THORLABS KURIOS-WB1 User manual

KURIOS®
Liquid Crystal Tunable
Filters
User Guide

Kurios®Liquid Crystal Tunable Filters
Table of Contents
Chapter 1Warning Symbol Definitions..............................................................................................1
Chapter 2Safety....................................................................................................................................2
Chapter 3Description...........................................................................................................................3
3.1.Overview ..........................................................................................................................3
3.1.1.Parts List – Accessories ........................................................................................................ 3
3.2.Controls and Connections .............................................................................................5
3.2.1.KURIOS Controller: Front Panel ........................................................................................... 5
3.2.2.KURIOS Controller Back Panel............................................................................................. 7
3.2.3.KURIOS Optical Head ........................................................................................................... 8
Chapter 4Installation............................................................................................................................9
4.1.Connections.....................................................................................................................9
4.2.Optical Head ....................................................................................................................9
Chapter 5Operation.............................................................................................................................11
5.1.Operation Modes ...........................................................................................................11
5.1.1.Bandwidth ............................................................................................................................ 11
5.1.2.Manual ................................................................................................................................. 11
5.1.3.Sequenced .......................................................................................................................... 12
5.1.4.Analog Input ........................................................................................................................ 12
5.1.5.Internal Trigger vs. External Trigger ................................................................................... 12
5.1.6.Black .................................................................................................................................... 12
5.2.Software GUI..................................................................................................................13
5.2.1.Product ID ........................................................................................................................... 13
5.2.2.Main Menu ........................................................................................................................... 14
5.2.3.Operation / Control Mode .................................................................................................... 15
5.3.Command Line ..............................................................................................................17
5.4.Description of Commands............................................................................................19
5.4.1.*idn? or *IDN?– Hardware Information ............................................................................... 19
5.4.2.SP? – Filter Wavelength Range .......................................................................................... 19
5.4.3.OH? – Filter Features .......................................................................................................... 19
5.4.4.OM=n; OM? – Operation Mode ........................................................................................... 20
5.4.5.BW=n; BW? – Bandwidth Mode .......................................................................................... 20
5.4.6.WL=n; WL? – Passband Wavelength ................................................................................. 21
5.4.7.SS=n1 n2 n3 n4; SS=n1 n2; SSn?; SS? – Setup Sequence .............................................. 21
5.4.8.IS=n1 n2 n3 n4; IS=n1 n2 – Insert into Sequence .............................................................. 22
5.4.9.DS=n – Delete Sequence Entry .......................................................................................... 22
5.4.10.WD=n; WD? – Default Wavelength for all Elements in Sequences .................................... 23
5.4.11.BD=n; BD? – Default Bandwidth Mode for all Elements in Sequences .............................. 23
5.4.12.TI=n; TI? – Default Time Interval ........................................................................................ 23
5.4.13.SL? – Sequence Length ...................................................................................................... 23
5.4.14.ST? – Filter Status .............................................................................................................. 24
5.4.15.TP? – Filter Temperature .................................................................................................... 24
5.4.16.TO=n; TO? – Trigger Output Setting ................................................................................... 24
5.4.17.ET=1; Enforce Trigger Out .................................................................................................. 24
Chapter 6Technical Terminology......................................................................................................25
6.1.Bandwidth ......................................................................................................................25

Kurios®Liquid Crystal Tunable Filters
6.2.Center Wavelength........................................................................................................25
6.3.Transmission .................................................................................................................25
6.4.Passband .......................................................................................................................25
6.5.Out-of-Band Blocking ...................................................................................................25
6.6.Switching Speed............................................................................................................25
6.7.Tuning Accuracy ...........................................................................................................26
6.8.Wavelength Uniformity .................................................................................................26
6.9.Angle of Incidence (Field of View) ...............................................................................26
Chapter 7Specifications.....................................................................................................................27
7.1.Fixed Bandwidth Tunable Filters .................................................................................27
7.2.Selectable Bandwidth Tunable Filters.........................................................................27
7.3.Mechanical Drawings....................................................................................................28
Chapter 8Certification and Compliances.........................................................................................31
Chapter 9Regulatory...........................................................................................................................33
Chapter 10Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts..........................................................................................34

