THORLABS TLX1 User manual

TLX1 / TLX2
Tunable Laser Source
C-Band / L-Band
User Guide

TLX Tunable Laser Source
Rev B, August 15, 2017
Table of Contents
Chapter 1Warning Symbol Definitions..............................................................................................1
Chapter 2Safety....................................................................................................................................2
Chapter 3Introduction..........................................................................................................................4
3.1.Parts List ..........................................................................................................................4
3.2.Block Diagram .................................................................................................................4 
3.3.Front and Rear Panel Overview .....................................................................................5
Chapter 4Quick Start Guide................................................................................................................6
4.1.Hardware Set-up..............................................................................................................6
4.2.Controls on the Home Page ...........................................................................................7
4.3.Controls in the Settings Pages ......................................................................................8
Chapter 5Operating Instructions........................................................................................................9
5.1.Laser Settings Page ........................................................................................................9
5.2.Variable Optical Attenuator Settings Page .................................................................10
5.3.Load Page ......................................................................................................................11
5.4.Menu Page .....................................................................................................................12
Chapter 6Specifications.....................................................................................................................15
6.1.Laser Specifications .....................................................................................................15
6.2.General Specifications.................................................................................................. 15
Chapter 7Control & PC Connections................................................................................................16
7.1.General Purpose I/O & RS-232 Connections ..............................................................16
7.2.The Laser Safety Interlock............................................................................................ 17
7.3.Connecting to a Computer ...........................................................................................17
Chapter 8Mechanical Drawings.........................................................................................................18
Chapter 9Maintenance, Repair & Fuses...........................................................................................19
9.1.Maintenance & Repair...................................................................................................19
9.2.Replacement Parts ........................................................................................................19
9.3.Replacing the Main Fuse ..............................................................................................20
Chapter 10Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................21
Chapter 11Regulatory...........................................................................................................................22
Chapter 12Declaration of Conformity.................................................................................................23
Chapter 13Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts..........................................................................................24

TLX Tunable Laser Source Chapter 1: Warning Symbol Definitions
Rev B, August 15, 2017 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)
Caution: Risk of Electric Shock
Caution: Hot Surface
Caution: Risk of Danger
Warning: Laser Radiation
Caution: Spinning Blades May Cause Harm
Caution: ESD Sensitive Component

TLX Tunable Laser Source
Page 2 TTN093744-D02
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. If equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer,
the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
SHOCK WARNING
Before applying power to the instrument, 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 damage to your health or even death.
The local supply voltage must be in the range specified on the rear panel, and the correct fuse must
be installed in the fuse holder. If not, please replace the main fuse (see section on instrument
maintenance).
Only use mains cable with sufficient current and voltage ratings for this instrument.
Do not position equipment in a way that makes it difficult for the user to operate the disconnecting
device.
Do not remove covers. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
EXPLOSION WARNING
The instrument must not be operated in explosion endangered environments.
LASER WARNING
Avoid Exposure – Radiation Emitted from apertures. Do not look into the laser aperture while the laser
is on. Injury to the eye may result. Laser should not be turned on unless there is an optical fiber
connected to the laser output port.
Caution – Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified
herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

TLX Tunable Laser Source Chapter 2: Safety
Rev B, August 15, 2017 Page 3
CAUTION
This product is not suitable for household room illumination.
Inputs and outputs must only be connected with 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.
Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in housing.
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 IEC 61326-1.
This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits according to IEC 61326-1 for using
connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).
The following statement applies to the products covered in this manual, unless otherwise specified
herein. The statement for other products will appear in the accompanying documentation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules and meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference
Causing Equipment Standard ICES-003 for digital apparatus. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
Thorlabs is not responsible for any radio television interference caused by modifications of this
equipment or the substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment other than those
specified by Thorlabs. The correction of interference caused by such unauthorized modification,
substitution or attachment will be the responsibility of the user. The use of shielded I/O cables is
required when connecting this equipment to any and all optional peripheral or host devices. Failure
to do so may violate FCC and ICES rules.
This precision device should only be shipped if packed into the complete original packaging
including the custom cut foam padding. If necessary, ask for replacement packing material.
ESD CAUTION
Caution – The components inside this instrument are ESD sensitive. Take all appropriate precautions
to discharge personnel and equipment before making any connections to the unit. A front panel
grounding jack is provided for connection to a wrist strap.
CAUTION
This instrument should be kept clear of environments where liquid spills or condensing moisture are
likely. It is not water resistant. To avoid damage to the instrument, do not expose it to spray, liquids,
or solvents.

