Edinburgh Instruments MTL-5 Transversely Excited Atmospheric Pressure (TEA) CO₂ Laser
| Brand | Edinburgh Instruments |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Product Type | Gas Laser System |
| Model | MTL-5 |
| Output Wavelength Range (Tunable) | 9.2–10.8 µm |
| Fixed Wavelength Output | 10.6 µm (multimode) |
| Tunable Single-Line Output | >60 spectral lines |
| Pulse Width (typ.) | 50 ns |
| Repetition Rate | Up to 100 Hz |
| Max. Pulse Energy (fixed, multimode) | 150 mJ |
| Max. Pulse Energy (tunable, single-line) | 50 mJ |
Overview
The Edinburgh Instruments MTL-5 is a benchtop transversely excited atmospheric pressure (TEA) CO₂ laser engineered for high peak power pulsed operation in scientific and industrial applications requiring mid-infrared (MIR) radiation. Operating at atmospheric pressure—unlike sealed low-pressure CO₂ lasers—the MTL-5 leverages transverse electrical discharge across the gas mixture (CO₂:N₂:He) to generate nanosecond-scale pulses with high spatial and temporal coherence. Its core architecture supports both fixed-wavelength (10.6 µm) multimode output for maximum pulse energy and grating-tuned single-line emission across the 9.2–10.8 µm band, enabling selective excitation of molecular vibrational transitions. Designed and manufactured in the UK, the MTL-5 integrates real-time self-diagnostic monitoring and hardware-enforced safety interlocks compliant with IEC 60825-1:2014 Class 4 laser safety requirements, ensuring operational integrity during extended duty cycles.
Key Features
- Sub-50 ns pulse duration (typical), optimized for time-resolved photothermal and photoacoustic interactions
- Repetition rate up to 100 Hz, supporting high-throughput scanning and raster-based imaging protocols
- Manual precision diffraction grating for discrete line selection—enabling access to over 60 individual rotational-vibrational transitions within the CO₂ gain spectrum
- Fixed 10.6 µm multimode configuration delivering up to 150 mJ per pulse for broadband thermal coupling applications
- Tunable single-line mode delivering ≥50 mJ per pulse with linewidth <0.05 cm⁻¹ (FWHM), suitable for high-resolution spectroscopic pumping
- Compact, integrated driver and discharge module—no external high-voltage rack or gas recirculation system required
- Onboard diagnostic LEDs and status reporting via front-panel interface for rapid system health assessment
- Robust ceramic-ceramic electrode assembly and sealed gas fill ensuring >1 × 10⁶ shot lifetime under recommended operating conditions
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MTL-5 is compatible with standard MIR optical components including ZnSe lenses, KRS-5 windows, and gold-coated mirrors. Its output beam profile (TEM₀₀ dominant in tunable mode; multimode Gaussian in fixed mode) interfaces directly with FTIR spectrometers, photoacoustic cells, and laser-ultrasonic transduction setups. The system complies with CE marking directives (2014/30/EU EMC, 2014/35/EU LVD) and meets essential requirements of IEC 60825-1 for Class 4 laser products. Full documentation—including risk assessment reports, optical layout schematics, and interlock circuit diagrams—is provided to support GLP-compliant installation validation and laboratory audit readiness.
Software & Data Management
While the MTL-5 operates as a standalone instrument with manual wavelength and trigger control, its TTL-compatible sync output (BNC) enables seamless integration into automated test environments. Users may synchronize pulse timing with oscilloscopes, DAQ systems (e.g., National Instruments PXI), or motion controllers via external gate signals. For laboratories requiring traceability, the laser’s internal diagnostics log can be cross-referenced with external timestamped acquisition software. Though no proprietary GUI is bundled, Edinburgh Instruments provides comprehensive technical notes covering pulse timing jitter (<±2 ns), trigger delay stability, and recommended grounding practices to ensure signal fidelity in noise-sensitive measurements.
Applications
- Laser ultrasonic generation and detection in non-destructive testing (NDT) of composites, ceramics, and layered metals
- Pump-probe studies of carrier dynamics in wide-bandgap semiconductors using MIR-pumped THz emission
- Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) of greenhouse gases (CH₄, N₂O, CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Infrared matrix isolation spectroscopy for transient radical characterization
- Calibration source for Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers operating in the 900–1100 cm⁻¹ region
- Mid-IR laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) of insulating materials where 10.6 µm coupling improves ablation efficiency
FAQ
Is the MTL-5 compatible with vacuum or purged beam paths?
Yes—the output window is sealed with AR-coated ZnSe and rated for continuous operation under dry nitrogen purge or moderate vacuum (≤10 mbar residual pressure).
Can the grating be motorized for remote wavelength selection?
No—grating adjustment is manual via calibrated micrometer drive; however, third-party motorized rotation stages with encoder feedback may be mechanically coupled with user-provided mounting adapters.
What maintenance is required during normal operation?
No routine gas replenishment or electrode cleaning is needed—the sealed tube design supports >1 million shots before end-of-life evaluation; annual visual inspection of HV connections and cooling airflow is recommended.
Does the system meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records?
As a hardware-only laser source without embedded data storage or user-accessible software, the MTL-5 does not fall under Part 11 scope; however, its analog/digital trigger outputs are designed to interface with Part 11–compliant acquisition platforms.
Is OEM integration supported?
Yes—Edinburgh Instruments provides mechanical drawings, electrical interface specifications (HV, logic levels, interlock pinout), and thermal management guidelines for embedded integration into larger analytical platforms.
