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1.5 μm ASE Light Source

Seed Laser Pro’s 1.5 µm ASE Light Source delivers 39 nm of broadband output from 1528 to 1567 nm for FBG sensor interrogation, telecom component testing, fiber optic gyroscopes, and OCT applications. Output power is 10 mW through SMF-28e fiber, with RMS stability below 0.2% maintained by precision ATC and ACC control circuits.

PM fiber output and custom configurations including filtered flat-spectrum versions are available. If you need a C-band broadband source for OEM integration or a specific output specification not listed here, contact Seed Laser Pro’s engineering team directly.

Product Features

  • 39 nm C-Band Coverage, 1528 to 1567 nm: Full C-band coverage from 1528 to 1567 nm. Covers the standard FBG sensor reflection range, the operating band of Erbium fiber amplifiers, and C-band WDM component passbands simultaneously. One source for multiple test setups.
  • Single-Mode SMF-28e Output: SMF-28e is the universal standard fiber for 1.5 µm systems. Direct connection to any C-band component without mode mismatch or adapters. FC/APC connector minimizes back-reflections in sensitive measurement setups. Custom fiber type, length, and connector available on request.
  • High-Precision ATC and ACC Control: Automatic temperature and current control maintain output power at RMS below 0.2% and peak-to-peak below 1% across the full 0 to 40°C operating range. Power adjustable from 10 to 100%.
  • PM Fiber and Custom Configurations Available: Standard output is SMF-28e. PM fiber output is available for fiber gyroscope and polarization-sensitive applications. Filtered configurations for improved spectral flatness are available for setups requiring better than the native 7 dB flatness of Erbium-band ASE output.

Typical Applications

  • FBG Sensor Testing and Interrogation: C-band FBG arrays reflect wavelengths across 1528 to 1567 nm depending on grating period and applied strain or temperature. This source illuminates the full array simultaneously. All sensor reflections are captured in one spectrum acquisition without wavelength scanning. Stable output power ensures consistent sensor readings throughout long-duration monitoring runs.
  • Telecom Component Testing: C-band couplers, WDM multiplexers, circulators, isolators, and EDFAs are all characterized using broadband sources covering their full operating range. This source covers the core C-band for fast production-line insertion loss, return loss, and spectral transmission measurements without a tunable laser sweep.
  • Fiber Optic Gyroscopes: FOG systems require a broadband, low-coherence C-band source to suppress coherence noise from backscattering within the sensing coil. PM fiber output option available for gyroscope architectures requiring defined polarization state at the source output.
  • Optical Coherence Tomography: 39 nm bandwidth at 1.5 µm gives axial resolution on the order of 40 µm, suitable for cardiovascular imaging, industrial inspection, and non-destructive testing OCT systems at this wavelength band.

Need a custom configuration? PM fiber output, filtered flat-spectrum output, custom fiber length, or OEM module format are all available. Seed Laser Pro’s engineering team works with you at the design stage.

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1.5 μm ASE Light Source
Technical ParameterUnitTechnical Specifications
MinimumTypicalMaximum
Wavelength Rangenm—1528 – 1567—
Optical Bandwidthnm—39—
Output PowermW—10—
Spectral FlatnessdB—≤ 7—
Output Spectral DensitydB—30—
Output Power Stability% RMS < 0.2 / Peak-to-Peak < 1
Output Power Adjustment%10 – 100
Operating VoltageVDC 12 V or Others
Power ConsumptionW—5—
Operating Temperature°C0—40
Storage Temperature°C-45—70
Output Fiber Type/ SMF-28e or Others
Output Fiber Lengthm—0.6—
Output Fiber Connector/ FC/APC
Dimensionsmm 175 (L) × 140 (W) × 25 (H)

What Is a C-Band ASE Light Source?

A C-band ASE source is a broadband optical source that generates low-coherence light between 1528 and 1567 nm using Erbium-doped fiber pumped by a semiconductor laser diode. There is no optical feedback cavity. Light is generated through spontaneous emission and amplified as it propagates through the gain fiber. The output is spectrally broad, spatially single-mode, and low in temporal coherence.

That combination — broadband spectrum, single-mode fiber delivery, low coherence — is exactly what FBG sensing, FOG systems, and OCT require. A single-frequency laser at 1550 nm would produce strong coherence noise in all three applications. This source suppresses it by design.

For applications requiring narrow linewidth and long coherence length at 1.5 µm, Seed Laser Pro’s single frequency fiber seed lasers cover the 1550 nm band from standard sub-10 kHz through to Hz-level linewidth.

Why 1.5 µm Is the Default Fiber Sensing Wavelength

1.5 µm sits at the lowest-loss transmission window of standard silica fiber. Attenuation at 1550 nm is approximately 0.2 dB/km in SMF-28e. That fundamental property drove the entire fiber optics industry to build around C-band, and the ecosystem that resulted makes it the practical default for any fiber sensing or measurement system.

Every component needed in a C-band test bench is widely available: couplers, circulators, isolators, WDMs, detectors, spectrum analyzers, and patch cables — all in SMF-28e. Connecting this source to a C-band setup requires no special adapters and no wavelength conversion.