Kurios®Liquid Crystal Tunable Filters Chapter 1: Warning Symbol Definitions
Rev G, September 3, 2019 Page 1
Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions
Below is a list of warning symbols you may encounter in this manual or on your device.
Symbol Description
Direct Current
Alternating Current
Both Direct and Alternating Current
Earth Ground Terminal
Protective Conductor Terminal
Frame or Chassis Terminal
Equipotentiality
On (Supply)
Off (Supply)
In Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control
Out Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control
Caution: Risk of Electric Shock
Caution: Hot Surface
Caution: Risk of Danger
Warning: Laser Radiation
Caution: Spinning Blades May Cause Harm

Kurios
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Liquid Crystal Tunable Filters Chapter 2: Safety
Page 2 CTN002811-D03
Chapter 2 Safety
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual will only apply when the
unit is operated correctly.
DO NOT OPEN HOUSING
Except for the main fuse, which is accessible from the outside of the housing, KURIOS has no user-
serviceable parts. Service should only be performed by trained service personnel.
SHOCK WARNING
High voltage inside. To avoid electrical shock, before powering up, make sure that the ground pin of
the power cord is correctly connected to the ground connector in the power socket. Improper
grounding can cause electric shock resulting in severe injury or even death. Do not operate without
the cover installed.
CAUTION
Except for the main fuse, which is accessible from the outside of the housing, KURIOS has no user-
serviceable parts. Service should only be performed by trained service personnel.
WARNING
This unit must not be operated in explosive environments. Additionally, this unit should not be used
in wet/damp conditions. Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in the housing!
Kurios is supplied with a 115 V power cord for use in North America only. For all other applications, use an IEC
320 compatible power cord fitted with a plug appropriate for your particular power socket. Make sure that the line
voltage rating marked on the rear panel agrees with your local power supply and that the appropriate fuses are
installed. Changing of the main fuse can be done by the user. With the exception of this fuse, there are no user-
serviceable parts in this product.
CAUTION
Always connect the optical head to the main controller unit before powering on.
Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters should not be used with a range of 3 m of this unit
since the electromagnetic field intensity may exceed the maximum allowable disturbance values, according to
EN50082-1.
The maximum current output from the optical head connector is 1 A, and the optical head does not support hot
plugging. Plugging or unplugging the connector while the unit is powered on can cause damage to the optical
head and/or controller.
!!

Kurios
®
Liquid Crystal Tunable Filters Chapter 3: Description
Rev G, September 3, 2019 Page 3
Chapter 3 Description
3.1. Overview
A liquid crystal tunable filter consists of a series of liquid crystal cells and polarizers. The KURIOS Tunable Filters
are directly controlled by the bundled KURIOS controller. The drive voltages of the liquid crystal cells are calibrated
to provide a specific retardance for each cell. This combination of retardances, along with the polarizers used, result
in a bandpass filter in which the passband wavelength can be adjusted by varying the drive voltages. Special signals
are applied to optimize the response when switching between wavelengths (voltages for each cell). The filter is
internally temperature controlled for consistent performance and fast switching. Two passband wavelength ranges
are available. The KURIOS-WB1(/M), KURIOS-VB1(/M), KURIOS-WL1(/M), and KURIOS-XL1(/M) Tunable Filters
are designed for visible wavelength (VIS) operation. The KURIOS-XE2(/M) is designed for Near-Infrared (NIR)
operation. For VIS filters, a premium shortpass filter, cut-off wavelength at 750 nm, is included and is recommended
to be used at the incident side of the filter.
The KURIOS-WB1(/M), KURIOS-VB1(/M) and KURIOS-XE2(/M) optical heads have a clear aperture of Ø20 mm
and are internally SM1 (1.035"-40) threaded. SM1-threaded adapters can be used to mount lens tubes, filters, and
other optics on the head. In addition, these optical heads are compatible with Thorlabs’ 30 mm cage system. It can
also be post mounted using the 8-32 (M4) tapped holes located on the sides of the filter housing.
The KURIOS-WL1(/M) and KURIOS-XL1(/M) optical heads have a clear aperture of Ø35 mm and are internally
SM2 (2.035"-40) threaded. SM2-threaded adapters can be used to mount lens tubes, filters, and other optics on
the head through the screw threads. In addition, the optical head is compatible with Thorlabs’ 60 mm cage system.
It can also be mounted by standard posts using the 8-32 (M4) tapped holes located on the sides of the filter housing.
The full featured KURIOS controller is custom designed for the KURIOS optical heads. There are different modes
of operation and bandwidth. The passband wavelength can be controlled in normal manual mode, as well as
externally adjusted via an analog control signal or software. A complete software package is provided that accesses
all the functions of the KURIOS controller. In addition, a full command-line interface can be used for custom software
development. The KURIOS is also fully compatible with the command set of CRi VariSpec tunable filters.
3.1.1. Parts List – Accessories
Thorlabs KURIOS
®
tunable filters are well tested and packed before shipping. The section below lists the
components and accessories of each filter.
KURIOS-WB1(/M) KURIOS-XE2(/M)
KURIOS-WL1(/M) KURIOS-VB1(/M)
KURIOS-XL1(/M)
Figure 1 Controller Figure 2 Filter Head

Kurios
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Liquid Crystal Tunable Filters Chapter 3: Description
Page 4 CTN002811-D03
SM1CP2
KURIOS-WB1(/M)
KURIOS-VB1(/M)
KURIOS-XE2(/M)
SM2EC2
KURIOS-WL1(/M)
KURIOS-XL1(/M)
Figure 3 Aluminum Case for Filter Head Figure 4 Cover for Clear Apertures
Figure 5 USB, Connection, and Power Cables Figure 6 Test Report
1’’ FESH0750
KURIOS-WB1(/M)
KURIOS-VB1(/M)
2’’ FESH0750
KURIOS-WL1(/M)
KURIOS-XL1(/M)
Figure 7 USB Drive with Software and Manual Figure 8 Premium Shortpass Filter, Cut-Off
Wavelength: 750 nm

Kurios
®
Liquid Crystal Tunable Filters Chapter 3: Description
Rev G, September 3, 2019 Page 5
3.2. Controls and Connections
3.2.1. KURIOS Controller: Front Panel
Figure 9 KURIOS Front Panel
Controls
WAVELENGTH:
Adjust the passband wavelength in MANUAL mode.
BANDWIDTH:
KURIOS-WB1(/M): Toggle between WIDE and BLACK (beam blocking) modes.
KURIOS-WL1(/M): Toggle between WIDE and BLACK (beam blocking) modes.
KURIOS-XL1(/M): Toggle between NARROW and BLACK (beam blocking) modes.
KURIOS-XE2(/M): Toggle between NARROW and BLACK (beam blocking) modes.
KURIOS-VB1(/M): Toggle between WIDE, MEDIUM, NARROW and BLACK (beam blocking) modes.
Connectors
TRIGGER IN:
Connect a 5 V TTL signal. It is used in the “SEQUENCE (with external trigger)” and “ANALOG (with
external trigger)” modes. In these modes, the TRIGGER IN is used to trigger the controller to switch
wavelength.
ANALOG IN:
Connect a 0 - 5 V analog signal. It is used in the ANALOG mode. In this mode, the filter adjusts its
wavelength, in accordance to the voltage of the analog signal. The ANALOG IN signal tunes the filter’s
passband wavelength from the shortest wavelength (0 V, 𝑊𝑠) to the longest wavelength (5 V, 𝑊𝑙),
meaning that the voltage step size for analog tuning is 󰇡


󰇢V/nm.

Kurios®Liquid Crystal Tunable Filters Chapter 3: Description
Page 6 CTN002811-D03
Status Display
BANDWIDTH:
WIDE: filter works at wide bandwidth mode. (Default filter operation after power on for
WB1/VB1/WL1 filters)
MEDIUM: filter works at medium bandwidth mode.
NARROW: filter works at narrow bandwidth mode. (Default filter operation mode for XE2/XL1 filters)
BLACK: Beam blocking mode, minimum transmission.
WAVELENGTH:
Current passband wavelength. In BLACK mode, it shows the most recent passband wavelength.
MODE:
MANUAL: Manual mode
SEQ.INT: Sequenced, with internal trigger.
SEQ.EXT: Sequenced, externally triggered.
ANA.INT: Analog signal controlled, with internal trigger.
ANA.EXT: Analog signal controlled, externally triggered.
STATUS:
INIT…: Filter is in transition from idle to operation state. This initialization procedure takes 90 seconds
from power on. The controller screen shows the message:
“INITIALIZING”
“Please Wait: --s”
where the dashes are replaced by the number of seconds remaining.
WARM UP: Filter is being warmed up to 40 °C. During this time, the filter is operational. However, the
passband wavelength might be shifted from the displayed value, and wavelength switching speed is not
fully optimized.
READY: Filter has reached 40°C and is now fully functional.

