406 nm SLM Laser

Item Code: 0406L-41A-NI-NT-NF

HP VBG Diode Free-space

Preliminary

Full production

Replacement in due course

Not for new designs

Orders still accepted, deliveries still possible

No more orders accepted

Discontinued

Available (in stock) Not in stock

Description

406 nm single longitudinal mode (SLM) diode laser, purpose-built for the demanding realm of quantum cryptography. Its exceptional coherence and minimal linewidth make it a vital tool for the application. Its applications extend to quantum key distribution systems, quantum encryption networks, and quantum communication protocols, all of which rely on its precision and stability to safeguard sensitive data against potential threats. These features make it an ideal choice for quantum key distribution and secure data transmission in quantum encryption systems, ensuring the utmost data security in a straightforward and practical manner.

This model could also be used in compact Raman spectrometers or fluorescence microscopes. Small footprint and +5 VDC operating voltage is exactly what's needed for handheld portable devices. Integrated precision driver electronics ensure low-noise and stable operation throughout the wide temperature range.

This free-space laser can be supplied with an integrated clean-up filter.

Note:

Back-reflections to the laser can cause spectral widening or even a COD (Catastrophic Optical Damage) of laser diode facet. In optical systems with significant back-reflections (e.g. more than 0.5%), the laser must be protected by using an optical isolator with at least 20 dB isolation. Typical applications include interferometry, confocal microscopy (especially working with reflective samples), etc. Failure to comply with these requirements will render the warranty void.

Last edited on: 6 August 2024

Parameter	Minimum Value	Typical Value	Maximum Value
Central wavelength, nm	405.5	406	406.4
Spectral line width FWHM, MHz ¹	-	20	60
Output power, mW ²	-	100	-
Power stability, % (RMS, 8 hrs) ³	0.02	0.05	0.2
Power stability, % (peak-to-peak, 8 hrs) ⁴	0.1	0.3	1
Intensity noise, % (RMS, 20 Hz to 20 MHz) ⁵	0.1	0.2	0.6
Side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR), dB	40	50	60
Longitudinal modes	-	Single	-
Transversal modes	-	TEM00	-
Beam width (1/e2), mm ⁶	-	0.9	1.4
Beam height (1/e2), mm	-	1.3	1.7
Horizontal beam divergence, mrad	-	0.9	1.5
Vertical beam divergence, mrad	-	0.5	1
M² horizontal axis	-	1.2	1.4
M² vertical axis ⁷	-	1.3	2.0
M² effective	-	1.3	1.6
Polarization direction ⁸	-	Horizontal	-
Polarization contrast	1000	2000	-
Control interface type ⁹	-	UART	-
Operation mode ¹⁰	-	APC (CW)	-
Modulation bandwidth, MHz ¹¹	-	N/A	-
Input voltage, VDC	4.8	5	5.3
Input current, A	-	1.5	-
Max. power consumption, W	0.4	2	10
Heat-sinking requirement, °C/W	-	1	-
Optimum heatsink temperature, °C	18	25	32
Warm up time, mins (cold start)	0.2	1	2
Temperature stabilization	-	Internal TEC	-
External fan control	-	Yes	-
Overheat protection	-	Yes	-
Storage temperature, °C (non-condensing)	-10	-	50
Beam height from the base, mm	9.9	10.4	10.9
Dimensions (WxDxH), mm ¹²	-	50 x 30 x 18	-
Net weight, kg	0.1	0.12	0.14
Laser safety class	-	3B	-
RoHS	-	Yes	-
CE compliance	-	- General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) 2001/95/EC - (EMC) Directive 2004/108/EC	-
OEM lasers are not compliant with	-	IEC60825-1:2014 (compliant using additional accessories)	-
Warranty, months (op. hrs) ¹³	-	14 (10000)	-
Country of origin	-	Lithuania	-
Spectral line width FWHM, pm ¹⁴	-	0.01	0.03

¹ Measured with a scanning Fabry-Perot interferometer having 7.5 MHz resolution, with scanning frequency of about 10 Hz. Interferometer testing is not provided for each laser being manufactured, the standard test is OSA measurement with 20-30 pm resolution instead.

² The output power of SLM lasers shall not be tuned and SLM performance is not guaranteed at power ratings other than factory preset. However, the power setting capability is not disabled. External attenuators are recommended instead.

³ The long term power test is carried out at constant laser body temperature (+/-0.1 ‎°C) using an optical power meter with an input bandwidth of 10 Hz. The actual measurement rate has a period of about 20 seconds to 1 minute.

⁴ The long term power test is carried out at constant laser body temperature (+/-0.1 ‎°C) using an optical power meter with an input bandwidth of 10 Hz. The actual measurement rate has a period of about 20 seconds to 1 minute.

⁵ Noise level is measured with a fast photodiode connected to an oscilloscope. The overall system bandwidth is from 2 kHz to 20 MHz.

⁶ Beam width and height are measured at 0.4 m from output aperture.

⁷ The beam of this laser usually contains small artifacts, which make the M²_y measurement worse. The beam quality improvement on Y-axis (vertical) is possible by sacrificing some output power (up to 30% loss of power). However, in applications where SM fiber coupling is needed, even at M²_y=2.0 we guarantee that 50% of radiation will be coupled into the fiber.

⁸ For lasers without integrated optical isolators.

⁹ Break-out-boxes AM-C8 and AM-C3 can be used for conversion of UART communication to either USB or RS232.

¹⁰ APC - Automatic Power Control.

¹¹ SLM lasers shall not be modulated - use external modulators instead.

¹² Excluding control interface pins and an output window/fiber assembly.

¹³ Whichever occurs first. The laser has an integrated operational hours counter.

¹⁴ Converted from bandwidth value.

Typical spectrum

Typical spectrum of 0406 nm diode laser. Measured with 10 pm resolution.

Drawing

The key dimensions of a free-space MatchBox.

Typical Near Field

Typical near field (0.45 m from output aperture) beam profile. Non-circularized beam of a 0406 nm direct diode laser.

Typical Far Field

Typical far field (1 m from output aperture) beam profile. Non-circularized beam of a 0406 nm direct diode laser.

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Raman Spectroscopy

Raman Spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique that explores molecular vibrations by measuring inelastic scattering of monochromatic light. It provides valuable insights into molecular structure, composition, and chemical bonding, making it widely used in material science, chemistry, and biology. The unique spectral fingerprints obtained through Raman spectroscopy enable non-destructive and precise identification of substances, making it a versatile tool for research and quality control applications.

Interferometry

None

Gas Sensing

None

Quantum Cryptography

Quantum cryptography is a way of securing information using the principles of quantum physics. One method of quantum cryptography is quantum key distribution (QKD), which allows two parties to share a secret key that can encrypt and decrypt messages. QKD uses entangled photons, which are pairs of light particles that have a quantum connection and share the same properties. By measuring the polarization of one photon, the other photon will have the same polarization, even if they are far apart. This way, the two parties can generate a random sequence of bits that form the key. However, to create and send entangled photons from space, they need small lasers that can fit into smallsats.