Free-Space Broadband Light Sources

Collimated, Free-Space Light Sources for UV, Visible, and IR
>1.3 W of Stable Optical Output Power
Long Lifespans: ≥1000 Hours

SLS401

Broadband Arc Lamp for 240 - 2400 nm

SLS303B

Replacement Silicon Nitride Globar

SLSLLG1

Liquid Light Guide Adapter

SLS402 Broadband Source, SLSLLG2 Adapter with Shutter, and Liquid Light Guide

SLS401B

Xenon Short-Arc Replacement Bulb

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Overview
Specs
Graphs
Bulb Installation
Pin Diagrams
Feedback
Lamp Selection Guide

Item #^a	SLS401	SLS402	SLS301	SLS303
Lamp Type	Xenon Arc	Mercury-Xenon Arc	Stabilized Quartz Tungsten-Halogen	Stabilized Silicon Nitride Globar
Wavelength Range	240 - 2400 nm		360 - 2700 nm 360 - 3800 nm from Back Port	550 nm - 15 µm
Color Temperature	5800 K	6000 K	3400 K	1200 K
Output Optical Power^b	>1.3 W		>1.6 W	>4.5 W
Output Beam Diameter	35 mm			50 mm
Output Power Stability^c	<0.3%		0.05%	0.05%
Optical Drift per Hour (Typ.)	0.1%		0.01%	0.01%
Optical Power Drift per °C (Typ.)	0.12%		0.1%	0.2%
Bulb Electrical Power	150 W			70 W
Lifespan (Avg.)^d	2000 Hours		1000 Hours	5000 Hours

Complete specifications can be found on the Specs tab.
At the beginning of the bulb lifetime.
The standard deviation of optical output power in percentage, measured at room temperature over 1 hour with a 1 Hz sampling rate after 45 minutes warm-up.
Defined as the time it takes for the bulb output power to decrease to 50% of its initial level.

Click to Enlarge

View Imperial Product List

Item #	Qty	Description
SLS301	1	Stabilized Free-Space Light Source with Control Unit, 360 - 3800 nm, >1.6 W Output
LCP05	1	60 mm Cage-Compatible Mount for 2" Square Filters Up to 4 mm Thick, 8-32 Tap
ER6-P4	1	Cage Assembly Rod, 6" Long, Ø6 mm, 4 Pack
FGT165S	1	2" x 2" Temperature-Balancing Filter, -132 mireds

View Metric Product List

Item #	Qty	Description
SLS301	1	Stabilized Free-Space Light Source with Control Unit, 360 - 3800 nm, >1.6 W Output
LCP05/M	1	60 mm Cage-Compatible Mount for 50 mm Square Filters Up to 4 mm Thick, M4 Tap
ER6-P4	1	Cage Assembly Rod, 6" Long, Ø6 mm, 4 Pack
FGT165S	1	2" x 2" Temperature-Balancing Filter, -132 mireds

The SLS301 using a 60 mm cage system to mount a color-balancing filter into an LCP05 Filter Mount.

Features

Xenon and Mercury-Xenon Arc Lamps for 240 - 2400 nm
Quartz Tungsten-Halogen Source for 360 - 3800 nm
Globar Source for 550 nm - 15 µm
Collimated Output for Free-Space Applications
Internally SM2-Threaded Aperture
Options for 60 mm and 30 mm Cage Systems

Optional Accessories

Liquid Light Guide Adapters with or without Integrated Electronic Shutter
Replacement Light Bulbs

Click to Enlarge
Collimated Output of the SLS401 Light Source

Thorlabs' Free-Space Broadband Light Sources provide stable, high-power illumination. We offer two short-arc sources with a xenon or mercury-xenon bulb for UV through NIR wavelengths, a quartz tungsten-halogen source for visible through NIR wavelengths, and a silicon nitride Globar source for IR and MIR illumination. For details, refer to the table to the right or for complete specifications, see the Specs tab above. Our quartz tungsten-halogen and silicon nitride Globar sources feature an internal feedback system to provide highly stable output power (0.05% fluctuation). Since the blackbody spectrum of these sources includes both the visible and infrared spectral ranges, these sources are ideal for integration into optical measurement equipment, such as back illumination for a test target as part of a detector calibration system.

Each source includes a lens to collimate the high-power, broadband output into a Ø35 mm beam for free-space applications. For user convenience, the collimation lens is factory set. However, it is adjustable should slight tweaks to the collimation be necessary. For additional mechanical stability, the feet are removable, allowing the source to be bolted directly to any standard imperial or metric optical table with user supplied 1/4"-20 or M6 screws, respectively. The front face features four 4-40 taps (as shown in the image to the right) for 60 mm cage rods, making these devices compatible with Thorlabs' 60 mm cage system. Using the cage system, it is possible to incorporate various optic mounts that are centered along the optical center of the lamp.

A variety of accessories is available separately below. Adapters designed to integrate Ø3 mm or Ø5 mm core liquid light guides are threaded directly onto the output port of the lamp; this does not require the removal of the collimating lens. The adapters are available with or without an integrated electronic shutter. Replacement bulbs are also available. Please see the Bulb Replacement tab for detailed instructions on how the replace the bulb in these lamps.

If a higher color temperature is desired, our color-balancing filters can be used to attenuate red light from a light source while passing blue light. This results in a beam with a higher color temperature and lower total power.

Item #	SLS401	SLS402	SLS301	SLS303
Lamp Type	Xenon Arc	Mercury-Xenon Arc	Quartz Tungsten-Halogen	Silicon Nitride Globar
Wavelength Range	240 - 2400 nm		360 - 2700 nm 360 - 3800 nm from the Back Port	550 nm - 15 µm
Color Temperature	5800 K	6000 K	3400 K ±15 K	1200 K
Output Optical Power^a	>1.3 W		>1.6 W	>4.5 W
Typical Spectral Output	0.1 W (200 - 400 nm) 0.2 W (400 - 700 nm) 1 W (700 - 2800 nm)	0.16 W (200 - 400 nm) 0.24 W (400 - 700 nm) 0.9 W (700 - 2800 nm)	0.05 W(200 - 400 nm) 0.15 W (400 - 700 nm) 1.4 W (700 - 2800 nm)	0.1 W (400 - 700 nm) 4.4 W (700 - 15 000 nm)
Optical Power Stability^b	<0.3%		0.05%	0.05%
Optical Drift per Hour (Typical)	0.1%		0.01%	0.01%
Optical Power Drift per °C (Typical)	0.12%		0.1%	0.2%
Output Beam Diameter	35 mm			50 mm
Beam Divergence^c	3.2°		3.5°	-
Bulb Electrical Power	150 W			70 W
Lamp Housing Dimensions (L × W × H)	214.7 mm × 217.0 mm × 261.2 mm (8.41" × 8.54" × 10.28")		213.6 mm × 217.0 mm × 261.2 mm (8.41" × 8.54" × 10.28")	213.7 mm × 217.0 mm x 261.2 mm (8.41" × 8.54" × 10.28")
Controller Dimensions (L × W ×H)	350.0 mm × 200.0 mm × 82 mm (13.75" × 7.87" × 3.23")		300.0 mm × 150.0 mm × 79.5 mm (11.81" × 5.91" × 3.13")	299.9 mm × 149.8 mm × 80.2 mm (11.81" × 5.90" × 3.16")
Bulb Lifespan (Average)	2000 Hours^d		1000 Hours^e	5000 Hours^e
Operating Temperature	0 °C to 45 °C			0 °C to 35 °C
Storage Temperature	-15 °C to 70 °C

At the beginning of the bulb lifetime.
Standard deviation of optical output power in percentage, measured at room temperature over 1 hour with a 1 Hz sampling rate after 45 minutes warm-up.
Half Angle at 587 nm
Defined as the time it takes for the bulb output power to decrease to 50% of its initial level.
Defined as the time elapsed when the controller cannot stabilize the output power of the bulb.

Bulb Specifications

Short-Arc Bulbs
Item #	SLS401B	SLS402B
Wavelength Range	240 - 2400 nm
Bulb Type	Xenon	Mercury-Xenon
Color Temperature	5800 K	6000 K
Bulb Electrical Power	150 W
Glass Envelope Material	Ozone-Free Quartz
Arc Gap	1.9 mm
Brightness (Avg.)	18 000 Cd/cm²
Luminous Flux	2800 Lumens
Light Intensity	280 Cd
Solid Angle of Output	10 Steradians
Lifespan (Avg.)	2000 Hours
Operating Voltage	17.5 VDC
Current	8.5 A (Nominal)

Quartz Tungsten-Halogen Bulb
Item #	SLS301B
Wavelength Range	360 - 3800 nm
Bulb Type	Quartz Tungsten-Halogen
Color Temperature	3400 K
Bulb Electrical Power	150 W
Glass Envelope Material	Quartz
Filament Dimensions (Typ.)	6.5 mm x 1.3 mm x 3.3 mm
Filament Turns	20
Luminous Flux	3700 Lumens
Lifespan (Avg.)	1000 Hours
Operating Voltage	24 V

Silicon Nitride Globar Module
Item #	SLS303B
Wavelength Range	550 nm - 15 µm
Element Type	Silicon Nitride Globar
Color Temperature	1200 K
Bulb Electrical Power	70 W
Emitter Dimensions (Typ.)	Ø4.5 mm x 17 mm
Lifespan (Avg.)	5000 Hours
Operating Voltage	12 V

Liquid Light Guide Adapter Specifications

Item #		SLSLLG1	SLSLLG2	SLSLLG3
Wavelength Range		Uncoated: 185 nm - 2.1 µm	AR Coated: 350 nm - 700 nm; R_avg < 0.5%
Integrated Electronic Shutter		No	Yes^a	No
Lens		LA4464	ACL5040U-A
Lens Material		UV Fused Silica	B270 Optical Crown Glass
Coupling Efficiency	SLS401 / SLS402	>30% (3 mm LLG); >35% (5 mm LLG)	>30% (3 mm LLG); >40% (5 mm LLG)
Coupling Efficiency	SLS301	>15% (3 mm LLG); >25% (5 mm LLG)	>20% (3 mm LLG); >30% (5 mm LLG)

The external controller included with the SLSLLG2 is the same as the one included with the SHB1. For additional information, please see the full presentation here.

Xenon and Mercury-Xenon Arc Lamp Sources

Click to Enlarge
Click for Raw Data
The measured spectral power distribution for the SLS402 Light Source. This source uses a mercury-xenon bulb that features stronger emission lines in the blue and UV region of the spectrum. The spectrum is plotted on a log scale so that both the underlying shape and spectral lines are visible; prominent mercury lines are called out in the graph.

Click to Enlarge
Click for Raw Data
The measured spectral power distribution for the SLS401 Light Source. The spectrum is plotted on a log scale so that both the underlying shape and spectral lines are visible.

Click to Enlarge
The power output and temperature of the SLS401 were monitored over a period of 28 hours of continuous operation.

Stabilized Quartz Tungsten-Halogen Source

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The output of the SLS301 stabilized light stability over 28 hours of continuous operation. The lamp was run for 30 minutes to warm up and stabilize before this data was taken.

Stabilized Quartz-Tungsten-Halogen Light Source

Click to Enlarge
Click for Raw Data
The calculated spectral power distribution for the SLS301 Light Source.

Stabilized Silicon Nitride Globar Source

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The output of the SLS303 stabilized light stability over 55 hours of continuous operation. The lamp was run for 60 minutes to warm up and stabilize before this data was taken. The temperature was held at 25 ± 2 °C.

Click to Enlarge
Click for Raw Data
The measured spectral power distribution for the SLS303 Light Source compared to a 1200 K black body. The measured data does not extend beyond 5.6 µm due to spectrometer limitations.

Click to Enlarge
The bulb can be held by its electrodes with gloved hands. Avoid making contact with the bulb envelope.

Bulb Handling

The bulbs used in broadband light sources have a high internal pressure and operate at a very high temperature. If handled incorrectly, they will become a serious hazard to users and could potentially cause severe injury. It is critical to follow safety instructions when handling them.

The guidelines below describe correct bulb handling.

Due to the high internal pressure, the bulb of a broadband light source can burst when handled incorrectly, even when not in operation, causing serious injuries. Always wear eye/face and body protection when handling a bulb.
Never bump, drop, apply excessive stress, or scratch the bulb. This could cause it to burst.
Always transport the bulb in the provided protective case or cover until installation.
Save the protective case or cover and packaging materials (box) for bulbs that have been used to their rated service life.
Any dust or grease on the bulb will compromise the integrity of the bulb envelope, increasing the chance that the bulb will burst. Clean any dirt, oil, or lint away from the bulb with alcohol and a lint free cloth or tissue.
Always wear gloves when handling the bulb; never hold the bulb by its envelope. Thorlabs offer gloves that can be used for bulb handling.
The bulb generates very high-intensity light output; never stare directly into the bulb.
The bulb gets very hot during operation. Always wait at least 30 minutes for the bulb to cool down before handling the bulb after operation.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is recommended when handling the bulb.

Light Source Item #	SLS401	SLS402	SLS301	SLS303
Compatible Replacement Bulb Item #	SLS401B (Xenon) or SLS402B (Mercury Xenon)^a		SLS301B	SLS303B

The SLS401 includes an SLS401B bulb, and the SLS402 includes an SLS402B bulb.

Bulb Installation

The installation instructions and video below detail the recommended procedure for replacing the bulbs in the Free-Space Light Sources. Do not attempt to change the light bulb while the bulb and unit are hot. Allow at least 30 minutes after turning the lamp off before attempting to replace the light bulb.