Kurios
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Liquid Crystal Tunable Filters Chapter 3: Description
Rev G, September 3, 2019 Page 7
3.2.2. KURIOS Controller Back Panel
Figure 10 KURIOS Back Panel
OPTICAL HEAD:
Connects to the optical head of the filter. This should be connected before the controller is turned on. If
the cable is not connected while the power is on, then the controller must be restarted. The controller
screen will remind the user to power down and connect the optical head:
“Power Down To”
“Connect LC Head”
CAUTION
Always connect the optical head to the main controller unit before powering on.
The maximum current output from the optical head connector is 1 A, and the optical head does not
support hot plugging. Plugging or unplugging the connector while the unit is powered on can cause
damage to the optical head and/or controller.
USB:
Connects to the computer for software or command-line control.
TRIGGER OUT:
A BNC connector output trigger issued by the controller during every tuning cycle. For normal trigger
mode, the TRIGGER OUT raises to 5 V at the beginning of a wavelength tuning cycle. It remains high
during the tuning time, and drops to 0 V once the filter settles into its new wavelength. The user also can
use the command-line or software to flip the trigger out waveform. Please refer to the schematic below
of the trigger out signal while choosing Normal or Flipped mode.
NOTE: Since the tuning time varies with wavelength (and depends on the to and from wavelength), the
duration of the TRIGGER OUT also varies accordingly.
Figure 11 Schematic of KURIOS Trigger Out
0V
5V
Switching
startpoint
Switching
endpoint
Switching
timeduration
followsthe
switching
timematrix
data
Normal
Fli
pp
ed
Switching
timeduration
followsthe
switching
timematrix
data
Switching
startpoint
Switching
endpoint

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Page 8 CTN002811-D03
3.2.3. KURIOS Optical Head
Figure 12 KURIOS Optical Head
All KURIOS optical heads have a similar appearance, but different KURIOS models have different path thicknesses,
clear aperature, and threads.
Connector:
Connects to the optical head connector on the KURIOS controller.
Status LED:
Red: Filter warming up to 40°C.
Green: Filter is at 40°C and is fully functional.
T-AXIS: Transmission axis of the filter on each side. The filter may be used in both directions.
However, the input/output polarizations should be aligned to the corresponding T-axis for
maximum transmission.

Kurios®Liquid Crystal Tunable Filters Chapter 4: Installation
Rev G, September 3, 2019 Page 9
Chapter 4 Installation
NOTE: Kurios is supplied with a 115 V power cord for use in North America only. For all other applications, use an
IEC 320 compatible power cord fitted with a plug appropriate for your particular power socket. Make sure that the
line voltage rating marked on the rear panel agrees with your local power supply and that the appropriate fuses are
installed. Changing of the main fuse can be done by the user.
4.1. Connections
Controller Connection:
Connect the special cable provided between the KURIOS controller and the optical head before powering
on the KURIOS controller.
PC Connection:
If using the software interface or command line for controlling the filter, connect the provided USB cable
from the back of the KURIOS controller to the PC.
TRIGGER IN:
If using the externally triggered SEQUENCE or ANALOG modes, connect a 5 V TTL signal to the
TRIGGER IN BNC connector on the KURIOS controller front panel.
TRIGGER OUT:
The back panel TRIGGER OUT BNC connector will output a 0 V or 5 V voltage when wavelength
switching. By default, the trigger switches low to high while tuning is occurring. The TRIGGER OUT
waveform can be set by the command line or in software.
ANALOG IN:
If using the ANALOG modes (which require internal or external triggering), connect a 0 – 5 V signal to
the ANALOG IN BNC connector on the KURIOS controller front panel.
4.2. Optical Head
The KURIOS optical head may be used in both directions, i.e. the input beam can enter from either the front or back
face of the head. Since the filter is polarization sensitive, the polarization of the input beam needs to be aligned with
the engraving on the optical head for maximum transmission. The transmission axis is denoted by the T-AXIS
marking on the head. Note that the polarization is rotated by 90° through the device. Both the front and back faces
of the KURIOS-WB1(/M), KURIOS-VB1(/M), and KURIOS-XE2(/M) optical heads have four 4-40 internal threads
and SM1(1.035"-40) internal threads, which are used for mounting Thorlabs’ 30 mm cage systems and lens tubes,
respectively. The optical head and faces of KURIOS-WL1(/M) and KURIOS-XL1(/M) have four 4-40 internal threads,
which are compatible with Thorlabs’ 60 mm cage systems, as well as SM2(2.035"-40) interal threads for lens tube
mounting.
For tunable filters working in the VIS range, a premium shortpass filter with a cut-off wavelength of 750 nm is
included in the package and pre-installed in a lens tube. There is a Ø1" premium shortpass filter included with the
KURIOS-WB1(/M) and KURIOS-VB1(/M), pre-installed in an SM1L03 lens tube. There is a Ø2" premium shortpass
filter included with the KURIOS-WL1(/M) and KURIOS-XL1(/M), pre-installed in an SM2L03 lens tube. The lens
tube with the mounted filter can easily be screwed on the tunable filter input port to block unwanted light above 750
nm, protecting the KURIOS filter from excessive NIR light illumination. Please refer to Thorlabs Item # FESH0750
for a detailed transmission spectrum.

