Fiber-Coupled, Benchtop Tunable Laser Sources

General Purpose Telecom Tunable Lasers for C-Band or L-Band
+13 dBm Laser, 10 kHz Linewidth, Low Noise
Built-In Variable Optical Attenuator for Power Control
Dither Function Stabilizes Wavelength

TLX1

Tunable Laser Source,
C-Band

Touchscreen Interface

Please Wait

Overview
Specs
Operation
Front & Back Panels
Pin Diagrams
Shipping List
Software
Laser Safety
Custom Capabilities
Feedback
Selection Guide

Click to Enlarge
Block Diagram of the TLX Series Tunable Lasers. See the Operation tab for details.
*Monitor 1 is for internal use within the laser's control loop only.

Janis Valdmanis, Ph.D. Optics
Ultrafast Optoelectronics
General Manager

Got Questions?

Our engineers and expertise are here for you!

If you are not sure whether our catalog items meet your needs, we invite you to contact us. Or ask about a loan, so you can try them out for yourself, in your own lab. We can also support custom or OEM requirements you may have.

Just press the button, and we'll get back to you within the next business day.

Features

Telecom Lasers Tunable on ITU 50 GHz Frequency Grid

TLX1: 1528 - 1566 nm (C-Band)
TLX2: 1570 - 1609 nm (L-Band)

Narrow 10 kHz Linewidth
+13 dBm Output Power and Low Noise Operation
Built-In Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA) for Automatic or Manual Power Control
Frequency Offset Option for Fine Tuning by ±30 GHz in 1 MHz Increments
Frequency Dither Option Aids in Wavelength Stabilization
Temperature-Controlled External Cavity Laser with Isolator
Full PM Fiber Optical Path
Control via Intuitive Touchscreen Interface or Remotely using USB or RS-232 Connections

These Tunable Laser Sources emit light that can be swept over commonly used telecommunication wavelength ranges. They are used in the research and design of wavelength division multiplexers (WDMs) and related components, during manufacturing testing, and in the implementation of full optical links. The TLX1 emits in the C-band, while the TLX2 emits in the L-band. The optical output has a narrow typical linewidth of 10 kHz, and operation with the frequency dither option stabilizes the laser wavelength. The wavelength tuning resolution is 50 GHz; these lasers also have a fine tuning frequency offset feature, allowing offset from -30.000 GHz to +30.000 GHz in increments of 1 MHz. Complete control over the optical output power is provided by the built-in variable optical attenuator, which can operate in Constant Attenuation or Constant Power modes. For complete specifications, see the Specs tab.

The optical fiber path from the internal laser module through the optical output port is fully polarization maintaining (PM), and all external optical connections are made using FC/PC connectors. As shown in the above diagram, emission from the internal laser is coupled to the Laser Out port. The user has the option to couple this emission to the VOA In port via the supplied PM loop-back cable, or the user may alternatively couple an external laser to the VOA. Laser light input to the VOA In port should have a maximum input power of 20 dBm (100 mW), and the light should be linearly polarized along the slow axis (aligned to the connector key). See the Front & Back Panels tab for details on the input and output ports.

These laser sources can be controlled in two ways. The simplest method is using the intuitive touchscreen interface, which gives the user complete control over all instrument functionality. These instruments can also be operated remotely via the RS-232 or USB ports on the back panel. The Operation tab describes graphical user interface (GUI) and user-customizable features, and we provide a remote control user guide and a remote control software tool (see the Software tab) for download.

Power and Environmental Specifications
Parameter	Min	Max
Main AC Voltage	100 VAC	250 VAC
Power Consumption	-	60 VA
Line Frequency	50 Hz	60 Hz
Operating Temperature	10 °C	40 °C
Storage Temperature	0 °C	50 °C
Humidity^a	5% Relative Humidity	85% Relative Humidity

Non-Condensing Environment

Click to Enlarge
FM Noise Spectrum of the tunable laser. The dither function helps stabilize the wavelength. Turning the dither off provides lower noise.

Laser Tuning
Item #	TLX1	TLX2
Tunable Wavelength Range	1528 - 1566 nm	1570 - 1609 nm
Tunable Frequency Range	191.50 - 196.25 THz	186.35 - 190.95 THz

Laser Specifications
Parameter	Unit	Min	Typ	Max
Optical Output Power	dBm	12.5	13.5	14.5
Frequency Accuracy	GHz	-1.5	-	1.5
Tuning Resolution	GHz	-	50	-
Fine Tuning Resolution	MHz		1
Tuning Speed (Between Wavelengths)	s	-	10	-
Fine Tuning Range	GHz	-30	-	30
Side Mode Suppression Ratio	dB	40	55	-
Optical Signal Noise Ratio	dB	40	60	-
Intrinsic Linewidth	kHz	-	10	15
Relative Intensity Noise	dB/Hz	-	-	-145
Back Reflection	dB	-	-	-14
Polarization Extinction Ratio	dB	18	-	-

VOA Specifications
Optical Input Power	20 dBm (Max)^a
External Laser Wavelength Range	1525 nm - 1610 nm
Optical Insertion Loss^b	0.7 dB (Typ)
Power Monitors Accuracy^c	±0.5 dBm
Power Monitors Resolution	0.01 dBm
VOA Response Time	≤1 s

22 dBm Absolute Max
VOA In to VOA Out
At 1550 nm

Housing Specifications
Outer Dimensions (W x D x H)^a	250.0 mm x 300.0 mm x 122.0 mm (9.84" x 11.81" x 4.80")
Internal Fiber	PM PANDA-Style Fiber
Input/Output Port Fiber Connectors	FC/PC^b

For detailed dimensions, see the mechanical drawing by clicking on the red Docs icon () below.
See the Front & Back Panels tab for more details on the input and output ports.

Internal Setup

The block diagram below provides a basic illustration of the internal setup of the tunable lasers. The internal laser is routed via the loop-back cable on the front panel and input to the variable optical attenuator (VOA). Alternatively, the user can connect an external laser to the VOA input port. After the laser passes through the VOA, it exits through the optical output port on the front panel. The rear panel features ports for several additional monitor and control functions.

Block Diagram of TLX Series Tunable Lasers

Block Diagram of the Internal Setup of the Tunable Lasers.
*Monitor 1 is for internal use within the laser's control loop only.

Click to Enlarge
Main Menu (Home Screen) of the TLX1 and TLX2

Touchscreen Interface

These devices can be fully controlled by using the resistive touchscreen display for all functions. Either a finger or plastic stylus can be used to make selections on the screen. Additionally, the knob on the front panel of the housing 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 is organized in three main sections.

Left Column: Buttons to turn each instrument function on or off.
Middle Column: Reports the current operating parameters of each instrument function. Tap in this column to go to the Settings page for each function.
Right Column: Buttons that provide access to various utility and help functions (e.g., control of audio and visual features).

The basic layout can be seen in the screenshots to the right.

Laser Settings Screen of the TLX1 and TLX2

Click to Enlarge
Laser Settings Screen

Laser Settings
From this screen, the user can tune the laser's output wavelength (see the Specs tab for the frequency and wavelength ranges of each device); these lasers also support a fine tuning frequency offset feature, allowing the frequency to be adjusted by an offset from -30.000 GHz to +30.000 GHz in increments of 1 MHz. The laser settings page also allows the user to set the dither function to aid in stabilizing the wavelength. Turning the dither off will result in lower phase and intensity noise; however, the wavelength may drift slightly over time.The noise performance of the laser with and without dither can be seen on the Specs tab. The laser settings screen also provides a readout of many of the laser operating parameters.

VOA Settings Screen of the TLX1 and TLX2

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VOA Settings Screen

VOA Settings
On this screen, the user can control the optical output power via the Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA). The VOA can be operated in one of two modes: Constant Attenuation or Constant Output Power. In Constant Attenuation mode, the attenuation level between the output of the laser and the output of the VOA remains fixed, allowing power changes at the input to be transferred to the output. In Constant Output Power Mode, the final optical output power is held constant independent of the input fluctuations. In this mode, the VOA is effectively used as a power stabilizer.

Rear Panel

The rear panel provides additional safety and utility functions such as the laser safety interlock and the power monitor output, RS-232, and USB ports. The USB interface is currently used only for firmware upgrades that are made available on the Thorlabs website. Future revisions of the firmware will provide for remote control of the instrument’s functions.

All units are shipped from Thorlabs with a shorting device that is already installed in the interlock connector thus allowing the instrument to be operated normally right out of the box. To make use of the interlock feature, a 2.5 mm plug can be wired to the remote interlock switch and plugged into the back-panel interlock jack in place of the shorting plug. The electrical specifications for that function can be found in the manual (PDF link).

Front Panel

Click to Enlarge
TLX1 Front Panel

Callout	Description
1	Touchscreen Display and Control
2	Value Adjustment Knob
3	Key Switch and Indicator Light for Internal Laser
4^a	Laser Output, Accepts PM Fiber with FC/PC Connector
5^a	VOA Input (External Laser Input), Accepts PM Fiber with FC/PC Connector
6^a	VOA Output, Accepts PM Fiber with FC/PC Connector
7	On/Standby Button

Uses PM PANDA Fiber for Internal Connection

Back Panel

Click to Enlarge
TLX1 Back Panel

Callout	Description
1^a	I/O Control Port Outputs from Two Integrated Power Monitors
2	Laser Interlock Jack
3^a	RS-232 Control Port
4	USB Port (Type B)
5	AC Power Cord Connector
6	Fuse Tray
7	AC Power Switch

See the Pin Diagrams tab for pin assignments.

I/O DB15 Connector (Female)

The I/O connector provides analog outputs from the two power monitors.

Pin	Description	Pin	Description
1	Reserved for Future Use	9	Analog Ground
2	Power Monitor 2	10	Analog Ground
3	Power Monitor 3	11	Reserved for Future Use
4	Reserved for Future Use	12	Reserved for Future Use
5	Analog Ground	13	Reserved for Future Use
6	Analog Ground	14	Monitor 2 Gain Indicator
7	Analog Ground	15	Monitor 3 Gain Indicator
8	Analog Ground	-	-

RS-232 Connector (Male)

The RS-232 connector is provided to support remote operation.

Pin	Description
1	Not Connected
2	RS-232 Input
3	RS-232 Output
4	Not Connected
5	Digital Ground
6	Not Connected
7	Not Connected
8	Not Connected
9	Not Connected

USB, Type B (Female)

The USB connector is provided for firmware upgrades and will support remote operation in the future.

Each Tunable Laser Source includes:

Laser Source Main Unit
Power Cord According to Local Supply (Determined by Ordering Location)
PM Loop-Back Fiber Optic Cable
Interlock Keys for Front Panel
2.5 mm Interlock Pin (Pre-installed in Back Panel)
1.25 A, 250 VAC Fuse
USB Type A to Type B Cable, 6' Long

Screen Capture of the Remote Control Tool Software

Click to Enlarge
The GUI of the Remote Control Software Tool

Software for the TLX1 and TLX2 Tunable Laser Sources

Control the Laser Sources Remotely via Serial Commands
Serial commands sent to the TLX1 or TLX2 can control the functionality of internal laser module and variable optical attenuator (VOA), as well as set general system parameters. The commands can be sent from a computer running any operating system to the RS-232 port on the back panel of the TLX series laser. Computers running Windows^® 7, or later versions of the operating system, can send serial commands to the USB port on the back panel of the TLX series laser. The touchscreen interface remains active while the laser is controlled remotely. Descriptions of how to connect a controlling computer to the TLX series laser, the serial command set, and descriptions of each command are included in the Remote Control User Guide.

Application Demonstrating GUI-Based Remote Control of the Laser Sources
The Remote Control Software Tool, which is available for download, is an example graphical user interface (GUI) provided for testing, demonstrating, and exploring the use of the different serial commands. This program is not required to operate the laser source remotely. It opens a connection to the laser source and sends commands in response to buttons clicked by users. Commands sent to the TLX series laser, responses from it, and status information messages are logged to the three rectangular fields located beneath the buttons. Please see the Remote Control User Guide for more information. This program can be used as a basis for the development of custom applications. Please contact us to request the source code.

Software

Version 1.8.1 (January 13, 2020)

Click on the link below to download the Remote Control Software Tool.

Firmware Update

Version 1.8.3 (January 13, 2020)

Click on the link below to download the latest firmware.

Laser Safety and Classification

Safe practices and proper usage of safety equipment should be taken into consideration when operating lasers. The eye is susceptible to injury, even from very low levels of laser light. Thorlabs offers a range of laser safety accessories that can be used to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries. Laser emission in the visible and near infrared spectral ranges has the greatest potential for retinal injury, as the cornea and lens are transparent to those wavelengths, and the lens can focus the laser energy onto the retina.

Safe Practices and Light Safety Accessories

Laser safety eyewear must be worn whenever working with Class 3 or 4 lasers.
Regardless of laser class, Thorlabs recommends the use of laser safety eyewear whenever working with laser beams with non-negligible powers, since metallic tools such as screwdrivers can accidentally redirect a beam.
Laser goggles designed for specific wavelengths should be clearly available near laser setups to protect the wearer from unintentional laser reflections.
Goggles are marked with the wavelength range over which protection is afforded and the minimum optical density within that range.
Laser Safety Curtains and Laser Safety Fabric shield other parts of the lab from high energy lasers.
Blackout Materials can prevent direct or reflected light from leaving the experimental setup area.
Thorlabs' Enclosure Systems can be used to contain optical setups to isolate or minimize laser hazards.
A fiber-pigtailed laser should always be turned off before connecting it to or disconnecting it from another fiber, especially when the laser is at power levels above 10 mW.
All beams should be terminated at the edge of the table, and laboratory doors should be closed whenever a laser is in use.
Do not place laser beams at eye level.
Carry out experiments on an optical table such that all laser beams travel horizontally.
Remove unnecessary reflective items such as reflective jewelry (e.g., rings, watches, etc.) while working near the beam path.
Be aware that lenses and other optical devices may reflect a portion of the incident beam from the front or rear surface.
Operate a laser at the minimum power necessary for any operation.
If possible, reduce the output power of a laser during alignment procedures.
Use beam shutters and filters to reduce the beam power.
Post appropriate warning signs or labels near laser setups or rooms.
Use a laser sign with a lightbox if operating Class 3R or 4 lasers (i.e., lasers requiring the use of a safety interlock).
Do not use Laser Viewing Cards in place of a proper Beam Trap.

Laser Classification

Lasers are categorized into different classes according to their ability to cause eye and other damage. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a global organization that prepares and publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic, and related technologies. The IEC document 60825-1 outlines the safety of laser products. A description of each class of laser is given below:

Class	Description	Warning Label
1	This class of laser is safe under all conditions of normal use, including use with optical instruments for intrabeam viewing. Lasers in this class do not emit radiation at levels that may cause injury during normal operation, and therefore the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) cannot be exceeded. Class 1 lasers can also include enclosed, high-power lasers where exposure to the radiation is not possible without opening or shutting down the laser.
1M	Class 1M lasers are safe except when used in conjunction with optical components such as telescopes and microscopes. Lasers belonging to this class emit large-diameter or divergent beams, and the MPE cannot normally be exceeded unless focusing or imaging optics are used to narrow the beam. However, if the beam is refocused, the hazard may be increased and the class may be changed accordingly.
2	Class 2 lasers, which are limited to 1 mW of visible continuous-wave radiation, are safe because the blink reflex will limit the exposure in the eye to 0.25 seconds. This category only applies to visible radiation (400 - 700 nm).
2M	Because of the blink reflex, this class of laser is classified as safe as long as the beam is not viewed through optical instruments. This laser class also applies to larger-diameter or diverging laser beams.
3R	Class 3R lasers produce visible and invisible light that is hazardous under direct and specular-reflection viewing conditions. Eye injuries may occur if you directly view the beam, especially when using optical instruments. Lasers in this class are considered safe as long as they are handled with restricted beam viewing. The MPE can be exceeded with this class of laser; however, this presents a low risk level to injury. Visible, continuous-wave lasers in this class are limited to 5 mW of output power.
3B	Class 3B lasers are hazardous to the eye if exposed directly. Diffuse reflections are usually not harmful, but may be when using higher-power Class 3B lasers. Safe handling of devices in this class includes wearing protective eyewear where direct viewing of the laser beam may occur. Lasers of this class must be equipped with a key switch and a safety interlock; moreover, laser safety signs should be used, such that the laser cannot be used without the safety light turning on. Laser products with power output near the upper range of Class 3B may also cause skin burns.
4	This class of laser may cause damage to the skin, and also to the eye, even from the viewing of diffuse reflections. These hazards may also apply to indirect or non-specular reflections of the beam, even from apparently matte surfaces. Great care must be taken when handling these lasers. They also represent a fire risk, because they may ignite combustible material. Class 4 lasers must be equipped with a key switch and a safety interlock.
All class 2 lasers (and higher) must display, in addition to the corresponding sign above, this triangular warning sign.

Janis Valdmanis, Ph.D. Optics
Ultrafast Optoelectronics
General Manager

Custom and OEM Options

When your application requirements are not met by our range of catalog products or their variety of user-configurable features, please contact me to discuss how we may serve your custom or OEM needs.

Request a Demo Unit

Explore the benefits of using a Thorlabs high-speed instrument in your setup and under your test conditions with a demo unit. Contact me for details.

Click to Enlarge
The MX40B Digital Reference Transmitter

Design, Manufacturing, and Testing Capabilities

Thorlabs' Ultrafast Optoelectronics Team designs, develops, and manufactures high-speed components and instrumentation for a variety of photonics applications having frequency responses up to 70 GHz. Our extensive experience in high-speed photonics is supported by core expertise in RF/microwave design, optics, fiber optics, optomechanical design, and mixed-signal electronics. As a division of Thorlabs, a company with deep vertical integration and a portfolio of over 20,000 products, we are able to provide and support a wide selection of equipment and continually expand our offerings.

Our catalog and custom products include a range of integrated fiber-optic transmitters, modulator drivers and controllers, detectors, receivers, pulsed lasers, variable optical attenuators, and a variety of accessories. Beyond these products, we welcome opportunities to design and produce custom and OEM products that fall within our range of capabilities and expertise. Some of our key capabilities are:

Detector and Receiver Design, to 70 GHz
Fiber-Optic Transmitter Design, to 70 GHz
RF & Microwave Design and Simulation
Design of Fiber-Optic and Photonics Sub-Assemblies
High-Speed Testing, to 70 GHz

Micro-Assembly and Wire Bonding
Hermetic Sealing of Microwave Modules
Fiber Splicing of Assemblies
Custom Laser Engraving
Qualification Testing

Overview of Custom and Catalog Products

Our catalog product line includes a range of integrated fiber-optic transmitters, modulator drivers and controllers, detectors, pulsed lasers, and accessories. In addition to these, we offer related items, such as receivers and customized catalog products. The following sections give an overview of our spectrum of custom and catalog products, from fully integrated instruments to component-level modules.

Fiber-Optic Instruments

To meet a range of requirements, our fiber-optic instruments span a variety of integration levels. Each complete transmitter includes a tunable laser, a modulator with driver amplifier and bias controller, full control of optical output power, and an intuitive touchscreen interface. The tunable lasers, modulator drivers, and modulator bias controllers are also available separately. These instruments have full remote control capability and can be addressed using serial commands sent from a PC.

