1.1 At a Glance
LDC2xx / page 1
1 General Information
1.1 At a Glance
The laser diode controllers of the series LDC200 by
Thorlabs GmbH
are extremely
precise controllers for laser diodes and LEDs. If a temperature controller by
Thorlabs
GmbH
is used additionally the injection current or the optical output power and the
temperature of the connected laser diode can be controlled simultaneously.
The LDC200V is designed for safe operation of VCSEL laser diodes.
The LDC201U
provides ultra low noise current (<0.2µA RMS).
The new suffix “B” controllers offer an enhanced compliance voltage (>10V) for use
with blue laser diodes.
To protect the laser diode against dam
age the LDC2xx provides the following
protection circuits:
•
Softstart function
•
Adjustable limitation of injection current
•
Interlock (open circuit monitoring of the laser diode mount connection)
•
Electronic shortcircuit for the laser diode in off-mode
•
Separate key to switch the laser diode current on and off
•
Monitoring LED for LASER ON mode
The LDC2xx is easy to use due to the clearly structured front panel.
Operating parameters are shown on an illuminated 4½-digit LCD display. The
parameter to be displayed is selected with a toggle switch.
The switch on/off delay and the softstart function protect the laser diode against
undesired transients.
An independent hardware limit for the inject ion current can be set with a 20-turn
potentiometer. This protects the laser diode against operating errors.
With the output open the laser diode is shortcircuited electronically so no voltage is
applied to the laser diode.