We strongly recommend wearing gloves when replacing the bulb to prevent skin oils from being deposited onto the bulb. If you suspect the bulb is dirty, carefully clean it with alcohol before connecting it to a power supply.

Xenon or Mercury Xenon Arc Lamp

Bulb Handling

The bulb of an arc lamp requires caution during handling. When handled correctly, the bulb is a very safe instrument; however, improper handling can be hazardous to users.

Always wear proper protective gloves when handling the bulb. Moisture and grease from the hands left on the bulb may affect the integrity of the bulb envelope, shortening the bulb lifetime. In the most extreme cases, it can cause the bulb to explode.
Only hold the bulb at its electrodes. Avoid holding the bulb by the glass envelope.
Keep the glass envelope clean at all times.
When not using the bulb, always seal the bulb in the bulb in the original package.
The temperature of the bulb may reach several hundred degrees Celsius during operation. Always wait at least 30 minutes for the bulb to cool down before handling.

Open the Lamp Housing

Using a 4 mm hex key, remove the screws on the side plate. An engraving on the top of the unit indicates which side plate to remove.

Remove the Old Bulb

Loosen the two thumbscrews locking the bulb in place by turning them counterclockwise.
Remove the anode (+) connector from the top of the bulb.
Remove the old bulb by lifting it out of the bottom holder while holding onto the top electrode. Place it in the original bulb box.

Install the New Bulb

Orient the new bulb so that the anode is at the top.
Insert the cathode into the base.
Place the anode connector over the anode and make sure that the bulb is securely inserted.
Tighten both thumbscrews by rotating them clockwise.
Replace the side panel and secure with the four M5 cap screws.

Stabilized Quartz Tungsten-Halogen Lamp

Open the Lamp Housing

Using a 4 mm hex key, remove the screws on the side plate. An engraving on the top of the unit indicates which side plate to remove.

Remove the Old Bulb

Loosen the two thumbscrews locking the bulb in place by turning them counterclockwise.
Remove the old bulb by holding the flat part beneath the bulb envelope. The bulb can be rested in the temporary bulb holder inside the lamp housing.

Install the New Bulb

Insert the new bulb into the bulb base.
Tighten the two thumbscrews by rotating them clockwise.
Replace the side panel and secure with the four M5 cap screws.

Stabilized Silicon Nitride Globar Lamp

Please note that the Globar modules should only be handled with protective gloves.

Open the Lamp Housing

Using a 4 mm hex key, remove the screws on the side plate. An engraving on the top of the unit indicates which side plate to remove.

Remove the Old Globar Module

Undo the orange clips holding the Globar wires in place.
Using a 2 mm hex key, loosen the setscrew on top of the Globar module and remove the screw on the side by turning them counterclockwise.
Remove the old module from the socket.

Install the New Module

Route the white wires and insert the new module into the socket.
Insert the wires into their sockets and engage the orange clips.
Insert the side screw and then retighten the top setscrew to secure the bulb.
Replace the side panel and secure with the four M5 cap screws.

SLS401 and SLS402 Connector

4 Pin Female Connector

4 Pin Female Connector
Pin	Connection
1	Bulb Cathode
2	Bulb Anode
3	Bulb Detection Resistor
4	Bulb Detection Resistor

SLS301 and SLS303 Connectors

10 Pin Female Connector

10 Pin Female Connector
Pin	Connection	Pin	Connection
1	Bulb Ground	6	Ground
2	SLS301: Bulb +24 V SLS303: Bulb +12 V	7	Ground
3	Ground	8	+12 V
4	Monitor PD Signal	9	Signal Ground
5	Signal Ground	10	Ground

Monitor Photodiode Out
SLS301: 0 to 4 V
SLS303: 0 to 5 V

SLSLLG2 Shutter Interface Connector

Female Jack on Controller

Male Plug on 35" (889 mm) Long Shutter Cord

4-Pin Mini-DIN Connector
Pin	Connection
1	Shutter Detect
2	Modulation +
3	+5 VDC
4	Modulation -
Shield	GND

External Modulation Input: TTL 0 to 5 V, Female BNC

Interlock Output: 2.5 mm Mono Phone Jack

Posted Comments:

Sangyeon Youn (posted 2020-10-06 01:52:36.633)

Hello, I am Sangyeon Youn. We are using a high power light source that we bought from you before. (MODEL# : HPLS-30-04 / SERIAL# : 150701-1) However, we can not find the cable which is connecting the light source and a power supply. (28VDC 8.5A cable) Could I purchase this item separately? If you can sell this item, please send the quote for purchasing. If not, please let me know the information for purchasing. (Model name or vendor etc,) I look forward to your reply. Thank you! Sincerely, Sangyeon Youn

asundararaj (posted 2020-12-18 09:14:56.0)

Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. HPLS-30-04 has been discontinued. I have contacted you directly via email on this.

