About MatchBox CW Lasers
There are more than 150 CW laser configurations in the MatchBox® product family. Both direct diode and DPSS laser principles are implemented in the World's smallest MatchBox® footprint. Single-frequency (or singe-longitudinal mode) options are available for the majority of wavelengths.
Features
- SM/PM/MM fiber coupling options
- Ultra-compact All-in-One design*
- Thermally stabilized optics
- Monolithic design
- Hermetically sealed
- Automatic power control
- +5VDC input voltage (voltage is upconverted internally to make it suitable for various laser diodes)
High-Performance Compact Lasers
CW Matchbox lasers were developed for spectroscopy applications.
Control Interface
MatchBox® series lasers feature a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) controller interface. The pinout is explained below - separately for diode and DPSS lasers.
Diode Laser with a regular spectrum
- Tx and Rx pins are used for communication, error read-out and change of parameters
- GND pin is common to the enclosure
- Vcc pin is used for +VDC power
- TTL pin can have two purposes: TTL ON/OFF digital modulation of the laser (in case of regular diodes) or control of a variable speed fan*** (in case of wavelength-stabilized diodes)
***TTL or FAN setting is factory pre-configured.
DPSS / narrow spectrum diode / high power diode lasers
- Tx and Rx pins are used for communication, error read-out and change of parameters
- GND pin is common to the enclosure
- Vcc pin is used for +VDC power
- FAN ctrl. pin is used for variable speed control of a fan***
***Can be configured into virtual TTL modulation having up to 500 Hz modulation bandwidth.
Break-out-Box Explanation
The Break-out-Box (sold separately) contains UART-USB converter circuit and conventional connection ports in a robust anodized aluminium housing.
- Data USB-micro port is used for communication with a computer.
- Interlock has two pins - INT-GND and INT. When the pins are shortened with an interlocking loop, the laser can be operated.
- TTL modulation signal wires shall be connected to TTL and GND slots.
- Power USB-C port is used for the provision of PD (Power Delivery) power. The break-out box requests +9VDC or +12VDC from the power supply and convert it to +5VDC, thus ensuring a reliable and stable voltage supply to the laser.
- FAN and +5V slots are compatible with all our fan-cooled heat sinks. FAN slot is used for fan-heatsink GND.
Software Interface
Heatsinks
A low profile forced-air cooler has an integrated centrifugal fan. Very efficient for dissipation of a large amount of excess heat.
A compact TEC-cooled mounting adapter plate is a great cooling unit for good thermal and mechanical stability requiring lasers and setups.
Power Supplies
Advantages
- Easy to integrate (smallest enclosure on the market)
- Convenient to arrange in the proximity of a working area (use of fiber pigtails is often not necessary)
- Standard Package (MatchBox®)
- User-friendly software with multiple parameter monitoring
- Low power consumption in standby-mode (important for battery-powered applications)
- Excellent beam pointing angle and beam position accuracy
- High cooling capacity
- Rugged enclosure
- Operational hours counter
- On/Off cycle counter
- Smart over-heat protection
- Black surface finish absorbs reflections
- Power delivery (PD) based power supplies
- Variety of accessories
- Space-saving pinhead connector
What's in the Box?
- Laser Source (integrated power electronics in the same enclosure)
- One thermal film. If a laser is sent mounted on a heatsink with a thermal film, an additional 1 g of thermal grease is included.
- 2 screws of M2.5x20 mm for fixing the laser to a mounting plate. Tightening torque 0.25 - 0.35 N·m
- Hex key: 1.5 mm; BN:1169; DIN:911