WRD-19020-1
5
3
Introduction
This manual contains useful operating and background information about the ClarityPlus
TM
C Band
Tunable Laser. It contains all the information you will need to operate and maintain your laser.
If you have just received your laser, refer to Section 3.2 for instructions on initial inspection. For routine
front panel operation, refer to Section 4.
This manual is intended to coincide with firmware versions 1.2 through 1.9. For other firmware versions,
please consult the appropriate manual or contact Wavelength References for information.
3.1
Product Overview
The ClarityPlus contains a Distributed Feedback (DFB) Laser Diode Array (LDA) coupled with an H
13
CN
Molecular Absorption Cell. The laser is capable to stabilizing its output wavelength to any of the H
13
CN
reference lines published in NIST
’s Special Publication 260-137 (see section 7.1 and bibliography).
Furthermore, the laser self-calibrates to these reference lines allowing high accuracy wavelengths
ANYWHERE in the C band.
The ClarityPlus ships with three modes:
1.
Reference Lock
: Allows wavelength stabilization to any of the published NIST H
13
CN
Reference Lines. Refer to Section 7.1 for a list of available lines. This can be considered as
a primary frequency standard, treating the reference cell as traceable to a physical constant
(see Section 8.4 for a traceability statement).
2.
Wavelength Lock
: Allows wavelength stabilization to any wavelength in the C band by first
calibrating to available reference lines.
3.
Channel Frequency Lock
: Allows frequency stabilization anywhere in the ITU grid. The user
selects a frequency channel, resolution and offset to arrive at a precise frequency for
stabilization. Laser calibrates to available references lines first, as in Wavelength Lock.
Channel Frequency Lock Mode also includes a live update feature (when the laser is locked):
