THORLABS MCLS Series User manual

MCLS Series Multi-Channel
Fiber-Coupled Laser Source
Operating Manual

4-Channel Fiber-Coupled Laser Source
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions.............................................................................................1
Chapter 2 Safety...................................................................................................................................2
Chapter 3 Description .........................................................................................................................3
Chapter 4 Setup ...................................................................................................................................5
4.1. Setting the AC Line Voltage and Installing Fuses...................................................... 5
4.2. Initial Set-up.................................................................................................................. 5
Chapter 5 Operation............................................................................................................................6
5.1. Front and Back Panel Overview .................................................................................. 6
5.2. Turning On the Source................................................................................................. 7
5.3. Viewing Channel Information....................................................................................... 7
5.4. Adjusting the Laser Output Power and Temperature................................................. 7
5.5. Turning the Laser Off ................................................................................................... 8
5.6. Modulating the Laser Output....................................................................................... 9
Chapter 6 Making the Safety Interlock Connections.....................................................................10
Chapter 7 Remote Communications ...............................................................................................11
7.1. Installing the USB Drivers.......................................................................................... 11
7.2. Command Line Interface............................................................................................ 11
7.3. Keywords (Commands and Queries) ........................................................................ 12
Chapter 8 General Maintenance.......................................................................................................14
8.1. Cleaning...................................................................................................................... 14
Chapter 9 Specifications...................................................................................................................15
Chapter 10 Mechanical Drawing........................................................................................................16
Chapter 11 Declaration of Conformity ..............................................................................................17
Chapter 12 Regulatory ........................................................................................................................18
Chapter 13 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts........................................................................................19

4-Channel Fiber-Coupled Laser Source Chapter 1: Warning Symbol Definitions
Rev O, January 24, 2024 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)
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

4-Channel Fiber-Coupled Laser Source Chapter 2: Safety
Page 2 TTN182036-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.
SHOCK WARNING
High voltage inside. To avoid electrical shock, before powering unit, make sure that the protective
conductor of the 3-conductor power cord is correctly connected to the protective earth contact of
the socket outlet. Improper grounding can cause electric shock resulting in severe injury or even
death. Do not operate without cover installed.
WARNING
This unit must not be operated in explosive environment.
WARNING
Avoid Exposure –Laser Radiation Emitted from apertures.
The unit is supplied with a 115 V parallel blade line cord for North American use only. For all other applications use
an IEC 320 compatible line cord fitted with a plug appropriate for your particular AC wall socket.
Make sure that the line voltage rating marked on the rear panel agrees with your local supply and that the
appropriate fuses are installed. Changing of the mains fuse can be done by the user (see Setting the AC Line
Voltage and Installing Fuses). With the exception of the mains fuses, there are no user serviceable parts in this
product.
Do not operate in wet or damp conditions. Do not obstruct the air-ventilation slots in the housing!
This device can only be returned when packed into the complete original packaging, including all foam packing
inserts. If necessary, ask for a replacement package.
Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters should not to be used within the range of three meters
of this unit since the electromagnetic field intensity may exceed the maximum allowed disturbance values according
to EN50082-1.
LASER RADIATION
AVOID EXPOSURE TO THE BEAM
CLASS 3B LASER PRODUCT
405 –1550 nm <100 mW

