OPTILAB DFB-4-B User manual

DFB-4-B BENCHTOP USER’S MANUAL
Caution: The user must read this manual before operating the DFB benchtop unit. Operations
other than those described in this manual may result in personal injury and damage
to the unit.
Note that any attempt to open or fix the equipment without prior approval by
Optilab, LLC voids the warranty.
Ver. 2.0
June 8th, 2021

DFB Benchtop User’s Manual
Page ii of iii
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
Revision History
Version
Date
Summary
1.0
12/03/08
Manual introduced
1.1
03/15/09
Manual revision
1.2
02/21/10
New housing and control
1.3
08/09/11
New housing and control
1.4
11/10/13
Address revision
1.5
06/17/16
Housing and interface update
1.6
12/28/16
Housing and interface update
1.7
01/25/19
FW and housing update
1.8
06/11/19
FW and interface update
1.9
06/17/20
FW update
2.0
06/08/21
Contents Revised
Copyright ©2021 by Optilab, LLC.
All rights reserved.
This document is copyrighted property of Optilab, LLC. It may not be used in whole or in part for
manufacture, sale, or design of items without the written permission of Optilab, LLC.
Information herein is preliminary and subject to change without any notices.

DFB Benchtop User’s Manual
Page iii of iii
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
Table of Contents
1. GENERAL INFORMATION 1
1.1. INTRODUCTION 1
1.2. PRODUCT OVERVIEW 1
1.3. FEATURES 1
1.4. USER SAFETY 2
2. OPERATION 2
2.1. INTRODUCTION 2
2.2. INITIAL INSPECTION 2
2.3. PANEL DIAGRAMS AND CONTROLS 3
2.4. OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 5
2.5. PC CONNECTION MODE (OPTIONAL) 7
3. TROUBLESHOOTING 9
4. SERVICE AND SUPPORT 10
4.1. WARRANTY 10
4.2. SERVICE AND CALIBRATION 10
4.3. CARE OF FIBER-OPTIC CONNECTORS 11
5. DFB-4-B COMMAND SET 12
5.1. SERIAL PORT CONNECTION DETAILS 12
5.2. QUERY COMMANDS 12
5.3. SET COMMANDS 12

DFB-B Benchtop User’s Manual
Page 1 of 12
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
1. General Information
1.1. Introduction
This manual contains information on the installation and operation of the Optilab DFB-
4-B benchtop unit.
1.2. Product Overview
The Optilab DFB-4-B series products are Distributed Feedback (DFB) laser sources in
bench top housing. They are designed for general laboratory applications. DFB-4-B is
a reliable and cost effective DFB laser source for providing up to 4 different DFB
wavelengths. With Optilabs comprehensive inventory of high quality DFB lasers, the
DFB light source can be ordered from a large variety of wavelengths. DFB lasers
operating temperature and drive current are precisely monitored by micro-controller to
ensure constant output power and emission wavelength stability. With its simple and
intuitive front panel interface, the user can control the DFB light source output power
level by adjusting the laser drive current.
1.3. Features
•Orderable in a variety of wavelengths and power levels
•Up to four DFB sources per benchtop device
•Front panel power and wavelength adjustment control via touchscreen display
•LabVIEW software interface
•Economical and user friendly

DFB-B Benchtop User’s Manual
Page 2 of 12
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
1.4. User Safety
1. The DFB-B benchtop unit emits high intensity light from the optical output
receptacle. Avoid direct exposure to skin and eyes.
2. The equipment case is fully certified for EMS protection. The user should never
open the equipment case; any attempt will void the warranty and may result in
electric shock and EMS attack to equipment in the vicinity.
3. The user should avoid using any solvent or vaporizing chemical to clean the
equipment panel or case. It may result in damage to the surface and internal
circuits.
2. Operation
2.1. Introduction
This chapter describes how to operate the DFB-4-B benchtop unit, and discusses
the location and function of the controls and connectors.
2.2. Initial Inspection
Your DFB-4-B benchtop unit was carefully inspected before it left the manufacturer.
It should be in proper working order upon receipt. You should, however, inspect the
unit for any damage that may have occurred in transit. If the shipping container or
the packing material is damaged, keep it until the contents of the shipment have
been checked to be free of mechanical and electrical damages. Notify Optilab, LLC
promptly if any notable damage is found.

