BUY NOW Multi-Wavelength Lasers:
Need access to more than one wavelength? Start by choosing the right source architecture.
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- Multiple fixed wavelengths: combine defined laser lines into one system or optical path, with channel control depending on configuration.
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- Tunable output: select & move one output wavelength through a defined tuning range: scanning, spectroscopy, characterization, and wavelength-dependent measurements.
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- Broadband / supercontinuum: generate wide spectral coverage across many wavelengths: spectroscopy, imaging, microscopy, metrology, or optical characterization
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Which Multi-Wavelength Architecture Do You Need?
“Multi-wavelength” can describe several very different source architectures. The right starting point depends on whether you need several specific laser lines, one wavelength that can be tuned across a range, or broad spectral output covering many wavelengths at once.
Multiple Fixed Wavelength / Beam Combiners
Start here when: you already know the individual laser wavelengths your system requires.
- Two or more defined laser lines
- Common free-space or fiber output depending on configuration
- Individual channel control available on selected systems
- Useful when specific wavelengths must be switched, modulated, balanced, or used together
Tunable Wavelength Lasers
Start here when: you need to select or scan one output wavelength across a defined range rather than operate several fixed laser lines.
- Wavelength selected within a specified tuning range
- OPO, supercontinuum wavelength-selection, and other tunable architectures
- CW and pulsed options depending on technology
- Useful for spectroscopy, imaging, characterization, research, and wavelength-dependent measurements
Broadband / Supercontinuum Sources
Start here when: wide spectral coverage itself is useful rather than a small number of individual laser lines.
- Broad spectral output spanning many wavelengths
- Supercontinuum and other broadband source technologies
- Selected systems can add wavelength-selection capability
- Useful for spectroscopy, microscopy, imaging, OCT, metrology, calibration, and optical characterization
Compare Multi-Wavelength Source Types
| Architecture | Typical Output | Start Here When… | Key Specs to Define |
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| Fixed Wavelengths / Combiner | Several discrete laser lines; selected systems combine them into a common optical path | You know the exact wavelengths required and may need independent or simultaneous channel operation | Wavelengths, power per channel, simultaneous vs. sequential operation, beam mode, modulation/control, free-space or fiber output |
| Tunable Laser | One selected output wavelength moved across a defined tuning range | You need to scan, select, or change wavelength without using many separate fixed sources | Tuning range, linewidth/bandwidth, tuning method or speed, pulse energy or power, pulse width, repetition rate |
| Broadband / Supercontinuum | Wide spectral output containing many wavelengths across a broad band | Broad spectral coverage is valuable for measurement, imaging, illumination, characterization, or spectroscopy | Spectral range, spectral power density, total power, pulse width, repetition rate, spectral flatness, output format, optional wavelength selection |
Not Sure Which Architecture Fits?
Start with what your application actually needs: specific discrete wavelengths, a tunable wavelength range, or broad spectral coverage. Then define the required power or pulse energy, bandwidth or linewidth, timing, beam delivery, modulation, and integration constraints.
RPMC can help compare the viable source architectures before you commit to a specific product or technology.
Browse Multi-Wavelength, Tunable & Broadband Sources
Use the filters and product table below to compare available wavelength ranges, source technologies, pulse formats, power levels, and configurations.
What Should I Specify for a Multi-Wavelength Source?
The most important first step is defining what “multi-wavelength” means for your application. RPMC can then help determine whether a fixed multi-line source, tunable laser, broadband source, or another architecture is the most practical fit.
Spectral & Optical Requirements
- Required wavelength lines or tuning range
- Simultaneous, sequential, or wavelength-selectable operation
- Power or pulse energy at each wavelength
- Linewidth, bandwidth, or spectral power requirements
- Spatial mode and beam-quality requirements
- Free-space or fiber-coupled output
Timing & Integration Requirements
- CW or pulsed operation
- Pulse width and repetition rate
- Modulation, triggering, or independent channel control
- Package and size constraints
- Cooling and electrical requirements
- Application, quantity, and project schedule
Multi-Wavelength Laser FAQs
Is a multi-wavelength laser the same as a tunable laser?
Not necessarily. A multi-wavelength system may provide several defined laser lines, while a tunable laser typically allows one selected output wavelength to be moved across a specified range. Broadband and supercontinuum sources provide a third approach by generating wide spectral coverage containing many wavelengths.
When should I use a beam combiner instead of a tunable laser?
A beam combiner is a useful starting point when your application requires specific discrete wavelengths and may need individual control or operation through a common optical path. A tunable laser is usually the better starting point when the wavelength needs to be selected or scanned across a continuous or defined tuning range.
When is broadband or supercontinuum output the better choice?
Broadband sources are useful when wide spectral coverage is itself important, such as spectroscopy, microscopy, imaging, OCT, optical characterization, metrology, or calibration. Some supercontinuum systems can also be paired with wavelength-selection technology when a narrower tunable band is needed.
Can multiple wavelengths be used simultaneously?
It depends on the source architecture and configuration. Selected multi-wavelength combiners provide multiple individually controllable laser channels in a common optical path, while broadband sources emit a broad spectrum. Tunable sources generally select an output wavelength within their tuning range. Tell RPMC whether you need simultaneous, independently controlled, switched, or sequential wavelength operation.
What specifications should I provide RPMC?
Start with the wavelength lines, tuning range, or spectral range you need and whether the wavelengths must operate simultaneously. Also provide known power or pulse-energy requirements, CW or pulsed operation, pulse width, repetition rate, linewidth or bandwidth, beam delivery, modulation or triggering needs, packaging constraints, application, and quantity.
