Lambda News

13 July 2007  

We are pleased to announce several technical advancements in the Lasos portfolio of Laser Diode Modules and Diode Pumped Solid State (DPSS) lasers used in confocal microscopy, flow cytometry and cell sorting applications.

The model VLK 0520 F (20mW at 408nm) and RLK 6040 F(40mW at 660nm) are new members of the LasNova-series 10/20 laser diode modules with integrated fibre coupling into Single Mode Polarization Maintaining (SM PM) fibre, and built into the same size package as our compact DPSS lasers. The pigtailed fibre coupling has a robust design, ensures long term stability of the laser output parameters and will give you the flexibility of being able to position the laser head remotely to your experiment.

Lasos can offer various options for the output connector, e.g. FC/PC or FC Ferrule and a collimated output beam for the red module. The laser can be modulated with an analogue input of up to 20MHz and with a digital input up to 100 MHz. We can also offer other models at 445nm, 473nm, 635nm and 680nm. Free-space versions of Lasos’ laser diode modules will be released later this year. 

The YLK 6150 T yellow DPSS laser with 50mW at 561nm is a new member of the LasNova 60 series and a significant improvement on the 20mW previously offered. The laser exhibits excellent beam quality (M2 ~ 1.2), output power stability (+/- 2% over 8 hours) and <0.5% rms noise (30Hz…100MHz) making this laser the best choice for fluorescence-driven imaging devices.

Lasos are offering this significantly higher power laser to compensate for fibre-coupling losses or optical throughput inefficiencies in the field of laser scanning microscopy and imaging devices.

Lasos have a long history in supplying gas lasers for many applications such as Printing, Medical, Biotechnology, Metrology, Holography and Barcode scanning. For example, Lasos manufacture extremely high specification and stable HeNe lasers with laser lifetimes of >20,000 hours, very good beam quality (M2 typically 1.1), <0.5% rms noise (30Hz…..10MHz), power stability (< +/- 5% , 8 hours after warm-up) and minimal angular drift as a function of temperature (0.05 mrad/ °C). Lasos’ universal fibre-coupling solution can be used with all their gas and solid state lasers, has high coupling efficiency (>70%) will not need to be realigned in the field.

Click here to request more information

19 July 2007  

Available in the UK from Lambda Photometrics Ltd; Stanford Research QMS series atmospheric sampling systems offer an efficient, cost-effective solution for a wide range of gas sampling applications such as on-line process monitoring, gas analysis, leak detection, troubleshooting and much more.  

Key features:

• 100, 200 or 300 amu systems
• Pressures from 10 mbar to 1 bar
• Better than 1 amu resolution
• <0.5 second response time
• Compact, transportable design 6 decades of dynamic range
• RGA Windows software
• RS-232 computer interface
   

The QMS gas analyzer (mass spectrometer) is capable of sampling gases at pressures from above atmospheric to as low as 10 mbar. It uses a two-stage pressure reducing inlet to sample gases at high pressure and is integrated with a residual gas analyser (RGA) detector. The state-of-the-art vacuum pumped bypass flow design enables a fast response time of less than 0.5 seconds, from the tip of the capillary to the RGA chamber.

The QMS can continuously sample gases at low flow rate of several millilitres per minute, and data is acquired continuously to allow on-line monitoring; as opposed to batch sampling which is conventionally employed by gas chromatographs. The mass spectrometer has excellent resolution of better than 1 amu with a detection limit of less than 1 ppm, and 6-decades of dynamic range for partial pressure measurements.

The QMS system is available in mass ranges of 100, 200 and 300 amu. It is packaged in a compact unit and can be easily transported. System operation is straightforward and does not require a detailed understanding of the quadrupole mass spectrometer, vacuum pumps or the pressure reducing inlet. All QMS systems are supplied with a Windows based control and analysis software package with a user-friendly graphical user interface. For more advanced users, the probe parameters can be easily integrated into user controlled programs through an ASCII command set. A stand-alone partial pressure monitor is available as optional extra.

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16th Feb 2007  

We are proud to be able to offer a high quality nitrogen laser, directly compatible with the Spectra Physics VSL-337i OEM (part# 337999-04), at an excellent price and with reliable 5 week delivery timescales.

• 337nm wavelength
• 170µJ pulse energy
• Internal or external triggering to 20Hz
• Replaceable laser cartridge
• No mirror alignment necessary
• Optional TTL level sync output pulse
• Fully compatible with VSL-337i OEM  

The NL100 Nitrogen laser from Stanford Research Systems (SRS) is ideal for fluorescence measurements, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers and other pulsed UV experiments. It provides 3.5ns pulses at 337nm with repetition rates up to 20Hz. SRS typically deliver lasers with pulse energies of up to 200uJ (~160uJ after 20 million shots), with a peak power of >55 kW (45kW after 20 million shots) and average power of up to 4mW. Beam size is 3x7mm, and full angle beam divergence is 5x8mrad.

