Product Brief 
Sales & Technical Support
Features
- 20 Hz typical linewidth (Elite series)
- ≤ 2 MHzp-p frequency stability (hours)
- Rugged
- Ultra Compact
- Flat, wideband modulation
Applications
- Distributed Sensing Based on Rayleigh Scattering (DAS / C-OTDR / φ-OTDR / OFDR)
- Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
- Atomic frequency stabilization using vapor cells (rubidium and cesium)
- Microwave and RF photonics systems
- Satellite communications (SATCOM)
- Frequency Modulation Continuous Wave LiDAR (FMCW LiDAR)
- Doppler LiDAR & Vibrometry
- Brillouin-based distributed sensing (BOTDR)
- Precision metrology and optical instrumentation
Resources
- Product Brief Product Brief
- White Paper – Rethinking Laser Performance White Paper – Rethinking Laser Performance
- App Note – DAS App Note – DAS
- Blog – Low Noise & Fast Modulation, Built for Lidar, and More Blog – Low Noise & Fast Modulation, Built for Lidar, and More
- Blog – Innovative DFB Laser Diode Blog – Innovative DFB Laser Diode
- Blog – DV-QKD Blog – DV-QKD
- Blog – QKD in Optical Comm Blog – QKD in Optical Comm
- News – Laser Focus World Award News – Laser Focus World Award
- Blog – Quantum Technologies Blog – Quantum Technologies
Webinar
A Narrow-Linewidth Distributed Feedback Laser Diode with Unique Frequency Modulation Response
Patrice Dionne
Product Line Manager
Powered by indie’s proprietary laser diode technology, the LXM Narrow-Linewidth DFB Laser Module delivers high-performance single-frequency operation. Offered in Standard (LXM S), Ultra-Narrow (LXM U), and Elite (LXM E) models, it reaches linewidths below 20 Hz, with ultra-low phase noise, excellent long-term stability, and fast frequency modulation—setting a new standard in laser performance.
The LXM combines a DFB laser diode, a low-noise current driver, and precision temperature control within a compact, fully integrated package. Engineered for seamless integration, exceptional robustness, and long-term reliability, it is an ideal solution for demanding system-level applications.
| Product Details | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| LXM-S | LXM-U | LXM-E | |
| Output Power | 40 mW or 70 mW | 40 mW or 60 mW | 40 mW or 60 mW |
| Wavelength | Single wavelength at 1515 nm or between 1540 nm and 1565 nm | ||
| Instantaneous Linewidth | 15 kHz typical | 0.05 kHz typical | 0.02 kHz typical |
| Frequency Stability over 1 Hour | < 60 MHz pp | < 10 MHz pp | < 2 MHz pp |
| Relative Intensity Noise at > 1 MHz | < -155 dBc/Hz | ||
Key Features and Benefits
Narrow-Linewidth Monolithic Design:
Powered by an intrinsically narrow-linewidth DFB laser diode for robust single-frequency performance.
Highly Stable:
Best-in-class thermal control combined with integrated frequency locking ensures exceptional stability.
Rugged:
Engineered for high tolerance to shock and vibration, with reliable operation from -20 °C to 65 °C.
Ultra Compact:
Credit card-sized form factor for easy integration into space-constrained systems.
Frequency Modulation Response:
Provides a flat, wideband frequency modulation response, enabling high-bandwidth optical phase-locked loops (OPLL) and precise atomic frequency stabilization with vapor cells (e.g., rubidium, cesium).
Comparative Scorecards
| LXM | Distributed Feedback Fiber Laser | Extended Cavity Semiconductor Laser | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency Noise | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Relative Intensity Noise (RIN) | Excellent | Fair | Excellent |
| Optical Power | Excellent | Very Good | Fair |
| Immunity to Vibrations | Excellent | Fair | Fair |
| Brand/Reputation | Good | Good | Good |
| Reliability | Very Good | Very Good | Good |
| Service/Customer Support | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Price | $$ | $$$ | $$ |
| Overall Price-to-Performance Ratio | Excellent | Good | Good |