Microphotons PL-SLD-1550-B-A81-PA High-Power Polarization-Maintaining Superluminescent Diode at 1550 nm (25 mW Output)

Overview

The Microphotons PL-SLD-1550-B-A81-PA is a high-stability, polarization-maintaining superluminescent diode (SLD) source engineered for precision optical applications requiring broadband, low-coherence emission centered at 1550 nm. Unlike laser diodes, SLDs operate under amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) principles—producing high spatial coherence and moderate temporal coherence ideal for interferometric sensing, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fiber optic gyroscopes (FOGs), and polarization-sensitive metrology. This device integrates a monolithic chip fabricated in Japan with a polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber pigtail (Panda-type PM1550), ensuring stable linear polarization output with extinction ratios exceeding 20 dB. Its 25 mW nominal output power enables sufficient signal-to-noise ratio in demanding low-light detection architectures while maintaining thermal and spectral stability across laboratory and industrial environments.

Key Features

• High-output ASE spectrum centered at 1550 nm with typical FWHM bandwidth of 50–60 nm—optimized for dispersion-insensitive interferometry
• Polarization-maintaining fiber coupling (PM1550, FC/APC connector) with guaranteed PER ≥20 dB, enabling direct integration into polarization-diverse optical systems
• Hermetically sealed TO-can package with integrated thermistor and monitor photodiode—supports closed-loop temperature and output power stabilization
• Designed for continuous-wave (CW) operation with built-in electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection compliant with ANSI/ESDA/JEDEC JS-001 Class 1B
• RoHS-compliant construction and ISO 9001-certified manufacturing process—traceable batch documentation available upon request
• No mode-hopping or coherence spikes—ideal for applications sensitive to optical path length fluctuations (e.g., swept-source OCT reference arms, FOG bias modulation)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

This SLD source is compatible with standard single-mode and polarization-maintaining fiber test benches, including those equipped with optical spectrum analyzers (OSAs), polarization controllers, and Michelson or Mach-Zehnder interferometers. It meets IEC 60825-1:2014 safety classification for Class 1M laser product when used with the specified PM fiber and terminated connector. The device complies with CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU) and low-voltage directive (LVD 2014/35/EU). While not a medical device per se, its spectral and power characteristics align with ISO 13485-aligned production controls, making it suitable for preclinical OCT subsystem integration where traceability and material certification are required.

Software & Data Management

The PL-SLD-1550-B-A81-PA operates as a standalone analog optical source and does not include embedded firmware or digital control interfaces. For system-level integration, users typically pair it with external constant-current drivers featuring analog modulation input (0–5 V) and temperature setpoint control (via thermistor feedback). Microphotons provides full calibration reports—including spectral density curves, polarization extinction ratio measurements, and power-vs-current (L-I) characterization—at time of shipment. All test data are archived in PDF format with NIST-traceable instrument metadata; raw spectral files (.csv) are available upon request for GLP/GMP-aligned validation protocols.

Applications

• Fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) broadband source for bias error suppression and scale factor linearity improvement
• Reference arm illumination in time-domain and Fourier-domain OCT systems targeting ophthalmic or dermatological imaging
• Polarization-resolved interferometric sensors for strain, temperature, and refractive index monitoring in composite materials
• Calibration source for wavelength-dependent loss (WDL) and polarization-dependent loss (PDL) measurements in DWDM component testing
• Seed source for Er-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) operating in the C-band with reduced amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise floor
• Low-coherence reflectometry (LCR) setups requiring sub-15 µm axial resolution in telecom-grade fiber characterization

FAQ

Is this SLD compatible with standard SMF-28 fiber?
No—this device is permanently coupled to Panda-type PM1550 fiber. Direct splicing to non-PM fiber will degrade polarization extinction ratio and introduce modal instability.
What driver specifications are recommended for stable operation?
A low-noise, current-regulated driver with <100 nA RMS current ripple and ±0.01 °C temperature stability is required. Microphotons recommends the LDC-1000 series or equivalent OEM modules with thermistor feedback loop support.
Can the output power be modulated?
Yes—via analog current modulation input on compatible drivers. Modulation bandwidth is limited by diode junction capacitance (~MHz range); for >10 MHz applications, consult technical support for optimized biasing configurations.
Does the unit include a driver or power supply?
No—driver electronics are sold separately. The module requires +5 V DC logic power and a dedicated current source (typical operating current: 220–280 mA).
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 output power.