THORLABS SLS203L User manual

SLS203L(/M)
Stabilized Globar IR
Light Source
User Guide

Stabilized Benchtop Globar Light Source
Table of Contents
Chapter 1Warning Symbol Definitions..............................................................................................1
Chapter 2Safety....................................................................................................................................2
Chapter 3Product Overview................................................................................................................3
3.1.Planck's Law and Blackbody Radiation ........................................................................3
3.2.Silicon Carbide Globar....................................................................................................3
3.3.Optical Configuration......................................................................................................4
3.4.Beam Profile and Divergence.........................................................................................5
3.5.Output Stabilization ........................................................................................................6
Chapter 4Operation..............................................................................................................................7
4.1.Part List ............................................................................................................................7
4.2.Setting Up on a Working Surface ..................................................................................7
4.3.Switching on the Light Source.......................................................................................8
4.4.Filter Holder .....................................................................................................................9
4.5.Front Lens Tube ..............................................................................................................9
4.6.Application Ideas...........................................................................................................10
4.7.Globar Module Replacement........................................................................................10
Chapter 5Specifications.....................................................................................................................14
Chapter 6Mechanical Drawing...........................................................................................................15
Chapter 7Certifications and Compliances.......................................................................................16
Chapter 8Regulatory...........................................................................................................................17
Chapter 9Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts..........................................................................................18

Stabilized Benchtop Globar Light Source Chapter 1: Warning Symbol Definitions
Page 1 Rev C, May 8, 2017
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

Stabilized Benchtop Globar Light Source Chapter 2: Safety
CTN002679-D02 Page 2
Chapter 2 Safety
The lamp comes with a switching power supply compatible with voltages from 100 to 240 VAC. There is no need
to change the fuse.
WARNING
Do not operate this device in explosive environments.
WARNING
Do not operate this device in wet or damp conditions.
WARNING
Do NOT look directly at the light source beam during operation. Do NOT place hand or body part in
the light beam as this may cause burning.
CAUTION: HOT SURFACE
The housing of the lamp housing can get very hot during operation.
Extensive contact may cause burning.
WARNING: HOT SURFACE
The temperature of the Globar will exceed 900˚C during operation. Always wait for at least 10
minutes for the Globar module to cool down before performing a Globar module replacement.
Always wear gloves when handling Globar modules.

Stabilized Benchtop Globar Light Source Chapter 3: Product Overview
Page 3 Rev C, May 8, 2017
Chapter 3 Product Overview
3.1. Planck's Law and Blackbody Radiation
A black body is an object that absorbs all incident electromagnetic radiation (e.g. light), no light passes through or
is reflected. However, despite the name, a black body will also emit electromagnetic radiation. The radiation of a
black body in thermal equilibrium is described by Planck’s Law:
󰇛,󰇜  2



1

 

1
Where
I is the radiated power per unit area of emitting surface per unit wavelength at temperature T ; K is the
Boltzmann constant,
h is the Planck constant, c is the speed of light.
By measuring the spectrum of the blackbody radiation, we can calculate the temperature of this black body. Fig.1
shows the radiated power per unit area I as a function of wavelength at various temperature.
Figure 1 Blackbody Radiation at Different Temperatures
In real life, broadband light sources may vary widely from the ideal black body in terms of the frequency and intensity
of the light emitted. By comparing the light source to an ideal black body at a given temperature, one can
characterize the light source by the temperature of the blackbody radiator which has the same chromaticity, which
is known as the color temperature of the light source.
3.2. Silicon Carbide Globar
The Globar is a rod of silicon carbide with >99% purity, with metallic caps which serve as electrodes for the
conduction of current through the Globar from the power source.
It comprises a high-resistance hot zone and low-resistance cold end(s). The passage of current causes the high-
resistance hot zone to heat, reaching a temperature of about 1500 Kelvin.
Figure 2 A Silicon Carbide Globar
Hot zone

