High-Power Xenon Light Sources with Liquid Light Guides


  • High-Power Light Sources with 380 - 780 nm Wavelength Range
  • Ø3 mm or Ø5 mm LLG-Coupled Output
  • External Power Adjustment or Shutter Control
  • Lamp Lifespan: 1000 Hours (Average)

SLS605

High-Power Xenon Light Source with
Ø5 mm LLG-Coupled Output

The settings and controls on the front panel are also accessible remotely via the software GUI.

SLS600B

Replacement Xenon Arc Lamp

Related Items


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Key Specificationsa
Item # SLS603 SLS605
Wavelength Range 380 - 780 nm
Color Temperatureb 6000 K
Color Rendering Indexb >95
Typical Output Powerc >7 W >15 W
Output Coupling Ø3 mm LLG Ø5 mm LLG
Included Liquid Light Guide LLG03-4H LLG05-4H
Modulation Time (Typ.) 3 seconds (40 - 60%)
8 seconds (10 - 90%)
11 seconds (0.1 - 100%)
Shutter Frequency (Max) 1 Hz
Output Power Stabilityd ≤0.3%
Lamp Electrical Power 300 W
Lamp Lifespan (Avg.)e 1000 Hours
  • Refer to the Specs tab for Complete Specifications
  • Prior to LLG
  • Measured at the liquid light guide output tip at the beginning of lamp lifetime.
  • The standard deviation of optical output power in percentage, measured at room temperature over 1 hour with a 1 Hz sampling rate after 45 minutes warm-up.
  • Defined as the time it takes for the lamp output power to decrease to 50% of its initial level.
High-Power Light Source
Click to Enlarge

These high-power light sources incorporate xenon short-arc lamps and feature LLG-coupled outputs.
LLG-Coupled Xenon Arc Source Spectrum
Click to Enlarge

Click Here for Raw Data
The typical spectral power distribution for the SLS603 & SLS605 High-Power Light Sources measured prior to the LLG. The blue-shaded region indicates the -10 dB power operating wavelength range.

Features

  • Output Spectrum: 380 to 780 nm
  • Liquid Light Guide (LLG) Coupled Output
    • Compatible LLG Included with Each Source
    • Input Tip of LLG is Cooled Using Thermoelectric Coolers (TECs) to Extend LLG's Lifetime
  • Independent Shutter Toggled via Automated and/or Manual Controls
  • Location-Specific Power Cord Included

Optional Accessories

  • Replacement Lamps
  • Collimating Adapters for Microscopy
  • Additional LLGs

Thorlabs' SLS603 & SLS605 High-Power Xenon Arc Light Sources with Liquid Light Guides provide stable illumination from 380 to 780 nm. The emitted light is coupled into a liquid light guide (LLG), which homogenizes the transmitted bulb emission and produces a uniform output light field. The broad output spectrum extends down to 380 nm and overlaps with the common DAPI, FITC, and TRITC filter sets used in biological imaging, making these high-power sources well suited for fluorescence microscopy. In addition, the wide spectrum of these sources is important for hyperspectral imaging, endoscopy, and other lighting and inspection applications.

The front panel of each high-power light source features controls and an LCD screen for full control of the source power, light intensity, shutter, and enabling or disabling external trigger inputs. The back panel features BNC connectors for external triggering and power modulation inputs, as well as a monitor output and USB port for computer control. The software GUI available for download on the Software tab offers full remote control mirroring the functionality available on the front panel. Command line operation is also available using USB connectivity and a terminal emulator or a user-created program.

Liquid Light Guides
The SLS603 and SLS605 high-power light sources are designed to couple light from the xenon lamp into the included LLG with a Ø3 mm or Ø5 mm core, respectively (the sources will not operate without a compatible LLG properly inserted). The advantages of LLGs include a transmitted beam free of dead spots, flexibility that allows them to be coiled, a large core size, and a high numerical aperture. Please see the LLGs tab for additional information. The Ø3 mm light guide provides a beam with higher brightness, while higher total power is coupled into the Ø5 mm LLG. It is possible to focus the beam from the Ø3 mm guide into a smaller spot, and under certain conditions this smaller core diameter may result in more power being coupled into a microscope. Coupling light from the endface of the LLG to a variety of microscopes can be enabled by using the collimation adapters available below. Thorlabs also offers LLG-to-SM1 adapters for both Ø3 mm and Ø5 mm core LLGs (Item #s AD3LLG and AD5LLG).

