Stanford Research NL100 Nitrogen Laser

The Stanford Research Systems NL100 is a compact, pulsed nitrogen laser emitting at 337.1 nm for UV photochemistry, fluorescence spectroscopy, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. This sealed, cartridge-based design eliminates mirror alignment while delivering 170 µJ pulses at up to 20 Hz with <3.5 ns pulse width and 45 kW peak power. Factory-aligned optics, TTL triggering, and integrated interlock control enable rapid experimental deployment with minimal setup overhead.

Technical Specifications

• Wavelength: 337.1 nm, spectral bandwidth 0.1 nm


• Pulse characteristics: <3.5 ns FWHM, 170 µJ energy, 45 kW peak power


• Repetition rate: 1–20 Hz (internal), 0–20 Hz (external TTL)


• Average power: 3 mW at 20 Hz maximum


• Beam profile: 3 mm × 7 mm, divergence 5 mrad × 8 mrad (full angle)


• Energy stability: 3% std. dev. (pulse-to-pulse at 10 Hz)


• Supply voltage: +24 VDC, 1.5 A average (20 Hz), 3 A peak


• Power consumption: 36 W at 20 Hz


• Dimensions: 9.5 cm × 9.5 cm × 27.9 cm (W × H × D); 3.4 kg


• Compliance: Class 3B, 21 CFR 1040.10

Key Features

• Replaceable sealed laser cartridge with integrated capacitor storage, switching element, and tube


• No mirror alignment required; optics permanently factory-mounted on plasma tube


• TTL-level external trigger input (opto-isolated) with optional sync output pulse


• Internal trigger generator with 1–20 Hz adjustment


• Built-in interlock switch and key switch for safety control


• Command Charge operating mode available

Typical Applications

• Fluorescence-based analytical techniques


• MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry ionization


• Photochemistry and photobiology research


• UV spectroscopy and time-resolved studies

Compatibility & Integration The NL100 is fully compatible with Spectra-Physics model VSL-337i OEM Nitrogen Laser (part #337999-04). Low-voltage +24 VDC supply requirement and TTL control interfaces simplify integration into OEM systems and custom benchtop setups.