SuperLight Photonics has introduced a new wideband, low-noise laser source designed for optical coherence tomography (OCT) applications in industrial quality inspection.
The SLP-1050 provides a broad spectral range with reduced noise, addressing key limitations of traditional ASE (Amplified Spontaneous Emission) sources and supercontinuum lasers.
Developments in OCT for Industrial Inspection
OCT is a non-invasive imaging technique used for sub-surface analysis across medical and industrial applications. While widely adopted in ophthalmology, dermatology, and cardiovascular imaging, OCT is increasingly used for in-line and at-line inspection of composites, polymers, ceramics, and opto-semiconductors.
Many OCT systems rely on SLED (Superluminescent Diodes) and other ASE sources, which offer efficient fiber coupling but have a limited spectral range, affecting axial resolution. Some systems use multiple ASE sources to compensate, which increases cost and complexity. Supercontinuum lasers provide higher resolution but require Class IV safety measures, making them impractical for many industrial environments.
The SLP-1050: High-Power, Low-Noise Supercontinuum Laser with Reduced Noise
The SLP-1050 addresses the growing demand for high-power, compact supercontinuum laser (SCG) solutions across industrial, research, and biomedical applications. Built on amplified seed laser technology, it delivers enhanced power output and an extended spectral range, offering a stable, low-noise solution for advanced OCT imaging and material inspection.
Key Features:
- Femtosecond pulse laser – Enables precise and high-resolution imaging
- Efficient spectral broadening – Enhances signal quality across the spectrum
- Amplified seed laser – Increases output power and extends spectral range
- Wide, smooth, and low-noise spectral output (SWIR) – Ensures high image contrast
- Short pulse width, high peak power – Optimized for demanding optical applications
- Compact form factor – Facilitates easy integration into industrial systems
- Class IIIb laser safety classification – Reduces safety restrictions compared to Class IV systems
The SLP-1050 delivers more than 40 mW of output power, over 15 times the battery-operated SLP-1000, while maintaining a broad spectral range in the NIR-SWIR region. Like its predecessor, the SLP-1050 provides a highly coherent, stable, and low-noise output.
Designed for efficiency and ease of use, the SLP-1050 features a short start-up time, requires no calibration, and is maintenance-free, ensuring maximum uptime and reliability in real-world applications.
Performance Benchmarking
The SLP-1050 was benchmarked against an ASE light source using an A-scan of a roll of tape. Results showed significant improvements in resolution and contrast, revealing additional material layers and facilitating more precise data interpretation.
SuperLight Photonics first introduced its SLP-1050 wideband, low-noise laser source at SPIE Photonics West 2025 in the Dutch Pavilion, Hall F – Booth 5310. Attendees can learn more about the company’s wideband laser solutions and discuss customized applications with the SuperLight Photonics team.
About SuperLight Photonics
SuperLight Photonics, based in Enschede, The Netherlands, is a spin-off from the University of Twente specializing in wideband laser technologies. The company’s platform technology supports applications in OCT, spectroscopy, microscopy, tomography, and metrology for the biomedical, industrial, scientific, food, and agriculture sectors. SuperLight Photonics develops Photon-IC (PIC) solutions, including supercontinuum, ultrafast, and frequency comb lasers.
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Source/Photo Credit: SuperLight Photonics
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