THORLABS Blueline Series User manual

Operation Manual
Thorlabs Blueline™ Series
PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800
Optical sources
WDM8xxx
C81xxxx
LS8xxxx
2006

Version: 2.22
Date: 20.06.2006
Copyright©2004-2006, Thorlabs GmbH

Contents Page
1General description of the optical source modules 1
1.1 Safety 1
1.2 Warranty 5
1.3 Properties 6
1.3.1 Protections for the laser diode 6
1.3.2 Features 8
1.4 Technical data 9
1.4.1 Common technical data for the WDM modules 9
1.4.2 Common technical data for the LS8xxxx modules 10
1.4.3 Common technical data for the CWDM modules 11
2Operating the PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 optical source modules 12
2.1 Operating elements on front panel 12
2.2 Connecting external components 13
2.2.1 Connecting an optical fiber 13
2.2.2 Connecting an external RF modulation source 13
2.2.3 Connecting an external DC modulation source 13
2.3 Modulating the optical source modules 14
2.3.1 Direct modulation via an internal bias-T 15
2.3.2 Direct modulation via internal DC bias-T 18
2.3.3 External modulation (PM-output recommended) 22
2.4 Coherence control 23
2.5 Operating the WDM and CWDM modules 24
2.5.1 Functions in the main menu 24
2.5.2 Error messages 27
2.5.3 Functions in the channel menu (CW modules) 29
2.5.4 Functions in the channel menu (modules with direct modulation) 34
2.5.5 Functions in the channel menu (WDMias-T-DC or RF) 40
2.6 Operating the LS modules 46
2.6.1 Functions in the main menu 46
2.6.2 Error messages 49
2.6.3 Functions in the channel menu (LS) 51
3Communication with a control computer 54
3.1 General notes on remote control 54
3.1.1 Nomenclature 55
3.1.2 Data format 55
3.2 Commands of the different light source modules 57

3.2.1 Select the module slot 57
3.2.2 WDM Modules with CW mode 58
3.2.3 CWDM Modules 66
3.2.4 WDM Modules with direct modulation mode 72
3.2.5 WDM Modules with Bias-T 82
3.2.6 LS modules 89
3.3 Status reporting 93
3.3.1 Standard event status register (ESR) 95
3.3.2 Standard event status enable register (ESE) 95
3.3.3 Status byte register (STB) 96
3.3.4 Service request enable register (SRE) 96
3.3.5 Reading the STB by detecting SRQ 97
3.3.6 Reading the STB by *STB? command 97
3.3.7 Reading the STB by serial poll 97
3.3.8 Device error condition register (DEC) 98
3.3.9 Device error event register (DEE) 98
3.3.10 Device error event enable register (EDE) 99
3.4 Error messages 100
4Service and Maintenance 102
4.1 Recalibration of laser wavelength 102
4.2 Shutter function control 102
4.3 Troubleshooting 103
5Appendix 105
5.1 Thorlabs “End of Life” policy (WEEE) 105
5.1.1 Waste treatment on your own responsibility 105
5.1.2 Ecological background 106
5.2 List of acronyms and abbreviations 107
5.3 List of figures 109
5.4 Certifications and compliances 110
5.5 Addresses 112

We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application in the
field of optical measurement technique. To help us to live 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.
In the displays shown by the PRO8 you may find the name PROFILE.
PROFILE was the name of the manufacturer before it was acquired by
Thorlabs and renamed to Thorlabs GmbH.
Thorlabs GmbH
This part of the instruction manual contains all the specific information on how to
operate the optical source modules WDM8xxxx, C81xxxx and LS8xxxx. A general
description is followed by explanations of how to operate the unit manually. You will
also find complete information about remote control via the IEEE 488 computer
interface.
Attention
This manual contains “WARNINGS” and “ATTENTION” labels in this
form, to indicate personal danger or possible damage to equipment.
Please read these advises carefully!
NOTE
This manual also contains “NOTES” and “HINTS” written in this form.

