Thorlabs Inc.
Visit the Laser Diode Collimation and Focusing Tubes page for pricing and availability information

Laser Diode Collimation and Focusing Tubes

  • Collimation and Focusing Tubes for Laser Diodes
  • Aspheric Optics Premounted in Ø15 mm Aluminum Tubes

LT230220P-B

Focusing Tube with Optic

LT110P-B

Collimation Tube with Optic
(Laser Diode Sold Separately)

LTN330-C

Adjustable Laser Diode Collimation Tube with Optic

Hide Overview

OVERVIEW

Thorlabs' collimation and focusing tubes can be mounted in our CP33 SM1-Threaded Cage Plate using the AD15F adapter.

Features

  • Collimation or Focusing Tubes Designed for Use with TO Can Laser Diodes
  • Compatible with Thorlabs' ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cables

Thorlabs offers passive laser diode mounts with premounted aspheric optics for collimation or focusing applications. Each of these mounts is compatible with our strain relief and ESD protection cables, also offered below. These mounts are compatible with low-power Ø5.6 mm or Ø9 mm laser diode packages and do not offer active cooling. They can be adapted to standard Ø1" mounts such KM100 Kinematic Mount using the AD15NT Adapter. They can also be mounted in SM1-threaded lens tubes and optomechanics using the AD15F or AD15F2 Adapters.

Laser Diode Accessory Selection Guide
Temperature
Controlled Mounts		 Passive Mounts Other Passive Mounts with
Collimation Package		 Strain Relief Cables Diode Sockets Controllers

Hide Specs

SPECS

Adjustable Laser Diode Collimation Tubes and Optics
Item # AR
Coating Range		 Effective
Focal Length		 Numerical
Aperture		 Aspheric Optic Lens Info Minimum
Package Length
LTN330-A 350 - 700 nm 3.1 mm 0.68 354330-A info icon 0.87" (22 mm)
LTN330-B 600 - 1050 nm 3.1 mm 0.68 354330-B info icon 0.87" (22 mm)
LTN330-C 1050 - 1700 nm 3.1 mm 0.68 354330-C info icon 0.87" (22 mm)
Laser Diode Collimation Tubes and Optics (for 650 - 1050 nm)
Item # AR
Coating Range		 Effective
Focal Length		 Numerical
Aperture		 Aspheric Optic Lens Info Package Length
LT230P-B 650 - 1050 nm 4.51 mm 0.55 A230TM-B info 0.75" (19 mm)
LT110P-B 6.24 mm 0.40 A110TM-B info 0.85" (22 mm)
LT240P-B 8.00 mm 0.50 A240TM-B info 0.95" (24 mm)
LT220P-B 11.0 mm 0.26 A220TM-B info 1.00" (25 mm)
Adjustable Laser Diode Focusing Tubes and Optics (for 600 - 1050 nm)
Item # AR
Coating Range		 Effective
Focal Length		 Numerical
Aperture		 Aspheric Optic Pair Component
Lens Info		 Package Lengtha
LT230220P-B 600 - 1050 nm 4.51 mm Laser Side: 0.55
Focus Side: 0.25		 C230220P-B info 0.8" (20.3 mm)
info
LT230260P-B Laser Side: 0.55
Focus Side: 0.16		 C230260P-B info
info
  • This length does not include the distance at which the adjustable lens protrudes.

Hide Insights

INSIGHTS

Insights into Beam Characterization

Scroll down to read about:

  • Beam Size Measurement Using a Chopper Wheel

Click here for more insights into lab practices and equipment.

 

Beam Size Measurement Using a Chopper Wheel

 

Arc length of a beam spot, as defined by the parameters of a chopper wheel.
Click to Enlarge

Figure 2: The blade traces an arc length of Rθ through the center of the beam and has an angular rotation rate of f. The chopper wheel shown is MC1F2.

Chopper wheel setup used to estimate beam diameter.
Click to Enlarge

Figure 1: An approximate measurement of beam size can be found using the illustrated setup. As the blade of the chopper wheel passes through the beam, an S-curve is traced out on the oscilloscope.