Slava Kachkanov (posted 2020-06-17 16:48:58.25)

Hi, What is the lens is installed in SLS303? I'm interested in focal length, transmission coefficient and circle of least confusion. Thank you, Slava

YLohia (posted 2020-06-18 08:12:33.0)

Hello, there is a 2" diameter ZnSe plano-convex lens installed at the front of SLS303 with EFL=81.89 mm and BFL=79.61 mm @ 580 nm. Transmission of ZnSe between 550nm and 15μm is around 60-70%. Unfortunately, we do not have circle of least confusion spec for the lens as it's not used for imaging. Please email us at techsupport.uk@thorlabs.com for future requests.

Slava Kachkanov (posted 2020-06-17 06:35:11.83)

Hi, What is the beam divergence of this source?

YLohia (posted 2020-06-18 08:12:37.0)

Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The SLS303 has a FWHM beam divergence of 5 degrees. The 10% beam divergence value is 40 degrees. Both values are theoretically calculated full angles.

Mallikarjuna Rao Motapothula (posted 2020-01-20 01:34:40.977)

We are developing a solar cell-based laboratory. Can you please send us the formal quotation for SLS401, Xenon lamp.

YLohia (posted 2020-01-20 11:11:04.0)

Hello, quotations for stock catalog items can be requested by contacting our Sales Team (sales@thorlabs.com). We will reach out to you directly.

Bastien Arnal (posted 2019-04-15 14:09:19.603)

Hello, What is the pulse duration on your series of Free-Space Broadband Light Sources ? Is it in the range of 10's of ns? Thanks

YLohia (posted 2019-04-16 08:52:51.0)

Hello, unfortunately, direct modulation of these sources is not possible. You would need some sort of an external modulator such as the SLSLLG2 shutter for this, but that is only capable of 10-15 Hz.

gregor.belusic (posted 2016-03-08 13:56:10.183)

Is the housing compatible with Osram XBO bulbs?

besembeson (posted 2016-03-11 09:57:52.0)

Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: Yes it is. However, the only Osram bulb we have proof tested on our SLS401/402 is the XBO 150W/CR OFR. Others like the XBO 150 W/1 and XBO 150 W/4 will work but the performance will not be guaranteed as we have not tested these.

Below is a selection guide for all of our white-light, broadband light sources (or lamps). In addition to these sources, Thorlabs also offers unmounted white-light LEDs, white-light mounted LEDs, white-light fiber-coupled LEDs, and high-powered, white-light Solis^® LEDs.

Broadband Light Source Selection Guide
Item #	(Click to Enlarge; Not to Scale)	Emitter Type	Wavelength Range (Click for Plot)	Output Coupling	Output Power	Bulb Electrical Power	Color Temperature	Bulb Lifetime	Replacement Bulb
SLS204		Deuterium	200 - 700 nm	Free Space or Fiber Coupled (SMA)	2 mW^a 0.1 mW^b (Typ.)	30 W	N/A	2000 h^c	SLS254B
SLS205		Xenon Arc	240 - 1200 nm	Free Space or Fiber Coupled (SMA)	290 mW^a 5.5 mW^d (Typ.)	75 W	5800 K^a 5400 K^d	2000 h^c	SLS255B
SLS401		Xenon Arc	240 - 2400 nm	Free Space^e	>1.3 W^a	150 W	5800 K	2000 h^c	SLS401B
SLS402		Mercury-Xenon Arc	240 - 2400 nm	Free Space^e	>1.3 W^a	150 W	6000 K	2000 h^c	SLS402B
SLS201L(/M)		Quartz Tungsten-Halogen	360 - 2600 nm	Free Space^e or Fiber Coupled (SMA)	500 mW^a 10 mW^f	9 W	2796 K	10 000 h	SLS251
SLS301			360 - 3800 nm	Free Space^e	>1.6 W^a	150 W	3400 K	1000 h^g	SLS301B
OSL2			Typical Spectrum	Fiber Bundle	1.4 W^h	150 W	3200 K	1000 to 10 000 h^c	OSL2B, OSL2B2, or OSL2BIR
QTH10(/M)			400 - 2200 nm	Free Space	50 mW (Typ.)	10 W	2800 Kⁱ (Typ.)	2000 h	QTH10B
SLS202L(/M)		Tungsten	450 nm - 5.5 µm	Free Space^e or Fiber Coupled (SMA)	700 mW^a 2 mW^j	7.2 W	1900 K	10 000 h	SLS252
SLS203L(/M)		Silicon Carbide Globar	500 nm - 9 µm	Free Space	>1.5 W^a	24 W	1500 K	10 000 h	SLS253
SLS303		Silicon Nitride Globar	550 nm - 15 µm	Free Space	4.5 W^a	70 W	1200 K	5000 h^g	SLS303B