Fiber-Optic Transmitters, to 70 GHz
Linear and Digital Transmitters
Electrical-to-Optical Converters, to 70 GHz

Modulator Drivers
Modulator Bias Controllers
C- and L-Band Tunable Lasers

Customization options include internal laser sources, operating wavelength ranges, optical fiber types, and amplifier types.

Fiber-Optic Components

Our component-level, custom and catalog fiber-optic products take advantage of our module design and hermetic sealing capability. Products include detectors with frequency responses up to 50 GHz, and we also specialize in developing fiber-optic receivers, operating up to and beyond 40 GHz, for instrumentation markets. Closely related products include our amplifier modules, which we offer upon request, variable optical attenuators, microwave cables, and cable accessories.

Hermetically-Sealed Detectors, to 50 GHz
Fiber-Optic Receivers, to 40 GHz
Amplifier Modules

Electronic Variable Optical Attenuators
Microwave Cables and Accessories

Customization options include single mode and multimode optical fiber options, where applicable, and detectors optimized for time or frequency domain operation.

Free-Space Instruments

Our free-space instruments include detectors with frequency responses around 1 GHz and pulsed lasers. Our pulsed lasers generate variable-width, nanosecond-duration pulses, and a range of models with different wavelengths and optical output powers are offered. User-adjustable repetition rates and trigger in/out signals provide additional flexibility, and electronic delay-line products enable experimental synchronization of multiple lasers. We can also adapt our pulsed laser catalog offerings to provide gain-switching capability for the generation of pulses in the 100 ps range.

Pulsed Lasers with Fixed 10 ns Pulse Duration
Pulsed Lasers with Variable Pulse Width and Repetition Rates
Electronic Delay Units to Synchronize NPL Series Pulsed Lasers
Amplified Detectors

Customization options for the pulsed lasers include emission wavelength, optical output powers, and sub-nanosecond pulse widths.

Posted Comments:

Gaoce Han (posted 2019-07-30 21:27:29.15)

Dear Ashley, I want to buy a tunable laser this week and the requirements for the laser are 1. Central wavelength: 1550 nm 2. Wavelength range: at least 1530~1570 nm, which means the tuning range is > 40 nm 3. Linewidth: narrow linewidth 4. Tuning speed: fast tuning Thus I am interested in the products TLX1. About it, I need to specifically know some important parameters so that I can make decision 1. Stability: if the tunable laser is working at a fixed frequency, what is the curve frequency versus time? (see fig.1) 2. Tuning step: if the tunable laser is idealy linearly tuning, which is not possible, what is the tuning principle of it? (see fig.2) 3. Tuning speed: what is the maximum tuning speed if the tuning range is 40 nm @ 1550 nm? In terms of fig.1 and fig.2, they are only examples, the actual curves could be different. What do I want to know have been explained in them. Please give me the curves or parameters as detailed as possible. I will make the final decision this week, could you please respond me ASAP? Many thanks! Best wishes, Gaoce

YLohia (posted 2019-07-31 09:03:32.0)

Hello Gaoce, our Applications Engineers can be contacted directly via email (techsupport@thorlabs.com). We will reach out to you to discuss your application.