4-Channel Fiber-Coupled Laser Source Chapter 3: Description
Rev O, January 24, 2024 Page 3
Chapter 3 Description
The Thorlabs 4-Channel Fiber Coupled Laser Sources provide easy coupling and simple control of laser diode
driven fiber optics. Each system is equipped with up to four fiber output light sources with wavelength available from
visible to IR. The laser sources come standard with FC/PC connectors, and each system can be made with single
mode fiber or PM fiber and any combination of four lasers. Below is a sample list of available wavelengths; please
visit our website for a full list of currently available options.
Item #
Typical
λ
λ Range
(nm)
Min
Power1
Typical
Power
Laser
Type
Monitor
PD22
Fiber
MCLS1-406
406 nm
395 - 415
4.0 mW
6.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
S405-XP
MCLS1-473-20
473 nm
468 - 478
15.0 mW
20 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
460HP
MCLS1-488
488 nm
483 - 493
18.0 mW
22 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
460HP
MCLS1-520A
520 nm
510 - 530
10.0 mW
15.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
460HP
MCLS1-635
635 nm
630 - 640
2.5 mW
3.5 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
SM600
MCLS1-638
638 nm
628 - 648
10.0 mW
15.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
SM600
MCLS1-642
642 nm
635 - 645
15.0 mW
20.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
SM600
MCLS1-658
658 nm
648 - 668
9.5 mW
14.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
SM600
MCLS1-660
660 nm
653 - 663
15.0 mW
17.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
No
SM600
MCLS1-670
670 nm
660 - 680
1.5 mW
2.5 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
SM600
MCLS1-670-4
670 nm
660 - 680
4.0 mW
5.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
SM600
MCLS1-685
685 nm
675 - 695
10.0 mW
13.5 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
SM600
MCLS1-705
705 nm
695 - 715
10.0 mW
15.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
SM600
MCLS1-730
730 nm
720 - 740
12.5 mW
15.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
SM600
MCLS1-785
785 nm
770 - 800
6.0 mW
7.5 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
780HP
MCLS1-785-25
785 nm
780 - 790
20.0 mW
25.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
No
780HP
MCLS1-808-20
808 nm
803 - 813
20.0 mW
25.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
SM800-5.6-125
MCLS1-830
830 nm
820 - 840
8.0 mW
10.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
SM800-5.6-125
MCLS1-850
850 nm
840 - 860
7.5 mW
10.5 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
SM800-5.6-125
MCLS1-850-MM
850 nm
847 - 857
45.0 mW
50.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
GIF625
MCLS1-852
852 nm
847 - 857
20.0 mW
25.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
SM800-5.6-125
MCLS1-915
915 nm
910 - 920
30.0 mW
40.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
SM800-5.6-125
MCLS1-940
940 nm
930 - 950
25.0 mW
30.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
SM800-5.6-125
MCLS1-980
980 nm
965 - 995
6.0 mW
9.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
980HP
MCLS1-980-20
980 nm
970 - 990
15 mW
20 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
SM800-5.6-125
MCLS1-1064
1064 nm
1059-1069
20.0 mW
25.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
HI1060
MCLS1-1310
1310 nm
1290-1330
2.5 mW
3.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
SMF-28e+
MCLS1-1310-15
1310 nm
1290-1330
13.0 mW
15.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
No
SMF-28e+
MCLS1-1310DFB
1310 nm
1290-1330
1.5 mW
2.0 mW
DFB
Yes
SMF-28e+
MCLS1-1550
1550 nm
1520-1580
1.5 mW
2.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
Yes
SMF-28e+
MCLS1-1550-10
1550 nm
1530-1570
8.0 mW
10.0 mW
Fabry-Perot
No
SMF-28e+
MCLS1-1550DFB
1550 nm
1540-1560
1.5 mW
2.0 mW
DFB
Yes
SMF-28e+
MCLS1-1625
1625 nm
1605-1645
10 mW
15 mW
Fabry-Perot
No
SMF-28e+
1
This is the minimum guaranteed output power of the laser when the adjustment knob is set at the maximum.
2
When no photodiode is present, the display will show the current instead of the power and will display a message “NO PD”.

