TLX1 TLX2 Tunable Laser Sources C-Band L-Band

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Product Information

Specifications

• Product Model: TLX1 / TLX2
• Tunable Laser Sources: C-Band / L-Band
• Power Supply: 250 VAC
• USB Cable Length: 6 feet
• Fuse Type: 1.25 A

Product Usage Instructions

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1. Parts List

Inspect the shipping container for damage. Verify that you have
received the following items:

1. TLX1 or TLX2 Tunable Laser Source
2. Power Cord According to Local Power Supply
3. PM Loopback Fiber Optic Cable
4. Interlock Keys
5. 2.5 mm Interlock Pin (Pre-installed in back panel)
6. 1.25 A, 250 VAC Fuse
7. USB Type A to Type B Cable, 6′ Long

Chapter 2: Safety

Warning: Risk of Explosion

The instrument must not be operated in explosion endangered
environments.

Caution: ESD Sensitive Component

The components inside this instrument are ESD sensitive. Take
all appropriate precautions to discharge personnel and equipment
before making any connections to the unit.

Caution: Components not Water Resistant

This instrument should be kept clear of environments where
liquid spills or condensing moisture are likely. To avoid damage,
do not expose it to spray, liquids, or solvents.

FAQ

Q: Can I use the TLX1 or TLX2 in a wet environment?

A: No, the TLX1 and TLX2 are not water-resistant and should be
kept away from liquids.

Q: What precautions should I take when handling ESD-sensitive

components?

A: Make sure to discharge personnel and equipment before making
any connections to the unit. Use a wrist strap connected to the
front panel grounding jack.

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TLX1 / TLX2
Tunable Laser Sources C-Band / L-Band
User Guide

TLX1 and TLX2 Tunable Laser Sources
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………………………1 1.1. Parts List ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1 1.2. Block Diagram ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1 1.3. Front and Rear Panel Overview ……………………………………………………………………….. 2
Chapter 2 Safety…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3 2.1. Precautions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
Chapter 3 Quick Start Guide…………………………………………………………………………………………………5 3.1. Hardware Set-up …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5 3.2. Controls on the Home Page …………………………………………………………………………….. 6 3.3. Controls in the Settings Pages ………………………………………………………………………… 7
Chapter 4 Operating Instructions …………………………………………………………………………………………8 4.1. Laser Settings Page ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 8 4.2. Variable Optical Attenuator Settings Page ……………………………………………………… 10 4.3. Load Page ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11 4.4. Menu Page……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 12
Chapter 5 Specifications…………………………………………………………………………………………………….15 5.1. Laser Specifications ……………………………………………………………………………………… 15 5.2. General Specifications ………………………………………………………………………………….. 15 5.3. Power and Environmental Specifications ……………………………………………………….. 16
Chapter 6 Control & PC Connections ………………………………………………………………………………… 17 6.1. General Purpose I/O, RS-232, and USB Connections ………………………………………. 17 6.2. The Laser Safety Interlock …………………………………………………………………………….. 18
Chapter 7 Mechanical Drawings ………………………………………………………………………………………… 19 Chapter 8 Maintenance, Repair & Fuses……………………………………………………………………………..20
8.1. Maintenance & Repair …………………………………………………………………………………… 20 8.2. Replacement Parts ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 20 8.3. Replacing the Main Fuse ……………………………………………………………………………….. 21 Chapter 9 Troubleshooting…………………………………………………………………………………………………22 Chapter 10 Declaration of Conformity …………………………………………………………………………………. 23 Chapter 11 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts…………………………………………………………………………….24

TLX1 and TLX2 Tunable Laser Sources

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 1 Introduction

The emission wavelength of the TLX1 and TLX2 laser sources can be tuned over commonly used telecommunication wavelength ranges. The TLX1 source emits in the C-band, while the TLX2 source 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. 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.

The instrument can be controlled in two ways. The simplest method is directly via the built-in graphical user interface (GUI) and touchscreen. The instrument can also be operated remotely via the RS-232 or USB ports on the back panel. Remote control is enabled using simple SCPI-type serial commands from a PC. See the remote control user guide (RCUG), which can be downloaded from https://www.thorlabs.com/manuals.cfm, for details. The most recent firmware and remote control software tool can be downloaded by visiting https://www.thorlabs.com/navigation.cfm?Guide_ID=2191 and entering the Item # into the search field. Thorlabs’ technical support can provide up-to-date information on available firmware revisions and control functions. NOTE: This manual covers both the TLX1 and TLX2 models, as their architectures are very similar. Only the wavelength bands are different. Their differences are clearly noted in the following sections.

1.1. Parts List

Inspect the shipping container for damage. If the shipping container seems to be damaged, keep it until you have inspected the contents and tested the unit mechanically and electrically. Verify that you have received the following items within the package:

1. TLX1 or TLX2 Tunable Laser Source 2. Power Cord According to Local Power Supply 3. PM Loopback Fiber Optic Cable 4. Interlock Keys

5. 2.5 mm Interlock Pin (Pre-installed in back panel) 6. 1.25 A, 250 VAC Fuse 7. USB Type A to Type B Cable, 6′ Long

1.2. Block Diagram
These instruments contain both the laser source and a variable optical attenuator for output power control. The user can also choose to use an external laser source of their own by attaching directly to the Laser Input port instead of using the supplied loop-back fiber patch cord. The Laser In port uses PM fiber with light linearly polarized along the slow axis as shown on the front panel. Maximum input power is 20 dBm (100 mW). Optical power is monitored in two places (Mon) for the purpose of enabling bias output power control. These power values are also available at the I/O port on the rear panel.

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1.3. Front and Rear Panel Overview

A

B

Chapter 1: Introduction
C

D EF

G

H IJ K

L

Label A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O

MN O
Description Touchscreen display
Adjustment knob Key Switch and Indicator
Laser Output VOA Input VOA Output
Standby Button I/O Port
Option Label RS-232 Port
USB Port Laser Interlock Power Connector
Fuse Tray Power Switch

Detail
PM FC/PC PM FC/PC PM FC/PC
HD DB-15
DB-9 Type B 2.5 mm jack

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Chapter 2: Safety

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. If equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single components be carried out or components not supplied by Thorlabs be used

Warning: Risk of Electrical Shock Before applying power to the instrument, make sure that the protective conductor of the 3 conductor mains power cord is correctly connected to the protective earth contact of the socket outlet. Improper grounding can cause electric shock with damage to your health or even death. Only use mains cable with sufficient current and voltage ratings for this instrument. The local supply voltage must be in the range specified on the rear panel, and the correct fuse must be installed in the fuse holder. If not, please replace the main fuse (see Section 8.3). Do not position equipment in a way that makes it difficult for the user to operate the disconnecting device. Do not remove covers. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

Warning: Risk of Explosion The instrument must not be operated in explosion endangered environments.

Warning: Laser Radiation Avoid Exposure ­ Radiation emitted from apertures. Do not look into the laser aperture while the laser is on. Injury to the eye may result. Laser should not be turned on unless there is an optical fiber connected to the laser output port.
Caution ­ Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

Caution: ESD Sensitive Component The components inside this instrument are ESD sensitive. Take all appropriate precautions to discharge personnel and equipment before making any connections to the unit. A front panel grounding jack is provided for connection to a wrist strap.

Caution: Components not Water Resistant This instrument should be kept clear of environments where liquid spills or condensing moisture are likely. It is not water resistant. To avoid damage to the instrument, do not expose it to spray, liquids, or solvents.

Caution: Follow Intended Usage Guidelines This product is not suitable for household room illumination.
Inputs and outputs must only be connected with shielded connection cables.
Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in housing.
Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters are not to be used within the range of three meters of this unit since the electromagnetic field intensity may then exceed the maximum allowed disturbance values according to IEC 61326-1.

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Chapter 2: Safety

2.1. Precautions
The following statement applies to the products covered in this manual, unless otherwise specified herein. The statement for other products will appear in the accompanying documentation.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits according to IEC 61326-1 for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).

Thorlabs is not responsible for any radio television interference caused by modifications of this equipment or the substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment other than those specified by Thorlabs. The correction of interference caused by such unauthorized modification, substitution or attachment will be the responsibility of the user. The use of shielded I/O cables is required when connecting this equipment to any and all optional peripheral or host devices. Failure to do so may violate FCC and ICES rules.

This precision device should only be shipped if packed into the complete original packaging including the custom cut foam padding. If necessary, ask for replacement packing material.

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Chapter 3: Quick Start Guide

Chapter 3 Quick Start Guide

3.1. Hardware Set-up
For first use, plug the main power cable into the rear panel connector, and then plug the other end into an AC wall receptacle. Flip the power switch on the rear panel to the ON (I) position. The unit will now be in the “Standby” mode, and the front panel standby button should glow amber.

Attach the PM loopback fiber optic cable between the Laser Out and Laser In FC connectors on the front panel. Be sure to clean both ends of the fiber as described in the Maintenance Section of this manual.

Insert the key into the interlock switch and turn it towards the unlock symbol ( ). This allows the laser to be turned on, but the LASER ON indicator will not glow green until the laser is actually turned on by using the touchscreen interface. Turn on the unit by pressing the amber standby button on the front panel which will then turn green to indicate the unit is fully on. The touchscreen display will come up with a boot screen for about 5 seconds and then go to the home page. The unit will initialize in the factory default state with all functions OFF.

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Chapter 3: Quick Start Guide

3.2. Controls on the Home Page
The TLX1 and TLX2 lasers can be fully controlled by using the resistive touchscreen display for all functions. You can use a finger or a plastic stylus to make selections on the screen. In addition, the knob on the front panel 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.

Tap these buttons to turn functions ON or OFF
Tap in these areas to go to the related
Settings pages

Blue button Utility functions
Green Dot Stability Indicator
Power units (dBm or mW) are set in the VOA Settings page

The Home screen (or dashboard) is organized into three main sections.
The left side contains the ON/OFF buttons for each of the main instrument functions. Tapping either of these buttons will toggle the function on and off. The same ON/OFF functionality is also available on the individual Settings pages. The power buttons turn green to indicate the function is ON, and turn red to indicate the function is disabled.
The central section is the main dashboard for reporting operational values of each section. Tapping the screen in this middle area will take the user to the corresponding Settings page for each section. Note that the green dot in each of these sections indicates the function is stable. A blinking green dot indicates the function is still stabilizing.
The right side of the screen provides access to the main utility functions of the box.
The screenshot below shows some of the common warning indicators on the HOME page. Some functions can be disabled when the laser power is low. In this case, buttons may be disabled and warnings indicators may appear.

Disabled Function

Interlock Warning
Low Power Warnings

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Chapter 3: Quick Start Guide

3.3. Controls in the Settings Pages
The Settings pages all follow the same general design and functionality as shown in the example screenshot below. The upper section with white letters displays the parameters that can be changed. Simply tap on the parameter of interest to highlight it, and the controls for that parameter will be presented.
The lower section with amber letters displays selected values that are convenient to monitor on that page.
The right-hand column provides the controls for changing the values for the selected parameters. The main control knob on the front panel can also be used to adjust and confirm selected values. The screenshots below show examples of the touchscreen controls.

Tap to select parameter Yellow highlight will appear

Increase value

Decrease value Change Step Size Confirm new value Cancel any changes Monitor area

MIN / MAX warnings indicate that the setting limit for a particular parameter has been reached.

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Chapter 4: Operating Instructions

Chapter 4 Operating Instructions

4.1. Laser Settings Page
To access the Laser Settings page, tap on the Laser monitors pane on the Home page. Here the user can control the laser wavelength and choose whether or not to use the dither feature (available for transmitters with C-band or L-band lasers only) to stabilize the wavelength. Turning the dither off will result in lower phase and intensity noise, but the wavelength may drift slightly over time. The monitors on this page provide live readings of many parameters.

Caution: The laser should not be turned on unless there is an optical fiber connected to the laser output port.
Optical frequency can be set at increments of 50 GHz; 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. The ITU channel number on these pages is an index number given only for convenience, which is unique to this instrument; actual frequencies and spacings are specified by the ITU standard.
To adjust the ITU channel, tap on the ITU CHANNEL row and use the arrow buttons to increment or decrement the channel. Press the green check mark to accept the new channel, or the red cancel button to abort the change. You may also use the adjustment knob. Note that you are initially editing by channel, as indicated by the STEP CHAN button. Note that the frequency and wavelength value are estimated based on the laser’s nominal 50 GHz channel spacing, not measured by the instrument.

Tap here to change the laser wavelength
Tap here to change the STEP size
Calculated frequency and wavelength are displayed in the monitor section.

To apply a fine-tuning frequency offset, tap the STEP CHAN button. The button will cycle to the next mode, STEP 10GHz. In this mode, using the up or down arrows or control knob will adjust the most significant digit of the frequency offset. Tapping the button repeatedly will cycle through the STEP 1GHz, STEP 100MHz, STEP 10MHz, and STEP 1MHz modes, allowing you to edit the offset in finer units of 1GHz, 100MHz, 10MHz, or 1MHz. Tapping the button one more time will cycle back to STEP CHAN mode.

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Chapter 4: Operating Instructions
In “STEP 1GHz” mode you can edit the fine-tuning frequency offset in steps of 1 GHz.

Note that while these lasers can have their frequency adjusted by increments as small as 1 MHz, the laser’s actual tuning accuracy is not this fine. See Section 5.1 below for more information.
To turn the dither setting on or off, tap on the DITHER row and use the ON or OFF buttons to change the setting, or the red cancel button to abort the change.
Use these buttons to toggle the dither function On/Off

The plot below shows laser frequency noise as a function of optical frequency when the laser is operated with and without dither enabled. The red trace shows low noise operation when dither is turned off. Wavelength stability is improved by operating with dither, but the blue trace shows that this comes at the expense of added noise.

Frequency Noise (Hz2/Hz)

1015 1013 1011 109 107 105 103
1

Laser Noise Spectrum
With Dither Without Dither
10 102 103 104 105 106 107 108
Frequency (Hz)

FM Noise Spectrum with and without dither. Wavelength stability is improved with dither, but at the expense of adding noise (blue line). Red line show Low Noise operation with dither turned off.

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Chapter 4: Operating Instructions

4.2. Variable Optical Attenuator Settings Page
To get to the Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA) Settings page tap in the VOA monitors pane on the Home page. The VOA provides the means for adjusting and stabilizing either the attenuation or the output power. Note that the power measurement units for the entire interface are set on this page.
The VOA can operate in either of two modes: 1) Constant Attenuation, or 2) Constant Output Power.

Tap here to change Modes

Tap here to select Constant Attenuation mode
Tap here to select Constant Output Power mode

Constant Attenuation Mode maintains a fixed attenuation level between the output of the laser and the output of the VOA. Any fluctuations at the input are transferred to the output.
VOA in Constant Attenuation mode
Tap here to change attenuation level
Tap here to change units for power measurement

Constant Output Power Mode acts as a stabilizer by holding the final optical power constant independent of input fluctuations (within controllable limits such as input power and attenuation).
VOA Mode set to Constant Output Power
Tap here to adjust output power
Warning indicates power is too low to reach the set point
Warning indicates loss of VOA calibration due to low power.

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Chapter 4: Operating Instructions

4.3. Load Page
To get to this page, tap the blue Load button on the Home page. The Load page allows the user to revert back to the factory default settings. Future firmware revisions will have the ability to store and load instrument states defined by the user.

