Related Manuals for THORLABS LDC 500
Summary of Contents for THORLABS LDC 500
- Page 1 LDC 500 Laser Diode Controller Instruction Manual Doc. Number 2136-D01 Rev D 7-9-2000 Copyright 1997 Thorlabs, Inc. 435 Route 206N Newton, NJ 07860 USA Phone (973) 579-7227 FAX (973) 300-3600 www.thorlabs.com...
-
Page 2: Table Of Contents
2 Operation..........................2-1 2.1 Operating elements....................2-1 2.2 Starting up ......................... 2-3 2.3 Operating the LDC 500 ..................... 2-3 2.3.1 Setting the current limit "ILIM" ..............2-3 2.3.2 Selecting the laser diode polarity ............... 2-4 2.3.3 Connecting laser diode and photodiode ............. 2-4 2.3.4 Constant current mode (CONST I) ............ -
Page 3: General Information
Thorlabs, Inc. General description The LDC 500 laser diode controller by Thorlabs is an extremely precise controller for laser diodes and LEDs. When used with the Thorlabs TEC2000 temperature controller, the laser current or the optical output power and the temperature of the connected laser diode can be precisely regulated. - Page 4 Doc 2136-D01 Rev E 1/24/02 • When turned on, the LDC 500 is automatically in LASER DISABLED mode. The laser current can be switched on/off with a separate button on the front panel. • Laser diodes and photodiodes are connected by a DB9 female connector located on the rear of the unit. The output for the laser diode and the input for the photodiode are bipolar, thereby allowing all polarities of commercially available laser diodes to be used with the LDC500.
-
Page 5: Specifications
Doc 2136-D01 Rev E 1/24/02 Specifications Current control: Control range (continuously adjustable) 0…±500 mA Compliance voltage > 4 ±0.2 mA Setting accuracy Resolution 0.1 mA < 5 µA Noise (10Hz…10MHz) < 2 µA Ripple (50Hz, rms) < 25 µA Transients <... -
Page 6: Ordering Codes And Accessories
The LDC500-CAB Interface Cable, a grounding contact type line cord, and the LDC500 Operating Manual are included with the LDC 500 (line cords for the LDC500-EC version are sold separately). The chart below shows the ordering codes of the units and the accessories currently available. -
Page 7: Warranty
Warranty Thorlabs warranties material and production of the LDC 500 for 12 months from the date of shipment. During this period Thorlabs will either repair or replace parts which prove to be defective. For warranty repair or service, the unit must be returned to Thorlabs. -
Page 8: Operation
Doc 2136-D01 Rev E 1/24/02 Operation Operating elements Fig. 2.1 Displaying- and operating elements at the front panel LED "LDA" Selected polarity of the laser: anode grounded LED "LDC" Selected polarity of the laser: cathode grounded 4½-digit LCD display LED "mA" Display is laser current (mA) LED "mW"... - Page 9 Doc 2136-D01 Rev E 1/24/02 UP Button Used for selecting the display parameter LED "P" Constant power mode LED "I" Constant current mode "P" Button Selecting constant power mode "I" Button Selecting constant current mode PD RANGE Potentiometer for setting the photodiode current range Fig.
-
Page 10: Starting Up
Doc 2136-D01 Rev E 1/24/02 Starting up Prior to starting operation of an LDC 500, check that the line voltage specified on the rear panel near the AC input jack agrees with your local supply and that the appropriate fuse is inserted. -
Page 11: Selecting The Laser Diode Polarity
Selecting the laser diode polarity With the LDC 500, all possible polarities of the laser diode and the monitor diode can be driven. The laser diode will always be driven with respect to ground. Compared with a floating driver stage, this operating mode has the advantages of higher security for the laser diode, better stability, and lower noise of the laser current by allowing the case of the laser diode to be grounded. - Page 12 Connecting the laser diode and photodiode Connect laser diode and photodiode according to Fig. 2.4 to the LDC 500. The ground connection of the laser diode (pin 3) may be connected to the anode of the photodiode (pin 4) or to the cathode of the photodiode (pin 2).
-
Page 13: Constant Current Mode (Const I)
2.3.4 Constant current mode (CONST I) Procedure to operate in constant current mode: • Switch on the LDC 500 (refer to chapter 2.2). • Select a suitable current limit "ILIM" (refer to chapter 2.3.1). • Select the appropriate laser polarity (refer to chapter 2.3.2). -
Page 14: Constant Power Mode (Const P)
If the output is switched on while the interlock is closed and there is no laser diode connected, at first the LED "ENABLE" (8) lights up and the output is switched on. Immediately afterwards the LDC 500 recognizes the absence of the laser diode, switches the output off, the LED "ENABLE"... - Page 15 If the output is switched on while the interlock is closed and there is no laser diode connected, at first the LED "ENABLE" (8) lights up and the output is switched on. Immediately afterwards the LDC 500 recognizes the absence of the laser diode, switches the output off, the LED "ENABLE"...
-
Page 16: Calibrating The Optical Power Display
Doc 2136-D01 Rev E 1/24/02 • Select constant power mode CONST P. Connect the laser diode and the photodiode and switch on the laser current. • Set the desired photodiode current with the adjust knob (10). If the desired operating point cannot be reached, even if the adjust knob (10) is turned completely clockwise (CW) (i.e. -
Page 17: Control Output (Laser Current Monitor)
Doc 2136-D01 Rev E 1/24/02 • Connect the modulation source to the jack "MOD IN" (R1). Avoid ground loops when connecting the function generator. If the laser current "ILD" reaches the set current limit "ILIM" in operation, the LED "LIM" (7) lights up, a beeper sounds a short warning signal, and the laser current is limited to the value of the current limit "ILIM". -
Page 18: Remote Control
Doc 2136-D01 Rev E 1/24/02 Remote control The LDC 500 includes analog inputs to provide simple, semi-automatic control systems to be assembled. The following control or read back functions are possible: Interlock If a relay contact or an open collector transistor is switched in the interlock line (refer to chapter 2.3.3), the output can be switched off automatically at any time. -
Page 19: Service
Doc 2136-D01 Rev E 1/24/02 Service Changing the line voltage The LDC 500 can be operated at line voltages of 100 V, 115 V or 230 V. Procedure to change the line voltage: • Switch off the LDC 500 and remove the line cord. -
Page 20: Adjusting Power Display Decimal Point
Replace the cover and secure with the 2 mounting screws. Maintenance and repair The LDC 500 does not need regular maintenance by the user. The unit and the LCD display can be cleaned with a soft, moist cloth and a mild detergent.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the LDC 500 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers