NKT High power supercontinuum white light laser repair

NKT Photonics (Denmark) SuperK SPLIT series is a benchmark product for high-power supercontinuum white light lasers. It generates 400-2400nm fiber through photonic crystal fiber. The output is mainly evaluated:

Spectral analysis (LIBS, Raman spectroscopy)

Optical coherence tomography (OCT)

Fluorescence microscopy

Semiconductor detection

Key parameters

Indicators SPLIT specifications

Wavelength range 450-2400nm (substrate simulation possible)

Average power up to 8W @ 532nm pump

Repetition rate 1-80MHz (single frequency mode optional)

Power stability <0.5% RMS (@ 24 hours)

Fiber output PM fiber (SM or MM configuration optional)

II. Common failure modes and diagnostic methods

1. Power attenuation or no output (accounting for 60% of faults)

Possible causes:

Pump laser attenuation aging (typical consumption of 15,000 hours)

Photonic crystal fiber (PCF) end face damage/damage

Spectral combiner (Split unit) relief

Detection steps:

Spectral analysis:

Use a spectrometer to check the output of each band. If a certain output segment points to a complete failure of the Split module

Pump power test:

Disconnect the PCF and directly measure the pump laser power (if it is 10% lower than the nominal value, the switch needs to be replaced)

Fiber end face inspection:

Observe the PCF end face with a 100x microscope. Black spots or cracks require professional polishing

2. Abnormal spectral shape

Typical manifestations:

Short-wave end (<600nm) power drops suddenly → PCF micro-bend

Periodic spikes appear → Stimulated Brillouin Fall (SBS) in the fiber

Solution:

PCF freezing optimization:

Re-fix the fiber to ensure that the bending radius is >10cm (the SPLIT bracket requires a special clamp)

Pump pulse parameter adjustment:

Reduce the maximum power or increase the pulse width to suppress SBS (NKT software permission required)

3. System alarm (code analysis)

Alarm code Timely processing

ERR 101 Pump temperature exceeds the limit Check TEC cooler current (±0.1A)

ERR 205 Separation module communication failed Restart the controller and check the RS-422 interface

ERR 307 Device power sensor failure Temporary ignition sensor (need to be adjusted)

III. Repair strategy and cost reduction plan

1. Photonic crystal fiber (PCF) repair

Original replacement cost: 120,000-200,000 yuan (including adjustment)

Our optimization plan:

End face regeneration technology:

Use CO2 laser polishing machine to repair minor damage (cost ¥15,000)

Transmittance restored to >95% (verified by OTDR)

Domestic PCF replacement test:

Verified non-original fiber can save 50% cost

2. Pump source repair

Original differentiation group: ¥45,000 (808nm pump module)

Cost reduction plan:

Single tube replacement: only replace the faulty single tube (¥6,500/tube)

Drive circuit modification: upgrade the constant current source and extend the life by 30%

3. Split module layout

Original adjustment fee: ¥35,000 + international shipping

Localization service:

Use NIST traceable spectrometer for wavelength calibration

Develop software compensation algorithm for split ratio (avoid hardware replacement)

IV. Preventive maintenance plan

Monthly inspection

Record the power ratio of each band (deviation >5% requires warning)

Clean the air cooling filter (clogging will cause pump overheating)

Annual maintenance

Replace the PCF interface seal (anti-moisture overview)

Re-adjust the power sensor (standard probe comparison)

V , Successful Cases

A semiconductor testing company (3 SuperK splitters)

Problem: Annual maintenance costs exceed ¥600,000, and PCF is replaced every 18 months on average

After our company intervened:

Added component failure monitoring sensors

Used pulse shaping technology to reduce PCF load

Results:

PCF life extended to 4 years

Annual maintenance costs as low as ¥120,000

VII. Technical Support

Spare parts inventory: PCF, pump modules and other core components are always available

Remote diagnosis: Real-time log analysis through NKT Insight cloud platform

Get exclusive maintenance solutions

Contact our supercontinuum laser experts for free:

SuperK SPLIT Fault Code Manual

Your equipment health assessment report

With Danish precision combined with localized services, high-end spectral equipment can run stably

NKT Laser Asia Pacific Maintenance Service Provider