Free-space optical power measured without adapters at the beginning of bulb lifetime.
Measured with Thorlabs' M114L01 solarization-resistant patch cable at beginning of bulb lifetime.
Operation time before the maximum optical output power of the bulb reaches 50% of its original output.
Measured with Thorlabs' M111L01 solarization-resistant patch cable at beginning of bulb lifetime.
Adapters are available separately to couple the free-space output into liquid light guides (LLGs).
Fiber-coupled optical power, measured with included M28L01 fiber patch cable at beginning of bulb lifetime.
Operation time before the controller cannot stabilize the output power of the bulb.
Power at Fiber Tip at Maximum Bulb Intensity
Color temperature will vary from unit to unit.
Measured with Thorlabs' MZ41L1 ZrF₄ mid-IR patch cable at the beginning of bulb lifetime.

Xenon and Mercury-Xenon Short-Arc Sources: 240 - 2400 nm

Zoom

Click for Details
Click for Raw Data
The measured spectral power distribution for the SLS402 Light Source. The spectrum is plotted on a log scale so that both the underlying shape and spectral lines are visible.

Click to Enlarge
The control unit for the SLS401 or SLS402.

Click to Enlarge
While the mirror alignment is pre-set to the optimal position, three knobs on the back of the housing allow the user to make further adjustments if desired.

Click to Enlarge
These Short-Arc Sources include a concave mirror to focus light radiated behind the bulb back towards the front aperture.

Short-Arc Sources for 240 - 2400 nm
1.3 W Output Power Collimated in a Ø35 mm Beam
Low Power Fluctuations of <0.3% within 1 Hour
Optical Drift: 0.1% per Hour / 0.12% per °C
Ozone Free
60 mm Cage System Compatible
Manual Shutter

Thorlabs' Xenon and Mercury-Xenon Short-Arc Lamps are designed to provide 1.3 W of free-space illumination over the 240 - 2400 nm range. The spectrum of each source is shown in the graphs to the right. Compared to the xenon arc lamp, the mercury-xenon lamp provides additional strong lines in the blue to UV spectral region. Each lamp provides stable illumination with power fluctuations smaller than 0.3% per hour.

The high-power output (1.3 W) is collimated into a Ø35 mm beam for free-space applications. A silver-coated mirror at the back of the housing collects light from behind the bulb and reflects it towards the front of the housing in order to maximize the output power. The mirror alignment is factory set to maximize the output, but it can also be adjusted by the user using the three adjustment knobs on the back of the housing.

These lamps are shipped with factory-installed collimation lenses. The lens tube of the collimation lens features internal SM2 (2.035"-40) threading for easy integration of SM2-threaded parts, including the liquid light guide adapter sold below. A knob on the front of the lamp housing allows a manual shutter to block the output of the lamp if desired. The front face of the lamp housing can also integrate a 60 mm cage system.

The included controller, pictured to the upper right, has two LED indicator lights for temperature and bulb status. During normal operation, both lights will be green. If the controller becomes overheated, the "Temperature" indicator will switch to red and the lamp will be automatically shut off. The "Bulb Status" indicator will show green if the correct bulb is installed or red if no bulb is present or if the wrong bulb is installed. The LCD display of the controller also shows a timer that counts down the bulb's lifespan. Note that this is estimated using the typical 2000 hour lifetime of the compatible bulbs; the actual lifetime will vary from bulb to bulb.

The large box design of the arc lamp housing allows for the safe dissipation of thermal energy produced by the 150 W bulb. When used for an extensive amount of time, the case can heat up to ~60 °C, so extensive contact with the housing should be avoided. Replacement bulbs are sold below.

The arc lamp bulbs are ozone free: they do not produce enough deep UV radiation to convert oxygen to ozone within the beam path, allowing the lamp to be safely used without the need for a system to purge the environment around the lamp of ozone.

Stabilized Quartz Tungsten-Halogen Source: 360 - 3800 nm

Zoom

Click to Enlarge
Click for Raw Data
The calculated spectral power distribution for the SLS301 Light Source.

Click to Enlarge
The control unit for the SLS301.

Click to Enlarge
The back port provides access to uncollimated light at longer wavelengths.

