CVI 35LAS450 Air-Cooled Fixed-Wavelength Argon Ion Laser
| Brand | CVI |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | 35LAS450 |
| Core Technology | Gas Laser System |
| Wavelength | 488 nm |
| Output Power | 50 mW |
| Gain Medium | Ar⁺ (Argon Ion) |
| Beam Mode | TEM₀₀ |
| Cooling Method | Forced-Air |
| Compliance | CE, RoHS, FDA 21 CFR Part 1040.10 |
Overview
The CVI 35LAS450 is a precision-engineered air-cooled argon ion gas laser designed for stable, continuous-wave (CW) operation at the fundamental emission line of 488 nm. Operating on the principle of electronic transition within singly ionized argon (Ar⁺) plasma under DC discharge excitation, this laser delivers high spatial coherence and diffraction-limited beam quality (TEM₀₀ mode) with minimal pointing instability and power drift (<±1% over 8 hours). Its forced-air thermal management system eliminates the need for external water cooling infrastructure, enabling compact integration into optical tables, OEM instrumentation platforms, and benchtop analytical systems. Unlike diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) alternatives, the 35LAS450 provides intrinsically narrow linewidth (<0.005 nm), low amplitude noise (<0.3% RMS), and superior long-term spectral fidelity—critical for applications demanding high signal-to-noise ratio and wavelength-specific photon–matter interaction.
Key Features
- Stable 488 nm output at 50 mW nominal power with <±0.5% short-term power stability (10 s averaging)
- Diffraction-limited TEM₀₀ beam profile (M² < 1.1) with beam diameter ≈ 0.65 mm and divergence < 1.2 mrad
- Integrated air-cooling architecture with thermally regulated fan control and internal heat-sink optimization
- Hermetically sealed plasma tube with >10,000-hour rated lifetime under recommended operating conditions
- Low-noise high-voltage DC power supply with soft-start sequencing and arc-current feedback regulation
- Front-panel analog modulation input (0–5 V) supporting TTL-compatible external intensity control
- Compliant with IEC 60825-1:2014 Class 3B laser safety requirements; includes interlock connector and key switch
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 35LAS450 is optimized for excitation of fluorophores with absorption maxima near 488 nm—including FITC, GFP, Alexa Fluor 488, and SYTO dyes—ensuring high quantum yield and minimal photobleaching in live-cell imaging. Its fixed-wavelength design eliminates spectral drift associated with tunable sources, enhancing reproducibility across multi-instrument laboratories. The system meets ISO/IEC 17025 traceability requirements when calibrated using NIST-traceable power meters and wavelength meters. It supports GLP/GMP workflows through optional analog/digital logging interfaces and is compatible with FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant data acquisition systems when integrated with validated software drivers.
Software & Data Management
While the 35LAS450 operates as a standalone analog device, it supports seamless integration via RS-232 or USB-to-serial interface (optional adapter) for remote monitoring of operational parameters—including tube current, cathode voltage, and heatsink temperature. CVI-provided LabVIEW™ VI libraries and Python SDK enable automated power ramping, duty-cycle scheduling, and fault-event logging. All firmware updates and configuration files are digitally signed and version-controlled per IEC 62304 Software Lifecycle standards. Audit trails generated during laser activation cycles can be exported in CSV or XML format for regulatory submission.
Applications
- Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) illumination source for sub-diffraction lateral resolution
- Excitation source in fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM)
- Pump source for dye lasers and optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) requiring narrowband visible input
- Calibration reference in spectrometer wavelength validation protocols (e.g., ASTM E275, ISO 17025 Annex C)
- Raman spectroscopy excitation for carbon nanotube, graphene, and biological sample characterization
- Flow cytometry systems requiring high-brightness, low-jitter CW excitation at 488 nm
FAQ
What is the typical warm-up time to achieve specified power stability?
The laser reaches thermal equilibrium and meets ±1% power stability within 25–30 minutes after cold start.
Can the 35LAS450 be operated in pulsed mode?
No—it is a CW-only device; pulse modulation must be achieved externally using acousto-optic or electro-optic modulators.
Is the plasma tube user-replaceable?
No; tube replacement requires factory service and recalibration to maintain beam alignment and safety certification.
Does the unit include beam steering optics or collimation accessories?
The 35LAS450 ships with a standard FC/PC fiber-coupling adapter option and adjustable kinematic mount; collimators and beam expanders are available as catalog accessories.
What maintenance is required during routine operation?
Annual inspection of air filters, fan performance verification, and optical window cleaning using IPA and lint-free wipes per CVI Maintenance Bulletin MB-ARG-004.
