PWest-2012

1310 nm MEMS-Tunable VCSEL Swept Laser SourceThorlabs, in partnership with Praevium Research, is developing a High-

Speed Swept Laser Source for Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

This source is based on a patented MEMS-tunable Vertical Cavity Surface

Emitting Laser (VCSEL) that is specially designed for optimal performance

in OCT applications. With a record-breaking coherence length, this

source provides single-mode, mode-hop-free operation over a tuning

range in excess of 100 nm. Details on our MEMS-VCSEL based OCT system

are outlined below. We are also offering a benchtop source for easy

integration of our MEMS-VCSEL swept laser source into any custom OCT

system. The MEMS-VCSEL is highly adaptable; the specifications we have

provided here are representative of the current performance. Please

contact us to discuss your specific swept-source laser requirements.

Optical Coherence Tomography

www.thorlabs.com

• High Sweep Speed: Up to 200 kHz

• Long Coherence Length: >50 mm

• Single Mode, Mode-Hop-Free Operation

• Linearized Sweep Trajectory

Feat

ures

• MEMS-VCSEL OCT System– Includes MEMS-VCSEL Swept Laser Source, OCT Imaging

Engine, Scanning Probe and Stand, Data Acquisition, and Software

– 15 mm Imaging Depth Range– 12 µm Axial Resolution (Air)– 100 kHz Sweep Speed*

• MEMS-VCSEL Swept Laser Source– 200 kHz Sweep Speed*– Benchtop Laser Source with Integrated Drive Electronics and Temperature Controllers– Line and k-Trigger Outputs– Turn-Key Operation for Easy Integration with Custom

OCT Imaging Systems

*OCT systems operating at sweep speeds from 50 kHz to 200 kHz are feasible

Con

figu

rati

ons

Spec

ifica

tion

s PARAMETER VALUE

Center Wavelength 1310 nm ± 15 nm

Average Output Power* 25 mW

Line Rate 100 kHz/200 kHz

Coherence Length >50 mm

Spectral Bandwidth (-10 dB) >100 nm

*From output of Swept Laser Source.

OCT image of human finger acquired using Thorlabs' MEMS-VCSEL Swept Laser operating at 200 kHz A-Scan rate. Image Size (W x D): 15 mm x 7.4 mm (1024 A-scans, 1024 points per A-Scan)

Note: This product is under development. Specifications are subject to change and supplies may be limited.

3.75 mm display depth (4096 A-scans; 512 pixels display depth)

15 mm display depth (4096 A-scans; 2048 pixels display depth)

7.5 mm display depth (4096 A-scans; 1024 pixels display depth)

30 mm display depth (4096 A-scans; 4096 pixels display depth)

Integrated lasing and tuning elements on a single VCSEL

device enable artifact-free imaging at exceptionally long

imaging ranges. The images to the right demonstrate the high-

quality imaging capability that can be obtained in a single

B-scan measurement; an imaging depth as great as 30 mm is

obtainable using a MEMS-tunable VCSEL. (Sample: roll of

semi-transparent tape)

Coming SoonThorlabs is actively developing a 1060 nm MEMS-VCSEL swept

laser source, as described below.

1060 nm MEMS-VCSEL

Thorlabs is developing a MEMS-tunable VCSEL operating with a

central wavelength of 1060 nm to target applications in

ophthalmology. The long coherence length of the MEMS-

tunable VCSEL may improve visualization of deep retinal

structures (e.g., choroid and optic nerve head) by essentially

eliminating a well known issue of sensitivity roll-off with

depth that compromises existing state-of-the-art commercial

instruments. The long imaging range and high axial resolution

will also benefit imaging of the anterior eye. Additionally, the

high sweep speeds of the MEMS-tunable VCSEL enable rapid

acquisition of densely sampled 3D data sets in short acquisition

times. Contact us for updates on this new technology

and information on OEM integration and other research

applications.

Versatile, High- Quality Imaging

Tape Region

Plastic Roll Outer Edge

Plastic Roll Inner Edge

For more information, contact us at oct@thorlabs.com