The MonoLux system is a sophisticated wavelength tunable external grating cavity quantum cascade laser, meticulously designed to meet the demands of precise scientific and industrial applications. This advanced system features a single Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) that provides wavelength coverage of ±5% around the center wavelength, with an option for a broader tuning range. The laser head, which houses the QCL and collimating optics, is sealed to ensure trouble-free operation even in challenging environments. The MonoLux system is delivered as a comprehensive package, including the laser head and a laptop-based operating system, ready to be deployed at the customer's location.

The QCL operates in a quasi-continuous wave (quasi-CW) mode, delivering 200-500 ns pulses with a repetition rate ranging from approximately 500 kHz to 2 MHz, resulting in a duty cycle of around 50%. This mode of operation allows the average power output from the QCL to exceed 500 mW at the center of its tuning curve, contingent on the chosen center wavelength. Furthermore, the MonoLux system offers the flexibility of continuous wave (CW) operation by selecting a 100% duty cycle, available as an option. Its passive cooling design, devoid of fans, ensures extremely quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments.

The MonoLux-AA variant enhances the versatility of this laser system, supporting both quasi-CW and optional CW operations. Users can specify their desired center wavelength from a selection that includes 3.8 µm, 4.1 µm, 4.5 µm, 4.8 µm, 6.3 µm, 6.8 µm, 7.3 µm, 8.5 µm, 9.5 µm, and 10.2 µm. The system's output spectrum is tunable over the gain bandwidth of the QCL, with a tuning speed of 100 ms for the entire range. It supports continuous and repeated scans over the tuning range, or step and scan to any wavelength within the QCL's range, as selected via the laptop-based operating program.

Designed with precision and reliability in mind, the MonoLux system ensures power output stability with a ±3% pulse-to-pulse and ±2% average power over extended periods. The output beam is collimated with a divergence of less than 5 mrad and maintains nearly diffraction-limited quality. For ease of integration, the system includes a USB computer interface compatible with Windows XP or later, requiring only a USB 2.0 port. Compact and lightweight, the MonoLux laser head measures 12 cm in width, 4.5 cm in height, and 13 cm in depth, weighing under 0.5 kg, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications.