Frequently Asked Questions

Whether there are any technical issues concerning our products or any general questions, we are always willing to answer them as fast as possible via email or phone. In order to save both our and our clients time, we have provided a list of FAQ.

If power is being applied directly to the laser pins 5 V at 4-5 A for DPSS lasers, and 5 V at 1.5 A for diode lasers. If a laser is being powered through a Break-out-box, we recommend using 18 W PD type power supply for low power direct diode lasers, 45- 60 W PD type power supply for higher power direct diode or DPSS lasers. We highly recommend to use the same power supply as we offer on our website. Otherwise we can not ensure that the laser would work the same as it was tested during production.

Note: Some lasers can draw more current at the moment of turn on, compared to specified. 

There might be several reasons:

a) the laser is overheating.

b) the power supply is not sufficient;

c) the laser diode or pump diode has failed;

d) fiber connector failure.

Please check if heat dissipation is sufficient. Launch the laser control software, check whether the TEC is less than 100% and if the laser is working on APC regime. What is the voltage between Vcc and GND pins? It should not be less than 4.0 V and not exceed 5.5 V. In case the voltage is different, wires might be too long or too thin or other components are involved that might cause voltage drop/increase.

Low power, broad spectrum diode lasers typically require 7.5 W heat dissipation, so such laser could be cooled when attached to any optical table or cooling device. For such use cases we offer our cooling devices - air forced (AM-H3/AM-H8) coolers. Higher power diode, narrow spectrum diode or DPSS lasers typically require 10-25 W heat dissipation so such lasers should be cooler using TEC based (AM-H9/AM-H10/AM-H11) heatsinks or water-cooled adapter plates.

During production our lasers are tested on water-cooled adapter plates, that can keep 25 °C temperature. Aluminum breadboards could be used to dissipate low amount of heat, but that would not be enough for stable laser operation. Keep in mind that steel has very poor thermal conductivity, therefore conventional optical tables and breadboards are not suitable for heatsinking DPSS lasers. Users should always use thermal film (or paste) when mounting the laser. Body temperature of the laser should not exceed about 40 °C, and the TEC load should not exceed 80%, with rare exceptions.

The MatchBox series is designed for OEM applications. Integrators can install the laser without any other accessories, just by providing 5 V at 1.5-2 A and UART control signals to the Vcc and GND pins on the back of the laser. However for quick setup, a Break-out-Box and a power supply are necessary. Power supply and the Break-out­ Box should be ordered separately as they are not included in the package. Also, for stable laser operation it is always advised to use heatsinks. Contact our sales support for suitable heatsinking recommendations.

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