Laser Diode Unit LDU1000

Description

The Model LDU1000 conveniently offers both laser diode current and temperature control in the same instrument. The current source provides CW or pulsed output currents to drive high power laser diodes, laser arrays and laser stacksup to 100A at max 6V. The LDU1000 includes a 600W thermoelectric cooler controller to drive suitable heat sinks.

Intuitive User-Friendly Interface

An internal microprocessor provides the flexibility and convenience of software. Our LabVIEW based program LETSoft can be used to control the LDU1000. All parameters can be set and controlled by a PC via RS232 interface.

Built-In Laser Diode Protection Features

The LDU1000 features advanced circuitry to protect both the diode and the controller. Safety features include transient suppression, a suitable mains filter, delayed output enable, hardware interlock and a relay closure shorts the laser output when power to the LDU1000 is turned off.

An additional feature is if the laser temperature departs from a user defined temperature window, the laser current is switched off automatically.

Laser Ramp Function

The instrument can create a ramp shaped laser power. The laser power will go to the new value within a set time linearly. It can ramp up and down. Several ramp parts and also constant power parts can be combined to an customised power function.

Laser Diode Current Modulation

External inputs allow analogue modulations. An internal pulse generator allows digital modulation. The maximum modulation frequency of the laser diode current is 100Hz.

As a safety feature, the laser current limit can not be exceeded during external modulation.

The range for the signal is 0 V to +10 V. The transfer function is 10 A / V.

Pilot Laser Control

If a high power laser diode is provided with a pilot laser, it can be controlled by the LDU1000. The pilot laser can be switched on and off and its optical power intensity can be set.

Power Monitor

The instrument provides a power monitor output. This signal indicates the actual laser diode current. The range for the signal is 0 V to +10 V. The transfer function is 10 A / V.

Quasi Power Setting / Monitoring

Because the laser driver is current controlled, the laser power cannot be controlled directly. But the user can set two calibration points at the P/I characteristic line and the LDU1000 calculates the set power into set current and measured current into actual power. So the user can choose to set the laser current or set the laser power and can read the actual current and the actual power.

Error Indication

In any case of error, such as exceeding the customer set limits, the diode current is turned off immediately and an error message is send to the PC.

Supported Temperature Sensors

The LDU1000 can work with three several temperature sensor types: NTC, PT100, PT1000.

Adaptability to Different Heat Sinks

The LDU1000 can easily adapted to different heat sinks by the software PI controller. An adjustable TEC current limit prevents the controller from overdriving the TEC element. The LDU1000 includes a 600W thermoelectric cooler controller and can drive all of our heat sinks COOL12 to COOL100 suitable for cooling up to about 100W (optical power) laser diodes.

Fan Power Control

Normally the heat sink is provided with a powerful fan. In most cases the full fan power will not be used. For that reason the fan voltage can varied between 0 .. 100%.

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