated.
6. Connect any applicable modulation signals to the appropriate SMA modulation ports.
7. Remove the output fiber connector bulkhead cap and connect to the desired instrument using an
PM1550-XP FC/APC fiber patch cable.
8. The Laser is ready to be turned on and can be turned on by toggling the Enable push-button
indicator will blink for 5 seconds then remain solid at which point the laser emission is on. The laser
emission is not on during the blinking stage of the Emission indicator. Please note that the laser may
require up to 10 minutes of warm-up time after it has been enabled to reach its specified linewidth.
9. Laser emission can be turned off with another toggle of the Enable push-button.
10. At any time, if the DFB13TK system detects a fault, the status indicator will light up solid and the laser will
be shut off.
11. To change the laser operating conditions, connect to the USB mini-B connector to configure settings for
the system. A list of commands and parameters are listed in Section 4.3 Software Communications.
External Modulation Ports
There are three modulation ports located on the front panel of the DFB13TK. Two ports are allocated for
modulating the current of the laser around the current set-point. The AC current modulation port is AC-coupled
a An improperly installed interlock pin will not allow the laser to turn on, but will not be indicated as an error by the Error
indicator.
b If the DFB system is powered on without the interlock pin, it must be power-cycled (unplugged from DC power supply and
reconnected) before the laser can be turned on.
c For safety, a firm, deliberate button press is required.
Rev. A, August 16, 2024
Caution
Prior to using the DFB systems, it is highly recommended to clean the output bulkhead
as well as the connector facets to be connected to the bulkhead. Failure to clean the
connectors can result in damage to the internal connector.
When cleaning the connectors, ensure that the laser is powered off by turning off the
push-button switch. Never inspect optical connectors unless all light sources in your
setup have been switched off.
a,b .
Chapter 4: Operation
c . The Emission
Page 11