Kurios®Liquid Crystal Tunable Filters Chapter 4: Installation
Page 10 CTN002811-D03
Figure 13 KURIOS Optical Head With A Premium Shortpass Filter
All KURIOS tunable filter heads have three 8-32 (M4) tapped holes for post mounting.
The field of view of the optical head is ±6° and therefore it is best to pass a well collimated beam into the filter for
optimal performance.
CAUTION
Except for the main fuse, which is accessible from the outside of the housing, KURIOS has no user-
serviceable parts. Service should only be performed by trained service personnel.

Kurios
®
Liquid Crystal Tunable Filters Chapter 5: Operation
Rev G, September 3, 2019 Page 11
Chapter 5 Operation
The KURIOS may be operated in one of three ways:
1. From the front panel
2. Using the included software
3. Using the command set
5.1. Operation Modes
5.1.1. Bandwidth
KURIOS has four bandwidth modes: WIDE, MEDIUM, NARROW, and BLACK.
Pressing the bandwidth button on the controller cycles through the modes in the following order:
KURIOS-WB1(/M) : WIDE, BLACK.
KURIOS-WL1(/M) : WIDE, BLACK.
KURIOS-XE2(/M) : NARROW, BLACK.
KURIOS-XL1(/M) : NARROW, BLACK.
KURIOS-VB1(/M) : WIDE, MEDIUM, NARROW, BLACK.
In the software interface, WIDE, MEDIUM, NARROW and BLACK modes are in the Bandwidth Mode section.
The command line can switch between modes using the following commands: BW=1 (BLACK), BW=2 (WIDE),
BW=4 (MEDIUM), BW=8 (NARROW).
5.1.2. Manual
In MANUAL mode, the passband wavelength is directly controlled and changes take effect immediately. There are
various ways to control the passband wavelength:
Turning the WAVELENGTH knob on the KURIOS front panel.
Using the wavelength slider, or directly inputting the desired wavelength in the software interface.
Issuing the command WL=n, where n is the desired wavelength.
When the KURIOS controller is first powered on, it defaults to MANUAL mode after initialization. In other cases, do
one of the following to activate MANUAL mode:
Press the MODE button on the controller repeatedly until MANUAL is shown on the controller.
In the software interface, press Manual in the Control Mode section.
Issue the WL=n command, where n is the desired wavelength.
Issue the OM=1 command.
SHOCK WARNING
High voltage inside. To avoid electrical shock, before powering up, make sure that the ground pin of
the power cord is correctly connected to the ground connector in the power socket. Improper
grounding can cause electric shock resulting in severe injury or even death. Do not operate without
the cover installed.
WARNING