Tap to restore factory settings

Confirm or Cancel the return to factory default settings

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Chapter 4: Operating Instructions

4.4. Menu Page
To get to this page, tap the blue Menu button on the Home page. The Menu page has links to several pages that allow the user to control the display, sounds, lights, and get help information. The following sections describe these functions in more detail.

Tap here to control the touchscreen and the sounds it makes
Tap here to find system info
Tap here to control the accent LEDs that emanate from the bottom of the instrument
Tap here to find help from Thorlabs Technical Support

4.4.1. Display and Sound Settings Page
Path here: Home > Menu > Display & Sounds.

Tap any of the fields to access the respective controls.

DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS controls the overall brightness of the touch-screen display. Adjusting the brightness to 0 forces the display to enter Sleep mode. Exit Sleep mode by touching the display or turning/pressing the adjustment knob.
DISPLAY SLEEP toggles the ability to enter Sleep mode (On/Off). When On, Sleep mode will be entered when the sleep time has expired due to no user interaction with the touch-screen display or adjustment knob. When Sleep mode is entered, the touch-screen display turns off while allowing the unit to continue to function. Exit Sleep mode by touching the display or turning/pressing the adjustment knob.
DISPLAY SLEEP TIME controls how long the touch-screen display is visible before entering Sleep mode.
KNOB CLICK toggles the sound produced when turning the adjustment knob (On/Off).
NOTIFICATION BEEP toggles the sound associated with on-screen notifications (On/Off). Any notification or error that appears on the screen will produce a beep (MIN/MAX adjustment, Power Limited, Power Low, etc).

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Chapter 4: Operating Instructions

4.4.2. System Information Page
Path here: Home > Menu > System Information.

The System Information page displays the installed hardware and software versions

This is useful information when in need of technical support or to verify firmware revisions

4.4.3. Accent LED Settings Page
Path here: Home > Menu > Accent LEDs The accent LED settings control the intensity of the color LEDs that emanate from the bottom of the instrument. These are a fun aesthetic feature. You can set them to your favorite color.
Select color mode by tapping these buttons.
Tap any of the three color fields to access the up/down controls. Learn to mix colors!
Tap the white field to access the up/down controls. This field adjusts the brightness of a white light.

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Chapter 4: Operating Instructions

4.4.4. Thorlabs Help Page
Path here: Home > Menu > Thorlabs Help
The Thorlabs Help page displays the Tech Support phone number, Thorlabs web site, and the installed hardware and software versions. This information will be useful when speaking with Tech Support.

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Chapter 5: Specifications

Chapter 5 Specifications
All Specifications are at 1550 nm and 25 °C ambient temperature, unless otherwise noted. C-band specifications apply to the model TLX1, and L-band specifications apply to the model TLX2.

5.1. Laser Specifications

Parameter
Optical Output Power Frequency Range (C-band) Wavelength Range (C-band) Frequency Range (L-band) Wavelength Range (L-band) Frequency Accuracy Tuning Resolution Tuning Speed (Between Wavelengths) Fine Tuning Resolution Fine Tuning Speed Fine Tuning Range Side Mode Suppression Ratio (SMSR) Optical Signal Noise Ratio (OSNR) Intrinsic Linewidth Relative Intensity Noise (RIN) Back Reflection Polarization Extinction Ratio

Unit dBm THz nm THz nm GHz GHz
s MHz GHz/s GHz dB dB kHz dB/Hz dB dB

Value

Min

Typ.

12.5

13.5

191.5

–

1527.6

–

186.35

–

1570.0

–

-1.5

–

–

50

–

10

–

1

–

1

-30

–

40

55

40

60

–

10

–

–

–

–

18

–

Max 14.5 196.25 1565.5 190.95 1608.8 1.5
30 15 -145 -14 –

5.2. General Specifications

Parameter
Optical Input Power External Laser Wavelength Range Optical Insertion Loss Power Monitors Accuracy Power Monitors Resolution VOA Response Time

