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1 General Information
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).
All of Thorlabs mounted & heatsinked uncollimated LED assemblies are compatible
with our range of LED Collimator assemblies and can mate to the standard and epi-
illumination ports on most readily available commercial microscopes. A range of
different colors (dominant wavelengths) are available, making these devices
applicable for wide field fluorescence microscopy when combined with suitable
excitation and emission filters.
Each LED module has a flying lead terminated in a 4 pin M8 plug, compatible with
Thorlabs series of LED drivers.
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 MxxxLx mechanically and electrically.
Verify that you have received the following items:
•MxxxLx Mounted LED assembly
•Operation Manual
2.2 Preparation
Before you connect tie LED to a LED driver, check if the LED can handle the
maximum LED current or the LED current limit is configured correctly. The MxxxLx
features an EEPROM which contains the maximum LED current, wavelength and
forward voltage of the LED.
1. Connect the MxxxLx to the LED driver.
2. Check the current limit.
3. Switch on the LED driver.
