What is a tunable light source?

A tunable light source is a monochromatic light source whereby the wavelength can be adjusted. The wavelength is selected either using PC software or manually.

The optical configuration of a tunable light source consists of a broadband light source and a monochromator that isolates the desired wavelength from the polychromatic light of the light source.

For many scientific and industrial applications it is necessary to be able to cover a larger wavelength range with monochromatic light in small steps. This requires a tunable light source. Applications of this nature are, for example, in the field of fluorescence spectroscopy. Tunable light sources are also used to test optical sensors.