World’s Smallest 4-Wavelength Combiner Gets Some Big Upgrades!

Integrated Optics, UAB has recently upgraded the World’s smallest 4-wavelength laser combiner. This new release is widely configurable and has a large selection of wavelengths and output types. A redesigned Break-out-Box (BoB) accessory provides more functionality and durability when used in scientific setups. SM and PM fiber coupling, with more than 50% fiber coupling efficiency, is finally available as well. You can select a maximum of 4 wavelengths from 405nm, 450nm, 488nm, 520nm, 638nm, 660nm, 785nm, 830nm, 850nm, 975nm, 1064nm. Further extensions into the infrared are in consideration for development.

The MatchBox laser combiner includes 4 laser diode drivers, TEC driver, and digital control electronics, allowing smart control and diagnostics of the complete module. The laser unit is designed as an OEM-dedicated electro-optics unit, which can be directly connected to a control mainboard and power supply of an instrument. Therefore, the laser/detector unit provides unprecedented compactness and functionality, allowing for a decrease in time-to-market and easier mass production of multi-wavelength instruments.

 

For scientific installations and various experimental setups, the laser combiner comes equipped with a quick-start breakout box, providing conventional ports for control, power, and safety configuration. The new version of the Break-out-Box is ruggedized and features a USB-C connection for power, compatible with the PD (Power Delivery) standard. Depending on the combiner configuration, the BoB controls the power supply to provide 9V DC power, which is sufficient for all of Integrated Optic’s single-mode laser diodes.

Integrated Optics completely revamped the control software in 2019, which supports the lasers in the MatchBox series. The interface automatically expands when controlling the multi-wavelength laser, allowing for control of each separate wavelength. This new software is a lightweight application compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. Visual Studio .NET and LabView SDKs are also provided. MatchBox series lasers (2nd edition) feature a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) controller interface for machine-to-machine communication. The pin-out of the MatchBox Combiner is an expanded version of a standard MatchBox laser pin-out. A ‘break-out-box’ is used for converting UART into USB or RS232 protocols, which is very handy in scientific and test setups, saving a lot of time in getting started.

 

The MatchBox laser combiner has multiple output options, including free-space, SMA port, multi-mode fiber, single-mode fiber, and polarization-maintaining fiber. Custom beam shaping options are also available upon request, such as a line generator or uniform, flat-top beam profile.

 

Integrated Optics cooperates with the key players and cutting-edge startups in microscopy and flow-cytometry markets, providing complete optical units. The MatchBox combiner is a single-box solution for all diode wavelengths. Additional DPSS or OPS lasers can be integrated to build versatile and highly-competent multi-wavelength laser systems. As the product name suggests, the MatchBox series is a compact, yet powerful and multifunctional laser platform, the footprint of which is roughly the same as a small matchbox (30×50 mm2). There are more than 200 different laser configurations, including single-wavelength diode and DPSS lasers, multicolor laser combiners, and passive Q-Switch DPSS lasers manufactured in a proprietary robotic manufacturing line at Integrated Optics’ facility, discussed in this previous blog.

 

 

To get more details and technical information on these Matchbox products from Integrated Optics, Click Here!