Transmitter Instruments and Tunable Lasers
Item #	Speed	Internal Laser	Internal Modulator (Type)	RF Amplifier (Type)	Bias Controller	Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA)	Block Diagram
Automatic Bias Controller
MBX	N/A	-	-	-
Tunable Telecom-Grade Laser Sources
TLX1	N/A	C-Band, Tunable	-	-	-
TLX2	N/A	L-Band, Tunable	-	-	-
High-Speed Modulator Drivers
MX10A	12.5 Gb/s^a	-	-	Digital
MX40A	40 Gb/s^a	-	-	Digital
High-Speed Optical Transmitters
MX10B	12.5 Gb/s^a	C-Band, Tunable	Intensity	Digital
MX10B-LB	12.5 Gb/s^a	L-Band, Tunable
MX10B-1310	12.5 Gb/s^a	1310 nm, Fixed
MX10C	12.5 Gb/s^a	C-Band, Tunable	Phase	Digital	-
MX10C-LB	12.5 Gb/s^a	L-Band, Tunable
MX10C-1310	12.5 Gb/s^a	1310 nm, Fixed
MX35E	35 GHz^b	C-Band, Tunable	Intensity	Linear
MX35E-LB	35 GHz^b	L-Band, Tunable
MX35E-1310	35 GHz^b	1310 nm, Fixed
MX35D	35 GHz^b	C-Band, Tunable	Intensity	Linear with Differential Input
MX35D-LB	35 GHz^b	L-Band, Tunable
MX35D-1310	35 GHz^b	1310 nm, Fixed
MX40B	40 Gb/s^a	C-Band, Tunable	Intensity	Digital
MX40B-LB	40 Gb/s^a	L-Band, Tunable
MX40B-1310	40 Gb/s^a	1310 nm, Fixed
MX40C	40 Gb/s^a	C-Band, Tunable	Phase	Digital	-
MX40C-LB	40 Gb/s^a	L-Band, Tunable
MX40C-1310	40 Gb/s^a	1310 nm, Fixed
MX65E	65 GHz^b	C-Band, Tunable	Intensity	Linear
MX65E-LB	65 GHz^b	L-Band, Tunable
MX65E-1310	65 GHz^b	1310 nm, Fixed
E-O Converters for VNA Applications
MX40G	40 GHz^b	C-Band, Tunable	Intensity	-
MX40G-LB	40 GHz^b	L-Band, Tunable
MX40G-850	40 GHz^b	850 nm, Fixed
MX40G-1310	40 GHz^b	1310 nm, Fixed
MX70G	70 GHz^b	C-Band, Tunable	Intensity	-
MX70G-LB	70 GHz^b	L-Band, Tunable
MX70G-1310	70 GHz^b	1310 nm, Fixed

Maximum Supported Digital Bit Rate
Maximum Analog Bandwidth

Selection Guide for Transmitter Instruments

The capabilities of Thorlabs' extensive range of transmitter instruments are summarized in the text and table below. All members of this product series share a similar interface, as well as a common remote control command set.

Automatic Bias Controller
Thorlabs' fully-featured automatic bias controller provides complete and precise control of DC bias and optical output power for any fiber-coupled LiNbO₃ EO intensity modulator, regardless of signal speed. Automatic bias controllers are ideal for use within a customized setup that uses an external laser, intensity modulator, signal source, and RF amplifier.

Tunable Telecom-Grade Laser Sources
Emitting in the C-band or the L-band, these lasers have narrow typical linewidths of 10 kHz. A frequency dither option aids in stabilizing the laser wavelength, and the integrated variable optical attenuator (VOA) provides optical output power control. These lasers are tunable in 50 GHz steps across the ITU frequency grid, and feature a 1 MHz step size fine-tune capability, as well.

High-Speed Modulator Drivers
With an operational wavelength range of 1250 nm to 1610 nm, each modulator driver provides control for an external fiber-coupled LiNbO₃ EO modulator. Each modulator driver includes an RF amplifier with amplitude and eye-crossing controls and accepts an external drive signal source. Models with integrated automatic bias controllers are offered for use with intensity EO modulators.

High-Speed Optical Transmitters
Designed to provide fully-integrated solutions for high-speed light modulation, these systems are built around a LiNbO₃ intensity or phase modulator. The MX10B, MX40B, MX10C, and MX40C series of systems include a digital (limiting) RF amplifier, which offers fixed gain and an adjustable output voltage swing. The MX35 and MX65E series include a high-bandwidth linear (analog) RF amplifier, making it well suited for pulse amplitude modulation and related applications.

E-O Converters for VNA Applications
With our MX40G and MX70G series of E-O converters, any E-E vector network analyzer can be used to perform optical testing up to 40 GHz or 70 GHz respectively. The E-O converter is a fully-integrated solution that includes a laser, a modulator, and bias control.