Superlum BS-785 / BS-840 / BS-930 / BS-1060 Swept-Source Semiconductor Laser Modules
| Brand | Superlum |
|---|---|
| Origin | Russia |
| Model Variants | BS-785, BS-840, BS-930, BS-1060 |
| Wavelength Ranges | 765–815 nm, 805–880 nm, 900–980 nm, 1020–1090 nm |
| Output Power (Standard/HP) | 15–250 mW / up to 50–100 mW (HP variants) |
| Spectral Linewidth (FWHM) | ≤0.06–0.15 nm |
| Sweep Repetition Rate | 2–100 kHz |
| Power Consumption | 20–25 W |
| Operating Temperature | +15 °C to +30 °C |
| Storage Temperature | 0 °C to +40 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 257×170×325 mm or 362×160×326 mm |
| Weight | 9–12 kg |
Overview
The Superlum BS-series swept-source semiconductor laser modules are engineered for high-speed, precision optical coherence tomography (OCT), interferometric sensing, and time-domain spectroscopy applications. Unlike fixed-wavelength diode lasers, these modules employ a tunable external cavity design with integrated semiconductor gain medium, enabling continuous, linear wavelength sweeps across defined spectral bands. Each model—BS-785, BS-840, BS-930, and BS-1060—is optimized for distinct near-infrared windows critical to ophthalmic, dermatological, endoscopic, and industrial OCT systems. The sweep mechanism is based on piezoelectrically actuated cavity length modulation, ensuring sub-nanometer spectral accuracy, high repeatability, and low instantaneous linewidth (≤0.06–0.15 nm FWHM). Designed for integration into OEM instrumentation, the modules comply with IEC 60825-1:2014 Class 1 or Class 1M laser safety requirements when properly enclosed, and support stable operation under laboratory-grade environmental conditions.
Key Features
- Four discrete wavelength bands: 765–815 nm (BS-785), 805–880 nm (BS-840), 900–980 nm (BS-930), and 1020–1090 nm (BS-1060), each tailored for specific tissue penetration depth and scattering characteristics in biomedical imaging
- Two output power classes: Standard (15–250 mW average) and High-Power (HP) variants (up to 50–100 mW average), with configurable sweep repetition rates from 2 kHz to 100 kHz
- Integrated thermoelectric cooler (TEC) and precision temperature control circuitry ensure long-term wavelength stability (< ±0.01 nm/h drift) and mode-hop-free sweeping
- Ruggedized benchtop housing with SMA905 or FC/APC fiber output options; compatible with polarization-maintaining (PM) and single-mode (SM) delivery fibers
- Low relative intensity noise (RIN) < −145 dB/Hz and minimal phase noise enable high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in coherence-gated detection schemes
- RS-232 and TTL-compatible trigger/sync interfaces for seamless synchronization with camera acquisition, galvo scanners, or data acquisition systems
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The BS-series lasers are designed for use with standard single-mode optical fibers (SMF-28, HI1060, etc.) and require no sample contact—making them inherently suitable for non-destructive, label-free measurement of transparent or semi-transparent media including biological tissues, polymer films, and microfluidic channels. All models meet CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU) and low-voltage safety (LVD Directive 2014/35/EU). Laser classification follows IEC 60825-1:2014, with full documentation provided for system-level Class 1 integration. While not intrinsically certified for GMP or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 environments, the modules support audit-ready logging via serial command protocols and may be incorporated into validated medical devices under ISO 13485 quality management frameworks.
Software & Data Management
Superlum provides the SS-Laser Control Software (Windows-based) for real-time parameter configuration—including center wavelength, sweep range, repetition rate, TEC setpoint, and output power calibration. The software supports scripting via ASCII command set over RS-232, enabling integration with LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python (PySerial), or C++ host applications. All operational parameters are timestamped and exportable in CSV format for traceability. For OEM integration, a comprehensive SDK—including dynamic link libraries (DLLs), header files, and example source code—is supplied under NDA. No cloud connectivity or proprietary firmware lock-in is implemented; all firmware updates are delivered as signed binary packages with version-controlled release notes.
Applications
- Ophthalmic OCT systems requiring high axial resolution (< 6 µm in tissue) at 785 nm or 840 nm for retinal layer segmentation and glaucoma assessment
- Cardiovascular intravascular OCT (IVOCT) using 1060 nm sources for deeper penetration in arterial wall imaging
- Industrial metrology for sub-micron thickness profiling of multilayer coatings and photovoltaic wafers
- Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor interrogation in structural health monitoring networks
- Time-of-flight spectroscopy for gas-phase absorption analysis in process control environments
- Development platforms for swept-source Fourier-domain OCT (SS-OCT), dispersion-encoded OCT, and optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR)
FAQ
What is the typical coherence length of the BS-series lasers?
Coherence length ranges from 1.5 mm to 5 mm depending on model and sweep bandwidth; exact values are specified per unit in the factory calibration report.
Can the sweep range be customized beyond the standard bands?
Yes—Superlum offers engineering services for modified cavity designs and custom wavelength coverage; lead time and NRE fees apply.
Is analog modulation supported?
No—these are digitally triggered swept sources; amplitude or frequency modulation is not supported in standard configuration.
Do the modules include an internal reference interferometer?
No—external Mach-Zehnder or Michelson reference arms must be implemented by the system integrator for k-clock generation.
What is the recommended warm-up time before achieving spectral stability?
Minimum 30 minutes at constant ambient temperature; optimal performance is achieved after 60 minutes of continuous operation.
