DFB Pro

• Intrinsic single-frequency operation enabled by an integrated Bragg grating.
• Wide continuous wavelength tuning with mode-hop-free scanning.
• Long coherence length, typically around 100 m.
• High stability and reliability due to the absence of alignment-sensitive optical components.
• Designed for OEM integration with a compact, passively cooled laser head.
• Available across a very broad wavelength range, from approximately 760 nm to 3500 nm, with 633 nm also available.
• Particularly well suited to interferometry, gas sensing, atomic and molecular physics, Raman spectroscopy, and THz generation.
• Compatible with TOPTICA's DLC Pro laser controller.
• Can be controlled programmatically using the TOPTICA Python Laser SDK.
• Optional fiber delivery using TOPTICA FiberDock/SmartDock solutions.
• Optional single-stage or dual-stage optical isolation.
• Beam-shaping options are available for converting elliptical diode output into a round beam.
• Designed for stable and repeatable wavelength scans without discrete mode hops.

The TOPTICA DFB pro is a Distributed Feedback (DFB) diode laser designed for applications requiring single-frequency operation, wavelength tunability, high stability, and long coherence length.

Unlike conventional external-cavity diode lasers, the DFB pro incorporates the frequency-selective Bragg grating directly into the laser diode chip. This integrated design provides intrinsic single-frequency operation while eliminating alignment-sensitive optical components, resulting in a compact and highly stable laser source.

One of the key advantages of the DFB pro is its mode-hop-free wavelength tuning. The laser can be continuously tuned without discrete wavelength jumps, which is particularly important for precision measurements. In phase-shifting interferometry, continuous tuning helps prevent phase errors caused by wavelength discontinuities. In spectroscopy, it allows the laser wavelength to be adjusted smoothly across a spectroscopic transition.

The DFB pro also provides a typical coherence length of approximately 100 m, making it suitable for interferometric systems with relatively long optical paths. Its combination of long coherence, single-frequency operation, and stable wavelength scanning makes it particularly attractive for precision metrology and semiconductor inspection.

The laser head is designed for OEM integration and uses passive cooling, allowing it to be incorporated into optical instruments and measurement systems with limited space. The accompanying DLC pro controller provides precise current and temperature control and can be operated programmatically, including through TOPTICA's Python Laser SDK.

For applications requiring fiber delivery, the DFB pro can be equipped with FiberDock and polarization-maintaining fiber. Optical isolators are also available to protect the laser from back reflections and maintain stable single-mode operation.

TOPTICA offers customized DFB systems at virtually any wavelength between 760 nm and 3500 nm, as well as at 633 nm, making the platform particularly versatile for applications ranging from visible interferometry to mid-infrared molecular spectroscopy.

Product Type: Distributed Feedback Diode Laser
Model: DFB pro
Operation: Continuous Wave (CW), Single Frequency
Wavelength Range: 633 nm and approximately 760–3500 nm*
Wavelength Tuning: Continuous, Mode-Hop Free
Coherence Length: Typically ~100 m
Laser Architecture: Distributed Feedback (DFB)
Frequency-Selective Element: Integrated Bragg Grating
Cooling: Passive
OEM Integration: Yes
Laser Head: Compact DFB Pro
Controller: DLC Pro
Fiber Delivery: Optional
Optical Isolation: Optional, Single or Dual Stage
Beam Shaping: Optional
Computer Control: Ethernet / Python Laser SDK
Primary Output: Free-Space or Optional Fiber Delivery

1. Interferometry

• Phase-Shifting Interferometry
• Laser Interferometry
• Optical Metrology
• Surface Measurement
• Thickness Measurement
• Precision Dimensional Measurement

The DFB pro's mode-hop-free tuning and long coherence length are particularly valuable for phase-shifting interferometry, where wavelength discontinuities can introduce phase measurement errors.

2. Semiconductor Inspection & Metrology

• Semiconductor Inspection
• Wafer Metrology
• Surface Inspection
• Layer Thickness Measurement
• Critical Dimension Measurement
• Precision Optical Measurement

DFB lasers are well suited to semiconductor metrology where very small dimensional variations need to be measured accurately and repeatably.

3. Gas Sensing

• Gas Detection
• Trace Gas Sensing
• Environmental Monitoring
• Industrial Gas Analysis
• Medical Gas Sensing
• Molecular Spectroscopy

The broad wavelength availability extending into the mid-infrared region makes DFB lasers particularly useful for molecular absorption spectroscopy and selective gas detection.

4. Raman Spectroscopy

• Raman Spectroscopy
• Raman Microscopy
• Inorganic Material Analysis
• Chemical Characterization
• Material Identification

TOPTICA highlights DFB lasers for Raman spectroscopy, particularly for inorganic materials where fluorescence can interfere with the Raman signal.

5. Atomic & Molecular Physics

• Atomic Spectroscopy
• Molecular Spectroscopy
• Laser Cooling
• Atomic Physics Research
• Precision Spectroscopy
• Frequency Reference Experiments

The ability to continuously tune the laser wavelength across spectroscopic transitions makes the DFB pro useful for atomic and molecular physics experiments.

6. Terahertz Generation

• Continuous-Wave THz Generation
• THz Spectroscopy
• THz Imaging
• Photonic THz Sources

DFB lasers can serve as optical sources for continuous-wave terahertz generation, particularly when two suitable laser frequencies are combined to produce a THz beat frequency.