For applications requiring 1.0 µm or 2.0 µm broadband coverage, Seed Laser Pro’s ASE light source range covers all three main fiber bands.

A Note on Spectral Flatness

This source specifies 7 dB spectral flatness. The 1.0 µm ASE source specifies 3 dB. That difference is not a quality gap — it is a physical property of Erbium gain.

Erbium-doped fiber has a non-uniform gain profile across the C-band, with a characteristic peak near 1530 nm and a broader, flatter region out to 1565 nm. Achieving better than 7 dB flatness across the full 39 nm bandwidth requires external spectral flattening filters. For most FBG interrogation and component testing applications, 7 dB flatness is well within acceptable limits.

If your application requires flatter spectral output, filtered configurations are available. Contact Seed Laser Pro to discuss your spectral flatness requirement.

ATC and ACC: How Stability Is Maintained

Two independent control loops keep output stable throughout continuous operation.

ATC holds the pump diode temperature constant using a thermoelectric cooler. In an Erbium ASE source, pump wavelength falls around 980 nm. Temperature drift in the pump diode shifts that wavelength, changes the overlap with the Erbium absorption peak, and alters the spectral shape and output power of the ASE. ATC prevents that drift.

ACC regulates pump drive current to maintain a constant output power setpoint. As the pump diode ages or ambient temperature changes, ACC adjusts current to compensate. The result is RMS stability below 0.2% and peak-to-peak below 1% throughout continuous operation.

OEM and Custom Integration

The standard module measures 175 × 140 × 25 mm and operates from 12 VDC at 5 W. This form factor suits direct integration into instrument enclosures and rack-mounted test systems.

Available custom options include:

  • PM fiber output for polarization-sensitive FOG and sensing applications
  • Filtered flat-spectrum output for applications requiring spectral flatness better than 7 dB
  • Custom output fiber length beyond the standard 0.6 m
  • Alternative fiber connector types
  • Custom operating voltage configurations
  • OEM PCB driver integration for compact instrument builds

Contact Seed Laser Pro’s engineering team with your integration requirements. Lead time for custom configurations depends on specification. Standard catalog units ship on standard lead time.

FAQ SECTION

What is a 1.5 µm C-band ASE light source?

A C-band ASE source is a broadband optical source generating low-coherence light between 1528 and 1567 nm using Erbium-doped fiber. Unlike a single-frequency laser, it spreads output across 39 nm of bandwidth with low temporal coherence. This makes it the standard source for FBG sensor interrogation, fiber gyroscopes, C-band component testing, and OCT applications at 1.5 µm.

Why does spectral flatness read 7 dB rather than the 3 dB on the 1.0 µm source?

Erbium-doped fiber has a non-uniform gain profile across the C-band. Achieving 3 dB flatness across 39 nm at 1.5 µm requires external spectral flattening filters, which add cost and insertion loss. The 7 dB native flatness of this source is sufficient for FBG interrogation and most component testing applications. For applications requiring flatter output, contact Seed Laser Pro for filtered configurations.

Is PM fiber output available?

Yes. PM fiber output is available as a custom configuration for fiber gyroscope and polarization-sensitive sensing applications. Contact Seed Laser Pro with your PM fiber type, required PER, and connector specification. Standard catalog units ship with SMF-28e output.

What is the difference between using this source and a tunable laser for C-band component testing?

A tunable laser sweeps wavelengths sequentially and measures one wavelength at a time. This ASE source illuminates the full 1528 to 1567 nm range simultaneously. An optical spectrum analyzer at the output captures the full spectral response in one measurement. For broadband components such as WDMs, couplers, and isolators, the ASE approach is significantly faster. A tunable laser provides better wavelength accuracy and dynamic range for narrow spectral features but is slower for full-band characterization.

Can this source be used for fiber gyroscope applications?

Yes. FOG systems require a broadband, low-coherence 1.5 µm source with stable output power. This source meets those requirements in standard SMF-28e output. For FOG architectures requiring PM fiber throughout the optical path, PM output configuration is available on request.

What OEM integration support does Seed Laser Pro provide?

Seed Laser Pro offers OEM PCB driver integration, custom mechanical configurations, and engineering support for instrument integration at the design stage. Contact the engineering team early in the design cycle for best results on lead time and configuration fit.

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    The 1.0 µm band is where Ytterbium fiber technology lives. FBG sensors written at 1060 nm, fiber components designed for the Ytterbium amplifier band, and OCT systems targeting near-infrared tissue imaging all need a broadband source at this wavelength to test, characterize, and calibrate against.

    Seed Laser Pro’s 1.0 µm ASE Light Source produces 45 nm of optical bandwidth centered in the 1020 to 1065 nm range, with 10 mW output power and spectral flatness within 3 dB. High-precision ATC and ACC control circuits keep output power stable at RMS below 0.2% and peak-to-peak below 1%. Single-mode HI1060 fiber output, compact 175 × 140 × 25 mm module, 5 W power draw. Built for fiber component testing, FBG sensor interrogation, and spectral analysis at 1 µm.

