THORLABS LED4C Series User manual

Four Wavelength High Power
LED Source
LED4Cxx Series
Operation Manual
2011

2 LED4Cx
© 2011 Thorlabs
Version: 2.0
Date: 08. Nov. 2011
© 2011 Thorlabs

General Information 3
© 2011 Thorlabs
Table of Contents
1General Information................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Safety................................................................................................................................ 5
1.2 General.............................................................................................................................. 6
2Getting Started........................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Unpacking ......................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Preparation........................................................................................................................ 7
2.3 Physical Overview............................................................................................................. 7
2.4 Connector.......................................................................................................................... 9
3Operating the LED4Cx............................................................................................................. 10
4Maintenance and Repair..........................................................................................................10
5Technical Data......................................................................................................................... 11
5.1 Available wavelengths..................................................................................................... 11
5.2 LED Spectra.................................................................................................................... 12
5.3 Possible Combinations of wavelengths........................................................................... 12
5.4 Item numbers and wavelength combinations.................................................................. 13
6Warranty.................................................................................................................................. 15
7Copyright ................................................................................................................................. 15
8Thorlabs “End of Life” Policy (WEEE)...................................................................................... 16
9Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts.................................................................................................. 17

4 LED4Cx
© 2011 Thorlabs
We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application in the field of
optical measurement technique. To help us to come up to your expectations and
develop our products permanently we need your ideas and suggestions. Therefore,
please let us know about possible criticism or ideas. We and our international
partners are looking forward to hearing from you.
Thorlabs
WARNING
Sections marked with this heading explain dangers that might result in personal
injury or death. Always read the associated information carefully before performing
the indicated procedure.
ATTENTION
Paragraphs preceded by this symbol in the manual explain hazards that could
damage the instrument and connected equipment or may cause loss of data.
NOTE
This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.

General Information 5
© 2011 Thorlabs
1 General Information
1.1 Safety
Attention
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction
manual will only apply when the unit is operated correctly as it was designed for.
Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single components be
carried out or components not supplied by Thorlabs be used.
This precision device is only transportable if duly packed into the complete original
packaging. If necessary, ask for a replacement package.
The Four Wavelength High Power LED Source LED4Cx series must not be operated
in explosion endangered environments!
The Four Wavelength High Power LED Source LED4Cx series must only be
connected with duly shielded connection cables.
Do not remove covers!
Refer servicing to qualified personal!
WARNING
Inappropriate use of any Thorlabs High Power LED product could result in
permanent eye damage.
To prevent injury, these products must be used in accordance with the International
Standard “Photobiological Safety of Lamps & Lamp Systems” CEI IEC 62471.
In case Thorlabs Four Wavelength High Power LED Source LED4Cx is used in
microscope applications as a replacement for Mercury Vapor Lamps, the same
precautions should be taken as those applying to Mercury Vapor Lamps.
In case Thorlabs Four Wavelength High Power LED Source LED4Cx is used in other
applications, they should be used in accordance with CEI IEC 62471.
The Four Wavelength High Power LED Source LED4Cx can be equipped with an UV
light LED. Such an LED radiates intense UV light during operation. Precautions
must be taken to prevent looking directly at the UV light with unprotected eyes.
Do not look directly into the UV light or look through the optical system during
operation of the device. This can be harmful to the eyes even for brief periods due
to the high intensity of UV light.
If there is a possibility of reflection of the UV light, UV light protective glasses must
be used to prevent the UV light entering the eye.

6 LED4Cx
© 2011 Thorlabs
If viewing the UV light is necessary, UV light protective glasses must be worn to
avoid eye damage by the UV light.
CAUTIONS
During normal operation, the case temperature of Thorlabs Four Wavelength High
Power LED Source LED4Cx will rise by up to 25°C (45°F) above ambient temperature.
Take care for an unhindered heat dissipation. Do not cover the enclosure and
provide a free air ventilation to the radiator.
1.2 General
Developments in the design of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) have resulted in devices that
have significantly more power and can rival certain halogen lamps and gas discharge
lamps. Power levels are now high enough for LEDs to present a practical alternative to
these traditional light sources. They offer several advantages, including better stability,
longer life, lower cost of replacement and lower risk (no glass bulbs to break).
The Four Wavelength High Power LED Source comes with adapters and can mate to the
standard and epi-illumination ports on most readily available commercial microscopes. A
range of different colors (center wavelengths) are available, making these devices
applicable for wide field fluorescence microscopy when combined with suitable excitation
and emission filters. There are 54 models with preselected wavelengths available. Please
see section 5, Technical Data (page 11)
The LED4Cx module has a flying lead terminated in a 14 pin M18 plug, compatible with
Thorlabs DC4100 – Four Channel LED driver.

Getting Started 7
© 2011 Thorlabs
2 Getting Started
2.1 Unpacking
Inspect the shipping container for damage.
If the shipping container seems to be damaged, keep it until you have inspected the
contents and you have inspected the LED4Cxx mechanically and electrically.
Verify that you have received the following items:
LED4Cxx – Four Wavelength High Power LED Source
This Operation Manual
2.2 Preparation
Prior to connect the LED4Cx to a LED driver, check if the LED can handle the maximum
LED current or the LED current limit is configured correctly. The LED4Cx features an
EEPROM which contains the maximum LED current, wavelength and forward voltage of
the LED. If the LED4Cx is used with the DC4100 – Four Channel LED driver, the LED
current limit is automatically configured correctly.
1. Connect the LED4Cx to the LED driver. Check the current limit
2. Switch on the LED driver.
2.3 Physical Overview
The optical output of the LED4Cx features an internal SM2 thread. There are four adapters
available for Olympus, Nicon Eclipse, Leica and Zeiss microscopes.
Figure 1 LED4A1 (Olympus Adapter) Figure 2 LED4A2 (Leica Adapter)

8 LED4Cx
© 2011 Thorlabs
Figure 3 LED4A3 (Nikon Adapter) Figure 4 LED4A4 (Zeiss Adapter)
Figure 5 LED4A5 (Nikon TI Adapter)

Getting Started 9
© 2011 Thorlabs
2.4 Connector
The following picture shows the male connector of the LED4Cx. It is a 14 pin connector
screw locking according to IEC 130-9.
Figure 6 Male Connector of the LED4Cx
Pin assignment of the connector
Pin Description Comment
A LED1 Anode
C LED1 Cathode
E LED2 Anode
G LED3 Anode
J LED3 Cathode
L LED4 Anode
M LED1 1 Wire EEPROM I/O Do not use
N DGND Do not use
O Not connected
P LED2 Cathode
R Not connected
S Not connected
T Not connected
U LED4 Cathode

10 LED4Cx
© 2011 Thorlabs
3 Operating the LED4Cx
The LED4Cx Source is ideal for applications that require a high performance light source
with up to four narrow and precisely defined wavelength ranges. It efficiently combines the
beams of four different LEDs into a single collimated beam. Together with a suitable driver
like the DC4100 the LED4Cx is a reliable, reproducible light source that offers fast
switching and accurate modulation of each individual LED. It features vibration free and
easy to use operation with a long LED lifetime.
For more information about the DC4100 – Four Channel LED Driver refer to its manual.
4 Maintenance and Repair
Protect the LED4Cx from adverse weather conditions. The LED4Cx is not water resistant.
Attention
To avoid damage to the instrument, do not expose it to spray, liquids or solvents!
The unit does not need a regular maintenance by the user. It does not contain any
modules and/or components that could be repaired by the user himself. If a malfunction
occurs, please contact Thorlabs (see Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts at page 17) for return
instructions.
Do not remove covers!