These high-power light sources use thermoelectric coolers to control the temperature of the LLG tip closest to the bulb, which extends the lifetime of the LLG. Also, the lamp in these sources is designed for continuous operation. It is advisable to refrain from frequent cycling of the lamp between ON and OFF states, as this may significantly reduce its lifespan. For optimal performance, it is recommended to allow 45 minutes to one hour for the lamp to reach thermal equilibrium after being switched on. It is recommended to use the shutter to turn the light output off and on instead of frequently powering the lamp off and back on. Closing the shutter during periods when the output emission of the light source is not needed will also extend the lifetime of the LLG, because this reduces its exposure to the UV radiation from the lamp. Accumulated exposure to the UV portion of the lamp's spectrum increases the attenuation of the LLG, and the LLG should be replaced when transmission levels drop below those required by the application. We recommend the LLGs offered below, which differ from our standard LLG offerings only in that these have a yellow band that acts as a visual guide that indicates when the LLG is correctly installed in the LLG Port of the light source.

Item # SLS603 SLS605
Wavelength Range 380 - 780 nm
Color Temperaturea 6000 K
Color Rendering Indexa >95
Typical Output Powerb >7 W >15 W
Output Coupling Ø3 mm LLG Ø5 mm LLG
Included Liquid Light Guide (LLG) LLG03-4H LLG05-4H
Modulation Time (Typ.) 3 seconds (40 - 60%)
8 seconds (10 - 90%)
11 seconds (0.1 - 100%)
Shutter Frequency (Max) 1 Hz
Output Power Stabilityc ≤0.3%
Lamp Electrical Power 300 W
Lamp Lifespan (Average)d 1000 Hours
Operating Temperature Range 0 to 45 °C
Storage Temperature Range -15 to 70 °C
Power Supply 100 - 240 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz
Dimensions (L x W x H) 287.6 mm x 149.6 mm x 259.3 mm
(11.32" x 5.89" x 10.21")
Mass (Weight) 6.2 kg (13.7 lbs)
  • Prior to LLG
  • Measured at the liquid light guide tip at the beginning of lamp lifetime.
  • The standard deviation of optical output power in percentage, measured at room temperature over 1 hour with a 1 Hz sampling rate after 45 minutes warm-up.
  • Defined as the time it takes for the lamp output power to decrease to 50% of its initial level.
Back Panel
Click to Enlarge
SLS605 Back Panel
Front Panel
Click to Enlarge
SLS605 Front Panel
Front Panel Back Panel
Callout Description Callout Description
F1 Light Intensity Adjustment Knob B1 BNC Port for Shutter Control: 5 V CMOS
F2 Lamp On/Off Button w/LED Indicator B2 BNC Port for Trigger In: 5 V CMOS
F3 Shutter Control Button B3 BNC Port for Analog In: 0 to 5 V
F4 Control Mode Switching Button B4 USB Port
F5 Liquid Light Guide Port B5 BNC Port for Trigger Out: 5 V CMOS
F6 Liquid Light Guide Release Switch B6 BNC Port for Analog Out: 0 to 5 V
F7 Light Source State Indicator LED B7 Exhaust Vents
F8 Power Switch B8 AC Power Inlet
B9 Fuse Drawer
  1. Power off the light source and disconnect the LLG and power cord. Wait for at least 30 minutes for the lamp to cool down.
  2. Pull the latch on the side of the device to open the hatch and gain access to the lamp, as shown below in Figure 1.
  3. Remove the plastic block located next to the reflector of the lamp. It shouldn’t need to be forced. Insert the short arm of a 1.5 mm or 3/32" hex key into the slot on the side of the plastic block and wiggle it back and forth to slide it out, as shown in Figure 2.
  4. Unplug the lamp connector by holding down the two clips and pulling it away from its socket, as shown in Figure 3.
  5. Push the plastic lamp holder all the way left until it reaches the back of the housing, as shown in Figure 4.
  1. Hold the ceramic base of the lamp back with one hand and carefully remove the lamp with the other, as shown in Figure 5. Be careful with the lamp anode and ensure it does not contact the metal housing.
  2. Unpack the new lamp. Hold the lamp base with one hand and carefully insert the lamp with the other hand. Be careful with the lamp anode and ensure it does not touch the housing’s metal interior.
  3. Once the new lamp is in place, release the lamp base to secure the new lamp.
  4. Reinsert the plastic block.
  5. Plug the lamp connector into the socket. Please be aware that the connector should be oriented such that the end with the ridge indicator is at upper position, as shown in Figure 3.
  6. Close the hatch on the side to complete the lamp replacement.
HPLS Remove Cover Screws
Click to Enlarge

