NewOpto LS-1 & LS-2 Series Narrow-Linewidth Fiber-Coupled Raman Laser Sources

Overview

The NewOpto LS-1 and LS-2 series are high-stability, narrow-linewidth, fiber-coupled laser sources engineered specifically for demanding Raman spectroscopy applications. Based on single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) diode laser technology with external cavity stabilization, these sources deliver exceptional spectral purity and long-term wavelength fidelity—critical for suppressing fluorescence interference and enabling high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) Raman measurements. The LS-1 operates as a single-wavelength source at 647 nm, 785 nm, 830 nm, or 1064 nm; the LS-2 integrates two independently tunable lasers in one compact chassis to support Shifted Excitation Raman Difference Spectroscopy (SERDS), a proven method for effective fluorescence background suppression in biological and pharmaceutical samples. Both models employ thermoelectric cooling and active wavelength feedback control to maintain sub-0.005 nm drift over 8 hours—meeting the stability requirements of ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories and GLP-compliant analytical workflows.

Key Features

• Narrow spectral linewidth: ≤ 0.1 nm (typ. 0.08 nm), corresponding to ≤ 2.4 cm⁻¹ in Raman shift units—enabling high-resolution vibrational mode discrimination
• Exceptional wavelength stability: ±0.005 nm over 8 hours, achieved via integrated wavelength locker and PID-controlled temperature stabilization
• High output power: >500 mW at 647 nm; >600 mW at 785 nm and 830 nm; >800 mW at 1064 nm—optimized for low-fluorescence NIR excitation
• Fiber-coupled delivery: 105 µm core, 0.22 NA multimode fiber with FC/PC connector—ensuring efficient, alignment-free integration into spectrometers and micro-Raman systems
• Low intensity noise: <0.25% RMS, <1% peak-to-peak—minimizing baseline fluctuations during long-integration acquisitions
• Fast thermal stabilization: <60 seconds warm-up time to operational specification—supporting high-throughput QC environments
• Dual-laser SERDS capability (LS-2 only): Adjustable inter-laser wavelength offset from 0.1–1.0 nm with independent power and modulation control per channel

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

These laser sources are compatible with standard Raman instrumentation platforms—including modular spectrometers (e.g., Horiba XploRA, Renishaw inVia), OEM bioanalyzers, flow cytometers, and custom-built confocal Raman microscopes. The 785 nm and 1064 nm variants comply with IEC 60825-1:2014 Class 3B laser safety requirements when used with appropriate interlocks and beam enclosures. All units conform to FCC Part 15 Subpart B and CE EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. Design documentation supports traceability under ISO 9001:2015 quality management systems, and firmware logs meet audit-trail requirements for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–governed environments where electronic records are retained.

Software & Data Management

The LS-1 and LS-2 support both analog (0–5 V, 10 Hz bandwidth) and digital (TTL/RS-422, 10 kHz modulation) control interfaces, enabling seamless synchronization with spectrometer acquisition triggers and shutter timing. Optional USB-C interface provides real-time monitoring of laser current, TEC temperature, photodiode feedback, and fault status via NewOpto’s LabControl SDK (Windows/Linux/macOS compatible). Logged parameters—including wavelength deviation history, power drift trends, and thermal cycling profiles—are exportable in CSV format for metrological validation and instrument qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) reporting. Firmware updates preserve calibration constants and retain user-defined SERDS offset presets across reboots.

Applications

• Resonance Raman spectroscopy of biomolecules (cytochromes, carotenoids, heme proteins)
• SERDS-based analysis of pharmaceutical tablets, polymer blends, and forensic trace evidence
• Micro-Raman mapping of semiconductor defects, 2D materials (graphene, MoS₂), and battery electrode degradation
• Flow-cell Raman detection in bioprocess monitoring and cell sorting systems
• Calibration reference sources for wavelength accuracy verification in FT-Raman and dispersive spectrometers
• OEM integration into portable/handheld Raman analyzers requiring low SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost)

FAQ

What is the typical lifetime of the laser diodes under continuous operation?
Rated minimum L₅₀ lifetime exceeds 10,000 hours at nominal output power and ambient temperatures ≤30 °C.
Can the LS-2 synchronize both lasers with sub-millisecond timing precision?
Yes—the dual-channel digital interface supports hardware-triggered start/stop with <100 ns jitter between channels.
Is FC/APC fiber coupling available as an option?
Yes—custom configurations with FC/APC termination and anti-reflection coated fibers are available upon request.
Do these sources meet requirements for USP <1119> Raman system suitability testing?
They satisfy the wavelength accuracy (±0.5 nm), stability (±0.005 nm), and line-width (<0.1 nm) criteria specified in USP <1119> when paired with NIST-traceable calibration standards.
What thermal management provisions are included for rack-mounted integration?
Both models feature forced-air convection cooling via integrated low-noise fans; optional conductive cooling plates and DIN-rail mounting kits are available for embedded industrial enclosures.