LED1550E

Ultra Bright NIR LED

Specifications and Documentation

 LED1550E

Part 1. Introduction: LED1550E Ultra Bright NIR LED

The LED1550E emits light with a spectral output centered at 1500 nm. This LED is composed of
heterostructures (HS) grown on an InGaAsP substrate. The diode is encapsulated in a round clear epoxy
casing with a 5 mm diameter.

Part 2. Specifications for an LED1550E

2.1. Electrical Specifications
Typical Maximum Ratings
Power Dissipation 120 mW
Reverse Voltage 5.0 V
DC Forward Current 100 mA
Forward Voltage @ 20 mA 1.2 V 1.5 V
Reverse Current Vr = -5 V 10 µA
Pulsed Current (1 ms pulse with 10% duty cycle) 1000 mA
Operating Temperature -30 ºC to 85 ºC
Storage temperature Range -30 ºC to 100 ºC
Note: All maximum measurements specified are at 25 ºC.

2.2. Optical Specifications

Typical
Center Wavelength 1550 nm (±50 nm)
FWHM 100 nm
Half Viewing Angle 15º
Forward Optical Power 1.2 mW @ 20 mA
Total Optical Power 2.0 mW @ 20 mA
Rise (Fall) Time 10 (10) ns

2.3. Soldering Specifications

Conditions
Manual Soldering 295 ºC ± 5 ºC , for less than 3 seconds
Wave Soldering 260 ºC ± 5 ºC , for less than 5 seconds
Preheating: 70 ºC to 80 ºC , for 30 seconds
Reflow Soldering
Soldering: 245 ºC ± 5 ºC , for less than 5 seconds

2.4. Cleaning Solvents

Solvent Ethyl Alcohol Isopropyl Propanol Acetone Chloroseen Tricloroethylene MKS
Alcohol

Approved Yes Yes Yes No No No No

16392-S01 Rev. B, 06/04/2009 Page 2 www.thorlabs.com

 LED1550E

2.5. Physical Specifications

Figure 1: LED1550E. The cathode is the short lead and the anode is the long lead.

2.6. Typical Spectral Intensity Distribution

1
Normalized Intensity

0.8
0.6

0.4
0.2
0
1400 1450 1500 1550 1600 1650 1700
Wavelength (nm)

2.7. Typical Radial Intensity Distribution

16392-S01 Rev. B, 06/04/2009 Page 3 www.thorlabs.com

 LED1550E

Part 3. Measurement Techniques

3.1. Measurement Technique for Spectral Distribution Plot and FWHM
Specification
A SP1-USB fiber based spectrometer connected to a computer is used to measure the spectral response
of each LED in the visible spectrum (390-810 nm). The LED is powered with a LD1255 laser diode
driver operating in a constant current mode. The light from the LED is focused by a ∅1″ Bi-convex
lens, f = 40 mm, into a multimode fiber, 50 um SMA patch cable, attached to the spectrometer, see
figure 2.

Spectrometer
LED Driver

LED
Multimode Fiber

Figure 2: Schematic of the setup used to measure the spectral emission of an LED.

Picture of Setup Depicted in Figure 2

16392-S01 Rev. B, 06/04/2009 Page 4 www.thorlabs.com

 LED1550E

The spectral FWHM is measured using the SP1-USB software; see the screen shot in figure 3. The
spectral distribution of the LED is assumed to be Gaussian when determining the FWHM specification.
The data is also used to create a typical spectral distribution plot as shown in section 2.5. The central
wavelength and shape of the curve vary due to the uniqueness of each LED, as indicated by the
deviation column of the optical specifications table.

Figure 3: Screen shot of the spectral emission of an LED471E LED measured using an SP1-USB
spectrometer.