Typical Values
20 dBm Max 1525 nm – 1610 nm
0.7 dB Typical ±0.5 dBm 0.01 dBm 1 s

Notes
22 dBm Abs. Max
VOA IN to VOA OUT @ 1550 nm

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5.3. Power and Environmental Specifications

Parameter
Main AC Voltage Power Consumption Line Frequency Operating Temperature Storage Temperature Relative Humidity1

Min
100 VAC –
50 Hz 10 °C 0 °C
5%

Chapter 5: Specifications
Max
250 VAC 60 VA 60 Hz 40 °C 50 °C 85%

1 Non-Condensing Environment
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Chapter 6: Control & PC Connections

Chapter 6 Control & PC Connections

6.1. General Purpose I/O, RS-232, and USB Connections
The back panel has connectors for monitor and control functions, as well as for upgrading the firmware. Both the RS-232 and the USB connections can be used for remotely controlling the TLX series lasers via SCPI type serial commands. Which connector to choose for remote control operation depends on the demands of the application and the user’s preference. See the remote control user guide (RCUG), which can be downloaded from https://www.thorlabs.com/manuals.cfm, for information about the commands and connecting the laser to a PC.

The most recent firmware and remote control software tool are available through Thorlabs’ website: visit https://www.thorlabs.com/navigation.cfm?Guide_ID=2191 and enter the Item # into the search field. The
laser’s firmware can be updated by uploading the new version from a PC via the USB port. Thorlabs’ technical support can provide up-to-date information on available firmware revisions and control functions.

The 15-pin I/O connector provides outputs from the power monitors in the optical path (see the block diagram in Chapter 3). The power monitors provide a voltage that is proportional to the optical power with one of two gain settings. These values are available on the I/O DB15 connector. The gain setting for each monitor is determined by software, and reported on the corresponding Gain Indicator pins. 0.0 V indicates Low Gain (40 V/W) and 3.3 V indicates High Gain (4000 V/W). Maximum output voltage at the monitor pin is less than 12 V (into a high impedance). Power monitor bandwidth is limited to about 150 Hz.

I/O Conn.
HD DB15 HD DB15 HD DB15 HD DB15 HD DB15 HD DB15 HD DB15 HD DB15 HD DB15 HD DB15 HD DB15 HD DB15 HD DB15 HD DB15 HD DB15

Pin #
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Description
Reserved for Future Use Power Monitor 2 Power Monitor 3
Reserved for Future Use Analog Ground Analog Ground Analog Ground Analog Ground Analog Ground Analog Ground
Reserved for Future Use Reserved for Future Use Reserved for Future Use
Mon 2 Gain Indicator Mon 3 Gain Indicator

RS-232
DB9 DB9 DB9 DB9 DB9 DB9 DB9 DB9 DB9

Pin #
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Description
N/C RS232 Input RS232 Output
N/C Digital Ground
N/C N/C N/C N/C

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Chapter 6: Control & PC Connections

6.2. The Laser Safety Interlock
The instrument is equipped with a remote interlock connector located on the rear panel. In order to enable the laser source, a short circuit must be applied across the terminals of the Remote Interlock connector. In practice this connection is made available to allow the user to connect a remote actuated switch to the connector. The switch (which must be normally open) has to be closed in order for the laser to be enabled. If the switch changes to an open state, the laser source will automatically shut down. If the switch returns to a closed condition the laser source must be turned on again in the touchscreen GUI.

All units shipped from Thorlabs are configured with a shorting device installed in the Interlock connector. If you are not going to use this feature, then leave the shorting device installed. The unit will operate normally as described in the procedures above.

If you wish to make use of the Interlock feature, you will need to acquire the appropriate 2.5 mm plug, wire it to the remote interlock switch, and then plug it in to the back-panel interlock jack in place of the shorting plug. This type of plug is readily available at most electronics stores. The electrical specifications for the interlock input are shown in the following table.

