Description
Spectra Diode Labs SDL-8630 Tunable CW Laser Diode 780-1060nm w/ SDL-824 Driver
The SDL-8630 is a 0.5 W external-cavity laser diode that produces continuous-wave output with a diffraction-limited beam. Wavelength tuning is accomplished by swapping the internal laser-diode gain element and adjusting the integrated motor-driven diffraction grating — either manually or under computer control via RS-232 — making the SDL-8630 one of a small family of broadly tunable diode laser sources that covered the 780–1060 nm near-infrared window. This listing includes both the SDL-8630 laser head and its companion SDL-824 Tunable Laser Diode Driver, interconnect cable, key, and both original SDL shipping boxes.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: Spectra Diode Labs (SDL, Inc.), San Jose, CA USA
- Laser head model: SDL-8630 Tunable CW Laser Diode
- Driver model: SDL-824 Tunable Laser Diode Driver
- Output power: 0.5 W (500 mW) continuous wave (CW)
- Tuning range: 780 to 1060 nm (via interchangeable internal gain elements)
- Nominal wavelength (this unit): 811 nm
- Operating current (Iop): 1.50 A
- Laser head manufacture date: April 1995
- Driver manufacture date: September 1994
- Beam quality: Diffraction-limited
- Internal laser head components: thermo-electric laser-diode mount, collimating optics, spatial filter, motor-driven diffraction grating
- Grating control: manual or computer-controlled via RS-232
- SDL-824 driver rear panel: RS-232 interface; Recorder Outputs — Power (BNC) and Current (BNC)
- SDL-824 driver front panel: LCD display, function buttons, key-switch power, BNC connector, multi-pin laser output connector, tuning dial
- SDL-824 rear panel also shows: cooling fan, laser warning label, BNC connectors for TRACK, SERVO, and LASER signals
- Compliance: 21 CFR 1040
- Form factor: benchtop — standalone laser head chassis + separate driver chassis
- Includes: SDL-8630 laser head, SDL-824 driver, multi-pin interconnect cable, key, and both original SDL cardboard shipping boxes
Applications
External-cavity tunable diode lasers in the 780–1060 nm range are used extensively in atomic and molecular spectroscopy, tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS), optical pumping experiments, and near-infrared optical research. The SDL-8630's motor-driven grating and RS-232 interface allow automated wavelength scans, making it well suited for laboratory spectroscopy systems where a narrow-linewidth, continuously tunable near-IR source is needed. Instruments like the SDL-8630 were a staple of university research labs, national laboratories, and photonics R&D facilities from the early-to-mid 1990s onward, often used alongside lock-in amplifiers, optical spectrum analyzers, and etalons for precision wavelength measurement. The 780–860 nm portion of the tuning range overlaps with the rubidium and cesium D-line transitions, making this system particularly relevant for atomic physics, laser cooling, and frequency-stabilization experiments.
This Spectra Diode Labs SDL-8630 Tunable CW Laser Diode and SDL-824 Laser Diode Driver have been visually inspected and appear to be in good condition. Both units were pulled from a working research environment where they were previously in use, but have not been powered up or tested at our facility. The laser head shows normal cosmetic wear consistent with lab use; the SDL-824 driver chassis and front panel are clean with no obvious damage. Both units are present in their original SDL shipping boxes, and the interconnect cable and key are included. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Spectra Diode Labs (SDL Inc.) |
Model: |
SDL-8630 |
MPN: |
SDL-8630 |
Secondary Model: |
SDL-824 |
Type: |
Tunable External-Cavity CW Laser Diode System |
SKU: |
51903 |
Seller Notes: |
Includes SDL-8630 laser head, SDL-824 driver, interconnect cable, key, and both original boxes. |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Output Power: |
0.5 W (500 mW) CW |
Wavelength Range: |
780 to 1060 nm (tunable) |
Nominal Wavelength: |
811 nm (this unit) |
Laser Type: |
External-Cavity Diode Laser (ECDL) |
Tuning Method: |
Motor-driven diffraction grating — manual or computer controlled |
Beam Quality: |
Diffraction-limited |
Gain Element: |
Interchangeable internal laser-diode gain elements |
Laser Head Components: |
TE mount, collimating optics, spatial filter, motor-driven grating |
Driver Model: |
SDL-824 Tunable Laser Diode Driver |
Driver Interface: |
RS-232; Recorder Outputs: Power (BNC), Current (BNC) |
Driver Front Panel: |
LCD display, function buttons, key switch, BNC, multi-pin connector |
Manufacture Date – Laser Head: |
April 1995 |
Manufacture Date – Driver: |
September 1994 |
Compliance: |
21 CFR 1040 |
Form Factor: |
Benchtop — laser head + separate driver chassis |
Compatible With: |
Spectroscopy, TDLAS, atomic physics, optical research systems |
Condition Notes: |
Spectra Diode Labs SDL-8630 Tunable CW Laser Diode and SDL-824 Driver visually inspected, good condition. Pulled from working research environment; not tested at our facility. Both in original boxes with cable and key. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |