What is an External Cavity Laser (ECL)?
An External Cavity Laser (ECL) extends the optical resonator beyond the semiconductor chip by incorporating an external wavelength-selective cavity. This design dramatically reduces linewidth and phase noise while providing superior frequency stability compared with conventional DFB lasers.
Compared with DFB laser diodes, ECLs offer:
- Ultra-narrow linewidth
- Lower phase noise
- Higher coherence length
- Excellent frequency stability
- Mode-hop-free wavelength tuning
- Superior spectral purity
These characteristics make ECLs the preferred laser source for the most demanding scientific and industrial applications.
Key Features
- Available wavelengths: 1064 nm and 1550 nm (1310nm in process, please enquire)
- Ultra-narrow linewidth down to 2 kHz
- Output power 10mW
- High SMSR (>50 dB)
- Low phase noise
- Low Relative Intensity Noise (RIN)
- Mode-hop-free wavelength tuning
- Integrated TEC and thermistor
- SM fiber or PM fiber
- Optional optical isolator
- Butterfly package
- OEM customization available
Applications
External cavity lasers are widely used in:
- Precision interferometry
- Optical metrology
- Coherent communication
- Quantum optics
- Quantum sensing
- Atomic physics
- Frequency stabilization
- Fiber laser seed sources
- High-resolution spectroscopy
- Coherent LiDAR
- Optical frequency references
- Scientific instrumentation
Available ECL Laser Wavelengths
1064 nm, <30kHz, 10mW External Cavity Laser
Designed for precision metrology, interferometry and fiber laser seeding where exceptional coherence and narrow linewidth are required.
1550 nm, <2kHz, 10mW External Cavity Laser
Optimized for coherent optical communication, fiber sensing and quantum photonics, providing ultra-low phase noise and linewidths down to 2 kHz.
DFB vs. ECL Lasers
|
Feature |
DFB Laser |
External Cavity Laser |
|
Linewidth |
Narrow |
Ultra-narrow |
|
Phase Noise |
Low |
Extremely low |
|
Frequency Stability |
Excellent |
Outstanding |
|
Coherence Length |
High |
Very high |
|
Cost |
Lower |
Higher |
|
Typical Applications |
Telecom, sensing, OEM |
Quantum, metrology, spectroscopy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose an ECL instead of a DFB laser?
External cavity lasers provide significantly narrower linewidths and lower phase noise, making them ideal for coherent detection, interferometry, spectroscopy and quantum applications.
Which wavelengths are available?
Standard wavelengths include 1064 nm and 1550 nm (1310nm in process, please enquire). If you require any other wavelenth ECL, please do not hesitate to contact us. Contact