Internal or external triggering at rates of up to 20Hz is standard, and an optional output sync. pulse can be specified for experiments or systems where sub-nanosecond accuracy is critical.

The NL100 has a user replaceable, sealed laser cartridge, warranted to maintain at least 70% of its energy for 20 million pulses or 2 years, though tests have proven that this figure is more likely to be ~80%. No mirror alignment is ever necessary in the NL100 as the laser optics are mounted on the plasma tube and factory aligned.

Stanford Research have a world-class reputation in scientific instrumentation, and none of their products have been obsoleted. This means we can provide you with a secure on-going supply of high quality nitrogen lasers, and is the reason why a growing number of OEM customers are switching to the Stanford Research NL100.

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24 Sep 2004  

A new range of large aperture beam expanders has just been introduced by Special Optics Inc.

The new products offer 100mm diffraction-limited clear output apertures with expansion ratios up to 40X from input apertures of 2.5mm to 20mm. The expanders have high transmission, low distortion can be specified at wavelengths from 450nm to 1650nm. Damage thresholds are up to 500MW/cm². These Galilean design expanders provide an adjustable focus for collimation at varying wavelengths. In addition to the standard products, Special Optics can customise these useful units to provide lower distortions, high transmission and different expansion ratios.

Special Optics manufacture a wide range of standard and customised products including beam expanders, scan lenses, objectives, waveplates and other polarisation sensitive products.

For further information about this release, please contact us

For more information on optical component products click here

28 Apr 2003  

The ZMI 501 and ZMI 4004 measurement electronics offer unmatched stage metrology for OEM applications.

ZMI 501

ZMI 501 is an enhanced measurement electronics platform designed for use with Zygo's successful ZMI 500 series of DMI (Displacement Measurement Interferometer) solutions. The system's new parallel data output format enables the user to obtain 1.24nm resolution with a 2-pass interferometer, while moving at velocities up to 500mm/sec. Four axes of displacement metrology can be measured using two ZMI 501 boards and the high power 7705 laser option (>350 mW).

High-speed data output features include quadrature, up/down pulses and parallel 32 bit. The platform accommodates 3U or 6U VME and stand alone interface options - in preference to more changeable PC based formats.

ZMI 501 is designed to provide cost effective stage metrology performance for OEMs. The system's higher velocity ensures increased throughput - with improved resolution resulting in better accuracy and repeatability. Compact design allows easier integration and a smaller footprint. Zygo's purpose-designed lasers have an expected lifetime of >50,000 hours - significantly reducing operating costs.

DMI solutions are already well established as the essential technology for improving stage position accuracy and control, since measurements are made at the plane of interest, effectively eliminating geometrical and parallax errors.

ZMI 4004 ZMI 4004 measurement board has been developed for highest performance applications such as lithography and calibration instrumentation, providing a 4-axis solution on a single 6U VME card - and requiring much reduced backplane space. Designed for use with Zygo's AOM based lasers, the board provides 0.15nm resolution and 2.55m/sec velocity with a 2-pass interferometer. Data age uncertainty is +/- 0.1nsec, providing unmatched dynamic accuracy and synchronization of all axes. DMI solutions are critical to ensuring accurate dynamic stage positioning during the lithography process, enabling significantly improved overlay and higher throughputs.

Further details of the ZMI range from Lambda Photometrics Limited call 01582 764334 or email or click here to go to the ZMI page  

12 May 2005  

Applications requiring a quick, accurate and cost effective means of melting point and temperature range determination need the latest in Image Processing Technology from Stanford Research.

OptiMelt can determine the temperature range, onset, single and clear points for chemical substances at up to 400ºC with high precision. Novel imaging technology provides a dramatic improvement over its nearest competitors.

Previous technology relied on optical absorption or reflection techniques which in some instances gave inaccurate results that were difficult to re-produce.

OptiMelt's built-in digital camera continuously captures real-time images of the samples and uses digital image processing techniques to determine phase transitions.

The instrument is very easy to operate, with start temperature, end temperature and ramp rates selected from the large touch-screen LCD front panel display.

Designed for stand-alone un-attended operation within the manufacturing, R&D or educational sector; 3 samples can be analysed simultaneously. A magnified viewing window and PC software interface is supplied as standard. High-resolution images of the melt can be stored and played back for further in-depth analysis of the melt. A compact printer is also available.

OptiMelt is easily calibrated in the field against certified reference standards, complies with modern Pharmacopeia protocols and meets modern GLP requirements.