1.1 Safety
PRO8000 (-4)/800 optical sources / page 1
1 General description of the optical source modules
1.1 Safety
Attention 
The modules ‘WDM8xxxx’ are class 1M laser sources.
Emitted wavelength: 1 single wavelength in the range 1454 nm …
1625 nm, according to ordered wavelength.
Emitted optical power: up to 50 mW, according to ordered output
power! Numerical aperture of the beam 0.11.
CAUTION – The use of optical instruments with these products will
increase eye hazard!!
INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION
DO NOT VIEWDIRECTLYWITH
OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS!
CLASS1MLASERPRODUCT

1.1 Safety
PRO8000/800 optical sources / page 2
LASER RADIATION
ISEMITTED FROM
THIS APERTURE
AVOID EXPOSURE
A
VOID EXPOSURE
LASERRADIATIONISEMITTED
FROMTHISAPERTURE
Attention 
The laser modules supplied by Thorlabs are class 1M laser systems.
However, if you collimate or focus the laser beam you will create a
class 3R or class 3B laser system!
In that case additional safety measures have to be observed!
For the individual wavelength and output power see the certificate of
calibration supplied with the module!
Never switch on the output with no fiber connected and switch off
the output before disconnecting the fiber!
NOTE
The products are classified and labeled according to
IEC 60825-1/Am2 (2001).
If you need an additional aperture label according to CFR § 1040.10.g (5)
please use the adhesive labels delivered with the PRO8000 (-4) / 800 and
place them clearly visible for any possible user on your laser set-up!.
Two possible places for laser modules without and with modulation input
are shown below.
Without modulation input
(label 30 x 15 mm)
With modulation input
(label 20 x 15 mm)

1.1 Safety
PRO8000 (-4)/800 optical sources / page 3
Attention 
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in
this instruction manual will only apply when the unit is operated
correctly.
Before applying power to your PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 system, make
sure that the protective conductor of the 3 conductor mains power
cord is correctly connected to the protective earth contact of the
socket outlet!
Improper grounding can cause electric shock with damages to your
health or even death!
Modules may only be installed or removed with the mainframe
switched off.
All modules must be fixed with all screws provided for this purpose.
Modules of the 8000 series must only be operated in the mainframe
PRO8000, PRO8000-4 or PRO800.
All modules must only be operated with duly shielded connection
cables.
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 dispatchable if duly packed into the
complete original packaging including the plastic form parts. If
necessary, ask for a replacement package.

1.1 Safety
PRO8000/800 optical sources / page 4
Attention 
Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters are
not to be used within the range of three meters of this unit since the
electromagnetic field intensity may then exceed the maximum
allowed disturbance values according to EN 50 082-1.
The PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 must not be operated in explosion
endangered environments.

1.2 Warranty
PRO8000 (-4)/800 optical sources / page 5
1.2 Warranty
Thorlabs GmbH warrants material and production of the WDM8xxxx, C81xxxx and
LS8xxxx modules for a period of 24 months starting with the date of shipment. During
this warranty period Thorlabs GmbH will see to defaults by repair or by exchange if
these are entitled to warranty.
For warranty repairs or service the unit must be sent back to Thorlabs GmbH
(Germany)or to a place determined by Thorlabs GmbH. The customer will carry the
shipping costs to Thorlabs GmbH, in case of warranty repairs Thorlabs GmbH will
carry the shipping costs back to the customer.
If no warranty repair is applicable the customer also has to carry the costs for back
shipment.
In case of shipment from outside EU duties, taxes etc. which should arise have to be
carried by the customer.
Thorlabs GmbH warrants the hard- and software determined by Thorlabs GmbH for
this unit to operate fault-free provided that they are handled according to our
requirements.
However, Thorlabs GmbH does not warrant a fault free and uninterrupted operation
of the unit, of the soft- or firmware for special applications nor this instruction manual
to be error free. Thorlabs GmbH is not liable for consequential damages.
Restriction of warranty
The warranty mentioned before does not cover errors and defects being the result of
improper treatment, software or interface not supplied by us, modification, misuse or
operation outside the defined ambient conditions (refer to the PRO8000 (-4) /
PRO800 mainframe operation manual) stated by us or unauthorized maintenance.
Further claims will not be consented to and will not be acknowledged. Thorlabs
GmbH does explicitly not warrant the usability or the economical use for certain
cases of application.
Thorlabs GmbH reserves the right to change this instruction manual or the technical
data of the described unit at any time.

1.3 Properties
PRO8000/800 optical sources / page 6
1.3 Properties
1.3.1 Protections for the laser diode
To protect the optical sources in the WDM8xxxx, C81xxxx and LS8xxxx modules the
PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 are equipped with the following protection circuits:
•Fixed current limit
A fixed limit set in factory protects the laser diode against operating errors.
•Electronic short-circuit switch for the laser diode
When the PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 is switched on or off an electronic switch will
short-circuit the laser diode.
•Separate on/off function for each module
After turning on the PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 the WDM and LS modules are in
OFF mode.
They must be switched on individually. Default settings are used.
•Over-temperature protection for each module
Should errors occur (for example the limit set in factory has been reached, the
power stage is overheated etc.), the LED “ERR” of the module will light up.
Furthermore, in case of certain errors the output is switched off automatically.
•Mains filter
Protection against line disturbances (transients).
•Mains failure protection
In case of line failure/line damage the optical source modules must explicitly be
switched on anew since it cannot be taken for granted that all components of the
measurement setup are still working faultlessly.
•Key-operated power switch
Protection against unauthorized or accidental use.