Gaussian beam intensity profile with 1/e2 diameter noted.
Click to Enlarge

Figure 4: The diameter of a Gaussian beam is often given in terms of the 1/e2 full width.

Rising edge of S-curve used to estimated beam diameter..
Click to Enlarge

Figure 3: Rise time (tr ) of the intensity signal is typically measured between the 10% and 90% points on the curve. The rise time depends on the wheel's rotation rate and the beam diameter.

Camera and scanning-slit beam profilers are tools for characterizing beam size and shape, but these instruments cannot provide an accurate measurement if the beam size is too small or the wavelength is outside of the operating range.

A chopper wheel, photodetector, and oscilloscope can provide an approximate measurement of the beam size (Figure 1). As the rotating chopper wheel's blade passes through the beam, an S-shaped trace is displayed on the oscilloscope.

When the blade sweeps through the angle θ , the rise or fall time of the S-curve is proportional to the size of the beam along the direction of the blade's travel (Figure 2). A point on the blade located a distance R  from the center of the wheel sweeps through an arc length (Rθ ) that is approximately equal to the size of the beam along this direction.

To make this beam size measurement, the combined response of the detector and oscilloscope should be much faster than the signal's rate of change. 

Example: S-Curve with Rising Edge
The angle (θ = ftr ) subtended by the beam depends on the signal's rise time (Figure 3) and the wheel's rotation rate (f ), whose units are Hz or revolutions/s. The arc length (Rθ = R ⋅ ftr ) through the beam can be calculated using this angle. For a small Gaussian-shaped beam (Figure 4), a first approximation of the 1/e2 beam diameter (D ),

includes a factor of 1.56, which accounts for the portion of the beam measured between the 10% and 90% intensity points being smaller than the 1/e2 beam diameter.

Date of Last Edit: June 22, 2021
Content improved by our readers!


Hide Adjustable Laser Diode Collimation Tubes and Optics

Adjustable Laser Diode Collimation Tubes and Optics

Adjustable Laser Diode Collimation Tube and SR9 Wire
Click to Enlarge
Adjustable Laser Diode Collimation Tubes are Compatible with SR9 Strain Relief and ESD Protection Cables
  • Adjustable Lens Mount with Collimating Optic for our LD Sockets with Strain Relief Cables (Sold Below)
  • 13/32"-40 Threaded Retaining Ring Secures Ø5.6 mm or Ø9 mm Laser Diode
  • Aspheric Collimation Optic with One of Three Broadband AR Coatings:
    • A Coating: 350 - 700 nm
    • B Coating: 600 - 1050 nm
    • C Coating: 1050 - 1700 nm
  • Rotating Cap with Locking Ring Provides 2.5 mm (0.1") of Lens Travel for an Adjustable Focus
  • Includes Main Tube with Mounted Optic, Retaining Ring, and Adapter Kit for Ø5.6 mm Diode Packages
  • Ø15 mm (Ø0.58") Tube Can be Mounted Using a Ø1" AD15NT Adapter or SM1-Threaded AD15F or AD15F2 Adapters
  • Laser Diode Retaining Ring Compatible with SPW301 and SPW801 Spanner Wrenches

Thorlabs' Adjustable Laser Diode Collimation Tubes are shipped with an aspheric lens (collimation optic) premounted. The position of this lens can be adjusted by up to 2.5 mm (0.1") by rotating the cap on the end of the tube. The position of the lens can then be locked using the external locking ring. Rotation of the cap by 5° corresponds to a linear displacement of the lens by 5.5 µm, and an engraved scale on the actuating cap allows for accurate lens positioning. The lens translates inside the tube without rotation for enhanced pointing stability. The large travel range of the optic ensures that these collimation tubes can be used to collimate any of Thorlabs' laser diodes that emit within their AR coating range. However, the lens in these collimation tubes is not meant to be replaced.

