Oxxius LaserBoxx LBX-405C Continuous-Wave Diode Laser
| Origin | France |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | LBX-405C |
| Output Wavelength | 405 nm ± 5 nm |
| Output Power Options | 100 / 120 / 300 mW (single transverse mode, TEM₀₀) |
| Beam Diameter (1/e²) | 0.9 mm (TEM₀₀) or 1.2 × 2.8 mm (multi-mode), measured at 50 mm from aperture |
| Beam Divergence (1/e², full angle, far field) | 0.6 mrad (TEM₀₀) |
| Beam Quality | M² < 1.25 (TEM₀₀) |
| Power Stability | ±0.5% peak-to-peak over 8 h and ±3 °C |
| Optical Noise | <0.5% RMS (10 Hz – 2 MHz) |
| Polarization Ratio | >100:1 (vertical, ±3°) |
| Pointing Stability | <5 µrad/°C |
| TTL Modulation Bandwidth | 20 MHz |
| Analog Modulation Bandwidth | 4 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | 10–50 °C |
| Control Interfaces | USB, RS-232, analog voltage input |
| Laser Head Dimensions | 100 × 40 × 40 mm |
| Weight | 300 g |
| Power Supply | 200 V AC |
| Optional Fiber Coupling | Polarization-maintaining, single-mode, or multimode fiber with SMA905 / FC/APC / FC/PC connectors |
Overview
The Oxxius LaserBoxx LBX-405C is a high-performance, continuous-wave (CW) semiconductor diode laser engineered for precision optical applications requiring stable 405 nm excitation. Operating on the fundamental principle of stimulated emission in gallium nitride (GaN)-based semiconductor gain media, this laser delivers narrow-linewidth, diffraction-limited output with excellent temporal and spatial coherence. Its TEM₀₀ beam profile (M² < 1.25) ensures optimal coupling into single-mode fibers and high-resolution optical systems, while the 405 nm wavelength places it within the near-ultraviolet spectral range—ideal for exciting common fluorophores such as DAPI, Hoechst, and quantum dots with high extinction coefficients and minimal phototoxicity. Designed for integration into demanding scientific platforms—including confocal microscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), photoluminescence spectroscopy, holographic data storage, and industrial metrology—the LBX-405C combines laboratory-grade stability with OEM-friendly form factor and control architecture.
Key Features
- Ultra-stable CW output with ±0.5% peak-to-peak power stability over 8 hours and ±3 °C ambient variation—engineered for long-duration quantitative measurements.
- Low-intensity noise (<0.5% RMS, 10 Hz–2 MHz bandwidth) minimizes signal fluctuations in photon-counting and lock-in detection setups.
- Diffraction-limited beam quality (M² < 1.25) and collimated output (0.9 mm 1/e² diameter, 0.6 mrad divergence) enable efficient coupling into scanning galvanometers, acousto-optic modulators, and microscope scan lenses.
- High-speed modulation capability: TTL input up to 20 MHz and analog modulation up to 4 MHz support time-resolved fluorescence, pulsed excitation gating, and active feedback loops.
- Multi-operating mode flexibility: Automatic Power Control (APC), Automatic Current Control (ACC), and Manual Analog Control (MAC) allow seamless adaptation to open- or closed-loop system architectures.
- Compact, air-cooled laser head (100 × 40 × 40 mm, 300 g) with integrated driver electronics—no external chiller or bulky PSU required.
- Comprehensive interface options: USB 2.0, RS-232, and 0–5 V analog input ensure compatibility with LabVIEW, Python-based automation frameworks, and legacy DAQ systems.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The LBX-405C is routinely deployed in regulated and research-grade environments where traceability and reproducibility are critical. Its optical performance aligns with key requirements of ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories for fluorescence calibration, and its stable output supports compliance with ASTM E2878 (standard practice for fluorescence instrument qualification) and USP light-scattering particle analysis protocols. While not inherently classified as a Class 3B laser system under IEC 60825-1:2014, final classification depends on configured output power and optical delivery path; users must perform site-specific hazard analysis per ANSI Z136.1. The laser meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU) and low-voltage safety (LVD Directive 2014/35/EU). All firmware and control logic adhere to GLP-compliant audit trail principles when operated via USB/RS-232 with timestamped command logging.
Software & Data Management
Oxxius provides the free, cross-platform LaserBoxx Control Software, supporting real-time monitoring of output power, temperature, current, and status flags. The application enables scripting via ASCII command protocol over USB or RS-232—fully compatible with Python (pySerial), MATLAB Instrument Control Toolbox, and National Instruments LabVIEW. For GMP-regulated workflows, the system supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant operation when integrated with validated third-party SCADA or LIMS platforms: user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable parameter-change logs can be implemented at the host-system level. Firmware updates are delivered via signed binary packages with SHA-256 verification to ensure integrity and traceability.
Applications
- Confocal & Super-Resolution Microscopy: High-brightness 405 nm excitation for nuclear staining and photoactivation in PALM/STORM, with minimal thermal lensing due to low optical noise and tight pointing stability.
- Photoluminescence & Time-Resolved Spectroscopy: Serves as a stable pump source for wide-bandgap semiconductors (e.g., GaN, ZnO) and perovskite thin films, enabling carrier lifetime extraction with sub-nanosecond resolution.
- Holographic Data Storage: Coherent TEM₀₀ output supports high-fidelity interference pattern generation in photopolymer media, with modulation fidelity preserving fringe contrast at multi-MHz refresh rates.
- Flow Cytometry & Bio-Sensing: Integrated into compact cytometers for simultaneous multi-color excitation, leveraging polarization purity (>100:1) for optimized dichroic separation and reduced crosstalk.
- Industrial Metrology & Lithography: Used in mask alignment systems and UV-curable resin curing validation, where beam pointing stability (<5 µrad/°C) ensures positional repeatability across thermal cycles.
FAQ
Is the LBX-405C compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for use in pharmaceutical QC labs?
The laser itself is not a regulated medical device, but its control interface and firmware support Part 11 requirements—including user access controls, audit trails, and electronic signatures—when deployed within a validated host software environment.
Can I couple the output directly into a single-mode fiber without additional optics?
Yes—the TEM₀₀ variant is pre-aligned for efficient coupling into SMF-28 or similar 405 nm-optimized single-mode fiber using optional FC/PC or FC/APC connectors; coupling efficiency exceeds 70% with standard factory alignment.
What is the expected lifetime under continuous operation at rated power?
Oxxius specifies an MTTF of ≥10,000 hours at 25 °C ambient and nominal output power, based on accelerated life testing per Telcordia GR-468-CORE.
Does the laser include internal temperature stabilization?
Yes—integrated thermoelectric cooler (TEC) and PID-controlled thermal management maintain junction temperature within ±0.1 °C, ensuring wavelength and power stability independent of lab ambient drift.
Are OEM integration kits available for embedded system design?
Oxxius offers mechanical mounting brackets, custom-length cables, TTL/analog breakout boards, and SDK documentation—including register-level communication maps—for seamless integration into proprietary instrumentation.
