Features
- Extremely Low Noise
- 5-Digit LED Display
- Analog Control Input and Output
- Reliable Laser Diode Protection
- Operates With All Polarities of Laser Diode and Photodiode
- Seven Models With Laser Current Range From 0 to ± 100 mA
- Certificate of Calibration and Test Report Included
The LDC201CU Laser Diode Controller can drive laser diodes in constant current (CC) or constant power (CP). It supports all types of laser diode and photodiode configurations and always drives the diodes with respect to ground. Independent of the selected operating mode, the 5-digit LED display can show the laser current, the photodiode monitor current, or laser current limit. It can also display the optical power (in mW). The power readout can be calibrated to the responsivity of the monitor photodiode by adjusting a front panel trim potentiometer.
A precisely adjustable current limit ensures that the maximum laser current cannot be exceeded. Thorlabs has intentionally provided limited access to this feature to prevent accidental adjustment. An attempt to increase the laser drive current above the pre-set limit will result in a visible and short audible indicator. Even when utilizing the external modulation feature, the current limit set-point cannot be exceeded.
If the connection between the current source and laser diode is interrupted, the current source automatically switches off the current output. After being switched on, a soft start ensures a slow increase of the laser current without voltage peaks. Even in the case of line failure, the laser current remains transient-free. Voltage peaks on the AC line are effectively suppressed by electrical filters, shielding of the transformer, and careful grounding of the chassis.
A CAB400 is required to connect the LDC200C series laser diode controllers to a Thorlabs' Laser Diode Mount. One cable is included with each laser diode controller, it has a length of 1.5 m. Additional cables can be ordered separately.
Specifications- Current Control (Constant Current Mode)
- Control Range: 0 to ± 100 mA
- Compliance Voltage: >5 V
- Resolution: 10 µA
- Accuracy: ±50 µA
- Noise Without Ripple: <0.2 µA
- Ripple: <0.5 µA
- Transients (typ.): <10 µA
- Drift, 24 hours : <2 µA
- Temperature Coefficient: <50 ppm/°C
- Current Limit
- Setting Range: 0 to >100 mA
- Resolution: 10 µA
- Accuracy: ±200 µA
- Power Control (Constant Power Mode)
- Photocurrent Control Range: 25 µA to 10 mA
- Photocurrent Resolution: 1 µA
- Photocurrent Accuracy: ±10 µA
- Analog Modulation Input
- Input Resistance: 10 k?
- Small Signal 3dB Bandwidth, CC Mode: DC to 0.2 kHz
- Modulation Coefficient, CC Mode: 10 mA/V ± 5%
- Modulation Coefficient, CP Mode: 1 mA/V ± 5%
- Laser Current Monitor Output
- Load Resistance: >10 k?
- Transmission Coefficient:100 V/A ±5%
- General Data
- Safety Features: Interlock, Laser Current Limit, Soft Start, Short Circuit when Laser off, Open Circuit Detection, Over Temperature Protection
- Display: LED, 5 Digits
- Connector for Laser, Photodiode, Interlock & Laser On Signal: 9-pin D-Sub Jack
- Connectors for Control Input / Output: BNC
- Chassis Ground Connector: 4 mm Banana Jack
- Line Voltage / Frequency: 100 V, 115 V, 230 V +15% –10% each / 50 to 60 Hz
- Maximum Power Consumption: 20 VA
- Operating Temperature: 0 to 40 °C
- Storage Temperature: -40 to 70°C
- Warm-up Time for Rated Accuracy: 10 min
- Weight: <3.1 kg
- Dimensions (W X H X D) without Operating Elements: 146 x 66 x 290 mm3
- Dimensions (W X H X D) with Operating Elements: 146 x 77 x 320 mm