TLX Tunable Laser Source
Page 4 TTN093744-D02
Chapter 3 Introduction
NOTE: This manual covers both the TLX1 and TLX2 models as the architectures are very similar. Only
the wavelength bands are different. TLX1 covers the C-band and TLX2 covers the L-band. The
differences will be clearly noted in the following sections.
3.1. Parts List
Inspect the shipping container for damage. If the shipping container seems to be damaged, keep it until you have
inspected the contents and tested the unit mechanically and electrically. Verify that you have received the
following items within the package:
1. TLX1 or TLX2 Tunable Laser Source
2. Power Cord According to Local Power Supply
3. PM Loopback Fiber Optic Cable
4. Interlock Keys
5. 2.5 mm Interlock Pin (Pre-installed in back panel)
6. 1.25 A, 250 VAC Fuse
7. USB Type A to Type B Cable, 6’ Long
3.2. Block Diagram
These instruments contain both the laser source and a variable optical attenuator for output power control. The
user can also choose to use an external laser source of their own by attaching directly to the Laser Input port
instead of using the supplied loop-back fiber patch cord. The Laser In port uses PM fiber with light linearly
polarized along the slow axis as shown on the front panel. Maximum input power is 20 dBm (100 mW). Optical
power is monitored in two places (Mon) for the purpose of enabling bias output power control. These power
values are also available at the I/O port on the rear panel.

TLX Tunable Laser Source Chapter 3: Introduction
Rev B, August 15, 2017 Page 5
3.3. Front and Rear Panel Overview
Label Description Detail
A Touchscreen display
B Adjustment knob
C Key Switch and Indicator
E Laser Output PM FC/PC
F VOA Input PM FC/PC
G VOA Output PM FC/PC
M Standby Button
N I/O Port HD DB-15
O Option Label
P RS-232 Port DB-9
Q USB Port Type B
R Laser Interlock 2.5 mm jack
S Power Connector
T Fuse Tray
U Power Switch
B
A
C
M
EFG
R
PN
S
O
TU
Q

TLX Tunable Laser Source
Page 6 TTN093744-D02
Chapter 4 Quick Start Guide
ESD CAUTION
Caution – The components inside this instrument are ESD sensitive. Take all appropriate precautions
to discharge personnel and equipment before making any connections to the unit. A front panel
grounding jack is provided for connection to a wrist strap.
4.1. Hardware Set-up
For first use, plug the main power cable into the rear panel connector, and then plug the other end into an AC wall
receptacle. Flip the power switch on the rear panel to the ON (I) position. The unit will now be in the “Standby”
mode, and the front panel standby button should glow amber.
Attach the PM loopback fiber optic cable between the Laser Out and Laser In FC connectors on the front panel.
Be sure to clean both ends of the fiber as described in the Maintenance Section of this manual.
Insert the key into the interlock switch and turn it towards the unlock symbol ( ). This allows the laser to be
turned on, but the LASER ON indicator will not glow green until the laser is actually turned on by using the
touchscreen interface. Turn on the unit by pressing the amber standby button on the front panel which will then
turn green to indicate the unit is fully on. The touchscreen display will come up with a boot screen for about 5
seconds and then go to the home page. The unit will initialize in the factory default state with all functions OFF.

