THORLABS ITC502, Operation Manual

Page: 50 / 123

2.15 Setup and function of temperature controllers
ITC500 / page 42
2.15 Setup and function of temperature controllers
A temperature difference between two points in a room (thermal slope) results in a
thermal flow trying to compensate the temperature differences.
When devices are tempered the following components will normally be involved:
•
The component to be tempered (i.e. a laser diode)
•
A sensor measuring the temperature of the laser
•
A heat source or sink (air or water / cooling element)
•
A heat conductor connecting the component to the source/sink (copper, alu)
•
A "propulsion" to lead the flow of temperature (TEC element)
laser
sensor
copper bloc
TEC element
heat
sink
Figure 12 Typical thermal set-up of a diode laser
2.15.1 Statements and implications
•
The temperature of the laser can be measured with the sensor.
•
In the copper bloc is a heat flow between laser and TEC element.
•
In the TEC element is a heat flow between copper bloc and heat sink.
•
In the heat sink is a heat flow between TEC element and environment.
•
The difference in temperature in the TEC element can be controlled via the TEC
current. This will directly influence the heat flow in the copper bloc and in the heat
sink.