Stabilized Benchtop Globar Light Source Chapter 3: Product Overview
CTN002679-D02 Page 4
At this temperature, the Globar generates light radiation mostly in the IR region. Figure 3 shows a typical output
spectrum of SLS203L measured from 400 to 5600 nm, comparing to an ideal back body radiation at 1500 K. The
actual output of SLS203L may extend to over 9000 nm.
Figure 3 Typical Spectrum of SLS203L
3.3. Optical Configuration
The SLS203L is a silicon carbide Globar light source. The Globar is placed inside the housing, it is placed at one
focus of an ellipsoid reflector. The output from the ellipsoid reflector is then collimated again with a CaF
2
collimating
lens.
Figure 4 gives an outline of the optical configuration of the SLS203L Globar light source.
Figure 4 Basic Optical Configuration of SLS203L
Glo-bar
Aluminum Ellipsoid
Reflector
CaF2 Collimating Lens

Stabilized Benchtop Globar Light Source Chapter 3: Product Overview
Page 5 Rev C, May 8, 2017
3.4. Beam Profile and Divergence
Figure 5 gives an illustration of what the beam profile of SLS203L looks like at near and far field respectively. The
near field is defined as right at the output port with the front lens tube removed. The far field is defined as 1m away
from the output port of the light source.
a. Output port of SLS203L b. 1m away
Figure 5 Beam Profiler of SLS203L at Near (a) and Far (b) Field
Figure 6 shows the typical angular distribution of the output beam from a SLS203L light source.
Figure 6 Angular Distribution of SLS203L
30 mm 500 mm

Stabilized Benchtop Globar Light Source Chapter 3: Product Overview
CTN002679-D02 Page 6
3.5. Output Stabilization
Unlike traditional light sources, the SLS203L will not suffer from a gradual decrease nor short term fluctuation in
brightness during its lifetime.
SLS203L Silicon Carbide Light Source is equipped with an internal feedback loop and therefore can ensure a
constant intensity, low noise and long life span. The principle of operation is depicted in the block diagram below.
The optical intensity is measured by an internal photodiode, which feeds its monitor signal to the controller unit.
The controller unit then adjusts the driving current of the power supply to compensate any drift or fluctuation in the
optical output.
Figure 7 Closed Feedback Loop in SLS203L

Stabilized Benchtop Globar Light Source Chapter 4: Operation
Page 7 Rev C, May 8, 2017
Chapter 4 Operation
4.1. Part List
The package contains the following items:
Figure 8 Packaging of SLS203L
1. SLS203L light source
2. Power Adaptor
3. Power Cord
4. 1.3 mm (0.050") Hex Key
5. 1.5 mm Hex Key
6. 2 mm (5/64") Hex Key
4.2. Setting Up on a Working Surface
The SLS203L light source has four non-adjustable plastic feet at the bottom. It can be placed directly onto a flat
working surfaces, as shown in Figure 9 (a). It also has two 1/4"-20 (M6) threaded mounting hole on the bottom,
which are compatible with Thorlabs standard optical posts and post holders, thus can be mounted on a breadboard
or optical as shown in Figure 9 (b).
(a) (b)
Figure 9 SLS203L Set Up on a Working Surface
1
2
3
4
5
6

Stabilized Benchtop Globar Light Source Chapter 4: Operation
CTN002679-D02 Page 8
4.3. Switching on the Light Source
After setting up the light source on a working surface, follow the steps shown in Figure 10 to switch on SLS203L.
Figure 10 Switching on the SLS203L
1. Connect the power adaptor to the 3-pin socket on the back panel of the light source;
2. Rotate the threaded cap on the connector to lock it;
3. Flip the toggle switch to turn on SLS203L.
During normal operation, the green LED on the back panel will be lit. Please allow 45 minutes warm-up time for the
light source to reach a stable state. During the warm-up, the cooling fan will start to kick in when the internal
temperature rises. After the warm-up, the cooling fan will continue to operate at a stable speed.
CAUTION: HOT SURFACE
The housing of the light source can get very hot during operation. The temperature may reach
~60°C. Avoid extensive contact with skin.
WARNING
The light source generates high power IR output. Do NOT look directly at the light source beam
during operation. Do NOT place hand or body part in the light beam as this may cause burning.

