Datasheet

CHAPTER 1. MECHANICAL AND GEOMETRICAL PROPERTIES 5
1.2 How to handle a QCL
1.2.1 How do I store a QCL?
QCLs can be stored at ambient temperature (10..30C) in normal atmosphere. Humid-
ity should not excess about 80%, and condensation is to be avoided. When operated,
only dry atmosphere (below 50% relative humidity) is allowed, and if possible, it should
be completely dried (desiccant material, N2 atmosphere).
The laser should always lay flat (with its vertical axis upwards) on a flat and sta-
ble surfaces, without touching anything around its circumference. Of course, when
mounted in an appropriate and stable holder, it can be operated in any orientation.
1.2.2 How do I handle (carry) a QCL?
The most delicate parts of a QCL are the laser chip itself and the bonds connecting it to
the ceramic pads. Therefore the QCL should be touched only at the copper carrier (far
from the laser chip and the bonds), or at the ceramic pads (again away from the bonds).
To insert it into or to take it out of the Starter Kit housing, gently grab the ceramic
pad from above with fine tweezers, and whenever possible, carry the QCL placed flat
on a stable surface. Take special care not to touch bonds nor the laser chip itself, since
this can immediately destroy the QCL.
Avoid contact of the front facet of the QCL with any object (like the walls of a box
where it is stored).
1.2.3 How to mount a QCL in an optical setup
Depending on the type of the laser operation temperature (room or liquid nitrogen),
different mounting techniques exist.
RT-QCL
The laser can be installed in a housing (LLH part of the Starter Kit) and screwed
(with NS) or simply friction tightened to its support (with ST) .
LN2-QCL
In this case, the laser is necessarily contained in a Dewar or other cryogenic sys-
tem, and the manufacturer of this equipment should be contacted. Regarding the
inside placement, Alpes Lasers SA can provide consulting service for the attache-
ment of the QCL chip holder to the cold finger.
1.2.4 Soldering wires to submount
If you want to solder wires to the laser submount, please contact Alpes Lasers SA
first, otherwise warranty may be lost! Here, the basic procedure and needs will be
explained.