    Product Features

    • 45 nm Optical Bandwidth, 1020 to 1065 nm — Ytterbium-doped fiber ASE sources cover a spectrum from approximately 1020 to 1080 nm, and this source delivers 45 nm of usable bandwidth centered in that range. Wide enough to simultaneously illuminate multiple FBG sensors at different reflection wavelengths or to characterize the full passband of a fiber component in a single measurement.
    • Spectral Flatness Within 3 dB — Flat spectral output across the 45 nm bandwidth means component insertion loss measurements are not skewed by uneven source power distribution across the test wavelength range. 3 dB flatness is the standard specification for production-grade FBG and fiber component testing sources.
    • High-Precision ATC and ACC Control — Automatic temperature control (ATC) and automatic current control (ACC) circuits maintain stable output power with RMS stability below 0.2% and peak-to-peak stability below 1% throughout continuous operation. Output power is adjustable from 10 to 100%.

    Typical Applications

    • FBG Sensor Testing and Interrogation — 1064nm ASE broadband light sources are suitable for testing fiber optic device loss, polarization degree, and FBG grating production. Each FBG in a sensor array reflects a narrow band of the incident broadband light. The reflection wavelength shifts with the physical quantity being measured. Illuminating the full array simultaneously with a flat broadband source covers all sensors in one measurement pass without wavelength scanning.
    • Fiber Component Characterization — Measuring insertion loss, return loss, and spectral transmission of fiber components designed for the 1 µm band requires a broadband source covering the component’s full operating wavelength range. This source covers 45 nm across the 1020 to 1065 nm range, matching the operating band of Ytterbium fiber amplifiers, couplers, isolators, and WDMs.
    • Spectral Analysis and Instrument Calibration — Optical spectrum analyzers, spectrometers, and wavelength meters used in 1 µm fiber laser development and production require a known broadband reference source for calibration and performance verification. This source provides a stable, flat broadband reference at 1 µm for these setups.
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    2.0 μm ASE Light Source

    Seed Laser Pro’s 2.0 µm ASE Light Source delivers 39 nm of broadband output from 1926 to 1976 nm for 2 µm fiber component characterization, CO2 and water vapor gas sensing, Thulium fiber amplifier testing, and spectral analysis in the 2 µm band.

    Output power is 10 mW through SM1950 single-mode fiber, with 3 dB spectral flatness and RMS stability below 0.2%. The system ships in a standard 2U rack-mount chassis at 88.9 × 48.26 × 450 mm, drawing 20 W. Custom fiber types, OEM configurations, and PM output options are available. Contact Seed Laser Pro’s engineering team to discuss integration requirements.

    Product Features

    • 39 nm Coverage, 1926 to 1976 nm, 3 dB Flatness — Broadband output across the Thulium gain band centered at 1950 nm. 3 dB spectral flatness across 39 nm gives a uniform illumination profile suited for component loss measurement and gas absorption spectroscopy across multiple molecular absorption features simultaneously.
    • SM1950 Single-Mode Fiber Output — SM1950 is the standard single-mode fiber for 2.0 µm wavelength systems. Direct connection to 2 µm fiber components without mode mismatch. FC/APC connector minimizes back-reflections. Custom fiber types and lengths available on request.
    • Precision ATC and ACC Control — Automatic temperature and current control maintain output power at RMS below 0.2% and peak-to-peak below 1% across the full 0 to 40°C operating range. Output adjustable from 10 to 100%.
    • 2U Rack-Mount Chassis — Ships in a standard 2U rack-mount chassis at 88.9 × 48.26 × 450 mm. Designed for integration into rack-based test stations and laboratory instrument setups where bench space is limited.

    Typical Applications

      • CO2 and Water Vapor Gas Sensing — The 2.0 µm band covers strong molecular absorption features of CO2, water vapor, and CO. Broadband illumination from 1926 to 1976 nm simultaneously covers multiple absorption lines across these species, allowing multi-gas detection from a single source in absorption spectroscopy setups.
    • 2 µm Fiber Component Testing — Thulium-doped fiber amplifiers, 2 µm couplers, isolators, and WDMs require a broadband source at their operating wavelength for insertion loss, return loss, and spectral transmission characterization. This source covers the Thulium band operating range for component test setups that cannot use C-band or 1 µm equipment.
    • Thulium Fiber Amplifier Characterization — Measuring the gain spectrum and noise figure of Thulium-doped fiber amplifiers requires a broadband seed source covering the amplifier gain bandwidth. This source provides the input signal for amplifier gain measurements across the 1926 to 1976 nm range.
    • Spectral Analysis and Mid-Infrared Research — Research programs developing 2 µm fiber laser systems, mid-infrared nonlinear sources, and 2 µm sensing instruments all require a stable broadband reference source at this wavelength for calibration, component evaluation, and system characterization.

    Need a custom 2.0 µm configuration? PM fiber output, custom fiber length, OEM module format, and alternative operating voltage are available. For gas sensing setups requiring specific wavelength coverage or flatness specifications, contact Seed Laser Pro’s engineering team.

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