1.3 Properties
PRO8000 (-4)/800 optical sources / page 7
•Run-off control
The WDM8xxxx, C81xxxx and LS8xxxx modules are in LASER OFF mode after
turning on the PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 mainframe and must be switched on
explicitly.
•LabVIEW®-and LabWindows/CVI®drivers
For the PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 Thorlabs supplies LabVIEW®and LabWin-
dows/CVI®-drivers for MS Windows 32.
Please refer to our homepage for the latest driver updates.
http://www.thorlabs.com

1.3 Properties
PRO8000/800 optical sources / page 8
1.3.2 Features
The laser fibers are connected via FC/APC connectors at the front of the module.
(Other connectors optional).
Each module is protected against overheating of the output stage by an automatic
shutdown. The LED "ERR" indicates that the module is switched off. After a decline
in temperature of about 10 °C the LED "ERR" extinguishes and the output can be
reactivated
The laser wavelength of the WDM and CWDM modules is directly adjustable,
whereas the rated center wavelength of the LS8xxxx module is adjusted by operating
the laser diode at a certain user controllable temperature. The user can change the
temperature (thus the wavelength) by selecting a positive or negative temperature
difference δT.
The PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 contains a forced air cooling system with built-in fans.
Depending on the temperature the air flow of the fans is adapted automatically.
All settings can be changed with the operating elements of the mainframe or via
remote control from a PC.
The mains filter installed in the mainframe and the careful shielding of the
transformer, the microprocessor as well as the module itself provide an excellent
suppression of noise and ripple.
All PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 modules can be supplied in a variety of versions, e.g.
with different modulation options or wavelength.
(refer to chapter 1.4, “Technical data” starting on page 9)

1.4 Technical data
PRO8000 (-4)/800 optical sources / page 9
1.4 Technical data
(All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5°C and 45 ±15% humidity)
1.4.1 Common technical data for the WDM modules
Laser source DFB laser diode with isolator
Output power 20 mW 1)
Setting range (attenuation) 10 dB
Resolution 0.01 dB
Optical output connector PMF, FC/APC 2)
Operating temperature 0 … + 35 °C (non condensing)
Storage temperature - 40 … + 35 °C
Warm-up time for rated accuracy 15 min
Mechanical width of module 1 slot
Weight < 0.5 kg
Wavelength
Channel spacing ITU grid (50 GHz)
Wavelengths S, L and C band 3)
Wavelength accuracy ± 10 pm (typ.) / < ± 25 pm
Stability (typ.) < 2 pm / 24 h
Setting range ±1 nm 4)
Resolution 1 pm
Spectral linewidth < 10 MHz
Power
Stability (15 s) < 0.002 dB
Stability (15 min) < 0.005 dB
Stability (24 h) < 0.01 dB
SMSR (side mode suppression ratio, at nominal power) > 40 dB; typ.>45 dB
RIN (Relative intensity noise) typ.> 145 dB / Hz
Optical isolation > 35 dB
Modulation (Standard)
Digital DC modulation (TTL, synchronous from mainframe)) 0 ... 10 kHz
Internal sinus, mod. depth 0...100% 0 ... 50kHz
Internal square, " 0 ... 50 kHz
Internal ON/OFF 0 ... 50 kHz
Internal noise, mod. depth 0...10% BW~ 0,2 ... 5 kHz
External analog LF modulation (optional) DC … 50 kHz
1Other nominal power ratings on request
2PMF with aligned connector on request. Other connector styles on request
3Selected customer specific according to ITU
4Corresponds to about ±10 °C (larger setting range on request)