Figure 1: Open the side hatch.
HPLS Remove Cover Screws
Click to Enlarge

Figure 2: Remove the plastic lamp retention block.
HPLS Remove Cover Screws
Click to Enlarge

Figure 3: Unplug the lamp connector. When reconnecting, ensure the plug is oriented with the indicator at the top.
HPLS Remove Cover Screws
Click to Enlarge

Figure 4: Push the plastic lamp holder towards the back of the housing.
HPLS Remove Cover Screws
Click to Enlarge

Figure 5: Use both hands to carefully remove the lamp, ensuring the front tip of the lamp doesn't contact the housing.
LLG Insertion
Click to Enlarge

As shown above, the LLG is correctly installed when the majority of the marking ring is within the LLG port.

Liquid Light Guides for SLS603 & SLS605 Light Sources

The liquid cores of LLGs gradually become less transmissive with increasing exposure to UV light. As the xenon lamp spectrum extends into the UV, LLGs used to transmit light from these light sources will gradually become more absorptive with use. When the transmission properties of an LLG drops below usable levels, the LLG should be replaced. This will occur before the xenon lamp reaches its end-of-life. Closing the shutter during periods when the output emission of the light source is not needed will extend the lifetime of the LLG by blocking the coupling of the lamp's light into the LLG.

The dust cap on the output end of the LLG may burn if exposed to the intense light emitted by the LLG. To protect the LLG, and for safety, remove the dust cap before powering on the light source.

Installing and Removing a Liquid Light Guide

While all of Thorlabs' standard Ø3 mm (Ø5 mm) liquid light guides are compatible with the SLS603 (SLS605) light source, the LLG03-4H and LLG3-xH (LLG05-4H and LLG5-xH) LLGs are recommended. These LLGs each feature a yellow band near one end that acts as a visual indicator to help the user determine when the LLG is properly seated in the light source. When an LLG without the yellow band is used with these sources, it can be difficult to know when the LLG is correctly installed in the light source.

To insert the LLG, slide it into the LLG port as shown in the photo to the right. The LLG is fully inserted when the majority of the yellow marking ring is within the LLG port. To remove the LLG, press up on the Release switch and pull out the LLG. The light sources detect when an LLG is installed in the LLG Port. If there is no LLG present, the light source closes the shutter, and the shutter cannot be opened until an LLG is in place. This protects the user from exposure to the intense light emitted by the source.

To protect the tips of the LLGs from damage and to keep them as clean as possible, cover exposed LLG tips with their dust covers. Ensure that the tip of the LLG is free of grease, dust, and other contaminants before inserting it into the light source. For information on how to clean the tip, see the Cleaning section below.


Liquid Light Guide Overview

LLG03-4H
Click to Enlarge

Figure 4: Plotted are typical transmission data for a Ø3 mm core, 4' long LLG, with the recommended operation wavelength range shaded blue. As a function of length, only minimal variations (<2.3%) are expected between our 4' (1.2 m), 6' (1.8 m), and 8' (2.4 m) long liquid light guides.
LLG5-4H
Click to Enlarge

Figure 5: Plotted are typical transmission data for a Ø5 mm core, 4' long LLG, with the recommended operation wavelength range shaded blue. As a function of length, only minimal variations (<2.3%) are expected between 4' (1.2 m), 6' (1.8 m), and 8' (2.4 m) long liquid light guides.

