GRINTECH CobritePX PXI-Based Tunable Laser Platform

Overview

The GRINTECH CobritePX PXI-Based Tunable Laser Platform is a modular, high-stability solid-state laser system engineered for precision wavelength scanning and spectral characterization in research-grade optical metrology, quantum optics, and photonic device testing. Built on the industry-standard PXI Express (PXIe) platform, the CobritePX integrates tunable solid-state laser sources—including diode-pumped Nd:YAG, Ti:Sapphire, and OPO-based modules—within a synchronized, timing-accurate instrumentation chassis. Its architecture leverages the deterministic latency, high-bandwidth backplane (up to 6 GB/s per lane), and hardware-triggered synchronization capabilities of PXIe to enable sub-microsecond laser parameter coordination with complementary detectors, spectrometers, or lock-in amplifiers. Designed for laboratory integration rather than standalone operation, the platform supports continuous-wave (CW) and quasi-CW output with narrow linewidth (<100 MHz typical), fine wavelength resolution (<1 pm), and long-term power stability (<±0.5% over 8 h). It serves as a calibrated optical source for applications requiring traceable spectral alignment, such as cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS), atomic vapor absorption line mapping, and wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) component characterization.

Key Features

• Modular PXIe form factor enabling scalable integration with existing automated test systems (ATE) and multi-instrument synchronization
• Tunable solid-state laser engines with factory-calibrated wavelength accuracy (±0.5 pm) referenced to internal wavemeter or external iodine-stabilized HeNe standard
• Integrated thermal management and active current/temperature stabilization for drift-compensated output over ambient fluctuations (15–30 °C)
• SCPI-compliant command set compliant with IVI-C and IVI-COM drivers for seamless interoperability with LabVIEW™, Python (PyVISA), and MATLAB® environments
• Hardware-triggered start/stop, pulse delay, and sweep synchronization via PXI trigger bus (TTL/LVDS) and star trigger lines
• Front-panel optical access with FC/APC or free-space collimated output options; optional fiber-coupled variants available with PM or SMF-28 compatibility

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CobritePX platform is compatible with standard optical components used in metrology-grade setups, including high-finesse Fabry–Pérot interferometers, atomic vapor cells (Rb, Cs, Na), gas absorption cells (H₂O, CO₂, CH₄), and semiconductor photodetectors (InGaAs, Si, Ge). All laser modules comply with IEC 60825-1:2014 Class 3B or Class 4 safety requirements, with integrated interlock circuits meeting EN 61511 functional safety guidelines. System-level documentation supports GLP/GMP-aligned validation protocols, including IQ/OQ/PQ templates, calibration certificate traceability to NRC Canada (National Research Council), and audit-ready electronic log files per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed with compliant software environments.

Software & Data Management

GRINTECH provides the CobritePX Control Suite—a native PXIe driver package supporting Windows 10/11 (64-bit) and real-time OS targets (NI VeriStand, LabVIEW Real-Time). The suite includes a GUI-based wavelength sweep configurator, real-time power monitoring dashboard, and raw data export in HDF5 and CSV formats. All instrument sessions generate timestamped metadata (including laser diode current, TEC setpoint, internal temperature, and external trigger events), ensuring full experimental reproducibility. Optional add-ons include spectral calibration plugins compatible with NIST SRM databases and automated line-fit algorithms for Doppler-free saturated absorption spectroscopy.

Applications

• High-resolution absorption spectroscopy of atomic and molecular transitions
• Calibration source for optical frequency combs and wavemeters
• Photonic integrated circuit (PIC) testing under swept-wavelength conditions
• Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) excitation profiling in combustion diagnostics
• Quantum memory interface development using rare-earth-doped crystals (e.g., Eu:YSO, Pr:Y₂SiO₅)
• Interferometric strain and temperature sensing in fiber Bragg grating (FBG) networks

FAQ

Is the CobritePX platform compatible with non-NI PXIe chassis?
Yes—provided the chassis supports PXIe Gen 3, PCIe x4 uplink, and standard SCPI over TCP/IP or VXI-11 transport layer.
Can multiple CobritePX modules be slaved for multi-wavelength parallel operation?
Yes—the PXI trigger bus and star trigger architecture support master-slave synchronization across up to 18 slots with <10 ns jitter between modules.
Does GRINTECH provide factory recalibration services?
Yes—traceable recalibration is offered annually at GRINTECH’s Ottawa facility, with certificates issued against NRC Canada reference standards.
What laser safety documentation is included?
Each shipment includes a site-specific Laser Safety Assessment Report, interlock wiring diagram, and compliance statement aligned with ANSI Z136.1 and CAN/CSA-Z386.
Is remote head configuration supported for vacuum or cryogenic environments?
Yes—custom OEM configurations with fiber-delivered output and remotely mounted laser heads (operable down to 4 K) are available under engineering consultation.