TLX Tunable Laser Source Chapter 4: Quick Start Guide
Rev B, August 15, 2017 Page 7
4.2. Controls on the Home Page
The TLX1 can be fully controlled by using the resistive touchscreen display for all functions. You can use a finger
or a plastic stylus to make selections on the screen. In addition, the knob on the front panel can be used in place
of the on-screen arrow buttons for quickly changing set-point values. Pressing (clicking) the knob will confirm a
new set-point value.
The Home screen (or dashboard) is organized into three main sections.
The left side contains the ON/OFF buttons for each of the main instrument functions. Tapping either of these buttons
will toggle the function on and off. The same ON/OFF functionality is also available on the individual Settings pages.
The power buttons turn green to indicate the function is ON, and turn red to indicate the function is disabled.
The central section is the main dashboard for reporting operational values of each section. Tapping the screen in
this middle area will take the user to the corresponding Settings page for each section. Note that the green dot in
each of these sections indicates the function is stable. A blinking green dot indicates the function is still stabilizing.
The right side of the screen provides access to the main utility functions of the box.
The screenshot below shows some of the common warning indicators on the HOME page. Some functions can
be disabled when the laser power is low. In this case, buttons may be disabled and warnings indicators may
appear.
Tap these buttons
to turn functions
ON or OFF
Tap in these areas
to go to the related
Settings pages
Blue button
Utility functions
Green Dot
Stability Indicator
Power units (dBm or
mW) are set in the
VOA Settings page
Disabled
Function
Low Power
Warnin
g
s
Interlock
Warnin
g

TLX Tunable Laser Source
Page 8 TTN093744-D02
4.3. Controls in the Settings Pages
The Settings pages all follow the same general design and functionality as shown in the example screenshot
below. The upper section with white letters displays the parameters that can be changed. Simply tap on the
parameter of interest to highlight it, and the controls for that parameter will be presented.
The lower section with amber letters displays selected values that are convenient to monitor on that page.
The right-hand column provides the controls for changing the values for the selected parameters. The main
control knob on the front panel can also be used to adjust and confirm selected values. The screenshots below
show examples of the touchscreen controls.
Tap to select parameter
Yellow highlight will appear
Increase value
Decrease value
Change Step Size
Confirm new value
Cancel any changes
Monitor area
MIN / MAX warnings
indicate that the setting
limit for a particular
parameter has been
reached.

TLX Tunable Laser Source Chapter 5: Operating Instructions
Rev B, August 15, 2017 Page 9
Chapter 5 Operating Instructions
5.1. Laser Settings Page
To get to the Laser Settings page tap on the Laser monitors pane on the Home page. Here the user can control
the laser wavelength and choose whether or not to use the dither feature to stabilize the wavelength. Turning the
dither off will result in lower phase and intensity noise, but the wavelength may drift slightly over time. The
monitors on this page provide live readings of many parameters.
The ITU channel number on these pages is simply an index number given for convenience and is unique to this
instrument. The actual frequencies and spacings are specified by the ITU standard. This instrument allows you to
set the frequency at 50GHz spacings.
Caution: The laser should not be turned on unless there is an optical fiber connected to the laser output port.
Use these buttons to toggle the
dither function On/Off
Tap here to change the laser
wavelength by channel numbe
r
A
ctual frequency and wavelength
are displayed in the monitor section
FM Noise Spectrum with and without dither.
Wavelength stability is improved with dither,
but at the expense of adding noise (blue line).
Red line show Low Noise operation with
dither turned off.

TLX Tunable Laser Source
Page 10 TTN093744-D02
5.2. Variable Optical Attenuator Settings Page
To get to the Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA) Settings page tap in the VOA monitors pane on the Home page.
The VOA provides the means for adjusting and stabilizing either the attenuation or the output power.
Note that the power measurement units for the entire interface are set on this page.
The VOA can operate in either of two modes: 1) Constant Attenuation, or 2) Constant Output Power.
Constant Attenuation Mode maintains a fixed attenuation level between the output of the laser and the output of
the VOA. Any fluctuations at the input are transferred to the output.
Constant Output Power Mode acts as a stabilizer by holding the final optical power constant independent of input
fluctuations (within controllable limits such as input power and attenuation).
Tap here to change Modes
Tap here to select Constant
A
ttenuation mode
Tap here to select Constant
Output Power mode
Not enough power to reach the
set point
VOA in Constant Output Power
mode
Tap here to adjust output
power
Loss of VOA calibration due to
low power
Tap here to change units for
power measurement
VOA in Constant
A
ttenuation mode
Tap here to change attenuation
level