A variety of applications benefit from the heat and vibration isolation achieved by routing the optical power output by a light source from a distant location to where it is needed. The SLS603 and SLS605 light souces have been designed to accept liquid light guides (LLGs) with Ø3 mm and Ø5 mm cores, respectively. LLGs are flexible light pipes fabricated from a polymer tube filled with a transparent, non-toxic, and non-flammable liquid. The tips of the tube are sealed with fused silica caps, which also act as optical end faces. Transmission through the LLG homogenizes the light field across the diameter of the core, which produces an output beam with uniform intensity. The many advantages of pairing an LLG with a high-power and broadband light source include:

  • A Homogenous Transmitted Beam Free of the Dead Spots that Characterize the Light Field from a Silica Fiber Bundle
  • The Ability to Coil and Arrange the LLGs, in Contrast to Silica Rods of Comparable Diameters that Break if Bent
  • The Large Core Size and High Numerical Aperture of the LLG
  • Excellent Transmission over the Entire Visible Spectral Range (Figures 4 and 5)

When used with the SLS603 and SLS605 light sources, the gasket of the LLG should not exceed 45 °C for long durations and 60 °C for durations of less than an hour. The gasket is indicated by the change in the fitting from chrome metal to a black color, as shown in the figure to the lower right. These LLGs are designed to operate at temperatures between -5 °C to 35 °C. The SLS603 and SLS605 light sources protect the LLG against excessive temperatures by monitoring the temperature of the tip of the LLG closest to the bulb, cooling the tip as required using a combination of thermoelectric coolers and fans, and powering down the light source if necessary. At higher temperatures, bubbles form in the liquid, which degrades the transmission properties of the LLG. If the temperature of gasket is between 45 °C to 60 °C for less than an hour, the bubbles can be reabsorbed by the liquid if the LLG is allowed to cool. We recommended a cool-down time of no less than 30 minutes. If the temperature of the gasket exceeds 60 °C, the LLG can be permanently damaged; the bubbles in the liquid will have a severe negative impact on the transmission properties of the LLG, and these high temperatures can also cause structural damage by degrading the seals between the various structural components of the guide.

LLGs, while flexible, also posses minimum bend radii. See the table below for the minimum bend radii of these LLGs. The tubes will develop permanent kinks if forced into a bend tighter than the minimum specification.

Reduction in Transmission with Exposure to Ultraviolet Light: The liquid in LLGs gradually becomes less transmissive with increasing exposure to UV light. As the xenon lamp spectrum extends into the UV, the LLGs used with SLS603 and SLS605 light sources will gradually become more absorptive with use. When the transmission properties drop below usable levels, the LLG should be replaced.

Cleaning the Optical End Faces of Liquid Light Guides: The fused silica, PTFE, and metal (either aluminum, chrome plated brass, or stainless steel) materials composing LLGs are resistant to common cleaning solvents; however, the tips of the LLGs should not be submerged in solvent, and neither should a heavily soaked cleaning pad be applied to the tip. Saturating the tip with solvent can result in the solvent penetrating the seal between the silica end face and the polymer tube and damaging the guide. If debris cannot be removed from the end face by wiping it with solvent, a razor blade, handled gently, can be used to clean the tip. If a razor blade is used, ensure that it does not chip the edge of the fused silica glass end face.

Liquid Light Guide Dimensions and Minimum Bend Radius:

Active Core Diameter Standard End Fittings Protective Sleeve Min Bend Radius
d0 d1 l1 d2 l2 d3 -
Ø3 mm Ø5 +0/-0.1 mm 20 ± 0.1 mm Ø9 ± 0.1 mm 24 ± 0.1 mm Ø7 ± 0.1 mm 40 mm
Ø5 mm Ø7 +0/-0.1 mm 20 ± 0.1 mm Ø10 ± 0.1 mm 24 ± 0.1 mm Ø9.5 ± 0.1 mm 60 mm

The drawing and photograph below illustrate the dimensions given in the table above. 180 ± 1° indicates the flatness tolerence between the metal and black material in the segment labled l2.

