Wavelength Combiners (L4Cc & L6Cc)
All Built-In. Ready to Go.
MixxWave is Oxxius’ all-in-one multicolor laser platform, combining up to 4 or 6 wavelengths into a single, perfectly aligned beam. Built on a modular architecture compatible with Oxxius FlexxRay, StaxxBeam and MaxxPower lasers, it spans 375 to 1064 nm and scales from standard fluorescence setups to advanced microscopy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a multicolor laser combiner involves a range of technical decisions: from the number of wavelengths and source types to modulation modes, fiber outputs, and software integration. The questions below address the most common topics raised by researchers, system integrators, and OEM partners when specifying a MixxWave L4Cc or L6Cc. If your question is not covered here, our team is available to help you define the right configuration for your application.
A laser wavelength combiner merges several individual laser sources into one aligned beam path, so an instrument only needs a single optical input instead of managing multiple separate lasers. This simplifies alignment, reduces footprint, and ensures consistent beam pointing across all wavelengths — a critical requirement for applications like flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, where beam stability directly affects measurement accuracy.
The MixxWave wavelength combiner is used across a range of demanding photonics applications, including flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and nanoparticle characterization, wherever multiple precisely aligned wavelengths are required from a single compact source.
The MixxWave high power laser combiner is used in applications requiring high optical power delivered through a single aligned fiber output, including spray measurement, materials processing, and high-irradiance illumination for industrial and research instrumentation.
Yes. MixxWave is designed for field upgradability, subject to available chassis slots. Empty slots can be populated with new sources in the field.
Adding a channel in the field requires factory calibration and alignment of the new source within the combiner. This is performed by Oxxius.
Note: If expandability is a likely requirement, choosing L6Cc from the outset is more cost-effective than a later chassis upgrade.
MixxWave’s modular architecture supports channel additions after delivery, subject to available chassis slots. If expandability matters, discuss this at ordering ; choosing L6Cc over L4Cc preserves two additional slots for future use.
MixxWave offers three communication interfaces, all carrying the same command set:
- USB is the default choice for most laboratory and OEM setups.
- CDC 0 (native USB mode)
- The combiner appears as a virtual COM port (Windows) using CDC 1 mode, which is the recommended configuration for µManager and most integrations.
- RS-232 for integration into industrial or custom electronics environments.
- Ethernet (TCP/IP) enables remote control over a network.
On the software side, MixxWave is compatible with Oxxius GUI, µManager, Python, LabVIEW, ZEN (Zeiss) (Very soon), NIS-Elements (Nikon), TTL, analogue inputs.
Each channel is independently specified. Account for combining optics losses, fiber and downstream optics losses, and required irradiance at the sample. Providing power requirements at the sample plane helps our team correctly size each source.
Software compatibility depends on the control interface of your configuration and the acquisition software version in use. Compatibility with µManager, Zeiss ZEN, and Nikon NIS-Elements should be confirmed with our team before ordering, as it depends on driver
- L4Cc: combines up to 4 wavelengths (4 laser souces), suited for standard multicolour setups and ideal for systems requiring a compact footprint and a moderate number of excitation wavelengths.
- L6Cc — combines up to 6 wavelengthds (6 laser sources), suited for multi-parameter instruments such as high-end flow cytometers or multi-channel confocal microscopes that require broader spectral coverage.
- Both versions share the same thermally stable, compact design and support the full range of Oxxius and third-party laser sources from 375 to 1064 nm.
When in doubt, the L6Cc preserves two additional input slots for future channel additions without requiring a system change.
- MPA: analogue intensity control per channel (for slow switching or manual adjustment). Compatible with diode and DPSS channels.
- AOM: high-frequency switching (required for DPSS channels needing fast modulation and any channel used in time-gated or triggered workflows).
Required switching speed must be specified at ordering as MPA and AOM involve different hardware per channel.
Most MixxWave systems mix both source types within the same chassis. Key implications:
| Diode channels (LBX) | DPSS channels (LCX / LPX) | |
| Typical wavelengths | 405, 445, 488, 515, 638, 785 nm+ | 532, 553, 561 nm |
| Modulation | Direct current — fast, simple | Requires MPA or AOM per channel |
| Warm-up | Ready quickly | Longer — factor into system start-up sequence |
| Linewidth | ≤1.5–2 nm | ≤0.1 nm — tighter, beneficial for spectroscopy |
| Power range | Up to 1400 mW (MAxxPower channels) | Up to 500–800 mW |
Note: When configuring a MixxWave with both source types, modulation must be defined per channel. Diode channels can be modulated directly; DPSS channels require an AOM for fast switching. Warm-up sequences may also differ (account for this in the instrument control software).
- SM (single-mode): best beam quality. Required for confocal or diffraction-limited systems.
- PM (polarisation-maintaining): preserves linear polarisation ; for polarisation-sensitive experiments.
Fiber length and connector type (FC/APC, FC/PC, SMA…) must also be confirmed to match your instrument’s input port.
- LBX diode lasers: best for UV-NIR (375–1064 nm) where diode sources exist. Compact, efficient, straightforward to modulate.
- LCX / LPX DPSS: required for 532, 553, 561 nm not accessible via direct diode — and when tight linewidth or single-frequency performance is needed.
Most MixxWave systems mix both source types to cover the full wavelength set.
Manufactured in France with full vertical integration, the Oxxius MixxWave combines low-noise laser sources, thermal stability and a compact mechanical design engineered for demanding OEM and research environments.
Every combiner is factory-aligned and validated for long-term reliability, backed by a 24-month warranty and direct support from Oxxius engineers.