TLX Tunable Laser Source Chapter 5: Operating Instructions
Rev B, August 15, 2017 Page 11
5.3. Load Page
To get to this page, tap the blue Load button on the Home page. The Load page allows the user to revert back to
the factory default settings. Future firmware revisions will have the ability to store and load instrument states
defined by the user.
Tap to restore factory settings
Confirm or Cancel the return to
factory default settings

TLX Tunable Laser Source
Page 12 TTN093744-D02
5.4. Menu Page
To get to this page, tap the blue Menu button on the Home page. The Menu page has links to several pages that
allow the user to control the display, sounds, lights, and get help information. The following sections describe
these functions in more detail.
5.4.1. Display and Sound Settings Page
Path here: Home > Menu > Display & Sounds.
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS controls the overall brightness of the touchscreen display
DISPLAY SLEEP TIME controls how long the the touchscreen display is visible before it sleeps
BUTTON CLICK toggles the sound produced when tapping buttons (On/Off)
NOTIFICATION BEEP toggles the sound associated with certain on screen notifications (On/Off)
Tap here to find help from
Thorlabs Technical Support
Tap here to control the accent
LEDs that emanate from the
bottom of the instrument
Tap here to find system info
Tap here to control the
touchscreen and the
sounds it makes
Tap any of the fields to reach
their controls

TLX Tunable Laser Source Chapter 5: Operating Instructions
Rev B, August 15, 2017 Page 13
5.4.2. System Information Page
Path here: Home > Menu > System Information.
The System Information page displays the installed hardware and software versions
5.4.3. Accent LED Settings Page
Path here: Home > Menu > Accent LEDs
The accent LED settings control the intensity of the color LEDs that emanate from the bottom of the instrument.
These can be used for a variety of purposes. Their primary function, however, is to look cool. You can set them to
your favorite color.
This is useful information when
in need of technical support or to
verify firmware revisions
Tap any of the three color fields to
access the up/down controls.
Learn to mix colors!

TLX Tunable Laser Source
Page 14 TTN093744-D02
5.4.4. Thorlabs Help Page
Path here: Home > Menu > Thorlabs Help
The Thorlabs Help page displays the Tech Support phone number, Thorlabs web site, and the installed hardware
and software versions. This information will be useful when speaking with Tech Support.

TLX Tunable Laser Source Chapter 6: Specifications
Rev B, August 15, 2017 Page 15
Chapter 6 Specifications
All Specifications are at 1550 nm and 25 °C ambient temperature, unless otherwise noted. C-band specifications
apply to the model TLX1, and L-band specifications apply to the model TLX2.
6.1. Laser Specifications
6.2. General Specifications
Parameter Value
Unit Min Typ Max
Optical output power dBm 12.5 13.5 14.5
Frequency range (C-band) THz 191.5 - 196.25
Wavelength range (C-band) nm 1527.6 - 1565.5
Frequency range (L-band) THz 186.35 - 190.95
Wavelength range (L-band) nm 1570.0 - 1608.8
Frequency Accuracy GHz -1.5 - 1.5
Tuning Resolution GHz - 50 -
Tuning Speed (Between Wavelengths) S - 10 -
Side Mode Suppression Ratio (SMSR) dB 40 55 -
Optical Signal Noise Ratio (OSNR) dB 40 60 -
Intrinsic linewidth kHz - 10 15
Relative Intensity Noise (RIN) dB/Hz - - -145
Back reflection dB - - -14
Polarization extinction ratio dB 18 - -
Parameter Typical Values Notes
Optical Input Power 20 dBm Max 22 dBm Abs. Max
External Laser Wavelength Range 1525 nm – 1610 nm
Optical Insertion Loss 0.7 dB Typical Laser IN to Optical OUT
Power Monitors Accuracy ±0.5 dBm @ 1550 nm
Power Monitors Resolution 0.01 dBm
VOA Response Time 1 s
Main AC voltage 100 - 250 VAC
Power Consumption 60 VA Max
Line Frequency 50 - 60 Hz
Operating temperature 10 - 40 °C
Storage temperature 0 - 50 °C
Humidity 5% - 85% RH

