THORLABS ASE730 User manual

ASE730
C & L Band ASE Light Source
User’s Manual
ASE730
POWER
O
|
C & L BAND ASE LIGHT SOURCE
OUTPUT
THORLABS, Inc. Ph: [phone]
435 Route 206N Fax: [phone]
Newton, NJ 07860 USA www.thorlabs.com

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Important Note to Purchaser
All technical information and recommendations related to Thorlabs products made in this manual are believed to be
reliable. Before utilizing the product, the user should determine the suitability of the product for its intended use. The user
assumes all risks and liability whatsoever in connection with such use.
This product is not intended for use in explosive environments.
Warranty
The ASE730 is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of
shipment. During the warranty period Thorlabs will at it’s option repair or replace products that are found to be defective.
This warranty does not apply to defects caused by improper handling or operation of the ASE730. If the product is found
to show excessive wear or to show signs of misuse Thorlabs will provide the customer with a quotation on repairing or
replacing the unit.
The warranty will be void if it is found that the fiber module has been opened; please see WARNING below.
WARNING!
There are no user serviceable parts inside of this unit.
The fiber module (4” x 8”, with black cover) located inside the box is hermetically sealed. Removal of the cover that seals
the fiber module will void the warranty on the ASE730; replacement fiber module cost is in excess of $14,000. Please do
not attempt to service this system; call Thorlabs, Inc. at 973-579-7227 for service.

Description:
The ASE730 is a broadband white light test source in the 1510nm to 1610nm regions. It has been designed to satisfy the
demand for longer wavelength (1550nm to 1600nm) test equipment for the emerging L-band market.
This device takes advantage of an erbium doped fluoride fiber that is pumped with a single 1480nm laser diode to
produce 30mW (14.77dBm) of white light. The very broad output spectrum has been achieved by utilizing an erbium
doped fluoride fiber pumped by a single laser diode, this design allows for a higher degree of power and wavelength
stability than conventional silica fibers. The output fiber is a standard SMF28 silica fiber.
Technical Specifications:
Table 1 - Specifications
Parameter Min Typical Max Unit
Operation Wavelength 1530 1610 nm
Output Power 30 32.5 35 mW
Stability – Short term (15min)* +/- 0.001 dB
Stability – Long term (48 Hr) +/- 0.05 dB
Output Fiber Type SMF28
Operating Temperature 0 40 °C
Storage Temperature -10 45 °C
* after 1 hour warm-up period
ASE730
POWER
O
|
C & L BAND ASE LIGHT SOURCE
OUTPUT
Figure 1 - Front Panel Features
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160mA Type T Fuse
Newton, NJ USAManufactured by
EXT MON LINE SELECT
230VAC 50-60 Hz
115VAC 50-60 Hz
115V
FUSE
Power ON Indicator
Power ON Switch
FC/PC Adapter
Protective Cap
Figure 2 - Rear Panel Features AC Input /
Fuse Drawer
115V/230V Switch

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Operation:
IMPORTANT! Please Read Before You Begin….
Setting the AC Line Voltage and Installing Fuses
Your ASE730 unit has been shipped from Thorlabs, Inc. configured for 115VAC operation. If you are planning to operate
your unit using a 220 / 230VAC input, or need to replace an open fuse, you must perform all or part of the following
procedure:
Setting the AC Line Voltage
-If it is attached, remove the AC line cord from the AC Input connector on the rear panel of the unit.
-Using a small screwdriver or similar tool move the LINE SWITCH actuator, on the rear panel, to either the “115V”
setting or the “230V” setting, whichever corresponds to your local commercial electrical service. The 115V
position allows operation from approximately 100VAC to 120VAC, while the 230V position allows operation from
approximately 200V to 250V.
Installing the AC Input Fuse
-If it is attached, remove the AC line cord from the AC Input connector on the rear panel of the unit.
-Remove the existing fuse from the unit by pulling out the fuse holder, located in the bottom half of the AC Input
Module. This drawer will contain the existing fuse. It may be necessary to pry the drawer open with a small
screw driver. The drawer will remain attached to the module and cannot be completely removed.
-Remove the existing fuse from the fuse holder and insert the replacement fuse into the fuse holder. See Fuse
Replacement Information below for further information.
-Slide the fuse holder drawer back into the AC Input Module
Fuse replacement information
-For 115V operation use only 160mA 250V Type “T” fuse
-For 230V operation use only 160mA 250V Type “T” fuse
Power Connection
Only use a three pronged AC power cord; failure to provide an adequate earth ground may cause serious injury to
the user and possible damage to the instrument.
EXT MON Connector
The EXT MON connector located on the rear panel of the ASE730 is used only during the manufacture of the unit
and does not provide any user accessible functions. Improper connections made to this terminal will result in
permanent damage to the unit.
Warm Up
Connect an AC Line cord to the AC Input Module on the unit and to an appropriate AC outlet. Press the main switch on
the front panel. Allow the unit to warm-up for 1 hour prior to use.
Optical Connection
The ASE730 is supplied with an FC/PC output connector. Please keep this output connector covered with the attached
cap and chain when not in use.
Do not use an index matching gel with the ASE730. Typically, the use of an index matching gel will not improve the
coupling of our standard ultra-polished FC/PC connector. The use of a gel will very often lead to degradation of the
performance of the connection in that it effectively traps contaminants that will damage the physically contacting
connectors.