LLG DrawingFigure 6: Diagram of an LLG Tip, with End Face at Left
LLG Photo Schematic
Figure 7: End portion of an LLG with Key Dimensions Labeled.
Recommended System Requirements
Operating System Windows® 7 SP1 (32-Bit, 64-Bit)
with KB3020369 and KB3125574;
Windows 10 (32-Bit, 64-Bit);
Windows 11 (64-Bit)
Processor (CPU) 1 GHz or Higher
Memory (RAM) 2 GB
Hard Drive 25 MB (Min) of Available Disk Space
Interface Free USB 2.0 Port

Software

Version 1.0.0

This software package provides a GUI to control the SLS603 & SLS605 Light Sources. To download, click the button below.

Software Download

SLS60x GUI Software

The SLS60x software GUI’s controls duplicate most front panel functions, including intensity adjustment, turning the light source on/off, opening and closing the shutter, and activating/deactivating the ports on the back panel.


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Below is a selection guide for all of our white-light, broadband, lamp-based light sources. In addition to these sources, Thorlabs also offers unmounted white-light LEDs, white-light mounted LEDs, white-light fiber-coupled LEDs, and high-powered, white-light Solis® LEDs.

Broadband Light Source Selection Guide
Item # (Click to
Enlarge;
Not to Scale)
Emitter Type Wavelength
Range
(Click for Plot)
Output Coupling Output Power Lamp
Electrical
Power
Color
Temperature
Lamp
Lifetime
Replacement
Lamp
SLS204 Deuterium 200 - 700 nm Free Space or
Fiber Coupled (SMA)
2 mWa
0.1 mWb
(Typ.)
30 W N/A 2000 hc SLS254B
SLS205 Xenon Arc 240 - 1200 nm Free Space or
Fiber Coupled (SMA)
290 mWa
5 mWd
(Typ.)
75 W 5800 Ka
5400 Kd
2000 hc SLS255B
SLS401 Xenon Arc 240 - 2400 nm Free Spacee >1.3 Wa 150 W 5800 K 2000 hc SLS401Bf
or SLS402B
SLS402 Mercury-Xenon Arc 240 - 2400 nm Free Spacee >1.3 Wa 150 W 6000 K 2000 hc SLS401B
or SLS402Bf
SLS302 Quartz
Tungsten-Halogen
360 - 2500 nm Free Spacee >10 Wa 150 W 3400 K 1000 hg SLS301B
SLS201L(/M) Quartz
Tungsten-Halogen
360 - 2600 nm Free Spacee or
Fiber Coupled (SMA)
500 mWa
10 mWh
9 W 2796 K 10 000 h SLS251
SLS301 Quartz
Tungsten-Halogen
360 - 3800 nm Free Spacee >1.6 Wa 150 W 3400 K 1000 hg SLS301B
SLS603 Xenon Arc 380 - 780 nm Ø3 mm
Liquid Light Guide
>7 Wh 300 W 6000 Ki 1000 hc SLS600B
SLS605 Xenon Arc 380 - 780 nm Ø5 mm
Liquid Light Guide
>15 Wh 300 W 6000 Ki 1000 hc SLS600B
OSL2 Tungsten-Halogen 400 - 1600 nm
(Typical)
Fiber Bundle 1.4 Wk 150 W 3200 K 1000 hc OSL2Bf,
OSL2B2,
or OSL2BIR
OSL2IR Tungsten-Halogen 400 - 1750 nm
(Typical)
Fiber Bundle 3.8 Wk 150 W 3200 K 200 hc OSL2B,
OSL2B2,
or OSL2BIRf
QTH10(/M) Quartz
Tungsten-Halogen
400 - 2200 nm Free Space 50 mW (Typ.) 10 W 2800 Kl (Typ.) 2000 h QTH10B
SLS203F(/M) Silicon Carbide Globar 500 nm - 9 µm Free Spacee or
Fiber Coupled (SMA)
1.8 Wa 24 W 1500 K 10 000 h SLS253
SLS303 Silicon Nitride Globar 550 nm - 15 µm Free Space 4.5 Wa 70 W 1200 K 5000 hg SLS303B
  • Free-space optical power measured without adapters at the beginning of lamp lifetime.
  • Measured with Thorlabs' M114L01 solarization-resistant patch cable at beginning of lamp lifetime.
  • Operation time before the maximum optical output power of the lamp reaches 50% of its original output.
  • Measured with Thorlabs' M111L01 solarization-resistant patch cable at beginning of lamp lifetime.
  • Adapters are available separately to couple the free-space output into liquid light guides (LLGs).
  • This lamp is identical to the original lamp that comes with the light source.
  • Operation time before the controller cannot stabilize the output power of the lamp.
  • Measured at the liquid light guide tip at the beginning of lamp lifetime.
  • Prior to LLG
  • Fiber-coupled optical power, measured with included fiber patch cable at beginning of lamp lifetime.
  • Power at Fiber Tip at Maximum Lamp Intensity
  • Color temperature will vary from unit to unit.
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High-Power Xenon Light Sources with Liquid Light Guides