TLX Tunable Laser Source
Page 16 TTN093744-D02
Chapter 7 Control & PC Connections
7.1. General Purpose I/O & RS-232 Connections
The back panel has two connectors for monitor and control functions. The 15-pin I/O connector provides outputs
that follow the power monitors in the optical path (see block diagram). The RS-232 connector provides for basic
communication with the instrument.
The power monitors provide a voltage that is proportional to the optical power with one of two gain settings. These
values are available on the I/O DB15 connector. The gain setting for each monitor is determined by software, and
reported on the corresponding Gain Indicator pins. 0.0 V indicates Low Gain (40 V/W) and 3.3 V indicates High
Gain (4000 V/W). Maximum output voltage at the monitor pin is less than 12 V (into a high impedance). Power
monitor bandwidth is limited to about 150 Hz.
I/O Conn. Pin # Description

RS-232 Pin # Description
HD DB15 1 Reserved for Future Use

DB9 1 N/C
HD DB15 2 Power Monitor 2

DB9 2 RS232 Input
HD DB15 3 Power Monitor 3

DB9 3 RS232 Output
HD DB15 4 Reserved for Future Use

DB9 4 N/C
HD DB15 5 Analog Ground

DB9 5 Digital Ground
HD DB15 6 Analog Ground

DB9 6 N/C
HD DB15 7 Analog Ground

DB9 7 N/C
HD DB15 8 Analog Ground

DB9 8 N/C
HD DB15 9 Analog Ground

DB9 9 N/C
HD DB15 10 Analog Ground

HD DB15 11 Reserved for Future Use

HD DB15 12 Reserved for Future Use

HD DB15 13 Reserved for Future Use

HD DB15 14 Mon 2 Gain Indicator

HD DB15 15 Mon 3 Gain Indicator


TLX Tunable Laser Source Chapter 7: Control & PC Connections
Rev B, August 15, 2017 Page 17
7.2. The Laser Safety Interlock
The instrument is equipped with a remote interlock connector located on the rear panel. In order to enable the
laser source, a short circuit must be applied across the terminals of the Remote Interlock connector. In practice
this connection is made available to allow the user to connect a remote actuated switch to the connector. The
switch (which must be normally open) has to be closed in order for the laser to be enabled. If the switch changes
to an open state, the laser source will automatically shut down. If the switch returns to a closed condition the laser
source must be turned on again in the touchscreen GUI.
All units shipped from Thorlabs are configured with a shorting device installed in the Interlock connector. If you
are not going to use this feature, then leave the shorting device installed. The unit will operate normally as
described in the procedures above.
If you wish to make use of the Interlock feature, you will need to acquire the appropriate 2.5 mm plug, wire it to
the remote interlock switch, and then plug it in to the back-panel interlock jack in place of the shorting plug. This
type of plug is readily available at most electronics stores. The electrical specifications for the interlock input are
shown in the following table.
Specification Value
Type of Mating Connector 2.5 mm Mono Phone Jack
Open Circuit Voltage <5 VDC (on barrel of plug)
Short Circuit Current 7 mA (Typical)
Connector Polarity Tip is Ground, Barrel is at 5 VDC max.
Interlock Switch Requirements Must be normally open dry contacts
Apply no external voltages to the interlock input
7.3. Connecting to a Computer via USB
This instrument has a USB interface for connection to a computer for the purpose of loading new revisions of the
firmware as they are made available via the Thorlabs website, as well as controlling the TLX series laser via SCPI
type serial commands. Please contact Thorlabs technical support for up-to-date information on the firmware
revisions and control functions available.
Ground
5 VDC max.

TLX Tunable Laser Source
Page 18 TTN093744-D02
Chapter 8 Mechanical Drawings
122.0 mm
(4.80") 134.8 mm
(5.31")
250.0 mm
(9.84")
300.0 mm
(11.81")
322.2 mm
(12.69")