1.4 Technical data
PRO8000/800 optical sources / page 10
Coherence Control
via internal modulation (noise, sine, square, triangle1)
adjustable optical BW up to 1GHz
1.4.2 Common technical data for the LS8xxxx modules
General data
Optical output connector FC/APC
Operating temperature 0 … + 35 °C (non condensing)
Storage temperature - 40 … + 35 °C
Warm-up time for rated accuracy 15 min
Mechanical width 1 slot
Weight < 0.5 kg
Wavelength
Wavelength / power21310 nm / 10 mW
1550 nm / 10, 20, 40 & 50 mW
Center wavelength tolerance ± 20 nm
Stability (typ.) < 0.01 nm / 24 h
Spectral linewidth (typ.) < 30 MHz
Power
Stability (24 h) < 0.01 dB
Setting of temperature
Setting range ±5 °C
Resolution 0.001 °C
Modulation
TTL (all modules synchronous, BNC from mainframe) DC … 10 kHz
Analog modulation input (BNC)3DC … 50 kHz
RF modulation (SMA) 20.2 … 500 MHz
Type of modulation direct modulation with bias T
Input impedance 50 Ω
1Triangle on request
2Other wavelengths and power on request
3Either analog modulation input or RF BIAS-T modulation available

1.4 Technical data
PRO8000 (-4)/800 optical sources / page 11
1.4.3 Common technical data for the CWDM modules
Output power 10 mW
Center wavelength tolerance ± 3nm (± 1nm optional)
Optical output connector FC/APC 1)
Operating temperature 0 … + 35 °C (non condensing)
Storage temperature - 40 … + 35 °C
Warm-up time for rated accuracy 15 min
Mechanical width of module 1 slot
Weight < 0.5 kg
Wavelength
Channel spacing 20 nm
Center Wavelengths 1470, 1490, 1510, 1530, 1550, 1570, 1590, 1610 nm
Stability (typ.) < 2 pm / 24 h
Setting range ±0.5 nm 2)
Resolution 0.01 nm
Spectral linewidth < 30 MHz
Power
Stability (15 s) < 0.002 dB
Stability (15 min) < 0.005 dB
Stability (24 h) < 0.01 dB
SMSR (side mode suppression ratio, at nominal power) > 36 dB; typ.>40 dB
Optical isolation > 35 dB
Modulation (Standard)
Digital DC modulation (TTL, synchronous from mainframe)) 0 ... 10 kHz
Internal sinus, mod. depth 0...100% 0 ... 50kHz
Internal square, " 0 ... 50 kHz
Internal ON/OFF 0 ... 50 kHz
Internal noise, mod. depth 0...10% BW~ 0,2 ... 5 kHz
Coherence Control
via internal modulation (noise, sine, square, triangle3)
adjustable optical BW up to 1GHz
1Other standards on request
2Corresponds to about ±5 °C (larger setting range on request)
3Triangle on request

2.1 Operating elements on front panel
PRO8000/800 optical sources / page 12
2 Operating the PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 optical source
modules
2.1 Operating elements on front panel
LED display "module selected"
LED display "module switched on"
LED display "error"
Modulation input
(BNC or SMA)
Optical output
(FC/APC)
Figure 1 Front view of WDM, CWDM and LS plug-in modules

2.2 Connecting external components
PRO8000 (-4)/800 optical sources / page 13
2.2 Connecting external components
2.2.1 Connecting an optical fiber
Depending on the construction of the optical connector the fiber is to be connected to
the optical output by means of a corresponding plug.
NOTE
Do not to confuse the FC/PC with the FC/APC connector.
The corresponding type of connector is marked on the module.
Never switch on the output with no fiber connected!
2.2.2 Connecting an external RF modulation source
External modulation is fed to the device by the SMA- or BNC connector in the middle
of the front panel.
Input impedance is 50 Ω.
Attention 
To avoid damage to the module do not exceed the following
signal amplitudes: ±10V DC and RF 1.6 V peak to peak!
For modules with Bias-T see chapter 2.3
2.2.3 Connecting an external DC modulation source
A DC modulation source (DC....10 kHz, TTL) is fed through a BNC connector at the
rear panel of your PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 mainframe.
Please refer to the mainframe operation manual!

2.3 Modulating the optical source modules
PRO8000/800 optical sources / page 14
2.3 Modulating the optical source modules
The state of the art offers different procedures of modulation. Depending on the type
ordered, the following kinds of modulation can be found within the different module
types for analog or digital modulation (WDM, CWDM and LS types).
WDM and CWDM types allow for synchronous modulation (on/off), 0...10 kHz,
internal low frequency modulation (20 ... 50000 Hz, 0.1 ... 100 % rel. Amplitude, and
depending on the type of module additional modulation capabilities.
•Analog direct modulation of internal set parameters
•Analog direct modulation via an internal bias-T
•Analog direct modulation via an internal DC bias-T
•Digital internal DC modulation (synchronous for all modules)