Microphotons PL-NLWM-1550-B-1-PA-A-M 1550 nm Narrow-Linewidth Single-Frequency Semiconductor Laser Module (10 mW Output)

Overview

The Microphotons PL-NLWM-1550-B-1-PA-A-M is a high-stability, narrow-linewidth single-frequency semiconductor laser module engineered for precision optical applications requiring ultra-low phase noise and exceptional wavelength coherence. Operating at the telecom C-band wavelength of 1550 nm, this device leverages distributed feedback (DFB) laser diode architecture with integrated thermoelectric cooling (TEC), optical isolator, and real-time power monitoring via a built-in photodiode. Its sub-100 kHz intrinsic linewidth—achieved through active current and temperature stabilization—makes it suitable for interferometric sensing, coherent optical communications, fiber-optic gyroscopes (FOGs), optical frequency metrology, and pump-probe spectroscopy where long coherence length (>1 km) and minimal frequency drift are critical.

Key Features

• Single longitudinal mode (SLM) operation with side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) >50 dB
• Integrated TEC and PID-controlled driver for <±0.01 °C thermal stability
• Optical isolation ≥30 dB to suppress back-reflection-induced instability
• Hermetically sealed butterfly 14-pin package compliant with Telcordia GR-468-CORE reliability standards
• On-board monitor photodiode with calibrated responsivity for closed-loop power regulation
• Low relative intensity noise (RIN) <−145 dB/Hz (10 MHz–1 GHz)
• Modulation capability: analog current modulation up to 100 kHz (small-signal)
• Compliant with IEC 60825-1:2014 Class 1 laser safety requirements when properly housed

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

This laser module is designed for integration into OEM optical subsystems and laboratory-grade instrumentation. It interfaces seamlessly with polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber pigtails (SMF-28 or PM1550, FC/APC connector optional), standard optical isolators, erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), and heterodyne detection setups. The device meets RoHS 2.0 Directive 2011/65/EU and carries CE marking for conformity with EU electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU) and low-voltage directives (LVD 2014/35/EU). While not certified for medical or aerospace deployment out-of-box, its design supports qualification per MIL-STD-883H (Method 5005.10) and Telcordia GR-468-CORE for extended lifetime testing under accelerated aging conditions (e.g., 2000 hrs @ 60 °C, 90% RH).

Software & Data Management

The PL-NLWM-1550-B-1-PA-A-M operates as a hardware component without embedded firmware or proprietary GUI. Control is implemented externally via analog voltage input (0–5 V for 0–10 mW output) and digital TTL signals for enable/disable functions. For traceable calibration and quality assurance in regulated environments (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs), users may integrate the module into systems supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails—provided the host controller implements electronic signatures, data integrity logging, and role-based access control. Microphotons provides full calibration certificates (NIST-traceable power and wavelength verification) upon request, aligned with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 6.5.2 for measurement uncertainty reporting.

Applications

• Coherent LiDAR and Doppler velocimetry systems requiring stable local oscillator sources
• Fiber-optic hydrophone and acoustic sensor arrays demanding low phase noise
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) swept-source development platforms
• Atomic physics experiments involving rubidium or cesium D2-line referencing
• Calibration of wavemeters and optical spectrum analyzers (OSAs) with sub-pm resolution
• Quantum optics setups including squeezed light generation and cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS)
• Photonic integrated circuit (PIC) testing where precise wavelength alignment is essential

FAQ

Is this laser module compatible with external wavelength locking systems?
Yes—its integrated monitor photodiode and low-noise current driver support external Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) or scanning Fabry–Pérot locking configurations. Users must supply appropriate servo electronics and reference cavities.

What is the typical coherence length of this laser?
With a measured linewidth <100 kHz and center wavelength 1550 nm, the theoretical coherence length exceeds 3 km in vacuum; practical values range from 1.2–2.5 km depending on environmental vibration and temperature fluctuations in the optical path.

Does the module include an optical isolator?
Yes—a polarization-independent isolator with ≥30 dB isolation is factory-integrated to prevent feedback-induced mode hopping and power instability.

Can the output be polarization-maintained?
The standard version uses SMF-28 fiber; however, PM1550 fiber pigtailing is available as a custom option (model suffix “-PM”) with PER >20 dB over operating temperature range.

What is the expected lifetime under continuous operation?
Based on accelerated life testing per Telcordia GR-468-CORE, median lifetime exceeds 50,000 hours at 25 °C case temperature and rated drive current.