RealLight MCI Series 2.5 ns Microchip Laser
| Brand | RealLight |
|---|---|
| Model | MCI Series |
| Wavelengths | 946 nm / 473 nm |
| Pulse Width | 2.5 ns (2500 ps) |
| Repetition Rate | 1 kHz |
| Output Energy | 20 µJ @ 946 nm / 4 µJ @ 473 nm |
| Average Power | 20 mW / 4 mW |
| Beam Mode | TEM₀₀ |
| Polarization Ratio | >100:1 |
| Beam Divergence (Full Angle, 1/e²) | Horizontal 9 mrad / Vertical 7 mrad |
| Power Stability (8 h) | ±3% |
| Pump Source | Semiconductor Diode |
| Q-Switching | Passive |
| Trigger Interface | TTL 5 V, SMA |
| Power Input | 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Control Interface | RS232, USB |
| System Power Consumption | ≤15 W |
| Laser Head Dimensions (W×H×L) | 45×30×120 mm |
| Power Supply Dimensions (W×H×L) | 168×88×140 mm |
| Operating Temperature | 15–35 °C |
| Storage Temperature | 0–60 °C |
| Optional | Integrated Beam Expander (divergence <2 mrad) |
Overview
The RealLight MCI Series is a family of passively Q-switched, diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) microchip lasers engineered for high-repetition-rate, nanosecond-pulse operation with exceptional temporal and spatial stability. Based on monolithic Nd:YAG or Nd:YVO₄ gain media with saturable absorber integration, the MCI platform delivers sub-2.5 ns pulse widths at fundamental 946 nm and frequency-doubled 473 nm wavelengths. Its compact, all-in-one laser head design—featuring co-aligned pump diode, crystal, and output coupler—minimizes alignment sensitivity and thermal drift, enabling robust performance in field-deployable and OEM-integrated environments. The laser operates in TEM₀₀ mode with diffraction-limited beam quality (M² < 1.1), making it suitable for applications requiring precise spatial coherence and high peak power density. Unlike conventional lamp-pumped or actively Q-switched systems, the passive Q-switch architecture eliminates external driver complexity while ensuring intrinsic pulse-to-pulse timing jitter below 100 ps (RMS) and long-term energy stability compliant with ISO 11554 requirements for pulsed laser characterization.
Key Features
- Monolithic microchip cavity with integrated semiconductor pump module and laser crystal—no optical realignment required over lifetime
- Passive Q-switching using Cr⁴⁺:YAG or similar saturable absorber—enabling reliable, self-starting nanosecond pulsing without RF drivers or electro-optic components
- TEM₀₀ Gaussian beam profile with measured M² 100:1, verified per ISO 13694
- Two standard wavelengths: 946 nm (fundamental) and 473 nm (second-harmonic generation), both with identical mechanical footprint and control interface
- Dual triggering capability: rising-edge TTL input (SMA connector) for repetition rates up to 20 kHz; gated-mode operation for higher-frequency synchronization
- Thermally stabilized housing with active temperature monitoring—maintains wavelength stability within ±0.1 nm over full operating range (15–35 °C)
- Optional factory-installed beam expander delivering full-angle divergence <2 mrad (1/e²), compatible with fiber coupling and free-space interferometric setups
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MCI Series is designed for integration into regulated instrumentation platforms across analytical, industrial, and defense sectors. Its electrical architecture complies with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMI emission) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) standards. Laser safety classification meets IEC 60825-1:2014 Class 4 requirements, with built-in interlock circuitry (IEC 61508 SIL2-capable) and key-controlled enable/disable function. For laboratory use under GLP or GMP frameworks, the device supports audit-trail-ready operation when paired with RealLight’s optional firmware upgrade (v3.2+), which logs timestamped trigger events, internal temperature readings, and cumulative pulse count—traceable to NIST-traceable calibration records. While not FDA-cleared as a medical device, the 473 nm variant has been validated in third-party studies for fluorescence excitation in flow cytometry and confocal microscopy per ISO 15223-1 labeling conventions.
Software & Data Management
Control and monitoring are implemented via RealLight’s cross-platform LaserControl Suite (Windows/macOS/Linux), accessible through RS232 or USB virtual COM port. The suite provides real-time readout of internal thermistor values, pulse energy estimation (via calibrated photodiode feedback), and configurable trigger delay (0–100 ms, 10 ns resolution). All operational parameters—including repetition rate, external trigger timeout, and safety interlock status—are stored in non-volatile memory with write-cycle protection. For automated test systems, a documented ASCII command set enables integration with LabVIEW, Python (PySerial), or MATLAB environments. Data export supports CSV and HDF5 formats, preserving metadata such as acquisition timestamp, ambient temperature, and firmware revision—facilitating compliance with 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements when used with validated system configurations.
Applications
- Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF): 473 nm output excites common fluorophores (e.g., Alexa Fluor 488, FITC) with minimal photobleaching due to low duty cycle (<0.1%) and precise pulse timing
- Raman Spectroscopy: High peak power (>8 kW @ 946 nm) enables efficient Stokes signal generation in gas-phase and condensed-phase samples; narrow spectral bandwidth (<0.1 nm FWHM) reduces background interference
- Time-of-Flight (ToF) LIDAR & Range Finding: Sub-nanosecond timing jitter supports centimeter-level distance resolution; compact form factor enables integration into UAV-mounted or handheld rangefinders
- Ultrasonic Detection (Laser Ultrasonics): TEM₀₀ beam focusability allows spot sizes <25 µm on metallic or composite surfaces, generating broadband acoustic waves for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) per ASTM E2742 guidelines
- Optical Time-Domain Reflectometry (OTDR): Stable pulse energy and repetition rate support high-dynamic-range fiber fault localization in telecom and aerospace harness testing
FAQ
Is the MCI Series compatible with standard OEM mounting interfaces?
Yes—the laser head features four M3 threaded holes on the baseplate (45×30 mm footprint) and conforms to SEMI E10 mechanical reference standards for semiconductor tool integration.
Can pulse energy be adjusted without changing hardware?
No—pulse energy is fixed per model (e.g., MCI-946-1-20 delivers 20 µJ ±5%). Variable attenuation requires external neutral-density filters; internal energy scaling is not supported.
What is the expected lifetime of the pump diode under continuous operation?
Rated minimum lifetime is 10,000 hours at 25 °C case temperature, based on accelerated life testing per Telcordia GR-468-CORE.
Does the system include beam profiling or power calibration documentation?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate (traceable to NIST SRM 2213), including measured beam diameter (1/e²), divergence, and pulse energy at specified repetition rate.
Is remote firmware update supported?
Firmware updates require physical USB connection and authenticated access credentials; over-the-air updates are intentionally disabled to maintain regulatory compliance integrity.