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Thorlabs strongly recommends that all connector ferrules be visually inspected prior to attachment to the ASE730. Any
dirt or imperfections on the ferrule must be removed prior to connection. Making consistent measurements with this
instrument depends strongly on the quality of the connections.
Connector Cleaning Procedure
1. Using filtered dry compressed air (Thorlabs item #VRK404) blow the end of the connector to remove any loose
contaminants.
2. Apply isopropyl alcohol to a lint free wipe (Thorlabs item #KM32) and clean the side of the connector ferrule and the
connector body.
3. Blow the connector ferrule once again with the dry filtered compressed air.
4. Apply isopropyl alcohol to a lint free wipe and clean the end face of the connector ferrule.
5. Visually inspect the connector end face with a 100X (Thorlabs item FF394-FC) or greater inspection scope.
6. Connect optical patch cord to ASE730.
The ASE730 is now ready for operation. Please refer to the documentation included with these instructions for data
specific to your unit.
Please contact THORLABS, Inc. for any additional technical support.
Thorlabs recommend calibration of the ASE Source every two years. Calibration consists of a re-testing of the power and
spectral stability tests. Please contact Thorlabs at 973-579-7227 for pricing and information on having the unit calibrated.
Care and Maintenance
There are no user serviceable parts in the ASE730. Please contact ThorLabs, Inc. for instructions on returning any unit
that does not perform as specified.
The enclosure of the unit can be cleaned by wiping with a slightly dampened cloth. Do not use any solvents or other
cleaning agents.
If you suspect that the ceramic ferrule on the FC/PC output adapter is dirty or damaged, please contact ThorLabs, Inc.
and we will arrange to have the unit serviced.

WEEE
As required by the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive) of the European Community and the
corresponding national laws, Thorlabs offers all end users in the EC the possibility to return “end of life” units without
incurring disposal charges.
This offer is valid for Thorlabs electrical and electronic equipment
•sold after August 13th 2005
•marked correspondingly with the crossed out “wheelie bin” logo (see fig. 1)
•sold to a company or institute within the EC
•currently owned by a company or institute within the EC
•still complete, not disassembled and not contaminated
As the WEEE directive applies to self contained operational electrical and electronic products, this “end of life” take back
service does not refer to other Thorlabs products, such as
•pure OEM products, that means assemblies to be built into a unit by the user (e. g. OEM laser driver cards)
•components
•mechanics and optics
•left over parts of units disassembled by the user (PCB’s, housings etc.).
If you wish to return a Thorlabs unit for waste recovery, please contact Thorlabs or your nearest dealer for further
information.
Waste treatment on your own responsibility
If you do not return an “end of life” unit to Thorlabs, you must hand it to a company specialized in waste recovery. Do not
dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public waste disposal site.
Ecological background
It is well known that WEEE pollutes the environment by releasing toxic products during decomposition. The aim of the
European RoHS directive is to reduce the content of toxic substances in electronic products in the future.
The intent of the WEEE directive is to enforce the recycling of WEEE. A controlled recycling of end of live products will
thereby avoid negative impacts on the environment.
Crossed out “wheelie bin” symbol
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Appendix “A” Final Test Inspection Records
Sheet 1: Summary of test results
Sheet 2: Power Density versus Wavelength Plot
Sheet 3: 15 minute Stability Test
Sheet 4: 30 minute Stability at 0°C
Sheet 5: 30 minute Stability at 40°C
Sheet 6: 48 Hour Power Stability
Sheets 7 & 8: Power Stability at 2nm Window