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The back of the SLS301 with the removable plate taken out to incorporate 30 mm cage rods and fixed optic holder.

360 - 3800 nm Stabilized Light Source
- 360 - 2700 nm through the Front Lens
- 360 - 3800 nm through the Back Port
1.6 W Output Power Collimated in a Ø35 mm Beam
Closed-Loop Control for High Stability
- Power Fluctuations of 0.05% within 1 Hour
- Color Temperature Stability: ±15 K
Low Optical Drift: 0.01% per Hour / 0.1% per °C
30 mm and 60 mm Cage System Compatible
Manual Shutter

Thorlabs' Stabilized Quartz Tungsten-Halogen Light Source provides a constant intensity, 1.6 W blackbody radiation spectrum between 360 and 3800 nm. An internal feedback system is employed to achieve a highly stable power output (0.05% fluctuation). The high-power output (1.6 W) is collimated into a Ø35 mm beam for free-space applications. Since the blackbody spectrum spans both the visible and near-infrared spectral ranges, this source is ideal for integration into optical measurement equipment, such as back illumination for a test target as part of a detector calibration system. It can also be used as an illumination source in a white light interferometer for applications such as mapping surface structure.

The SLS301 is shipped with a factory-installed collimation lens. This configuration provides 1.6 W of free-space, collimated output power in a Ø35 mm beam. The lens tube of the collimation lens features internal SM2 (2.035"-40) threading for easy integration of SM2-threaded parts, including the liquid light guide adapter sold below. A knob on the front of the box allows a manual shutter to block the output of the lamp if desired.

The front face of this lamp can integrate a 60 mm cage system, while the back face has a removable plate with four 4-40 taps to incorporate a 30 mm cage system centered around an SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) aperture. It should be noted, however, that the output from the back face is not collimated. This additional output is ideal for creating a reference signal, or to monitor the output of the SLS301 without interfering with the Ø35 mm collimated beam.

The included controller, pictured above, has three LED indicator lights for temperature, bulb status, and lifespan. During normal operation, all three will be green. If the controller becomes overheated, the "Temperature" indicator will switch to red and the lamp will be automatically shut off. The "Bulb Status" indicator will show green if the correct bulb is installed in the SLS301, or red if no bulb is present or if the wrong bulb is installed. The "Lifespan" indicator shows yellow once the bulb reaches 75% of its lifespan and red once it reaches 100%.

The large box design of the SLS301 allows for the safe dissipation of thermal energy produced by the 150 W bulb. When used for an extensive amount of time, the case can heat up to ~60 °C, so extensive contact with the housing should be avoided. Replacement bulbs are sold below.

If a higher color temperature is desired, our color-balancing filters can be used to attenuate red light from the SLS301 light source while passing blue light. This results in a beam with a higher color temperature and lower total power.

Stabilized Silicon Nitride Globar Light Source: 550 nm - 15 µm

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SLS303 75 W Controller

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The Globar module has an integrated aluminum reflector that focuses light radiated by the Globar towards the front aperture.

Globar Source for 550 nm - 15 µm
4.5 W Output Power Collimated in a Ø50 mm Beam
Low Power Fluctuations of <0.05% within 1 Hour
Optical Drift: 0.01% per Hour / 0.2% per °C
60 mm Cage System Compatible
Manual Shutter

Thorlabs' Silicon Nitride Globar Lamp is designed to provide 4.5 W of free-space illumination over the 550 nm - 15 µm range. An internal feedback system is employed to achieve a highly stable power output (0.05% fluctuation). The high-power output is collimated into a Ø35 mm beam for free-space applications. An aluminum reflector collects light from the silicon nitride Globar element and reflects it towards the front of the housing in order to maximize the output power. The mirror alignment is factory set to maximize the output, but it can also be adjusted by the user using the three adjustment knobs on the back of the housing.

The lamp is shipped with a factory-installed, uncoated zinc selenide (ZnSe) collimation lens. The lens tube of the collimation lens features internal SM2 (2.035"-40) threading for easy integration of SM2-threaded parts. Please note that the SLS303 should not be used with our liquid light guides due to the MIR radiation. A knob on the front of the lamp housing allows a manual shutter to block the output of the lamp if desired. The front face of the lamp housing can also integrate a 60 mm cage system.

The included controller, has three LED indicator lights for temperature, bulb status, and lifespan. During normal operation, all three will be green. If the controller becomes overheated, the "Temperature" indicator will switch to red and the lamp will be automatically shut off. The "Bulb Status" indicator will show green if the correct bulb is installed in the SLS303, or red if no bulb is present or if the wrong bulb is installed. The "Lifespan" indicator shows yellow once the bulb reaches 75% of its lifespan and red once it reaches 100%.