Specification
Type of Mating Connector Open Circuit Voltage Short Circuit Current Connector Polarity
Interlock Switch Requirements

Value
2.5 mm Mono Phone Jack <5 VDC (on barrel of plug)
7 mA (Typical) Tip is Ground, Barrel is at 5 VDC max.
Must be normally open dry contacts Apply no external voltages to the interlock input

The user’s safety circuit must be attached to the phono plug and wired such that the ring and center pin are shorted when it is safe to enable the laser. The laser will be enabled when connection is closed. If it changes to an open
state, the laser source will turn off.

Ring

Center Pin
(a) Diagram of a Phono-Type Plug

(b) Internal Electrical Connections of the Interlock Jack

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Chapter 7 Mechanical Drawings

Chapter 7: Mechanical Drawings

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Chapter 8: Maintenance, Repair & Fuses

Chapter 8 Maintenance, Repair & Fuses

8.1. Maintenance & Repair
The instrument should not need regular maintenance by the user. If necessary, the display, housing, and front panel can be cleaned using a soft cloth moistened with normal, mild glass cleaner. Do not use any chemical solvents or harsh cleaners on the display. Do not spray any cleaning solutions directly onto any part of the unit.

The instrument does not contain any modules that can be repaired by the user. If a malfunction occurs, please contact Thorlabs Technical Support and arrangements will be made to investigate the problem. Do not remove the cover. There are no user serviceable components inside.

Optical patch cords used to connect to the front panel of the instrument should have their end faces cleaned every time a new connection is made. The end faces of the internal fiber connectors can easily be damaged by the use of dirty fiber ends. If damage occurs, the instrument will need to be sent back for repair. We suggest using a fiber end-face cleaning product such as the Thorlabs FCC-7020 shown below. Alternatively, a lint-free cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol or methanol can be used. Never use acetone.

Thorlabs FCC-7020 Fiber end-face cleaner for patch cords

The optical connectors on the front panel may be cleaned using a 2.5 mm bulkhead cleaner such as the Thorlabs FBC250. This allows the user to clean the fiber end-face without removing it from the internal bulkhead adapter.

Thorlabs FBC250 Fiber End-Face Cleaner for Bulkheads
8.2. Replacement Parts
The following parts can be obtained by contacting Thorlabs Technical Support
· SMA 50 loads (used for front panel RF connectors) · PM Loopback Fiber Patch Cord for Front Panel · Laser Interlock Keys for Front Panel Switch · 2.5 mm Interlock Pin (for Back Panel) · 1.25 A, 250 VAC Fuse for Main Power · Instrument IEC Main Power Cord · Instrument Flip Foot

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Chapter 8: Maintenance, Repair & Fuses

8.3. Replacing the Main Fuse
The system is protected by a main fuse located in the power entry module where the main power cable plugs into the back panel of the instrument. If the instrument does not appear to power-up, especially after a power outage or storm, you can check the condition of the main power fuse without removing the cover of the instrument by following the following steps.

1. Put the instrument in “Standby” mode by pressing the standby button on the front of the instrument. Wait until the button turns from green to amber.
2. Turn the power off using the switch on the back panel of the instrument. 3. Unplug the main power cable. 4. Carefully remove the fuse holder slide from the power entry module (use a flat screwdriver).

5. Investigate the fuse. This can be done with a simple continuity check. If in doubt, replace the fuse. A spare fuse is stored in the fuse holder. Additional replacement fuses can be purchased from Thorlabs. Always use fuses of the same type as the original.
6. Reinstall the fuse holder slide into the power entry module, taking care that it fully seats until the top is flush with the rest of the power entry module.
7. Plug the main power cable back into the unit and power on as described in the Getting Started section of the manual.
If the fuse blows repeatedly, it is likely that an internal failure has occurred. Do not attempt to bypass the fuse as this can create a dangerous situation that could further damage the instrument or harm personnel. In this case, please contact Technical Support for directions.

Rev E, April 23, 2024

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TLX1 and TLX2 Tunable Laser Sources

Chapter 9: Troubleshooting

Chapter 9 Troubleshooting
General Troubleshooting

In case you experience any problems, below are a few checks to help in troubleshooting the problem. If you have any questions, please contact your local Thorlabs Technical Support office.

