Quantel ELBA-C High-Power Continuous-Wave Solid-State Laser at 577 nm
| Brand | Quantel |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Type | Imported Solid-State Laser System |
| Model | ELBA-C |
| Wavelength | 577 nm (fixed, single-line operation) |
| Output Power | Up to 3 W CW |
| Spectral Linewidth | < 0.1 nm |
| Power Stability (1 h) | < 1% RMS |
| Intensity Noise (10 Hz–50 kHz) | < 1% RMS |
| Beam Quality (M²) | < 1.2 |
| Beam Diameter (1/e², typical) | 0.5 mm |
| Polarization | Linear, >100:1 |
| Cooling | Air-cooled |
| Controller Dimensions | 180 × 155 × 40 mm |
| Laser Head Dimensions | 133 × 50 × 30 mm |
| Compliance | CE, RoHS, IEC 60825-1:2014 Class 4 Laser Product |
Overview
The Quantel ELBA-C is a high-power, continuous-wave (CW), solid-state laser engineered for precision optical applications requiring stable 577 nm emission. Unlike tunable or multi-wavelength platforms, the ELBA-C delivers fixed-wavelength output at 577 nm—optimized via intracavity frequency-doubling of a Nd:YAG-based master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) architecture. This wavelength resides in the yellow-green spectral region, where it exhibits strong absorption by oxyhemoglobin and minimal scattering in biological tissue—making it uniquely suited for ophthalmic photocoagulation and vascular-targeted diagnostics. Its design emphasizes long-term amplitude stability, diffraction-limited beam quality (M² < 1.2), and robust air-cooled thermal management—eliminating reliance on external chillers or water circuits. The system operates as a Class 4 laser per IEC 60825-1:2014, with integrated interlocks, emission indicators, and key-switch safety controls compliant with international laboratory laser safety protocols.
Key Features
- Stable 577 nm CW output up to 3 W with <1% RMS power fluctuation over one hour
- Diffraction-limited beam profile (M² < 1.2) enabling high spatial coherence and tight focusability
- Air-cooled architecture—no external cooling infrastructure required; suitable for benchtop integration
- Linear polarization ratio >100:1, supporting interference-based metrology and polarization-sensitive assays
- Compact laser head (133 × 50 × 30 mm) and low-profile controller (180 × 155 × 40 mm) for space-constrained optical setups
- Integrated analog/digital modulation interface (TTL and 0–5 V) for synchronization with detectors, scanners, or pulse generators
- Compliance with CE marking, RoHS directives, and laser safety standards including IEC 60825-1:2014
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ELBA-C is compatible with standard optical mounts (e.g., kinematic mirror mounts, fiber couplers with SMA905 or FC/PC interfaces), and supports free-space propagation or coupling into multimode fibers (core diameter ≥ 50 µm) with appropriate focusing optics. Its 577 nm output is certified for use in clinical ophthalmology devices under ISO 15004-2:2020 (ophthalmic instruments — fundamental requirements) and aligns with FDA guidance for laser-based medical systems (21 CFR Part 1040.10/1040.11). For research environments, the system meets GLP-relevant operational traceability requirements when paired with calibrated power meters (NIST-traceable) and log-enabled controllers. No hazardous substances are used in its construction per EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS2).
Software & Data Management
The ELBA-C includes a USB- and RS-232–enabled controller with proprietary Quantel Laser Control Suite (v3.2+), supporting real-time monitoring of output power, temperature, and status flags. Software features include programmable power ramping (0–100% in ≤100 ms), event logging with timestamps (UTC-synchronized), and export of CSV-formatted stability reports for audit trails. All firmware updates are digitally signed and verified prior to installation. While the device does not natively support FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signature functionality, its controller logs provide full audit trail capability—including user ID, timestamp, parameter change, and reason code—when deployed within validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or electronic lab notebooks (ELN).
Applications
- Ophthalmic photocoagulation: Selective targeting of retinal vasculature in diabetic retinopathy and macular edema treatment
- DNA sequencing instrumentation: Excitation source for yellow-emitting fluorophores (e.g., Cy3.5, YOYO-1) in capillary electrophoresis and next-generation sequencing platforms
- Phase Doppler particle analysis (PDPA): Reference beam generation in dual-beam interferometric velocimetry for droplet sizing and velocity profiling
- High-resolution Raman spectroscopy: Low-noise excitation source minimizing fluorescence background in biological sample interrogation
- Optical trapping and manipulation: Stable CW source for gradient-force-based micro-particle handling in biophysics studies
- Calibration of spectroradiometers and hyperspectral imagers operating in the visible-NIR range
FAQ
Is the 577 nm output tunable?
No—the ELBA-C is a fixed-wavelength laser optimized specifically for 577 nm. It does not incorporate wavelength tuning elements.
Can the laser be fiber-coupled?
Yes, using standard achromatic focusing optics and SMA905 or FC/PC–compatible fiber collimators; recommended fiber core diameter ≥ 50 µm for optimal mode matching.
What safety certifications does the system hold?
CE marking, RoHS compliance, and full conformance with IEC 60825-1:2014 as a Class 4 laser product, including built-in shutter, emission indicator, and hardware interlock loop.
Does the laser require periodic maintenance?
No scheduled maintenance is required; the solid-state gain medium and air-cooled thermal design ensure >20,000 hours of operational lifetime with no consumables or alignment adjustments.
Is remote control supported via Ethernet or GPIB?
Standard communication is via USB 2.0 and RS-232; optional Ethernet-to-serial gateway modules are available through Quantel’s OEM partner program.
