Thorlabs SPL-H Fiber Optic Components Suite
| Brand | Thorlabs |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | SPL-H |
| Pricing | Contact for Quote |
Overview
The Thorlabs SPL-H Fiber Optic Components Suite is a modular, application-optimized collection of passive and active photonic elements engineered for high-stability operation in research-grade optical systems, industrial sensing platforms, and biomedical instrumentation. Designed around industry-standard FC/PC, FC/APC, and SMA905 interfaces, the SPL-H suite leverages precision-fused silica fiber, low-PMD polarization-maintaining (PM) variants, and magnetically biased Faraday rotator cores to deliver deterministic polarization control, minimal insertion loss, and robust thermal stability across C- and L-band wavelengths (1530–1625 nm). Unlike generic component bundles, the SPL-H architecture supports traceable calibration paths—each isolator is characterized per Telcordia GR-1221-CORE; each collimator is aligned to ≤0.5 mrad beam deviation; and all PM components are labeled with slow-axis orientation per IEC 61300-3-35. This enables direct integration into ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs performing laser safety validation, OCT system development, or quantum photonics experiments requiring <0.1 dB polarization-dependent loss (PDL).
Key Features
- Fiber-optic isolators with >40 dB forward isolation and <0.3 dB insertion loss at 1550 nm, compliant with ITU-T G.671 spectral stability requirements
- Customizable Faraday rotator-based isolators with optional dual-stage designs for >55 dB isolation in high-power amplifier chains (up to 500 mW CW)
- Single-mode and polarization-maintaining collimators featuring AR-coated aspheric lenses (R<0.25% @ 1550 nm), RMS wavefront error <λ/8
- Compact 1×2 and 2×2 fused-fiber couplers with splitting ratios from 1:1 to 99:1, excess loss <0.15 dB, and PDL <0.05 dB
- WDM multiplexers/demultiplexers covering 1310/1550 nm, 1480/1550 nm, and C+L band configurations with channel isolation >25 dB
- Electro-optic modulators based on lithium niobate (LiNbO₃) with bandwidths up to 40 GHz, integrated DC bias control ports, and Vπ < 5 V
- Optical switches with 50 dB, and >1 million cycle lifetime (tested per MIL-STD-883H Method 2014)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SPL-H components are qualified for use with single-mode (SMF-28e+, HI1060), polarization-maintaining (PANDA, Bowtie), and multimode fibers (62.5/125 µm, 50/125 µm). All devices meet RoHS 2015/863/EU and REACH SVHC compliance. Isolators and circulators conform to IEC 61300-2-4 (vibration), IEC 61300-2-17 (temperature cycling), and IEC 61300-2-5 (humidity). Collimators and couplers are supplied with individual test reports documenting IL, RL, PDL, and return loss (≥55 dB for APC versions). For regulated environments, full traceability to NIST-traceable power meters and polarization analyzers is available upon request—supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 audit trails when paired with Thorlabs’ Kinesis software.
Software & Data Management
Thorlabs provides native integration via Kinesis® v1.14.30 and APT™ software suites, enabling automated characterization of insertion loss, polarization extinction ratio (PER), and wavelength-dependent response using compatible optical power meters (PM100D) and polarization controllers (KIO-5B). All SPL-H components support SCPI command sets for LabVIEW, Python (pyvisa), and MATLAB interoperability. Calibration data—including spectral response curves and temperature coefficients—is embedded in device EEPROM and accessible via USB or RS-232 interfaces. Firmware updates preserve backward compatibility and include GLP-compliant logging of configuration changes, user authentication, and timestamped calibration history.
Applications
- Seed laser protection in fiber amplifiers and ultrafast oscillator systems
- Polarization-resolved interferometry in gravitational wave detection prototypes
- Multi-wavelength source conditioning for swept-source OCT and coherent Raman microscopy
- Stimulus delivery and feedback routing in optogenetics rigs (473 nm, 532 nm, 635 nm diode compatibility)
- Low-noise signal routing in quantum key distribution (QKD) testbeds with temporal jitter <15 ps
- Process monitoring in semiconductor lithography tools requiring real-time beam stabilization
FAQ
Is the SPL-H suite compatible with third-party optical benches and motion controllers?
Yes—mechanical footprints adhere to standard 1-inch and 2-inch post-mounting conventions (8-32 UNC and M4 threads); all electronic interfaces follow IEEE 488.2 and USBTMC-USB488 specifications.
Can SPL-H isolators be used in high-power pulsed laser systems?
Standard SPL-H isolators support up to 500 mW CW; for nanosecond-pulsed applications (>10 kW peak), custom versions with upgraded coatings and thermally managed housings are available under part prefix SPL-H-HP.
Do collimators include adjustable focus mechanisms?
Yes—most SPL-H collimators feature micrometer-driven axial translation (±0.5 mm range, 1 µm resolution) with lockable kinematic mounts compliant with ISO 10110-7 surface finish standards.
Are calibration certificates included with shipment?
Each unit ships with a factory test report; ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration certificates (NIST-traceable) are optional and require separate ordering via Thorlabs’ Metrology Services portal.
