Anritsu AS6B118GM50M 1650 nm Polarization-Maintaining SLD Laser Diode Module, 10 mW Output Power
| Brand | Anritsu |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | AS6B118GM50M |
| Wavelength | 1650 nm |
| Output Power | 10 mW |
| Polarization Extinction Ratio | ≥20 dB (typ.) |
| Spectral Bandwidth (FWHM) | ~40 nm |
| Fiber Pigtail | PM Panda Fiber, FC/PC Connector |
| Operating Temperature Range | 15–35 °C |
| Storage Temperature | –20–70 °C |
| Input Current | ≤150 mA |
| Forward Voltage | ~1.8 V |
| Polarization Axis Alignment Tolerance | ±2° |
Overview
The Anritsu AS6B118GM50M is a high-stability, polarization-maintaining superluminescent diode (SLD) module engineered for precision optical coherence tomography (OCT), fiber optic gyroscopes (FOGs), interferometric sensing, and polarization-sensitive metrology applications. Operating at a center wavelength of 1650 nm—within the low-dispersion, low-loss L-band transmission window of silica fiber—it delivers a broadband spectral output (~40 nm FWHM) with inherently low temporal coherence, minimizing speckle noise while enabling high axial resolution in time-domain and swept-source OCT systems. Its integrated polarization-maintaining (PM) Panda fiber pigtail ensures stable linear polarization output with a typical extinction ratio exceeding 20 dB, critical for maintaining signal fidelity in interferometric configurations where polarization state preservation directly impacts measurement repeatability and system signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The device features hermetically sealed TO-can packaging with thermoelectric cooler (TEC) stabilization and monitor photodiode feedback, supporting long-term power stability (<±0.5% over 8 hours) under constant-current driving conditions.
Key Features
- Center wavelength precisely centered at 1650 nm with narrow spectral drift (<±0.1 nm/°C)
- 10 mW nominal output power into PM fiber—optimized for coupling efficiency with PM couplers and circulators
- Integrated thermistor and TEC for active temperature control (setpoint range: 25–40 °C)
- Low relative intensity noise (RIN) < –130 dB/Hz (10 MHz–1 GHz), essential for high-dynamic-range interferometry
- Hermetic TO-56 package with gold-plated housing and moisture-resistant internal construction
- Compliance with IEC 60825-1:2014 Class 1 laser safety requirements when operated within specified drive conditions
- ESD-protected design (HBM > 2 kV) with grounded case and static-dissipative handling protocol
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AS6B118GM50M is designed for integration into OEM optical subsystems requiring stable, broadband, polarized light sources. It is compatible with standard PM fiber components (e.g., PM couplers, polarization beam splitters, LiNbO₃ modulators) and supports alignment via the slow-axis keying mark on the FC/PC connector. The module conforms to ISO 9001-certified manufacturing processes at Anritsu’s Yokohama facility and meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006. It carries CE marking per the EU Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. While not classified as a medical device, its performance parameters align with requirements referenced in IEC 61223-3-5 for test equipment used in OCT system validation.
Software & Data Management
As a hardware-level light source, the AS6B118GM50M does not include embedded firmware or user-accessible software. However, it is fully compatible with industry-standard laser driver platforms—including ILX Lightwave LDC-37xx series, Thorlabs ITC4000, and Keysight B2900A SMUs—that support analog modulation (up to 100 kHz), digital TTL triggering, and real-time current/voltage monitoring. Drive log data (current, TEC voltage, thermistor resistance) can be exported via SCPI commands for traceability in GLP/GMP environments. When integrated into automated test systems, the module supports audit-trail generation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with compliant data acquisition software and electronic signature workflows.
Applications
- OCT systems for ophthalmic and dermatological imaging—leveraging 1650 nm’s deeper tissue penetration and reduced scattering in biological samples
- Fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) light sources requiring high polarization extinction ratio and low coherence length (~50 µm)
- Optical component characterization: polarization-dependent loss (PDL) testing, PM fiber beat-length measurement, and birefringence mapping
- Calibration reference sources for wavelength meters and optical spectrum analyzers (OSAs) operating in the L-band
- Quantum optics experiments involving entangled photon pair generation via spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) pump sources
FAQ
Is this module compatible with standard single-mode fiber (SMF-28)?
No—the AS6B118GM50M is pigtailed exclusively with Panda-type polarization-maintaining fiber (PM1550-XP). Direct splicing to SMF requires polarization-alignment procedures and introduces significant coupling loss and PER degradation.
What is the recommended drive current range?
The nominal operating current is 120–140 mA at 25 °C case temperature; maximum absolute rating is 150 mA. Exceeding this may accelerate degradation and void warranty.
Does Anritsu provide aging test data or lifetime projections?
Yes—under continuous operation at 10 mW output and 25 °C heatsink temperature, Anritsu specifies a median lifetime (L50) of ≥25,000 hours based on accelerated life testing per Telcordia GR-468-CORE.
Can the polarization axis be rotated post-installation?
The slow axis is factory-aligned and marked on the connector; mechanical rotation of the fiber ferrule is not recommended, as it compromises PER and risks fiber damage.
Is the module suitable for use in vacuum or high-humidity environments?
It is rated for ambient operation only (15–35 °C, <80% RH non-condensing). Hermetic sealing prevents internal condensation but does not qualify it for vacuum deployment without external pressure equalization.
