Top Wavelength: 1392.0 nm DFB Laser
DFB laser diodes at 1392.0 nm are used for water vapour detection. Please have a look at the key features, specifications and applications.

Key features of nanoplus distributed feedback laser diodes
- monomode
- continuous wave
- room temperature
- tunable
- custom wavelengths
Why choose nanoplus distributed feedback laser diodes
- stable longitudinal and transversal single mode emission
- precise selection of target wavelength
- narrow laser linewidth
- mode-hop-free wavelength tunability
- fast wavelength tuning
- typically > 5 mW output power
- small size
- easy usability
- high efficiency
- long-term stability
For more than 20 years nanoplus has been the technology leader for lasers in gas sensing. We produce lasers at large scale at our own fabrication sites in Gerbrunn and Meiningen. nanoplus cooperates with the leading system integrators in the TDLAS based analyzer industry. More than 30,000 installations worldwide prove the reliability of nanoplus lasers.
Quick description of nanoplus distributed feedback laser technology
nanoplus uses a unique and patented technology for DFB laser manufacturing. We apply a lateral metal grating along the ridge waveguide, which is independent of the material system. Read more about our patented distributed feedback technology.
Related information for nanoplus DFB standard laser diodes at 1392.0 nm
Specifications
Mountings & Accessories
Applications
Papers & Links
The following table summarizes the typical DFB laser specifications at 1392.0 nm.
parameters (T = 25 °C) | symbol | unit | minimum | typical | maximum |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
operating wavelength (at Top, Iop) | λop | nm | 1392.0 | ||
optical output power (at λop) | Pop | mW | 8 | ||
operating current | Iop | mA | 70 | ||
operating voltage | Vop | V | 2 | ||
threshold current | Ith | mA | 10 | 25 | 30 |
side mode suppression ratio | SMSR | dB | > 35 | ||
current tuning coefficient | CI | nm / mA | 0.01 | 0.02 | 0.03 |
temperature tuning coefficient | CT | nm / K | 0.07 | 0.010 | 0.014 |
operating chip temperature | Top | °C | +20 | +25 | +50 |
operating case temperature* | TC | °C | -20 | +25 | +50 |
storage temperature* | TS | °C | -40 | +20 | +80 |
* non-condensing
nanoplus distributed feedback lasers show outstanding spectral, tuning and electrical properties. They are demonstrated in figures 1 - 3. Click on the graphics to enlarge.
If you are uncertain whether you require a distributed feedback laser, compare the specifications with our Fabry-Pérot lasers or contact us.
nanoplus offers a variety of free space and fiber coupled mountings. Configure your laser according to your needs.
Free space mountings
Select a TO header with or without TEC. The TO headers are hermetically sealed with cap and window. Ask for customization without cap or without window. c-mount is available upon request. Please click on the mounting for detailed specifications and dimensions.
Fiber coupled mountings
Choose between SM and PM fiber coupling. Please click on the mounting for detailed specifications and dimensions. The SM-BTF is available for lasers between 760 nm and 2360 nm, the PM-BTF option is offered for lasers between 1064 nm and 2050 nm.
OEM mounting
Accessories
The nanoplus TO5 heatsink facilitates your laser set up by:
- improved heat distribution
- connectors for laser diode driver
- connectors for temperature controller
- M6 thread for optical posts
- easy use with standard cage systems
Please find below a number of application samples.
Combustion control in high temperature processes: H2O
Water vapour is often examined in combustion and propulsion processes as it is a primary product of hydrogen and hydrocarbon fuels. [15, 16, 17, 28, 65, 70, 121, 122]
![]() |
Isotope detection by NASA Mars Rover Curiosity: CO2 and H2O
NASA’s flagship Rover Curiosity detects CO2 and H2O isotopes based on their tunable laser spectrometer SAM. The analysis of soil samples is to determine whether Mars is or has been a suitable living environment. We are proud that the instrument uses a 2.78 µm nanoplus laser for this measurement. [25, 116]
Isotopologue ratio measurements: H2O
Water isotopologue measurements are carried out in various research fields like climate and paleoclimate studies, geological surveys, hydrological studies, and clinical research for diagnosis. [30, 106]
Monitoring of climate processes: H2O
Ecologists are worried about the melting of permafrost soils in the northern hemisphere. Greenhouse gases like CO2 or CH4 that are stored in the soil might be released in this case. Another, less observed, thread comes from the evaporation and condensation of large water vapor volumes. A laser-based hygrometer for mobile field applications has been developed. It measures water vapour in situ and at low concentrations. An airborn approach for monitoring climate processes is the use of a multi-wavelength H2O-Differential Absorption Lidar. It examines the whole troposphere and lower stratosphere simultaneously. [21, 46]
Optimization of internal combustion engines: H2O
The automotive industry designs new engines to increase fuel efficiency and reduce pollutant emission. Exhaust gas recirculation has become a standard technology for emission control. A newly developed laser hygrometer measures water vapour in such engines with microsecond time resolution and in situ. This method helps to rapidly quantify recirculated gas fractions and to eventually optimize combustion. [47]
Quality control in natural gas pipelines: H2O
Water vapour measurement is critical for gas companies to meet quality specifications and to protect pipelines from corrosion. False positives are very costly. Often the gas cannot be delivered if it is "wet".