The large box design of the lamp housing allows for the safe dissipation of thermal energy produced by the 70 W bulb. When used for an extensive amount of time, the case can heat up to ~60 °C, so extensive contact with the housing should be avoided. Replacement bulbs are sold below.

Liquid Light Guide Adapters

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The SLSLLG2, with a liquid light guide, attached to the SLS402 Light Source.

Couples the Output of the Broadband Light Sources into a Liquid Light Guide
Adapters Designed for 185 nm - 2.1 µm or 350 - 700 nm Wavelength Range
Compatible with Ø3 mm and Ø5 mm Core Liquid Light Guides
SLSLLG2 Includes Integrated Electronic Shutter with External Controller

These Liquid Light Guide Adapters are designed to quickly and easily integrate with the Broadband Light Sources to couple the output into Ø3 mm or Ø5 mm core Liquid Light Guides (LLGs). The adapters contain a collimating lens and are externally SM2 threaded (2.035"-40), allowing them to directly thread onto the collimation lens assembly without the need to remove or adjust either lens.

The SLSLLG1 is designed with an uncoated collimating lens, which provides a wide operating range from 185 nm - 2.1 µm. For superior performance from 350 nm - 700 nm, the SLSLLG2 and SLSLLG3 lenses use an AR-coated lens that provides improved coupling efficiency in this wavelength range. Transmission of wavelengths longer than 800 nm through the LLG for longer than an hour may result in permanent damage to the LLG tip; to reduce damage during extended use, incorporate a filter to limit transmission of IR wavelengths. Please note that the SLS303 should not be used with our liquid light guides due to the MIR radiation.

The SLSLLG2 features an integrated diaphragm shutter and an external controller that can operate at continuous frequencies up to 10 Hz and burst frequencies up to 15 Hz. For more information on the integrated shutter, please refer to the manual.

All liquid light guide adapters come with the AD3LLG adapter preinstalled, making them compatible with Ø3 mm LLGs out of the box. They are also shipped with the Ø5 mm LLG-compatible AD5LLG adapter, which can be swapped in by unthreading the AD3LLG and replacing it with the AD5LLG.

Item #		SLSLLG1	SLSLLG2	SLSLLG3
Wavelength Range		Uncoated: 185 nm - 2.1 µm	AR Coated: 350 nm - 700 nm; R_avg < 0.5%
Integrated Electronic Shutter		No	Yes^a	No
Lens		LA4464	ACL5040U-A
Lens Material		UV Fused Silica	B270 Optical Crown Glass
Coupling Efficiency^b	SLS401 / SLS402	>30% (3 mm LLG); >35% (5 mm LLG)	>30% (3 mm LLG); >40% (5 mm LLG)
Coupling Efficiency^b	SLS301	>15% (3 mm LLG); >25% (5 mm LLG)	>20% (3 mm LLG); >30% (5 mm LLG)

The external controller included with the SLSLLG2 is the same as the one included with the SHB1. For additional information, please see the full presentation here.
Please note that the SLS303 should not be used with our liquid light guides due to the MIR radiation.

Replacement Light Bulbs

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Item #	SLS401B	SLS402B	SLS301B	SLS303B
Compatible Light Source(s)	SLS401, SLS402	SLS401, SLS402	SLS301	SLS303
Bulb Type	Xenon Arc	Mercury- Xenon Arc	Quartz Tungsten- Halogen	Silicon Nitride Globar
Electrical Power	150 W			70 W
Color Temperature (Click for Spectrum)	5800 K	6000 K	3400 K	1200 K

SLS401B: Replacement Xenon Bulb for SLS401 or SLS402 Short-Arc Light Sources
SLS402B: Replacement Mercury Xenon Bulb for SLS401 or SLS402 Short-Arc Light Sources
SLS301B: Replacement Quartz Tungsten-Halogen Bulb for SLS301 Stabilized Light Source
SLS303B: Replacement Globar for SLS303 Stabilized Light Source
Arc Lamp Bulbs are Ozone Free

These replacement light bulbs are for the SLS401 and SLS402 short-arc light sources, SLS301 quartz tungsten-halogen IR stabilized light source, and SLS303 globar IR stabilized light source. Our short-arc bulbs offer different output spectra and are cross-compatible with the SLS401 and SLS402 sources. Please see the Bulb Installation tab for detailed bulb replacement instructions.

Note: We strongly recommend wearing gloves when replacing the bulbs in our light sources to prevent skin oils from being deposited onto the bulbs. If you suspect the bulb is dirty, carefully clean it with alcohol before connecting it to a power supply.