  • Short-Arc Sources for 380 - 780 nm (-10 dB Power)
  • Two Models Available:
    • SLS603: Ø3 mm Core LLG (Included) and >7 W Output Power
    • SLS605: Ø5 mm Core LLG (Included) and >15 W Output Power
  • Variable Attenuator Continuously Tunes Optical Output Intensity from 0.1% to 100%
  • Low Power Fluctuations of ≤0.3% within 1 Hour
  • Front Panel, Software GUI, or Command Line Operation
  • Ozone Free

The SLS603 & SLS605 High-Power Xenon Arc Light Sources output LLG-coupled light from 380 to 780 nm (-10 dB power). They can be fully operated using the front panel LCD and controls or remotely via the USB connector on the rear. Remote control can be performed using a PC with the software GUI or via a command line interface; controls include the ability to continuously adjust the amount of light coupled from the bulb into the LLG and to independently toggle the shutter state. External triggering, modulation input, and monitor output are available on the rear panel.

The dust cap on the output end of the LLG may burn if exposed to the intense light emitted by the LLG. To protect the LLG, and for safety, remove the dust cap before powering on the light source.

The arc lamps are ozone free: they do not produce enough deep UV radiation to convert oxygen to ozone within the beam path, allowing the light source to be safely used without the need for a system to purge the environment around the light source of ozone. The large box design of the arc lamp housing allows for the safe dissipation of thermal energy produced by the 300 W lamp. When used for an extensive amount of time, the housing can get very hot, so extensive contact should be avoided. Replacement lamps are sold below.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SLS603 Support Documentation
SLS603High-Power Xenon Arc Light Source with Ø3 mm Liquid Light Guide, >7 W Output
$4,500.00
Today
SLS605 Support Documentation
SLS605High-Power Xenon Arc Light Source with Ø5 mm Liquid Light Guide, >15 W Output
$4,650.00
Today
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Replacement Lamp

Item # SLS600B
Compatible Light Sources SLS603, SLS605
Lamp Type Xenon Arc
Electrical Power 300 W
Color Temperature
(Click for Spectrum)
6000 K
  • SLS600B Replacement Xenon Short-Arc Lamp
  • Compatible with SLS603 and SLS605 Light Sources
  • Ozone Free Lamp

The SLS600B replacement lamp is compatible with the SLS603 and SLS605 high-power short-arc light sources. Please see the Lamp Replacement tab for detailed instructions.

This arc lamp is ozone free: it does not produce enough deep UV radiation to convert oxygen to ozone within the beam path, allowing the lamp to be safely used without the need for a system to purge the environment around the light source of ozone.

Note: We strongly recommend wearing gloves when replacing the lamps in our light sources to prevent skin oils from being deposited onto them. If you suspect the lamp is dirty, carefully clean it with alcohol before connecting it to a power supply.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SLS600B Support Documentation
SLS600BReplacement Xenon Arc Lamp for SLS603 and SLS605 Light Sources
$1,000.00
Today
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Multi-Optic Collimating Microscope Adapters for Thorlabs' Cerna® Microscopes

Thorlabs offers collimation adapters to couple Ø3 mm or Ø5 mm liquid light guides (LLGs) to our CSE2100 and CSE2200 Cerna Epi-Illuminator Modules; see the table at the bottom right for compatibility information. For even illumination at the back focal plane of the objective, these adapters feature an optic pair of an achromatic doublet and a double convex lens.