Please find below a selection of related papers from our literature list.
Let us know if you published a paper with our lasers. We will be happy to include it in our literature list.
#4 Laser-Based Analyzers – Shining New Stars;
P. Nesdore, Gases & Instrumentation, March/April 2011, pp. 30-33.
#9 DFB Lasers Between 760 nm and 16 µm for Sensing Applications;
W. Zeller, L. Naehle, P. Fuchs, F. Gerschuetz, L. Hildebrandt, J. Koeth, Sensors 2010, 10, pp. 2492-2510.
#15 Scanned-wavelength-modulation spectroscopy near 2.5 µm for H2O and temperature in a hydrocarbon-fueled scramjet combustor;
C. S. Goldenstein, I. A. Schultz, R. M. Spearrin, J. B. Jeffries, R.K. Hanson, Appl. Phys. B, 116, 3, Sept 2014, pp 717-727.
#16 Diode laser measurements of linestrength and temperature-dependent lineshape parameters of H2O-, CO2-, and N2-perturbed H2O transitions near 2474 and 2482 nm;
C.S. Goldenstein, J.B. Jeffries, R.K. Hanson, J. of Quantitative Spectr. & Radiative Transfer 130, 2013, pp. 100–111.
#17 Wavelength-modulation spectroscopy near 2.5 µm for H2O and temperature in high-pressure and -temperature gases;
C.S. Goldenstein, R.M. Spearrin, J.B. Jeffries, R.K. Hanson, Appl. Phys. B, 116, 3, Sept 2014, pp 705-716.
#19 Measurements of Mars Methane at Gale Crater by the SAM Tunable Laser Spectrometer on the Curiosity Rover;
C.R. Webster, P.R. Mahaffy, S.K. Atreya, G.J. Flesch, K.A. Farley, 44th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, March 18-22, 2013, LPI Contribution No. 1719, p.1366.
#21 The airborne multi-wavelength water vapor differential absorption lidar WALES: system design and performance;
M. Wirth, A. Fix, P. Mahnke, H. Schwarzer, F. Schrandt, G. Ehret, Appl. Phys. B, 96, 1, July 2009, pp. 201-213.
#25 Isotope Ratios of H, C, and O in CO2 and H2O of the Martian Atmosphere;
C.R. Webster, P.R. Mahaffy, G.J. Flesch, P.B. Niles, J. Jones, L.A. Leshin, S.K. Atreya, J.C. Stern, L.E. Christensen, T. Owen, H. Franz, R.O. Pepin, A. Steele, Science, 341, 6143, 2013, pp. 260-263.
#28 In situ combustion measurements of H2O and temperature near 2.5 µm using tunable diode laser absorption;
A. Farooq, J.B Jeffries, R.K Hanson, Meas. Sci. Technol., 19, 2008, 075604, pp. 11.
#30 Kalman filtering real-time measurements of H2O isotopologue ratios by laser absorption spectroscopy at 2.73 µm;
T. Wu, W. Chen, E. Kerstel, E. Fertein, X. Gao, J. Koeth, Karl Roessner, D. Brueckner, Opt. Lett., 35, 5, 2010, pp. 634.636.
#34 High power pulsed 976 nm DFB laser diodes;
W. Zeller, M. Kamp, J. Koeth, L. Worschech, Proc. SPIE 7682, Photonic Microdevices/Microstructures for Sensing II, 76820T, 2010.
#51 Noninvasive monitoring of gas in the lungs and intestines of newborn infants using diode lasers: feasibility study;
P. Lundin, E.K. Svanberg, L. Cocola, M.L. Xu, G. Somesfalean, S. Andersson-Engels, J. Jahr, V. Fellman, K. Svanberg, S. Svanberg, J. of Biomed. Opt., 18(12), Dec. 2013, 127005.
#70 In situ H2O and temperature detection close to burning biomass pellets using calibration-free wavelength modulation spectroscopy;
Z. Qu, F.M. Schmidt, App. Phys. B, 2015, 119, pp. 45-53.
#149 Development of a dew/frost point temperature sensor based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy and its application in a cryogenic wind tunnel;
W. Nie, Z. Xu, R. Kan, J. Ruan, L. Yao, B. Wang, Y. He, Sensors, Vol. 18, Iss. 8, 2018, 2704.