Kurios®Liquid Crystal Tunable Filters Chapter 5: Operation
Page 12 CTN002811-D03
This unit must not be operated in explosive environments. Additionally, this unit should not be used
in wet/damp conditions. Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in the housing!
5.1.3. Sequenced
In SEQUENCED mode, the KURIOS stores a set of passband wavelengths and it issues the wavelengths to the
optical head whenever a trigger is received. The number of wavelengths that can be stored ranges from 1 to 1024.
When it reaches the end of the sequence, it loops back to the beginning and starts over again. The switching of
wavelengths in the SEQUENCED mode can be internally or externally triggered.
To activate SEQUENCED mode, do one of the following:
1. Press the MODE button on the controller repeatedly until either SEQ.INT or SEQ.EXT is shown on
the controller.
2. In the software interface, press Sequence in the Control Mode section.
3. Issue the OM=2 or OM=3 command
In the SEQUENCED mode, the list of wavelengths and their corresponding interval times (for internal trigger mode)
are preloaded into the controller via the software interface or command line.
5.1.4. Analog Input
In ANALOG mode, the passband wavelength is directly controlled by a 0 – 5 V signal connected to the ANALOG
IN connector on the KURIOS front panel. The 0 V corresponds to the shortest wavelength (420 nm or 430 nm for
VIS filter, 650 nm for NIR filter) and 5 V corresponds to the longest wavelength (730 nm for VIS filter, 1100 nm for
NIR filter). Similar to the SEQUENCE mode, the update of the wavelength (according to the ANALOG IN voltage)
is triggered by an internal trigger or external trigger.
To activate ANALOG mode, do one of the following:
1. Press the MODE button on the controller repeatedly until either ANA.INT or ANA.EXT is shown on
the controller.
2. In the software interface, press Analog in the Control Mode section.
3. Issue the OM=4 or OM=5 command.
5.1.5. Internal Trigger vs. External Trigger
In both SEQUENCED and ANALOG modes, a trigger is needed to update the passband wavelength, which is either
stored in the preloaded sequence or set by the analog signal input. In particular, during ANALOG mode, the
controller does not sample the analog input signal until a trigger is received. The voltage of the analog control signal
during other times is ignored. There are two triggering modes: internal trigger and external trigger.
In internal trigger mode, the trigger is provided by a clock within the controller and the user can specify the triggering
interval time by issuing the command “TI=n”, where n is the setting time that ranges from 1 ms to 60 s and the
default triggering interval time is 50 ms. Moreover, in SEQUENCED mode, each wavelength in the sequence list
can have its own interval time. The user can also reset all wavelengths to a default interval time. For ANALOG
mode, the controller updates the wavelength according to the analog input signal at the interval times set by the
user.
In external trigger mode, the trigger is provided by the TRIGGER IN BNC connector from the front panel. In both
SEQUENCED and ANALOG modes, the wavelength updates when a trigger is received. During other times, the
wavelength remains unchanged.
5.1.6. Black
The BLACK mode is a special beam blocking mode. In this mode, the filter transmission is set to a minimum
regardless of the value of passband wavelength being set.
To activate BLACK mode, do one of the following:

Kurios
®
Liquid Crystal Tunable Filters Chapter 5: Operation
Rev G, September 3, 2019 Page 13
1. Press the BANDWIDTH button on the controller repeatedly until BLACK is shown on the controller.
2. In the software interface, press Black in the Bandwidth Mode section.
3. Issue the BW=1 command.
5.2. Software GUI
The bundled software accesses all features supported by the KURIOS controller. Figure 14 shows the main window
of the software GUI. In addition to the operation modes and wavelength selection, it allows the user to enter the
wavelengths, time intervals, and bandwidth mode (for KURIOS-VB1 only) for the SEQUENCE mode, which is not
available directly on the controller itself.
The complete set of configurations, including the wavelength sequence list, can be saved and loaded using the
“Save Profile” and “Load Profile” buttons. The sequence list can also be imported or exported in comma separated
value (CSV) format by right-clicking on any text field on the sequence list. The CSV file can be edited by Microsoft
Excel or any text editing software. Refer to the documentation within the software GUI for details and operation.
Kurios' software package allows the user to select between the Manual, Sequence, and Analog Modes for
determining the center wavelength of the optical head. In manual mode, the wavelength slider is enabled, which
lets the user choose any center wavelength within the 420 - 730 nm range for VIS filters (KURIOS-XL1 within 430
– 730 nm), 650-1100nm for NIR filter. For sequence and analog modes, either internal or external triggering can be
chosen; triggers are needed to update the center wavelength. In sequence and analog modes, the user may define
sequences of up to 1024 wavelengths to be cycled through by the controller. Each step in the sequence has its own
wavelength and duration (1 ms to 60 s), and for KURIOS-VB1, the bandpass width mode can also be changed from
step to step. Sequences can be saved and loaded in CSV format using the "Save Profile" and "Load Profile" buttons.
We also provide C/C++ and LabVIEW
®
software development kits for controlling Kurios with other instruments
through the USB port on the controller. Sample C++ code and LabVIEW programs help to illustrate how the C
commands and LabVIEW VIs can be utilized. Full documentation on the available commands is provided in the
SDK manual.
Figure 14 Software GUI Main Window
5.2.1. Product ID
Indicating the product ID while a KURIOS product is connected:
Thorlabs Kurios-xxx SN-xxxxxxx HWxx FWxx CN-xxxxxxx

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Page 14 CTN002811-D03
5.2.2. Main Menu
Figure 15 Software GUI Main Menu
Connect/Disconnect
Enable or disable the connection between the KURIOS and the PC. When clicking Connect, all available
KURIOS productions are listed in the pop-up connection table.
Save Profile
Save the user defined settings in XML format.
Load Profile
Load the user defined settings in XML format.
Options
The Trigger out waveform and language settings can be set in the options tab.
Figure 16 Software Option Window
Update
Update the KURIOS software to the most up-to-date version, if available.
Support
For technical support, Microsoft Outlook launches (if installed) and directly addresses to
[email protected].
About
Displays the detailed information about the KURIOS software. Please have these details available when
contacting Thorlabs Technical Support.
Help
Opens the KURIOS software help documentation.

Kurios
®
Liquid Crystal Tunable Filters Chapter 5: Operation
Rev G, September 3, 2019 Page 15
5.2.3. Operation / Control Mode
Control Mode
Figure 17 Software Control Mode
Manual: Set filter to manual mode. Tuning the knob at controller front panel and drag wavelength bar and
wavelength setting frame are available.
Sequence: Set filter to sequence mode. There are two trigger modes available: Internal (default), External.
Internal: The sequence table is available and filter output wavelength switches according to the
sequence interval time in the sequence table.
External: The sequence table is available and filter output wavelength switches according to the
External trigger time.
Analog: Set filter to analog mode. There are two trigger modes available: Internal (default), External.
Internal: User inputs a 0-5V voltage from Analog in port. The switching time is according to the internal
time.
External: User inputs a 0-5V voltage from Analog in port, filter output wavelength switches according
to the External trigger in time.
Bandwidth Mode
Figure 18 Software Bandwidth Mode
Different version of KURIOS tunable filter has different bandwidth mode available.
KURIOS-WB1(/M),KURIOS-WL1(/M) : WIDE, BLACK
KURIOS-VB1(/M): WIDE, MEDIUM, NARROW, BLACK
KURIOS-XE2(/M), KURIOS-XL1(/M): NARROW, BLACK
Wavelength
Figure 19 Software Wavelength
The wavelength bar indicates the current wavelength setting. Dragging the bar or inputting the wavelength in the
frame sets the working wavelength.

Kurios
®
Liquid Crystal Tunable Filters Chapter 5: Operation
Page 16 CTN002811-D03
Wavelength Switching Time
All KURIOS filter wavelength switching times are calibrated before packaging and can be read out under the “i” tag.
The read out temperature value indicates the filters current working temperature. For best filter performance, please
wait utill filter reaches 40 °C.
Figure 20 Switching Time Matrix
Status Bar
This area shows the KURIOS tunable filter working status:
Initializing: While connecting a filter, there is a 90 second initialization time. Indicator is blue.
Warm up: Filter warming up to 40°C. Indicator is Yellow.
Ready: Filter is at 40°C and is fully functional. Indicator is green.
Sequence Table
Figure 21 Software Sequence Table
Different versions of the tunable filter have different setting sequence formats in the sequence table.
KURIOS-WB1(/M),KURIOS-WL1(/M), KURIOS-XE2(/M), KURIOS-XL1(/M): Sequence, wavelength (nm),
Interval (ms).
KURIOS-VB1(/M): Sequence, wavelength (nm), Interval (ms), Bandwidth Mode.