FAQ for the High-Brightness Laser-Pumped White Light Source LS-WL1
General Product Information
What is the LS-WL1?
The LS-WL1 is a compact, ultra-high brightness fiber light source that delivers brilliant white light through optical multimode fibers with core diameters between 50µm and 1mm. It uses a laser-pumped phosphor converter to achieve very high luminance.
What is special about the LS-WL1?
The LS-WL1 offers exceptionally high brightness from a very small emitting area, enabling efficient coupling into small-core fibers. This allows high directional quality, low étendue, and high-power lighting suitable for collimation, beam shaping, or focusing.
What is the spectral range of the LS-WL1?
The LS-WL1 operates in the spectral range of 445–700nm. Note that the spectral output features a distinct laser emission peak around 445 nm, followed by a smooth, continuous broadband spectrum beginning near 480 nm.
Installation
How do I connect the LS-WL1 to a power supply?
Use the included 12V DC, 2.5A plug-in power supply or any equivalent supply with a coaxial connector (5.5×2.1mm).
How do I connect it to a computer?
Connect via Mini-B USB cable. The device appears as a virtual COM port (RS-232) and can be controlled via GUI, LabVIEW VIs, DLL, or ASCII commands.
What fibers can be used with the LS-WL1?
Multimode fibers with SMA connectors, up to 1mm core diameter (NA up to 0.5). Quartz optical fibers are recommended.
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Computer Interface
How do I control the LS-WL1 from a PC?
Use the supplied GUI or send ASCII commands via the virtual COM port. Commands allow mode switching, power adjustment, and timing control. A Python module is available for integration and scripting, allowing users to automate control and data acquisition.
What software interfaces are available?
- GUI running on Windows 11
- LabVIEW VIs
- Python Module
- Direct ASCII command protocol
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Maintenance and Care
How should I clean the LS-WL1?
Disconnect from power and use a dry, lint-free cloth. Avoid solvents on optical surfaces.
How is the optical fiber maintained?
Handle fibers carefully to avoid damage or contamination of the connectors.
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Applications
I want to homogeneously illuminate a surface. How can I do this with the LS-WL1
Homogeneous illumination can be achieved by coupling the output fiber to a suitable homogenizing optical element. We recommend our homogenizer (fly-eye condenser) as an effective solution.
I need collimated light. How can I realize this with the LS-WL1
Use a fiber collimator at the output fiber. This provides a collimated beam matched to the fiber’s NA. We offer collimators in different sizes and focal lengths, designed for direct connection to an SMA fiber connector.
Performance
What technology does the LS-WL1 use?
It uses two GaN laser diodes (450nm) focused on a phosphor converter, producing intense white light. The light is efficiently coupled into multimode optical fibers.
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How much optical power does it produce?
- Total emission (half sphere): >1 W, measured directly from the optical engine without fiber coupling.
- 1mm core fiber (NA 0.5): >500mW, providing maximum coupling efficiency and brightness for large-core applications.
- 600µm core fiber (NA 0.5): 400mW typical output power, suitable for high-intensity illumination tasks.
- 400µm core fiber (NA 0.39): 200mW typical, optimized for medium spot size applications.
- 200µm core fiber (NA 0.22): 30mW typical, enabling precise, small-spot illumination for measurement or microscopy. All values are for continuous wave operation at 100% power and may vary slightly depending on fiber quality, alignment, and environmental conditions.
What is the power stability?
Typically better than 1% drift per 24 hours after thermal equilibrium.
What is the maximum operating frequency?
Up to 200 kHz in stroboscope mode and 100 kHz for direct modulation.
What is the minimum pulse width in pulse trigger mode?
10µs.
What is the delay range for pulse trigger mode?
4µs to 4000ms (combined with pulse width ≤ 4000ms).
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Operation and Features
What are the modes of operation?
- **CW Mode** – constant light output.
- **Stroboscope Mode** – adjustable frequency (0.12Hz–200kHz) and duty cycle (0–100%).
- **Pulse Trigger Mode** – generates pulses synchronized to an external trigger.
- **Direct Input Mode** – output follows an external TTL or analog modulation signal.
How is output power adjusted?
Via the front-panel jog wheel or through software commands.
Can the LS-WL1 be customized?
Yes, default startup settings, jog wheel behavior, and output connector functions can be stored in EEPROM.
How do I prevent overheating?
Ensure all ventilation inlets and outlets remain unobstructed. The device has dual fans, a temperature sensor, and an over-temperature LED.
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Safety, Standards & Certifications
What safety precautions should I take?
- Avoid direct eye exposure to emitted light.
- Wear suitable laser safety glasses (OD>2 for UV-Yellow range).
- Avoid skin exposure to focused beams.
- Do not place flammable materials in the beam focus.
What certifications does it have?
- IEC 60825-1 Class 1 Laser Product
- IEC 62778 Risk Group 1 (low risk)
- CE compliant (LVD, EMC)
Is it safe for visually sensitive individuals?
Pulsed or stroboscopic modes may trigger discomfort in neurologically photosensitive persons.
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