The SPW301 spanner wrench can be used to install any of our Ø5.6 mm or Ø9 mm laser diodes in the collimation tube. A Ø9 mm laser diode can be directly installed into the tube with the included retaining ring, while a Ø5.6 mm laser diode can be installed with the use of the included adapter kit.

Laser Diode Temperature Warning
Please note that these collimation tubes do not have any temperature regulation or temperature measurement capability, so we do not recommend using them with higher power laser diodes without additional thermal regulation. Running a laser diode at a high operating temperature can significantly shorten its lifetime.

Mounting Options
Thorlabs' Adjustable Laser Diode Collimation Tubes can be secured in a KM100 Kinematic Mount using the AD15NT adapter. Alternatively, they can be mounted in an SM1-threaded mount using our AD15F adapter, as illustrated in the video at the top of the page. However, the outer diameter of the external locking ring on these collimation tubes will not fit in these adapters. As such, the tubes can only be placed into the adapter in one direction, and they will not pass all the way through the adapter. Therefore, the laser diode socket should be passed through the adapter before connection to the diode in the collimation tube. Alternatively, the locking ring can be removed by first removing the tube's end cap. As an alternative mounting option, these collimation tubes can be secured in a KM100V kinematic V-mount.

Specifications
Item # AR
Coating Range		 Effective
Focal Length		 Numerical
Aperture		 Aspheric Optic Lens Info Minimum
Package Length
LTN330-A 350 - 700 nm 3.1 mm 0.68 354330-A info icon 0.87" (22 mm)
LTN330-B 600 - 1050 nm 3.1 mm 0.68 354330-B info icon 0.87" (22 mm)
LTN330-C 1050 - 1700 nm 3.1 mm 0.68 354330-C info icon 0.87" (22 mm)

Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
LTN330-A
Adjustable Collimation Tube with Optic for Ø5.6 and Ø9 mm Laser Diodes, f = 3.1 mm, NA = 0.68, AR Coated: 350 - 700 nm
$294.53
3-5 Days
LTN330-B
Adjustable Collimation Tube with Optic for Ø5.6 and Ø9 mm Laser Diodes, f = 3.1 mm, NA = 0.68, AR Coated: 600 - 1050 nm
$294.53
3-5 Days
LTN330-C
Adjustable Collimation Tube with Optic for Ø5.6 and Ø9 mm Laser Diodes, f = 3.1 mm, NA = 0.68, AR Coated: 1050 - 1700 nm
$294.53
3-5 Days

Hide Laser Diode Collimation Tubes and Optics (for 650 - 1050 nm)

Laser Diode Collimation Tubes and Optics (for 650 - 1050 nm)

LT Collimation Tube and SR9 Wire
Click to Enlarge
Laser Diode Collimation Tubes are Compatible with SR9 Strain Relief and ESD Protection Cables
  • Lens Mount with Collimating Optic for our Laser Diode Sockets with Strain Relief Cables (Sold Below)
  • 13/32"-40 Threaded Retaining Ring Secures Ø5.6 mm or Ø9 mm Laser Diode
  • Aspheric Collimation Optic that is AR Coated for 650 - 1050 nm
  • Includes Main Tube, Optic, Retaining Ring, Rubber O-Ring, and Adapter for Ø5.6 mm Diode Packages
  • Ø15 mm (Ø0.58") Tube Can be Mounted Using a Ø1" AD15NT Adapter or SM1-Threaded AD15F or AD15F2 Adapters
  • Laser Diode Retaining Ring Compatible with SPW301 and SPW801 Spanner Wrenches

Other Wavelength Ranges and Collimation Optics
The Laser Diode Collimation Tube is shipped with the aspheric lens (collimation optic) premounted. However, a different aspheric lens can be substituted for better performance at different wavelengths. Any of our M9 x 0.5 threaded mounted aspheric lenses are compatible with the LT110P-B, LT220P-B, and LT230P-B collimation tubes, while any of our M12 x 0.5-threaded mounted aspheric lenses are compatible with the LT240P-B collimation tube. The SPW301 or SPW302 spanner wrenches, respectively, can be used to remove and install these two sizes of aspheric lenses. Please contact Tech Support if you would like to purchase the collimation tube without the aspheric lens, or with a different lens.

Laser Diode Temperature Warning
Please note that these collimation tubes do not have any temperature regulation or temperature measurement capability, so we do not recommend using them with higher power laser diodes without additional thermal regulation. Running a laser diode at a high operating temperature can significantly shorten its lifetime.

Specifications
Item # AR
Coating Range		 Effective
Focal Length		 Numerical
Aperture		 Aspheric Optic Lens Info Package Length
LT230P-B 650 - 1050 nm 4.51 mm 0.55 A230TM-B info 0.75" (19 mm)
LT110P-B 6.24 mm 0.40 A110TM-B info 0.85" (22 mm)
LT240P-B 8.00 mm 0.50 A240TM-B info 0.95" (24 mm)
LT220P-B 11.0 mm 0.26 A220TM-B info 1.00" (25 mm)

Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
LT230P-B
Collimation Tube with Optic for Ø5.6 and Ø9 mm Laser Diodes, f = 4.51 mm, NA = 0.55, AR Coated: 650 - 1050 nm
$181.00
3-5 Days
LT110P-B
Collimation Tube with Optic for Ø5.6 and Ø9 mm Laser Diodes, f = 6.24 mm, NA = 0.40, AR Coated: 650 - 1050 nm
$181.00
3-5 Days
LT240P-B
Collimation Tube with Optic for Ø5.6 and Ø9 mm Laser Diodes, f = 8.00 mm, NA = 0.50, AR Coated: 650 - 1050 nm
$181.00
3-5 Days
LT220P-B
Collimation Tube with Optic for Ø5.6 and Ø9 mm Laser Diodes, f = 11.0 mm, NA = 0.26, AR Coated: 650 - 1050 nm
$181.00
3-5 Days

Hide Adjustable Laser Diode Focusing Tubes and Optics (for 600 - 1050 nm)

Adjustable Laser Diode Focusing Tubes and Optics (for 600 - 1050 nm)

LT Collimation Tube and SR9 Wire
Click to Enlarge
Laser Diode Collimation Tubes are Compatible with SR9 Strain Relief and ESD Protection Cables
  • Lens Mount with Adjustable Focus for our Laser Diode Sockets with Strain Relief Cables (Sold Below)
  • 13/32"-40 Threaded Retaining Ring Secures Ø5.6 mm or Ø9 mm Laser Diode
  • Aspheric Focusing Optic Pair that is AR Coated for 600 - 1050 nm
  • Includes Main Tube, Optic, Retaining Ring, Rubber O-Ring, and Adapter Kit for Ø5.6 mm Diode Packages
  • Ø15 mm (Ø0.58") Tube Can be Mounted Using a Ø1" AD15NT Adapter or SM1-Threaded AD15F or AD15F2 Adapters
  • Laser Diode Retaining Ring and Aspheric Lens Pair Compatible with SPW301 and SPW801 Spanner Wrenches

These laser diode focusing packages are similar to our laser diode collimation packages sold above but include an aspheric lens pair for focusing of the laser diode output. The focus can be adjusted by threading the mounted lens pair in or out. These packages are compatible with our SR9 laser diode sockets, available below.

Laser Diode Temperature Warning
Please note that these collimation tubes do not have any temperature regulation or temperature measurement capability, so we do not recommend using them with higher power laser diodes without additional thermal regulation. Running a laser diode at a high operating temperature can significantly shorten its lifetime.

Specifications
Item # AR
Coating Range		 Effective
Focal Length		 Numerical
Aperture		 Aspheric Optic Pair Component
Lens Info		 Package Lengtha
LT230220P-B 600 - 1050 nm 4.51 mm Laser Side: 0.55
Focus Side: 0.25		 C230220P-B info 0.8" (20.3 mm)
info
LT230260P-B Laser Side: 0.55
Focus Side: 0.16		 C230260P-B info
info
  • This length does not include the distance at which the adjustable lens protrudes.

Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
LT230220P-B
Focusing Tube with Optic Pair for Ø5.6 and Ø9 mm Laser Diodes, f = 4.51 mm, Laser Side NA = 0.55, AR Coated: 600 - 1050 nm
$315.95
3 Weeks
LT230260P-B
Focusing Tube with Optic Pair for Ø5.6 and Ø9 mm Laser Diodes, f = 4.51 mm, Laser Side NA = 0.55, AR Coated: 600 - 1050 nm
$315.95
3-5 Days

Hide ESD Protection and Strain Relief

ESD Protection and Strain Relief

Item #
Prefixa		 Supported
Pin Style		 Component
Socket		 Max LD
Forward
Voltage
SR9A A and E S8060 3.3 V
SR9B B and H S8060
SR9C C and H S8060
SR9D D S8060-4
SR9F F and G S8060-4
SR9HA A and E S8060 7.5 V
SR9HB B and H S8060
SR9HF F and G S8060-4
  • Standard cables are terminated with bare wires. Cables with a -DB9 suffix in the item # are DB9 terminated.
Diode Compatibility with Strain Relief Cables
Laser Diodes Ø3.8 mm x
Ø5.6 mm o
Ø9.0 mm Yes
TO Can Packages TO-5 x
TO-18 o
TO-46 o

Yes Fully Compatible
o   Not a Perfect Fit, but Functional
x   Not Compatible

These strain relief and ESD protection products offer a convenient means of connecting a Ø5.6 mm or Ø9 mm laser diode to many of Thorlabs' laser diode controllers. Each model comes with a laser socket mounted to a small-printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB contains a Schottky diode to clamp any reverse voltages that might appear across the laser diode, as well as a Zener diode to shunt any excessive voltages or ESD away from the diode.

Each model corresponds to one or more of the standard Pin Styles for laser diodes (see the diagram below) and is compatible with our Laser Diode Collimation and Focusing Tubes, Ø1/2" Post Mounts, and Cage Plate Mounts. SR9 models are designed for laser diodes with forward voltages up to 3.3 V, while SR9H models are designed for laser diodes with forward voltages up to 7.5 V. Each strain relief is available with or without a DB9 connector. Models with item #'s that end in -DB9 are pin compatible with many of our Laser Diode Controllers (see the strain relief cable and controller pin diagrams to determine compatibility).

Note: These cables are not designed to provide any temperature regulation. More information on temperature regulating a laser diode is provided in the Laser Diode Tutorial.

Supported Laser Diode Pin Codes
Supported Pin Codes

Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
SR9A
ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes A and E, 3.3 V
$59.39
3-5 Days
SR9A-DB9
ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes A and E, 3.3 V, with DB9
$63.26
3-5 Days
SR9B
ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes B and H, 3.3 V
$59.39
Lead Time
SR9B-DB9
ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes B and H, 3.3 V, with DB9
$63.26
3-5 Days
SR9C
ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes C and H, 3.3 V
$59.39
3-5 Days
SR9C-DB9
ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes C and H, 3.3 V, with DB9
$63.26
3-5 Days
SR9D
ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Code D, 3.3 V
$59.39
3-5 Days
SR9D-DB9
ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Code D, 3.3 V, with DB9
$63.26
3-5 Days
SR9F
ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes F and G, 3.3 V
$59.39
3-5 Days
SR9F-DB9
ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes F and G, 3.3 V, with DB9
$63.26
3-5 Days
SR9HA
Customer Inspired! ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes A and E, 7.5 V
$59.39
3-5 Days
SR9HA-DB9
Customer Inspired! ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes A and E, 7.5 V, with DB9
$63.26
3-5 Days
SR9HB
Customer Inspired! ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes B and H, 7.5 V
$59.39
3-5 Days
SR9HB-DB9
Customer Inspired! ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes B and H, 7.5 V, with DB9
$63.26
3-5 Days
SR9HF
ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes F and G, 7.5 V
$59.39
3-5 Days
SR9HF-DB9
ESD Protection and Strain Relief Cable, Pin Codes F and G, 7.5 V, with DB9
$63.26
3-5 Days