Keopsys CRFL Series High-Power Raman Fiber Laser
| Brand | Keopsys |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Model | CRFL |
| Output Power | Up to 20 W |
| Wavelength Options | 1455 nm or 1480 nm |
| Control Modes | Automatic Current Control (ACC) and Automatic Power Control (APC) |
| Interface | GPIB |
| Monitoring | Integrated optical feedback monitor |
| Form Factor | Rack-mountable compact module |
| Primary Applications | Distributed DWDM Raman amplification, Telcordia qualification testing of passive components, EDFA gain module pumping, high-power pump source deployment |
Overview
The Keopsys CRFL Series High-Power Raman Fiber Laser is an engineered solution for demanding telecom and photonics infrastructure applications requiring stable, narrow-linewidth, high-brightness pump sources in the C-band edge region. Based on stimulated Raman scattering in specialty germanosilicate fiber, the CRFL leverages a semiconductor seed laser followed by cascaded Raman gain stages within polarization-maintaining (PM) passive fiber. This architecture delivers high electro-optical conversion efficiency, low relative intensity noise (RIN), and excellent long-term power stability—critical parameters for distributed Raman amplification where pump-to-signal transfer efficiency and noise figure directly impact system reach and OSNR performance. Designed and manufactured in France, the CRFL complies with IEC 60825-1:2014 for Class 4 laser safety and meets RoHS 2011/65/EU directives.
Key Features
- High output power up to 20 W at either 1455 nm or 1480 nm—optimized for third-order Raman pumping in standard single-mode fiber (SSMF)
- Dual control architecture: Automatic Current Control (ACC) for precise diode bias management and Automatic Power Control (APC) via integrated photodiode feedback loop ensuring ±0.5% power stability over 8 hours
- Rack-mountable 19-inch 1U chassis (44.5 mm H × 483 mm W × 300 mm D) with forced-air cooling and redundant thermal monitoring
- GPIB (IEEE-488.2) interface supporting SCPI command set for integration into automated test systems compliant with IEEE 1226 AITF standards
- Real-time optical power monitoring via built-in tap coupler and calibrated photodetector; analog voltage output (0–5 V) proportional to output power
- Comprehensive interlock circuitry including case-open detection, temperature fault latching, and fiber disconnect sensing per IEC 61508 SIL2 functional safety guidelines
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The CRFL is compatible with industry-standard PM-pigtailed FC/APC or SC/APC connectors (SMF-28e+ or Nufern PM1550 fiber). Its spectral bandwidth (20 dB) ensure compatibility with polarization-sensitive Raman amplifiers and tunable filters used in multi-stage hybrid amplifiers. The system conforms to Telcordia GR-468-CORE for reliability testing of optoelectronic devices—including thermal cycling (−5 °C to +70 °C), humidity exposure (85% RH, 168 h), and mechanical shock (50 g, 11 ms half-sine). Full traceability documentation—including MTRs for fiber and pump diodes—is provided per ISO 9001:2015 manufacturing protocols.
Software & Data Management
Keopsys provides the CRFL Control Suite—a Windows-based application supporting local GUI operation and remote scripting via TCP/IP or GPIB. The software implements audit-trail logging compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, including user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable event records for power setpoint changes, calibration updates, and fault resets. All operational data—including instantaneous power, case temperature, diode current, and error codes—are timestamped and exportable in CSV or HDF5 format for integration with LabVIEW, MATLAB, or enterprise LIMS platforms. Firmware updates are performed via signed binary packages verified using SHA-256 checksums and ECDSA digital signatures.
Applications
- Distributed Raman amplification in ultra-long-haul and submarine DWDM systems—enabling >100 km span lengths without discrete amplifiers
- Telcordia GR-1209/GR-1221 qualification of isolators, circulators, and WDM filters under accelerated aging conditions
- Pumping of C-band and L-band EDFA gain modules in metro and core networks where high pump brightness minimizes nonlinear impairments
- Seed source for supercontinuum generation in mid-IR spectroscopy setups requiring high peak power at 1.45–1.48 µm
- Benchtop validation of Raman gain coefficient models in novel nonlinear fibers (e.g., tellurite, chalcogenide)
FAQ
Is the CRFL suitable for use in G.652.D fiber-based Raman amplification systems?
Yes—the 1455 nm and 1480 nm wavelengths align with the optimal Stokes shifts for first- and second-order Raman gain in standard SMF, delivering >13 dB small-signal gain per 50 km span.
Does the unit include factory calibration certificates traceable to NIST or COFRAC standards?
Each CRFL ships with a COFRAC-accredited calibration certificate (No. KEOPSYS-CAL-CRFL-XXXXX) verifying optical power accuracy (±2.5% uncertainty at k=2) and wavelength accuracy (±0.2 nm) against primary reference lasers.
Can the CRFL be operated in constant-current mode only, bypassing APC?
Yes—via SCPI command “SOURCE:POWER:MODE CURR”, enabling manual diode current tuning for research applications requiring direct current sweep characterization.
What is the maximum allowable back-reflection level at the output port?
The CRFL maintains stable operation with <−30 dB optical return loss; higher reflections may trigger automatic power reduction to protect the internal Raman fiber stage.
Is firmware upgrade support available beyond the initial warranty period?
Yes—Keopsys offers extended maintenance contracts including quarterly firmware releases with enhanced diagnostics, updated safety protocols, and compatibility patches for new host controller OS versions.