These adapters utilize a male D3T dovetail adapter to connect to the end of the epi-illuminator module; for additional information about microscope dovetails, see the full web presentation. The LLG is secured via a thumbscrew at the back of the adapter.

These adapters are calibrated such that the image plane from the LLG output is located at the back aperture of the objective when used with the compatible epi-illuminator module; to optimize illumination for your microscope or realign the image plane, the collimation can be fine-adjusted via the knurled ring on the thread adapter (see image to the bottom left).

Specifications
Item # LLG3A6 LLG5A6 LLG3A7 LLG5A7
Effective Focal Length 40 mm 70 mm
Compatible
Epi-Illuminator Module
CSE2100 CSE2200
LLG Diameter 3 mm 5 mm 3 mm 5 mm
Collimating Optics Achromatic Doublet &
Double Convex Lens
AR Coating 350 nm - 650 nm
Ravg < 0.5% at Each Surface
Transmission Graph
(Click Here for Raw Data)
Cerna collimation adapter transmission graph
Numerical Aperture 0.3
Magnification Infinite
Cutaway View of LLG Collimation Adapter
Click to Enlarge

Cutaway View of LLG Collimation Adapter Depicting Multi-Element Design
LLG Collimator Focal Shift
Click for Details

These simulations illustrate chromatic focal shift in a system with a collimated light source and a CSE2100 epi-illuminator module. A collimation adapter using a single optic (top) produces a larger focal shift for different wavelengths at the objective back aperture compared to a collimation adapter with a multi-element design (bottom).
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
LLG3A6 Support Documentation
LLG3A6Ø3 mm LLG Collimating Adapter for Cerna CSE2100, ARC: 350-650 nm
$749.70
Today
LLG5A6 Support Documentation
LLG5A6Ø5 mm LLG Collimating Adapter for Cerna CSE2100, ARC: 350-650 nm
$749.70
Today
LLG3A7 Support Documentation
LLG3A7Ø3 mm LLG Collimating Adapter for Cerna CSE2200, ARC: 350-650 nm
$749.70
Today
LLG5A7 Support Documentation
LLG5A7Ø5 mm LLG Collimating Adapter for Cerna CSE2200, ARC: 350-650 nm
$749.70
Today
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Single-Element Collimating Microscope Adapters

Microscope Collimator Connected to an HPLS
Click to Enlarge

Output With Collimation Adapter
LLG Without a Collimator
Click to Enlarge

Output Without Collimation Adapter
Microscope Collimator Connected to an HPLS
Click to Enlarge

Collimation Adapter Fitted to the Tip of an LLG

Thorlabs offers collimation adapters with AR-coated aspheric condenser lenses (EFL = 40 mm) for collimating the output from our light sources. Four different collimator housings are available; each is designed to mate to the illumination port on an Olympus IX/BX, Leica DMI, Zeiss Axioskop, or Nikon Eclipse Ti microscope.

These adapters quickly mount onto the end of either the Ø3 mm or Ø5 mm Liquid Light Guide (LLG). The LLG is secured into the back of the collimator via a 4-40 setscrew with a 0.050" hex.