If the unit does not appear to turn on correctly, please check the following items:

· Ensure that the main AC receptacle is powered · Ensure that main power cable is fully seated at both ends · Ensure that rear power switch is in the “I” position · Check the main power fuse (see Maintenance & Repair section)

The front panel standby button color also indicates certain conditions as follows:

Standby Button Color
Solid Green Solid Amber Blinking Green Blinking Amber
Blinking Amber/Green Fading Amber/Green

Condition
Indicates normal ON state
Indicates unit is in Standby Mode Press the button to turn the instrument ON
Indicates the main AC power is unstable. When the AC power is restored, the instrument will return to the standby mode (amber)
Indicates the instrument is overheated. Make sure the fan is running and none of the vents are blocked. If there are no ventilation issues, then the box should cool itself and return to the standby. Do not operate, or leave the instrument in standby mode, in an environment above 40°C.
Indicates the instrument is both overheated and the main AC power is unstable (see individual troubleshooting for these conditions above).
Indicates the instrument is in the firmware upgrade mode If this condition appears after attempting to upgrade the firmware, the update may have failed, or the unit may have been left in the update mode. Try running the firmware update again. This condition may have also been reached by holding down the standby button for a long time while turning on the power. In this case, turn the unit off, wait for a few seconds, and turn it back on. If this condition for any other reason, turn the unit off, wait for a few seconds, and turn it back on. If these attempts to recover continue to fail, the instrument’s firmware may have been corrupted. Contact Tech Support for help.

If the optical power at any point of the system is lower than expected, resolving the problem always starts by cleaning the optical fiber ends. Contaminated fiber ends, which attenuate the intensity of the transmitted light, are a very common issue when using single-mode fibers. Follow the suggestions provided in the Maintenance and Repair section of this manual to clean the optical fiber ends.

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TLX1 and TLX2 Tunable Laser Sources
Chapter 10 Declaration of Conformity

Chapter 10: Declaration of Conformity

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TLX1 and TLX2 Tunable Laser Sources

Chapter 11: Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

Chapter 11 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts
For technical support or sales inquiries, please visit us at www.thorlabs.com/contact for our most up-to-date contact information.

USA, Canada, and South America Thorlabs, Inc. sales@thorlabs.com techsupport@thorlabs.com
Europe Thorlabs GmbH europe@thorlabs.com
France Thorlabs SAS sales.fr@thorlabs.com
Japan Thorlabs Japan, Inc. sales@thorlabs.jp

UK and Ireland Thorlabs Ltd. sales.uk@thorlabs.com techsupport.uk@thorlabs.com
Scandinavia Thorlabs Sweden AB scandinavia@thorlabs.com
Brazil Thorlabs Vendas de Fotônicos Ltda. brasil@thorlabs.com
China Thorlabs China chinasales@thorlabs.com

Thorlabs verifies our compliance with the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
directive of the European Community and the corresponding national laws. Accordingly, all end users in the EC may return “end of life” Annex I category electrical and electronic equipment sold after August 13, 2005 to Thorlabs, without incurring disposal charges. Eligible units are marked with the crossed out “wheelie bin” logo (see right), were sold to and are currently owned by a company or institute within the EC, and are not dissembled or contaminated. Contact Thorlabs for more information. Waste treatment is your own responsibility. “End of life” units must be returned to Thorlabs or handed to a company specializing in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a
litter bin or at a public waste disposal site.

Annex I

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TTN093744-D02

www.thorlabs.com

References

• Thorlabs, Inc. - Your Source for Fiber Optics, Laser Diodes, Optical Instrumentation and Polarization Measurement & Control
• Thorlabs - Your Source for Fiber Optics, Laser Diodes, Optical Instrumentation and Polarization Measurement & Control.
• Thorlabs - Your Source for Fiber Optics, Laser Diodes, Optical Instrumentation and Polarization Measurement & Control.
• Software Downloads - Thorlabs

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