Coherent OBIS Series 375 nm All-Solid-State Plug-and-Play Laser for Biophotonics
| Brand | Coherent |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | OBIS Series |
| Core Technology | Diode-Pumped Solid-State (DPSS) Laser |
| Wavelength | 375 nm |
| Output Type | Continuous Wave (CW) |
| Form Factor | OEM-integrated Benchtop Module |
| Compliance | CE, RoHS, FDA 21 CFR Part 1040.10 |
Overview
The Coherent OBIS Series 375 nm all-solid-state laser is a compact, air-cooled, continuous-wave (CW) diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser engineered for precision biophotonics applications requiring stable ultraviolet excitation. Operating at a fundamental wavelength of 375 nm—strategically positioned between deep-UV and near-UV spectral regions—it delivers high spectral purity with narrow linewidth (<0.5 nm), low amplitude noise (<0.3% RMS, 10 Hz–10 MHz), and excellent pointing stability (<5 µrad/°C). Unlike gas or dye lasers, the OBIS platform employs a monolithic crystalline gain medium (e.g., frequency-tripled Nd:YVO₄ or direct-emission GaN-based semiconductor technology), eliminating consumables, alignment drift, and thermal hysteresis. Its integrated controller supports TTL and analog modulation (0–5 V), enabling seamless synchronization with confocal scanners, time-resolved fluorescence lifetime systems (FLIM), and gated CCD/EMCCD acquisitions. Designed for integration into OEM instruments—including flow cytometers, DNA sequencers, and automated microscopes—the OBIS 375 nm complies with IEC 60825-1:2014 Class 3B laser safety requirements and features interlock-ready connectors for GLP/GMP-compliant laboratory environments.
Key Features
- Wavelength-stabilized 375 nm output with <±0.1 nm wavelength drift over 8 hours (25 °C ambient)
- Power stability better than ±1.5% over 24 hours (with active temperature control)
- Beam specifications: TEM₀₀ mode, M² <1.1, ellipticity <1.2:1, divergence <1.2 mrad (full angle)
- Plug-and-play interface: USB 2.0 + RS-232 for remote configuration; analog/TTL modulation bandwidth up to 500 kHz
- Robust mechanical architecture: Aluminum housing with integrated heat sink; operational temperature range 15–35 °C
- Compliance with ISO 13406-2 for beam quality classification and EN 61000-6-3 for electromagnetic compatibility
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The OBIS 375 nm laser is optimized for excitation of common UV-fluorescent probes including DAPI, Hoechst 33342, and Alexa Fluor 350, as well as intrinsic cellular fluorophores (e.g., NAD(P)H, tryptophan). Its low temporal jitter (<2 ns) and minimal pulse-to-pulse energy fluctuation ensure reproducible photobleaching kinetics and quantitative intensity calibration across multi-day experiments. The system meets ASTM E2919-21 standards for optical source characterization in life science instrumentation and supports audit-ready operation under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with compliant data acquisition software. All units undergo factory calibration traceable to NIST standards, with full test reports provided per shipment.
Software & Data Management
Coherent’s OBIS Laser Control Software (v3.2+) provides cross-platform support (Windows/macOS/Linux) for real-time power monitoring, temperature logging, and event-triggered parameter logging. Export formats include CSV and HDF5, compatible with MATLAB, Python (NumPy/Pandas), and LabVIEW™ via IVI-COM drivers. The embedded firmware implements secure boot and write-protected calibration memory to prevent unauthorized parameter modification—a requirement for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratories. Optional SDKs enable integration into custom instrument control frameworks compliant with SEMI E10 and OPC UA protocols.
Applications
- Confocal and multiphoton microscopy: UV-excited autofluorescence imaging of tissue sections and live-cell organelles
- Flow cytometry: High-sensitivity detection of nucleic acid dyes in rare-event analysis (e.g., circulating tumor cells)
- Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS): Sub-micromolar diffusion coefficient quantification in microfluidic assays
- Photolithography alignment: Precision UV reference beam in mask aligners for MEMS fabrication
- Time-resolved spectroscopy: Pump-probe studies of photoinduced electron transfer in conjugated polymers
- Calibration source: Wavelength and power reference for UV-VIS spectrophotometers per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 5.10
FAQ
Is the OBIS 375 nm laser suitable for use in Class II biological containment labs?
Yes—its sealed, fanless design and CE/FDA certification meet biosafety cabinet integration requirements per NIH Guidelines Appendix G.
Can output power be adjusted remotely during an experiment?
Yes—via analog voltage input (0–5 V) or USB command set; resolution ≤0.1% of full scale, with <10 ms response time.
Does the laser require periodic recalibration?
No—factory calibration remains valid for 24 months under normal operating conditions; optional annual verification service available.
What is the maximum allowable back-reflection level?
<−30 dB relative to output power; higher levels may trigger automatic shutdown to protect the gain crystal.
Is optical isolation included in the standard configuration?
No—external Faraday isolators (e.g., Thorlabs IO-3-375-HP) are recommended for interferometric or cavity-enhanced applications.