Compatible
Microscopes
Olympus BX & IX
Microscopes
Leica DMI
Microscopes
Zeiss Axioskop
Microscopes
Nikon Eclipse Ti
Microscopes
Item Photo
(Click to Enlarge)
Olympus BX & IX Microscope Adapter Leica DMI Microscope Adapter Zeiss Axioskop Microscope Adapter Nikon Eclipse Ti Microscope Adapter
Item # LLG3A1-A LLG5A1-A LLG3A2-A LLG5A2-A LLG3A4-A LLG5A4-A LLG3A5-A LLG5A5-A
LLG Diameter 3 mm 5 mm 3 mm 5 mm 3 mm 5 mm 3 mm 5 mm
Optic Specifications
Item # ACL5040U-A Aspheric Condenser Lens
AR Coating 350 nm - 700 nm,
Ravg <0.5%
at Each Surface
Focal Length 40.00 mm ± 8%
NA 0.60
Magnification Infinite
Surface Quality 80-50 Scratch-Dig
Centration <30 arcmin
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
LLG3A1-A Support Documentation
LLG3A1-AØ3 mm LLG Collimating Adapter, Olympus BX / IX, ARC: 350-700 nm
$375.39
Today
LLG5A1-A Support Documentation
LLG5A1-AØ5 mm LLG Collimating Adapter, Olympus BX / IX, ARC: 350-700 nm
$375.39
Today
LLG3A2-A Support Documentation
LLG3A2-AØ3 mm LLG Collimating Adapter, Leica DMI, ARC: 350-700 nm
$375.39
Today
LLG5A2-A Support Documentation
LLG5A2-AØ5 mm LLG Collimating Adapter, Leica DMI, ARC: 350-700 nm
$375.39
Today
LLG3A4-A Support Documentation
LLG3A4-AØ3 mm LLG Collimating Adapter, Zeiss Axioskop, ARC: 350-700 nm
$375.39
Today
LLG5A4-A Support Documentation
LLG5A4-AØ5 mm LLG Collimating Adapter, Zeiss Axioskop, ARC: 350-700 nm
$375.39
Today
LLG3A5-A Support Documentation
LLG3A5-AØ3 mm LLG Collimating Adapter, Nikon Eclipse Ti, ARC: 350-700 nm
$494.17
Today
LLG5A5-A Support Documentation
LLG5A5-AØ5 mm LLG Collimating Adapter, Nikon Eclipse Ti, ARC: 350-700 nm
$494.17
Today
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Liquid Light Guides

LLG Insertion
Click to Enlarge

As shown above, the LLG is correctly installed when the majority of the marking ring is within the LLG port.
  • Yellow Band Visually Indicates when LLG is Fully Inserted Into the SLS603 or SLS605 Light Source
  • High Transmission from 340 - 800 nm
  • Homogenous Transmitted Beam and a Light Field Free of Dead Spots
  • Flexible with Minimum Bend Radius of 40 mm (Ø3 mm Core) or 60 mm (Ø5 mm Core)
  • Microscope Collimation Adapters Available Above

Thorlabs' Liquid Light Guides (LLGs) offer high transmission from 340 nm - 800 nm for white light illumination applications. These LLGs are offered from stock with a core diameter of either 3 or 5 mm, and in lengths of 4' (1.2 m), 6' (1.8 m), or 8' (2.4 m). For large core diameters, liquid light guides are a more efficient transmission solution than fiber bundles as they eliminate the packing fraction loss (dead space) in the light fields transmitted by optical fiber bundles. For more information about LLGs, please see the LLGs tab.

These Ø3 mm and Ø5 mm core LLGs are designed to be used with the SLS603 and SLS605 xenon arc light sources, respectively. Each light guide features a yellow band near one end, which indicates when the LLG is inserted to the correct depth in the LLG port of these light sources, as shown in the photo to the right.

Thorlabs also offers collimation adapters for our Ø3 mm and Ø5 mm liquid light guides, which are sold separately above. We also offer the AD3LLG and AD5LLG LLG to SM1 adapters for Ø3 mm Ø5 mm core LLGs, respectively.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
LLG03-4H Support Documentation
LLG03-4HLiquid Light Guide, Ø3 mm Core, 340 - 800 nm, 4' (1.2 m) Length
$418.14
Today
LLG3-6H Support Documentation
LLG3-6HLiquid Light Guide, Ø3 mm Core, 340 - 800 nm, 6' (1.8 m) Length
$491.80
Today
LLG3-8H Support Documentation
LLG3-8HLiquid Light Guide, Ø3 mm Core, 340 - 800 nm, 8' (2.4 m) Length
$564.26
Today
LLG05-4H Support Documentation
LLG05-4HLiquid Light Guide, Ø5 mm Core, 340 - 800 nm, 4' (1.2 m) Length
$539.31
3 weeks
LLG5-6H Support Documentation
LLG5-6HLiquid Light Guide, Ø5 mm Core, 340 - 800 nm, 6' (1.8 m) Length
$636.72
Today
LLG5-8H Support Documentation
LLG5-8HLiquid Light Guide, Ø5 mm Core, 340 - 800 nm, 8' (2.4 m) Length
$721.06
Today