Stabilized Benchtop Globar Light Source Chapter 4: Operation
Page 9 Rev C, May 8, 2017
4.4. Filter Holder
The lamp is equiped with a removable filter holder. The filter holder (filters sold separately) has SM1 internal thread
and one retaining ring. It allows the user to mount any Ø25 mm or Ø1" optics, the thickness of which is less then
8mm, inside the light source.
The removable filter can be locked into place with the filter setscrew, located on the side of the stabilized light
source. Use included 1.5 mm hex key to tighten/loosen the setsrew.
Figure 11 Removable Filter Holder
4.5. Front Lens Tube
SLS203L also features a lens tube at the output of the device. This lens tube has SM1 internal thread and includes
one SM1 retaining ring. The lens tube does not come with any optics by default, but it can mount Ø25 mm or Ø1"
optics up to 18 mm in thickness.
The lens tube is installed onto the light source main body with a blade mechanism and locked by a set screw. To
remove the lens tube, loosen the set screw with the included 0.050" (1.3 mm) hex key and turn the lens tube
counterclockwise to unlock.
Figure 12 Removable Front Lens Tube
Filter lock

Stabilized Benchtop Globar Light Source Chapter 4: Operation
CTN002679-D02 Page 10
4.6. Application Ideas
There are four 4-40 threaded holes on the front panel of the light source house to allow the integration of Thorlabs
30 mm cage system. And the SM1 internal thread in the front lens tube also provide excellent compatibility with
Thorlabs standard 1 inch lens tubes and optical mounts.
Fig 13 shows an application idea of how to implement the SLS203L to 30 mm cage systems and 1 inch lens tubes.
Figure 13 SLS203L with 30 mm Cage System and 1" Lens Tube
4.7. Globar Module Replacement
Warning
Always power off the unit before opening the housing.
Warning
The Globar surface temperature may reach a few hundred °C during operation. Always wait at least
10 minutes after turning off the lamp for cool down before performing a Globar module replacement.
Caution
Wear protective gloves when handling the Globar module. Moisture and grease from hands left on
the Globar may shorten the lifetime.
Warning
The electronics inside a light source are ESD sensitive. When performing a Globar module
replacement, always wear ESD protection to avoid damaging the light source.

Stabilized Benchtop Globar Light Source Chapter 4: Operation
Page 11 Rev C, May 8, 2017
Thorlabs offer re-aligned Globar replacement modules for SLS203L IR light source. The replacement module are
available on www.thorlabs.com under the PN of SLS253.
To replace the Globar module. Place the light source up-side down to reveal the underside of the unit. Using the
included 5/64" (2 mm) hex key, remove the screw closest to the end of the unit from both the left and right sides.
DO NOT remove the screws closest to the fan ventilation holes.
Figure 14 Remove Two Screws on the End of the SLS203
Using the same 2 mm hex key, remove the four screws holding on the cavity cover.
Figure 15 Remove Four screws Holding the Cover
Remove
DO NOT remove

Stabilized Benchtop Globar Light Source Chapter 4: Operation
CTN002679-D02 Page 12
Then using the included 1.5 mm hex key included with the replacement module, remove the cap screw that locks
the Globar module.
Figure 16 Loosen the Globar Locking Screw
Unplug the white plug that is connected to the Globar module. (It is located on the far side of the circuit board if the
output aperture of the lamp is facing to the right.)
Figure 17 Unplug the Globar Module Connector
Carefully pull out the old module by sliding the wire and attached plug out. Watch out for the PD signal wires when
pulling out the old module since they may get in the way.
Unplug

