2.6 Operating Mode of the laser diode (MODE)
ITC500 / page 34
2.6 Operating Mode of the laser diode (MODE)
Two modes of operation can be selected
•
Constant
current
•
Constant power mode using a (laser-internal) monitor diode
A corresponding LED indicates the selected mode.
Constant current mode
In constant current mode the laser diode current is kept constant. Thermal changes
in the active zone of the laser will lead to a change of the output power and the
central wavelength.
Attention
If in constant current mode the laser is cooled down during
operation, the efficiency of the laser will increase. With some types
of lasers this may cause the optical output power to exceed the
allowed range and lead to a permanent damage of the laser.