Part List for Spectral Distribution Measurement

Quantity Part Description
1 SP1-USB 400-800 nm USB Spectrometer
1 M14L01 50 um Core SMA Multimode Patch Cable, 0.22 NA
2 UPH2 Swivel Base Post Holder (2″)
3 PH2-ST Post Holder
5 TR1.5 ∅1/2″ Posts 1.5″ Long
3 BA1 Base Plate
2 LMR1 Lens Mount
1 LMR05 Lens Mount
1 SM1SMA SM1 to SMA Connector Adapter Plate
1 SM1L05 Lens Tube
1 LB1027-B Bi-Convex Lens (f = 40 mm)
1 MB810 Solid Standard Aluminum Breadboard (8″ x 10″)
1 HW-KIT2 1/4-20 Cap Screw Kit
1 LEDMF LED Socket and Holder
*
Product in development.

16392-S01 Rev. B, 06/04/2009 Page 5 www.thorlabs.com

 LED1550E

3.2. Measurement Technique for Radial Intensity Distribution Plot and the
Half Viewing Angle Specification
To make a measurement of the intensity pattern as a function of angle, the LED is rotated on an axis
perpendicular to the axis along which the emitted light intensity was the greatest. Goniometric rotation
of the LED is achieved by mounting the LED on a post attached to a motorized rotation stage (CR1-Z6)
so that the rotation axis goes through the light emitting surface of the LED. The CR1-Z6 is powered by
an APT TDC001 USB Motor Diver while the LED is powered by an LD1255 Laser Diode Driver. The
radiated light is detected using either a Si or InGaAs photodetector, DET100A or DET10C respectively,
located approximately 12 inches from the LED. To keep stray or scattered light from hitting the detector
a ∅1" lens tube is attached to the detector that extends to just short of the LED. Two iris apertures are
placed along the path from the LED to the detector. The iris closer to the LED has an aperture diameter
of 10 mm while the aperture nearest the detector has a diameter of 3 mm. The setup is shown in figure 4.

Figure 4: Schematic of the setup used to measure the radial power distribution. The drawing is not
to scale.

As the LED rotates, the output of the photodiode detector, which is proportional to the light intensity, is
recorded for each angular position using a NI data acquisition card. The LED is rotated from +90° to
−90° where 0° approximately corresponds to when the Axis of Maximum Intensity, see figure 5, is
parallel to the Detector Axis. The results are displayed in a plot similar to the one shown in figure 6. The
half viewing angle specification is determined by the angle that corresponds to a 50% drop in the
maximum detector output.

16392-S01 Rev. B, 06/04/2009 Page 6 www.thorlabs.com

 LED1550E

Picture of Setup Depicted in Figure 4

Parts List for Radial Intensity Distribution Measurement

Quantity Part Description
DET100A Si Photodiode Detector
1 or or
DET10C InGaAs Photodiode Detector
1 CR1-Z6 Motorized Rotational Stage
1 CR1A CR1 to Post AdapterPlate
1 TDC001 T-Cube Single Channel USB DC Servo Controller/Driver
3 SM1L30 1″ Lens Tube 3″ Long
2 SM1D12C SM1 Lever Actuated Iris Diaphragm
2 UPH3 Swivel Base Post Holder
1 PH2-ST Post Holder
1 PH1-ST Post Holder
2 TR3 ∅1/2″ Post 3″ Long
2 TR1 ∅1/2″ Post 1″ Long
1 RLA0300 Dovetail Optical Rail 3″ Long
1 RC1 Rail Carrier
1 MB612 Solid Standard Aluminum Breadboard (6″ x 24″)
1 2249-C-36 BNC Coaxial Cable
1 HW-KIT2 1/4-20 Cap Screw Kit
1 LEDMF LED Socket and Holder
*
Product in development.

16392-S01 Rev. B, 06/04/2009 Page 7 www.thorlabs.com

 LED1550E

3.3. Measurement Technique for Determining the Forward Radiated

Optical Power Specification
The total forward radiated power of the LED is measured using a PM120 with a S120B Power Head.
See the picture below.

Forward Radiating Power Setup

Parts List for the Forward Radiated Optical Power Measurement

Quantity Part Description
1 PM121 Digital Optical Power Meter with S121B optical sensor
2 UPH3 Swivel base post holder 3″ Long
2 TR2 ∅1/2″ Post 2″ Long
1 MB810 Solid Standard Aluminum Breadboard (8″ x 10″)
1 HW-KIT2 1/4-20 Cap Screw Kit
1 LEDMF LED Socket and Holder
*
Product in development.