DFB-B Benchtop User’s Manual
Page 3 of 12
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
2.3. Panel Diagrams and Controls
FEATURE
FUNCTION
MAIN DISPLAY
The LCD display shows the parameters and optical settings of the
DFB benchtop unit. This is a touchscreen type display (see
section 2.4 for more information)
OPTICAL OUTPUT
PORTS
The optical output receptacles for the benchtop unit. Up to 4
optical ports will be present, one for each laser unit. These
particular receptacles are FC/APC type.
LASER POWER SWITCH
This switch enables / disables the laser optical output for the DFB
lasers.
This feature is not enabled on all units.
1
2
3
DFB-4-B Benchtop Front Panel

DFB-B Benchtop User’s Manual
Page 4 of 12
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
FEATURE
FUNCTION
AC POWER SOCKET
The AC power socket is the input for the AC power source. A
three-pin standard power cord should be used to connect this
equipment to any 110 or 220VAC main supply.
MAIN AC POWER
SWITCH
This switch enables the electrical power to the DFB-4-B unit.
LAN PORT
This terminal is used allow for Ethernet connection to the DFB-4-B
for remote operation and monitoring.
This feature is not enabled on all units.
USB FEMALE SOCKET
Using a USB cable, this port allows for remote control and
monitoring through a PC workstation.
This feature is not enabled on all units.
VENTILATION FANS
The ventilation fans ensure proper ventilation inside the unit. The
back panel of this equipment should be placed at least 3 inches
from the wall to dissipate heat effectively.
INTERLOCK
This BNC female connector is a safety interlock. It must be
shorted in order for the DFB lasers to enable. Use the provided
accessory to short this port or connect it to a compatible interlock
device. If the interlock is open during normal operation, the pump
lasers will be turned off. To re-enable the pump laser output, turn
the output switch on the front panel to “OFF” position first and
start over.
This feature is not enabled on all units (not pictured).
1
2
DFB-4-B Benchtop Rear Panel
4
3
5
5
6

DFB-B Benchtop User’s Manual
Page 5 of 12
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
2.4. Operation Instructions
Start-up Procedure
1. After plugging in the appropriate power plug into the AC Power Socket, flip the rear
panel Main AC Power Switch to the On position to enable electrical power to the
unit. The LED Main Display will turn on.
Note: For units that do not have the front panel enable switch activated, the lasers will also be
enabled at this time as well.
2. Connect the optical output port(s) using the indicated connector patchcords to the
appropriate signal destination to utilize the laser output signal(s).
NOTE: Make sure you use the correct type of patchcord to minimize losses when connecting the optical output to
its destination. Special patchcords are designed for wavelengths such as 850nm and 980nm to ensure maximum
light coupling. Please contact Optilab for more details and ordering options.
3. After checking all physical patchcord connections, turn the front panel Laser Power
Switch to the ON position to enable optical output from the DFB-B.
4. The front panel LCD Indicators will show the output of each laser channel; the
DFB-B is now ready for operation.
Optical Output and Wavelength Adjustment Procedure (Front Panel)
1. To adjust the optical output level or the TEC temperature setting for the DFB lasers,
please reference the below front panel main screen. Press anywhere in any of the
blue boxes to go to the settings page for that channel. Pressing the “INFO” button
take you to the system information page. Return to this page at any time by
pressing the “ESC/BACK” button.

DFB-B Benchtop User’s Manual
Page 6 of 12
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
2. The settings page for each channel screen is shown below:
SETTING
DESCRIPTION
DFB CURRENT
This value displays the current set point that is driving the internal
laser diode, and can be adjusted by pressing the “RIGHT” arrow
button to select the unit for adjustment, and then pressing the
“UP”or “DOWN” arrow buttons to increase or decrease this unit
selection.
Pressing the “SAVE” button will save this change, otherwise
pressing the “BACK” will cancel the parameter editing and return
to the home page.
NOTE: Changes cannot be made to current unless the laser
output is enabled.
SET TEC TEMP
This value displays the current TEC temperature setting. By
adjusting the TEC temperature set point, the wavelength can be
tuned as desired, please refer to the test datasheet for the
allowable range.
This feature is adjustable in the same manner as the current
setting as noted above.
OUTPUT POWER
The current output power from the internal photodiode
reading of the laser. Please refer to an external power meter
reading for the most accurate value.
MAX CURRENT
The maximum end user allowable setting for the laser diode
driving current.
TEMPERATURE
Shows the current operating temperature of the selected
module.
WAVELENGTH AND SN
These fixed values are a reference for the internal RS485
setting on each individual module, as well as each DFB’s serial
number.
3. When finished editing the parameters of the individual module, pressing the “BACK”
button will return to the main screen.

