Broadband light source module combining spectrums of different types of light sources

Abstract

A wideband light source includes multiple light sources enclosed within a butterfly package. The butterfly package includes light sources of different types such as a plurality of SLEDs and a plurality of laser diodes. Other types of broadband and narrow band light sources may be included on the same butterfly package in a similar manner. The emitted light from each light source is collimated via a collimating lens and directed towards an optical fiber using a mirror. Each light source produces light in a different spectral range, and the collimated beams from the various light sources are combined into a joined broadband beam by a plurality of corresponding dichroic mirrors. The broadband beam is coupled into a single mode or polarization maintaining fiber which serves as the optical output from the butterfly package. A processor monitors the power output of each light source drives each light source to ensure stability.