3.4. Measurement Technique for Determining the Total Optical Power

Specification
The total optical output power of an Total Radiated Power Setup
LED is measured using an integrating
sphere. The radiated light is detected
using either a Si or InGaAs integrating
sphere, IS236A or IS210C
respectively. The sphere is calibrated
with a known laser power source such
as the Thorlabs CPS180 laser diode
module. The output of the integrating
sphere is digitized using our PDA200C
benchtop photodiode amplifier.

16392-S01 Rev. B, 06/04/2009 Page 8 www.thorlabs.com

 LED1550E

Part List for the Total Radiated Optical Power Measurement

Quantity Part Description
IS236A 2″ Integrating Sphere with a Si Detector
1 or or
IS210C 2″ Integrating Sphere with a InGaAs Detector
1 PDA200C Benchtop Photodiode Amplifier
2 UPH3 Swivel Base Post Holder 3″ Long
2 TR2 ∅1/2″ Post 2″ Long
1 HW-KIT2 1/4-20 Cap Screw Kit
1 LEDMF LED Socket and Holder
*
Product in development.

Part 4. Precautions and Warranty Information

These products are ESD (electro static discharge) sensitive and as a result are not covered under warranty. In
order to ensure the proper functioning of an LED care must be given to maintain the highest standards of
compliance to the maximum electrical specifications when handling such devices. The LEDs are
particularly sensitive to any voltage that exceeds the absolute maximum ratings of the product. Any
applied voltage in excess of the maximum specification will cause damage and possible complete failure
to the product. The user must use handling procedures that prevent any electro static discharges or other
voltage surges when handling or using these devices.

Thorlabs, Inc. Life Support and Military Use Application Policy is stated below:

THORLABS’ PRODUCTS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED FOR USE AS CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN

LIFE SUPPORT DEVICES OR SYSTEMS OR IN ANY MILITARY APPLICATION WITHOUT
THE EXPRESS WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT OF THORLABS, INC. As used
herein:

1. Life support devices or systems are devices or systems which, (a) are intended for surgical implant
into the body, or (b) support or sustain life, and whose failure to perform, when properly used in
accordance with instructions for use provided in the labeling, can be reasonably expected to result in a
significant injury to the user.

2. A critical component is any component in a life support device or system whose failure to perform can
be reasonably expected to cause the failure of the life support device or system or to affect its safety or
effectiveness.

3. The Thorlabs products described in this document are not intended nor warranted for usage in
Military Applications.

16392-S01 Rev. B, 06/04/2009 Page 9 www.thorlabs.com

 LED1550E

Part 5. Contact Information

USA, Canada, and South America Japan and Asia Scandinavia
Thorlabs, Inc. Thorlabs Japan Inc. Thorlabs Sweden AB
56 Sparta Ave 3-6-3, Kitamachi Bergfotsgatan 7
Newton, NJ 078600 Nerima-ku, Tokyo 179-0081 431 35 Mölndal
USA Japan Sweden
Tel: 973-300-3000 Tel: 81-3-6915-7701 Tel: +46-31-733-30-00
Fax: 973-300-3600 Fax: 81-3-6915-7716 Fax: +46-31-703-40-45
www.thorlabs.com www.thorlabs.jp www.thorlabs.com
email: sales@thorlabs.com email: sales@thorlabs.jp email: scandinavia@thorlabs.com

Europe UK and Ireland

Thorlabs GmbH Thorlabs LTD.
Hans-Böckler-Str. 6 1 Saint Thomas Place, Ely
85221 Dachau Cambridgeshire CB7 4EX
Germany Great Britain
Tel: +49-(0)8131-5956-0 Tel: +44 (0)1353-654440
Fax: +49-(0)8131-5956-99 Fax: +44 (0)1353-654444
www.thorlabs.com www.thorlabs.com
email: Europe@thorlabs.com email: sales.uk@thorlabs.com

16392-S01 Rev. B, 06/04/2009 Page 10 www.thorlabs.com