Stabilized Benchtop Globar Light Source Chapter 4: Operation
Page 13 Rev C, May 8, 2017
Figure 18 Pull Out the Globar Module
Two aluminum dowel pins, located on either side of the Globar module, may slip out of their holes while the module
is being removed. Be careful not to misplace them as they are needed for the new module installation.
Figure 19 Dowel Pins on the Globar Module
To install the new Globar module, place the two dowel pins in their corresponding holes in the new Globar module.
Slide the new Globar module in the Globar chamber. Pass the wire and plug through the hole in the central wall
first and then insert the module. The two dowel pins should slide smoothly into the holes in the wall.
While pressing the Globar module against the central wall, screw the cap screw back in using the included 1.5 mm
hex key.
Insert the white plug back into the circuit board and secure the cavity cover.
Figure 20 Holes on the Central Wall for the Dowel Pins
PD Signal Wire

Stabilized Benchtop Globar Light Source Chapter 5: Specifications
CTN002679-D02 Page 14
Chapter 5 Specifications
Specification Value
Wavelength Range 500 – 9000 nm
Color Temperature 1500 K
Peak Wavelength 2400 nm
Color Temperature Stability ±15 K
Globar Power 24 W
Output Optical power 1>1.5 W
Globar Lifespan (Average) 10 000 hrs
Output Power Drift per Hour (Typical) 0.03%
Optical Power Drift per °C (Typical) 0.1%
Output Power stability 2<0.05%
Output Coupling Free Space
Power Supply 90-264 VAC, 47-63 Hz
Operating Temperature 0 to 45 ˚C
Storage Temperature -15 to 70 ˚C
Dimension
(L x W x H)
209.1 mm × 55.0 mm x 57.5 mm
(8.23" × 2.17" × 2.26")
1At the beginning of the Globar lifetime.
2Standard deviation of optical power value in percentage, measured at room temperature over a 1 hour period with 1 Hz sampling rate after
45 minutes warm-up.

Stabilized Benchtop Globar Light Source Chapter 6: Mechanical Drawing
Page 15 Rev C, May 8, 2017
Chapter 6 Mechanical Drawing

Stabilized Benchtop Globar Light Source Chapter 7: Certifications and Compliances
CTN002679-D02 Page 16
Chapter 7 Certifications and Compliances
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Stabilized Benchtop Globar Light Source Chapter 8: Regulatory
Page 17 Rev C, May 8, 2017
Chapter 8 Regulatory
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 13, 2005
Marked correspondingly with the crossed out “wheelie bin” logo (see right)
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 is 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 life products
will thereby avoid negative impacts on the environment.
Wheelie Bin Logo

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Chapter Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts
USA, Canada, and South America
Thorlabs, Inc.
56 Sparta Avenue
Newton, NJ 07860
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.com
www.thorlabs.us (West Coast)
Email: [e-mail]
Support: [e-mail]
UK and Ireland
Thorlabs Ltd.
1 Saint Thomas Place
Ely CB7 4EX
Great Britain
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.com
Email: [e-mail]
Support: [e-mail]
Europe
Thorlabs GmbH
Hans-Böckler-Str. 6
85221 Dachau / Munich
Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.de
Email: [email protected]om
Scandinavia
Thorlabs Sweden AB
Bergfotsgatan 7
431 35 Mölndal
Sweden
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.com
Email: [e-mail]
France
Thorlabs SAS
109, rue des Côtes
78600 Maisons-Laffitte
France
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.com
Email: [e-mail]
Brazil
Thorlabs Vendas de Fotônicos Ltda.
Rua Riachuelo, 171
São Carlos, SP 13560-110
Brazil
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.com
Email: [email protected]
Japan
Thorlabs Japan, Inc.
3-6-3 Kitamachi,
Nerima-ku, Tokyo 179-0081
Japan
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabs.co.jp
Email: [e-mail]
China
Thorlabs China
Room A101, No. 100, Lane 2891,
South Qilianshan Road
Putuo District
Shanghai 200331
China
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thorlabschina.cn
Email: [email protected]
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