For further information about this release, please contact us

04 Apr 2005  

The DCRIV Halogen Light Source from SCHOTT provides the Ultimate Flexibility in Light Control.

Combining three products in the same footprint, the DCR® IV integrates a 150W halogen light source, a RS232 control interface, and an equalizer light feedback. The DCR® IV also incorporates user-friendly front equalizer controls and a simplified command protocol.

The DCR® IV equalizer light feedback provides stabilized light output for the most demanding machine vision inspection applications. The light feedback feature provides stable lamp output over the life of the lamp and minimized lamp-to-lamp variation. The DCR® IV can be operated using either a reference Modulamp® and off-the-shelf fiber optics, or with a reference bundle. Light feedback stability for these configurations is as follows:  Light Output with Reference Modulamp® Unit ±2% Light Output with Independent Fibreoptic/Reference-Bundle ±1% Lamp to Lamp Variation with reference Modulamp® Unit ±8% Lamp to Lamp Variation with Fiberoptic/Reference-Bundle ±1%

The DCR® IV's built in RS232 interface allows the lamp to be controlled remotely, as well as indicates the status of the bulb. The DCR® IV also offers enhanced expansion capabilities by allowing the control of up to 3 DCR® III light sources from the DCR® IV's RS232 interface. Other capabilities include: restoring settings for all 4 independent light sources upon power up and the ability to embed checksum error codes in RS232 command strings.

The DCR® IV has all the popular DCR® III performance features including: a current limiting DC regulated power source, interchangeable Modulamp® units, soft start "lamp saver" circuitry, solid state dimmer control for continuous dimming, and a stackable design.

For more details contact Lambda Photometrics on 01582 764334 or email

02 Apr 2004  

The German company LASOS manufacture a wide range of CW lasers from simple HeNe to air cooled argon systems. The company has just released data on the LasNova series of diode pumped frequency doubled solid state CW lasers, fundamental wavelength and frequency doubled diode lasers and fibre lasers.

Housed in compact, robust and thermoelectrically cooled packages, these lasers are the ideal choice for design and integration into OEM instrumentation and systems. The new products are available as self-contained laser modules, OEM component modules or fully integrated sub-systems with 24v drive electronics or standalone power supplies with a computer interface. Output wavelengths are available in the violet, blue, green and red regions of the visible spectrum.

The LasNova Series 10 are high performance diode lasers with outputs of up to 25mW at wavelengths from 635nm to 685nm. The LasNova Series 20 lasers are frequency doubled diode lasers providing up to 20mW at 405nm. The LasNova Series 30 is based on an upconversion in a rare-earth doped optical fibre offering 10mW of power at 490nm. The LasNova 40 & 50 series of DPSSL products have outputs of up to 10mW at 473nm and up to 20mW at 532nm respectively.

All of the lasers have excellent beam quality, long-term stability and low noise. These characteristics are ideal for applications in DNA sequencing, flow cytometry, digital imaging, analytical chemistry and fast flow-rate particle measurement.

For further information about this release, please contact us

For more information on laser products click here

20 Jan 2004  

Lambda Photometrics have available a portable digital microscope from the Scalar Corporation. The DG-2A operates as a microscope with up to 2000x magnification or a macro view digital camera in a single package. With a built-in battery operated power supply the instrument is ideal for both laboratory and field applications.

A range of lenses is available 25x to 200x being standard, high resolution lenses are 100x, 200x, 500x and 1000x, a 2x digital zoom feature increases the magnification to 2000x. An integral light source may be UV, visible or infrared.

The DC-2A can provide 2.3 megapixel images and the image can be viewed on a built-in LCD monitor or stored on an internal memory card. Video output ports are provided for large screen monitoring, projection or VCR recording Weighing less than 400 grammes, the DG-2A is ideal for on-site inspection. Its integral lithium-ion battery can provide up to 1.5 hours of continuous viewing and a convenient carrying case can hold the microscope and its core accessories.

For further information about this release, please contact Clive Phillips or Mark Bambrick on 01582 764334 or email

18 Aug 2003

Lambda is pleased to introduce the "Flashport", a fully functioning Flashsystem for stereo-microscopy and macroscopy in industry and life-science. The Flashport enables exact exposure and documentation of fast moving objects in incident and transmissive light as well as objects with a low degree of reflection.  

The Flashport will be used with a SCHOTT KL 1500 LCD or KL 2500 LCD in combination with a specifically designed Flash-lightguide. In addition, a commercially available Flashunit from the company Metz, and a suitable camera with adapter cables are necessary. Optionally color filters and GFP excitation filters can be used.   For further information about this release, please contact Clive Phillips or Mark Bambrick on 01582 764334 or email