The Stradus laser modules are technologically dense devices. In order to produce their exceptional optical output, it is necessary to consider not only the drive current of the diode and the subsequent optics but also the control electronics and temperature management. The Stradus laser does this with an exceptionally engineered design.

Control of the laser can be accessed directly on the laser head using compact connector types, connecting to the on-board microprocessor and EEPROM. Temperature management is handled in a closed loop and runs efficiently enough that for most laboratory environments only conductive cooling is required, meaning there is no need for disruptive fan assisted cooling plates.

Image left: Stradus 405-100 Noise
Image right: Stradus 405-100 Power vs Time 60 Hours

A key aspect of the Stradus technology is its exceptionally low noise. This is achieved in Constant Power Operation through careful management of the diode drive current, monitored and controlled with high speed closed loop electronics. Both in terms of long term power stability and high frequency noise, Vortran pushes the boundaries of old industry standards, providing users with exceptional reliability of use.

Most laser-based applications require a good beam quality. This is particularly important in fields such as fluorescence microscopy where the determining factor is often the diffraction-limited spot size. All Stradus lasers are specified with a high beam quality of M2<1.25 and a single TEM00 spatial mode.

The Stradus features a unique sealed optical cavity which, in combination with their high speed electronics and thermal management, provides a highly stable environment for the diodes to operate in, improving stability, extending lifetimes and making these lasers back-reflection insensitive.

Image: Laser Rise Time ≤0.7usec

All Stradus lasers offer analog modulation as standard with typical speeds of 500kHz. Analog input signals can be delivered via a BNC connector on the power supply and can be activated via the software provided.

Image left: Stradus 488-50 Digital Rise Time
Image middle: Stradus 488-50 Digital Fall Time

All Stradus lasers offer digital modulation as standard with typical speed 200MHz (150MHz full-off). Digital modulation input signals can be delivered via the compact SMB connector on the back of the laser module, minimizing latency. The signal should be a standard TTL for full on/off modulation and for highest speed performance the signal should have a 50 Ohm input impedence.

As an alternative to digital modulation where a simple triggering option is required, the Stradus’ external trigger or Laser Enable function is an ideal option. Running at speeds up to 50kHz, this option can be controlled via a simple TTL signal input on the front of the power supply. This function addresses the power supply itself and requires no setting changes, making it even easier to integrate the laser into a wider setup, coordinated using hard external triggers.

The Stradus comes with a standard USB interface accessible on the back of the unit. RS232 is also available via the power supply. The majority of applications can work with USB but for users working with software such as MicroManager, these lasers are fully integrated using RS-232 protocols.

The Stradus is provided with an easy to use, Windows-compatible software interface. This software allows users to turn the laser(s) on and off, monitor their status and toggle additional functionality such as analog or digital modulation.

The Stradus has been extensively tested for reliability, including for Class 4 ESD protection. Click here to see a short YouTube video.

All Stradus lasers are available with fiber coupling with one exception (Stradus 375nm). Where fiber coupling is available, both singlemode and multimode fiber can be implemented with high coupling efficiencies and stability.