DFB-B Benchtop User’s Manual
Page 7 of 12
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
Patchcord Swapping Procedure
1. Turn the Laser Power Switch to the Off position.
2. Swap patchcords as desired. Only connect the indicated connector patchcords to
the optical input ports, cleaning them as necessary.
3. Turn the Laser Power Switch to the On position to re-enable the laser.
4. For units that the front panel Laser Power Switch is not enabled, turning the rear
panel AC switch is necessary to disable and re-enable the DFB lasers.
2.5. PC Connection Mode (OPTIONAL)
As an optional feature, the DFB-4-B unit is capable connecting to an external PC to
allow for parameter monitoring and laser diode adjustments. If you have a DFB-4-B
unit with additional software control, please refer to the following below for the software
connection option.
1. Using the USB port on the rear panel, connect the DFB-4-B to a PC, directly to the
USB port with an appropriate USB to USB cable.
2. By using the Device Manager (or other similar PC device tool), the DFB-4-B should
be recognized as COM Port device. If the DFB-4-B does not appear as a COM
Port device, you may need to install the necessary RS232 drivers included on the
software package.
3. A command set for the DFB-4-B unit can be found in section 5 of this manual.
Please refer to this command set if using an RS232 communication tool such as
termite or similar.
4. A LabVIEW executable is also available for communicating with the DFB-4-B unit.
If applicable, refer to the DFB-4-B software DVD and run the setup.exe file in the
installer folder. This executable will install the appropriate run-time engines and/or
support files as well as the DFB-4-B LabVIEW program and a shortcut will be
created on the desktop for all users.

DFB-B Benchtop User’s Manual
Page 8 of 12
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
5. After the LabVIEW setup is installed, then the DFB-4-B executable software file
can be opened, with the following screen displayed, with the appropriate
adjustments options noted below.
SETTING
DESCRIPTION
COM PORT SETTING
Select the appropriate COM Port for the DFB-B determined earlier
in this manual. Set this value first before running the program.
LASER DIODE CURRENT
AND TEC TEMP
SETTINGS
These boxes are for entering in the desired laser diode driving
current and TEC temperature values. Adjusting the Current
setting will increase or decrease the optical output power, and
changing the TEC temperature will set the TEC to the desired
value, affecting the wavelength.
The maximum setting for the current is limited by the hardware,
and the TEC Point is limited between 15-35C.
Please note that the changes are not set in place until the
adjacent Set button is pressed; any changes will go into effect in
about 2-3 seconds.
NOTE: Changes cannot be made to current unless the laser
output is enabled.
CHANNEL MONITORS
These display the current set points and optical output power
readings for each individual laser channel module.
RUN BUTTON
Shaped as a button, press this will initialize the program, and
allow for the settings to be adjusted.
STOP BUTTON
Pressing this button will stop the program, however the individual
lasers will still be active. You will need to turn off the benchtop
system to disable the laser output.
1
2
4
3
5
3
3
3
2
2
2

DFB-B Benchtop User’s Manual
Page 9 of 12
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
3. Troubleshooting
SYMPTOM
POSSIBLE CAUSE AND SOLUTION
OPTICAL OUTPUT POWER
NOT HIGH ENOUGH.
C: Optical output connectors dirty.
S: Disable optical output and clean optical connectors.
C: Use of incorrect optical adapters or connectors.
S: Use only the indicated optical adapters and connectors. If
measurement instruments accept different connector type, then
use hybrid patchcords. For shorter wavelengths (<1300nm), use
of special coupling patchcords with matching wavelength will be
necessary to couple the light efficiently.
C: Optical output connector damaged.
S: Measure optical output power with power meter and compare
with readout on Main Display. Return to Optilab for repair if the
difference is high (>4 dB) and cannot be corrected by cleaning or
replacing the optical connectors. Always apply dust cover plugs
to unused optical receptacles to prevent the damage of internal
optical connectors.
MAIN DISPLAY GOES
BLANK
C: Static electrical discharge.
S: Wait 10 to 30 seconds for the display to refresh.
C: Insufficient ventilation.
S: Place unit in well ventilated area or supply additional fans for
ventilation.
OPTICAL OUTPUT POWER
UNSTABLE.
C: Insufficient optical output isolation.
S: Connect isolator of corresponding wavelength to optical output
connector. The use of angled patchcords (APC) will help minimize
the light being reflected back into the laser and improve stability.
UNIT DOES NOT POWER
UP.
C: Blown fuse.
S: Contact Optilab, LLC for fuse replacement procedure.
C: Insufficient electrical voltage.
S: Check that the electrical supply is at least 110 VAC.
C: Power cord is loose.
S: Plug the power cord firmly into the unit.
UNIT RESETS OR BLINKS
ON AND OFF.
C: Insufficient electrical voltage.
S: Check that the electrical supply is at least 110 VAC.

