Important note: (1) LEDs can only be driven by a constant current source and cannot be driven by a voltage source (such as a battery or AC/DC power supply); (2) Before applying current to the LED, be sure to verify the rated current of the LED and always ensure that no current exceeding the rated current of the LED is applied.
Multi wavelength collimated LED light sources can be constructed by combining the following components:
Goptica multi wavelength beam combiner; as well as
Goptica collimated LED light source.
As shown in the following figure, multi wavelength collimated LED light sources can be roughly divided into two categories based on specific geometric configurations:
(1) The "straight through" type, in which each additional LED/wavelength is added in series to the component, so the first LED/wavelength has the longest optical path length, while the last LED/wavelength has the shortest optical path length; or
(2) The 'equal distance' type, where all LEDs/wavelengths have the same optical path length at the output end.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to build a multi wavelength collimated LED light source:
(I) Straight through type
Step 1: According to the specific requirements of the application, select the required collimated LED light source (up to 8 or more LEDs) based on wavelength and output power. Currently, only collimated LEDs with a diameter of 22 millimeters can be directly combined using the Goptica multi wavelength beam combiner, while collimated LEDs with a diameter of 11 millimeters can be connected to the beam combiner using an adapter and then combined.
Low power collimated LEDs (such as 5W and below) use A-type packaging, while high-power collimated LEDs (such as 7W and above) use B-type packaging (with cooling fan), as shown in the following figure.
Step 2: Sort the selected collimated LEDs by wavelength (from long to short). For example, customers can choose the following four (4) LEDs based on their specific application:
1. LED # 1740nm, 1W, Type A;
2. LED # 2590nm, 10W, Type B;
3. LED # 3530nm, 15W, type B; as well as
4. LED # 4470nm, 5W, Type A.
Step 3: Select the appropriate beam combiner and combine LED # 1 and LED # 2 (i.e. the two longest wavelength LEDs) together. In this specific example, LCS-BC25-0660 (or LCS-BC25-0685) can be used to combine LED # 1 (740nm) and LED # 2 (590nm) together. The results are shown below.
Step 4: Select the second beam combiner and add LED # 3 to the sub component. The connection plate (P/N: ACC-BC25-CP-01/02/03) is used to fix two beam combiners together. In the specific case discussed here, LED # 3 (530nm) can be added to the sub component using beam combiner LCS-BC25-0560. The results are shown below.
Step 5: Select the third beam combiner and add LED # 4 to the sub component. Connect the beam combiner (along with LED # 4) to the sub component using the second connector board (P/N: ACC-BC25-CP-01). In the specific case discussed here, LED # 4 (470nm) can be added to the sub component using beam combiner LCS-BC25-0505. The results are shown below.
Now, all four (4) LEDs have been successfully combined together to form a collimated output beam. The following steps are optional and only applicable to the following situations: (a) further connecting the multi wavelength collimated LED to the microscope; Or (b) further couple the combined LED beam into the light guide.
Step 6 (optional): (a) Microscope adapter can be used
Connect the multi wavelength collimated LED to the microscope. The results are shown below.
perhaps
(b) You can add a light guide adapter to couple the combined collimated LED beam into the light guide.
Process completed.
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(II) - "Waiting Path" type
Step 1: According to the specific requirements of the application, select the required collimated LED light source (up to 8 or more LEDs) based on wavelength and output power. Currently, only 22 millimeter diameter collimated LEDs can be directly combined using the Goptica multi wavelength beam combiner, while 11 millimeter diameter collimated LEDs can be connected to the beam combiner using an adapter and then combined.
Low power collimated LEDs (such as 5W and below) use A-type packaging, while high-power collimated LEDs (such as 7W and above) use B-type packaging (with cooling fan), as shown in the following figure.
Step 2: Sort the selected collimated LEDs by wavelength (from long to short). For example, customers can choose the following four (4) LEDs based on their specific application:
1. LED # 1740nm, 1W, Type A;
2. LED # 2590nm, 10W, Type B;
3. LED # 3530nm, 15W, Type B; as well as
4. LED # 4470nm, 5W, Type A.
Now, LED # 1 and # 2 can be placed in one group ("Group-1"), and LED # 3 and # 4 can be placed in another group ("Group-2").
Step 3: Select the appropriate beam combiner and combine the first group (i.e. LED # 1 and LED # 2, the two longest wavelength LEDs) together. In this specific example, LCS-BC25-0660 (or LCS-BC25-0685) can be used to combine LED # 1 (740nm) and LED # 2 (590nm) together. The results are as follows:
Similarly, by selecting an appropriate beam combiner, group 2 (i.e. LED # 3 and LED # 3, the two shortest wavelength LEDs) is combined. In this specific example, LCS-BC25-0515 (or LCS-BC25-0495) can be used to combine LED # 3 (530nm) and LED # 4 (470nm).
Step 4. Select the third beam combiner. (For example, LCS-BC25-0550, and combine the first and second components into one large component, as shown below:
Now, all four (4) LEDs have been successfully combined together to form a collimated output beam. The following steps are optional and only applicable for situations where you want to further connect multi wavelength collimated LEDs to a microscope.
Step 5 (optional): The multi wavelength collimated LED can be connected to the microscope using a microscope adapter.
Process completed.