Fiberlabs ASE-FL7006-15 Broadband Light Source

Overview

The Fiberlabs ASE-FL7006-15 is a high-stability, C-band amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) broadband light source engineered for precision optical measurement systems requiring low temporal coherence and spectrally smooth output. Based on erbium-doped fluoride fiber amplification, it generates incoherent, high-brightness broadband radiation via stimulated emission without optical feedback—eliminating mode noise and interference fringes inherent in laser diodes. Its spectral profile (1520–1570 nm, FWHM ≈ 45 nm) conforms to the ITU-T G.694.1 C-band grid, making it suitable for characterization of wavelength-dependent devices such as FBGs, interferometric sensors, and passive optical components. Unlike LED-based sources, the ASE-FL7006-15 delivers superior spatial coherence, higher brightness (>10 mW total power), and improved power stability (±0.02 dB over 8 hours), enabling traceable calibration in metrology-grade setups.

Key Features

• Stable C-band ASE spectrum with flatness better than ±1.5 dB across 1520–1570 nm
• Low polarization-dependent loss (PDL 20 dB)
• Passive thermal management—no TEC or active cooling required
• Dual configuration options: benchtop unit (with front-panel power control and status indicators) and compact OEM module (MSA/S/M/M2/L footprints)
• 5 VDC single-supply operation compatible with standard lab power supplies and embedded system integration
• Optical output via FC/APC or FC/PC connector; optional pigtailed fiber variants available (SMF-28e+, PM1550)
• Integrated monitoring photodiode with analog voltage output for real-time power tracking

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ASE-FL7006-15 is designed for use with single-mode fiber (SMF), polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF), and specialty fibers used in sensing and telecom applications. It meets IEC 60825-1:2014 Class 1 laser safety requirements when properly terminated. All units are manufactured under ISO 9001-certified processes and comply with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EN 61326-1) and low-voltage safety (EN 61010-1). The device supports GLP/GMP-aligned workflows through stable output repeatability (<0.5% RMS power variation over 1000 h MTBF) and is routinely deployed in environments requiring audit-ready performance documentation per ISO/IEC 17025 calibration laboratories.

Software & Data Management

While the ASE-FL7006-15 operates as a stand-alone analog source, its OEM module variant provides TTL-compatible enable/disable control and analog monitor output (0–5 V proportional to optical power). Integration with LabVIEW, Python (via PyVISA or serial command emulation), or MATLAB is supported through optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapters. Fiberlabs provides a comprehensive technical datasheet, spectral calibration report (NIST-traceable reference detector), and long-term aging test data upon request—enabling full traceability for ISO 17025-accredited testing procedures. No proprietary software installation is required for basic operation.

Applications

• Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) interrogation and sensor array multiplexing
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) system development and reference arm illumination
• Fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) bias stability evaluation and scale factor calibration
• Insertion loss, PDL, and return loss measurement of WDM filters, isolators, and circulators
• Gas absorption spectroscopy using tunable filter-based detection schemes
• Fluorescence excitation where narrow linewidth lasers induce photobleaching or saturation effects
• Characterization of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and planar lightwave circuits (PLCs)

FAQ

Is the ASE-FL7006-15 suitable for OCT systems requiring high axial resolution?
Yes—the 45 nm spectral bandwidth supports axial resolutions below 15 µm in air (≈11 µm in tissue), consistent with standard time-domain and spectral-domain OCT architectures.
Can this source be modulated at kHz frequencies?
No—ASE sources are inherently continuous-wave and not designed for direct intensity modulation; external AOMs or EOMs must be used for gated or pulsed operation.
Does the module version include driver electronics?
Yes—all OEM modules integrate DC-DC regulation, current limiting, and soft-start circuitry; only a clean 5 VDC supply is required.
What is the typical spectral ripple across the C-band?
Measured ripple is ≤0.3 dB peak-to-valley when referenced to a calibrated optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) with 0.05 nm resolution.
Are custom center wavelengths or bandwidths available?
Fiberlabs offers tailored ASE sources including L-band (1570–1610 nm), S-band (1480–1520 nm), and dual-band variants under OEM agreement.