DFB-B Benchtop User’s Manual
Page 10 of 12
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
4. Service and Support
4.1. Warranty
Optilab, LLC guarantees its DFB-4-B benchtop unit to be free of defects for 1 year
from the date of shipment. The guarantee does not cover any damages resulting from
the misuse or improper handling of the equipment, or any incidental or consequential
loss. Note that the warranty will be void upon any attempt to open or to fix the
equipment by the user without prior approval of Optilab, LLC
4.2. Service and Calibration
Your DFB-4-B benchtop unit has been designed to provide years of trouble-free
operation. No internal maintenance is required provided that the equipment is properly
handled, operated and kept away from contamination. For any questions regarding
the operation and performance of the unit, please contact Optilab, LLC at:
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

DFB-B Benchtop User’s Manual
Page 11 of 12
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
4.3. Care of Fiber-optic Connectors
Damage to optical connectors account for more than 70 percent of equipment
performance degradation. To avoid such damage, the user should use only industrial
grade 99% pure isopropyl alcohol and follow the procedures below to keep the
connectors, adaptors and receptacles clean.
Cleaning Optical Connector End-face with Wipe and Alcohol
To properly clean optical connectors utilizing lens tissue grade wipes and alcohol
follow the procedure below. The moist wipe removes dust particles, oil and
contaminants that may damage or blot the end-face of the connector during
connection. The dry wipe removes residual alcohol that may be ignited by optical
emission.
1. Disable the optical output and turn off unit to prevent accidental exposure or
damage to the optical connector by optical emission.
2. Moisten a wipe with alcohol by placing on top of the alcohol dispenser and push
down to saturate the wipe.
3. Place the moist wipe on work surface, and place second dry wipe next to it.
4. Wipe the optical connector, end-face down on the moist wipe 3 times and then
repeat on the dry wipe.
5. Visually inspect the end-face of the optical connector with an optical microscope to
verify cleanliness. Repeat steps 2 to 5 as needed.
Cleaning Optical Connector Sides, Receptacles, Adaptors with Swab and Alcohol
Dust or particles can adhere to the insides of receptacles and adaptors or the sides of
the optical connector ferrule. Their presence can affect the alignment of the optical
fiber connectors and increase connection loss. To properly clean optical connectors,
receptacles, and adaptors utilizing a swab and alcohol follow the procedure below:
1. Disable the optical output and turn off unit to prevent accidental exposure or
damage to the optical connector by optical emission.
2. Moisten the swab by placing it on top of the alcohol dispenser and push down to
saturate the swab.
3. For receptacles, adapters, or other connection points, insert the moistened swab
and rotate the tip 1/2 turn clockwise and counter-clockwise 6 times while applying
light but firm pressure.
4. For fiber connectors, rotate the tip of the moistened swab 5 revolutions around the
connector while applying light but firm pressure.
5. Visually inspect the end face of the connector with an optical microscope to verify
cleanliness. Clean end-face as needed.

DFB-B Benchtop User’s Manual
Page 12 of 12
Optilab, LLC
600 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
5. DFB-4-B Command Set
5.1. Serial Port Connection Details
•Baud Rate: 9600
•Data Bits: 8
•Stop Bits: 1
•Parity: None
•Flow Control: None
5.2. Query Commands
READ{CR/LF} –Read the device information (see format below)
HELP{CR/LF} –Read the device command set
5.3. Set Commands
SET[ADD]C:XXX{CR/LF} –Set the laser drive current in mA; 3 digits required.
e.g. SET2C:075{CR/LF} –Sets the drive current of channel 2 to 75mA.
SET[ADD]T:XX.X{CR/LF} –Set the TEC temperature in C; First 2 digits required.
e.g. SET3T:28.2{CR/LF} –Sets the TEC temperature of channel 3 to 28.2°C.