4-Channel Fiber-Coupled Laser Source Chapter 3: Description
Page 4 TTN182036-D02
Each laser diode operates from an independent, high-precision, low-noise, constant-current source and
temperature control unit. An intuitive LCD interface allows the user to view and set the parameters for each laser.
The user can adjust the laser current and temperature control independently for each output. The display indicates
the channel number selected, the output wavelength of the source, the operating power calculated from the laser
diode monitor diode (if applicable), and the actual temperature the laser is set to.
This device includes a microcontroller to fully control the laser’s optical power, temperature, and monitor the system
for fault conditions. The laser source includes a USB connection that allows remote adjustment of power,
temperature, and enabling. On the rear panel, analog inputs are available to modulate the lasers with an external
signal. This is added to the internal set points. To prevent damage, the microcontroller will disable the output if the
analog input plus the internal set point exceeds the laser limits.
While most output sources fall within the class 3R laser rating, the system was fully designed to meet 3B laser class
requirements. There is an interlock located on the rear panel that must be shorted in order for any laser output to
be enabled. This can easily be configured to be triggered by doors to disable the lasers in unsafe conditions. The
power switch is a keylock system to prevent accidental or unwanted use. Each source has its own enable button
allowing the user to choose the light source or sources they wish to be active as well as a master enable which
must also be set. Each channel includes a green LED indicator to easily determine its current state. There is a 3
second delay before the lasers turns on, and the user is warned by the LED rapidly blinking.
The MCLS includes a universal power supply allowing operation over 100 - 240 VAC without the need for selecting
the line voltage. The fuse access is conveniently located on the rear panel. This unit is supplied with a region-
specific U.S. or standard European line cord, the pre-configured laser source with all selected lasers installed, and
the manual.

4-Channel Fiber-Coupled Laser Source Chapter 4: Setup
Rev O, January 24, 2024 Page 5
Chapter 4 Setup
4.1. Setting the AC Line Voltage and Installing Fuses
Your MCLS Series Laser Source has been shipped from Thorlabs configured for 100 to 240 VAC operation. There
is no line switch adjustment to be made. However it may be necessary to replace an open fuse. To do this you must
perform the following procedure.
•Remove the AC power cord if it is connected to the unit.
•Locate the fuse tray directly below the AC power cord connection on the rear panel of the unit.
•Carefully use a flat blade screwdriver to open the fuse tray.
•Remove the existing fuse and install the appropriate 250 mA fuse. The replacement fuse must be a 5 mm
x 20 mm, 250 VAC Type T Fuses (IEC 60127-2/III, low breaking capacity, slow blow)
•Push the fuse tray back into place making sure that it snaps and seats correctly.
•Connect the appropriate power cord into the AC receptacle and plug the unit in.
4.2. Initial Set-up
•Locate the unit on a dry, level working surface.
•Make sure the POWER key switch on the front of the unit is in the OFF position (key perpendicular to
working surface).
•Plug the female end of the AC line cord provided into the AC Input Receptacle on the rear of the unit. Plug
the male end into a properly grounded AC socket.
•Install the interlock key into the interlock connector located on the rear panel. See Chapter 6 for details.
•Connect a Fiber Optic cable to the LASER APERTURE on the front panel of the unit and verify that the
dust caps are installed onto all unused fiber connections.

4-Channel Fiber-Coupled Laser Source Chapter 5: Operation
Page 6 TTN182036-D02
Chapter 5 Operation
5.1. Front and Back Panel Overview
Figure 1: Front and Rear Panels of Laser Source
Digit Display w/ Backlight
Displays channel, output power,
wavelength, and temperature.
Laser Output Port
FC/PC fiber optic connector.
Laser Output Cover
Cover should be installed
when fiber is removed.
Laser Enable Switch
Press to activate selected lasers.
Laser Emission Indicator
Indicates the channel is selected. It will blink for 3
seconds prior to the laser turning on.
Keylock Power Switch
Key only removes when off.
Control Knob / Switch
Selects channel, adjusts current and temperature.
Display Select Switch
Selects the channel desired
to be enabled.
Remote Interlock Input
(See Chapter 6 for details).
AC Power Cord Connector
USB Input Connector
Allows full operation through a PC interface.
Modulation Input - 0 to 5 V Max
Accepts complex waveforms. See
section 5.6 for details.
Cooling Vent - Do Not Block
The temperature control system moves air from
vent holes on the bottom. Periodically remove
dust buildup from vents for best operation.
Fuse Tray
See section 4.1 for replacement details.