High Power Laser Diode Controllers
| Item # | LDC4005 | LDC4020 |
|---|
| Laser Current Control Range | 0 to 5 A | 0 to 20 A | | Compliance Voltage | 12 V | 11 V | | Photocurrent Measurement Ranges | 2 mA / 20 mA | Power Monitor Voltage Measurement Ranges | 10 mV / 100 mV / 1 V / 10 V | | QCW* Pulse Width Range | 100 µs to 1 s | | QCW* Repetition Rate Range | 1 ms to 5 s (0.2 to 1000 Hz) | | Internal Modulation Waveforms | Sine, Square, Triangle | Internal Modulation Small Signal Bandwidth | 20 Hz to 100 kHz | 20 Hz to 50 kHz |
*Quasi-Continuous Wave Laser Diode Controller Features- Two Models for 5 A and 20 A Laser Currents
- Operate with Anode- or Cathode-Grounded
Laser Diodes and Photodiodes - Also Capable of Driving LEDs in CW
- Continuous Wave or Quasi-Continuous Wave Operation
- Internal Function Generator for Analog Modulation
- External Modulation Input
- Analog Monitor Output for the Laser Current
- Laser Diode Voltage Measurement
- Power Efficient by Active Power Management
- Compatible Optical Detectors:
- Photodiodes
- Thermopiles
- Sensors with Amplifier
- Power Meters
- Control Modes:
- Constant Current (CC)
- Constant Power (CP)
- Enhanced Laser Diode Protection Features:
- Adjustable Laser Current Limit
- Adjustable Laser Power Limit
- Laser Over-Voltage Protection
- Over Temperature Protection
- Interface and Drivers:
- USB Interface (SCPI compliant)
- VXIpnp/VISA Drivers for all Common Programming Environments like LabWindows/CVI™, LabVIEW™, and MS Visual Studio™
The LDC4000 Series of Laser Diode Current Controllers provide precise and stable current for driving high-power laser diodes with injection currents up to 20 A. This series supports all laser diode and monitor diode pin configurations and features a constant current or constant power mode. The series is designed for stand-alone operation and is controlled via front panel keys and intuitive operation menus on a large and easy-to-read graphic LC display. See the Display Screens tab for some examples. Additionally, the LDC4000 Series can be fully remote controlled via an SCPI compatible USB Interface. A higher setting resolution and measurement resolution is offered via remote control. Compared to the LDC200C Series, the LDC4000 Series offers higher injection currents as well as additional features like the Quasi-Continuous Wave (QCW) operation mode, an internal modulation generator, a thermopile input, laser voltage measurement, and an optical power limit. These features, together with the new design, which offers silent and efficient operation, make the LDC4000 Series Laser Diode Controllers an ideal choice for most applications. For more information about the constant current and constant power modes, the photodiode and thermopile monitor inputs, the continuous wave (CW) or quasi-continuous wave (QCW) operation and the enhanced protection features for the laser diodes please see the More Info tab.
Companion ProductsThe TED4015 TEC Controller is the ideal companion for the LDC4000 Series Controllers. When combined with our TEC laser mounts, the TED4015 can achieve a thermal stability of 0.001 °C. This temperature stability is required for applications like diode laser wavelength tuning and atomic absorption cell spectroscopy.
|
Constant Current and Constant Power Modes The laser diodes can be driven in either constant current (CC) or constant power (CP) mode. In CC mode, the laser current is held precisely at the level set by the user. The CC mode is ideal when the lowest noise and highest response speed is required. In CP mode, the monitoring optical sensor is used to actively stabilize the output power of the laser. A feedback circuit controls the output power of the laser. A power limit can be set to restrict the control loop to a maximum laser output power. To ensure best possible performance, laser diodes are driven with respect to ground, offering significant advantages regarding noise, transient suppression, and stability. 100 µs Pulses of 20 AFigure: Oszilloscope screenshot of a typ. short 100 µs Pulse of 20.0 A generated by the LDC4020 in QCW mode Photodiode and Thermopile Monitor Input The LDC4000 Series allows the user to select photodiodes or thermopiles as the sensor for monitoring the laser diode power output. For each, a monitor input is provided. The photodiode input provides two ranges: 2 mA or 20 mA maximum current. An adjustable-bias voltage can be applied to the photodiode to improve the linearity. The thermopile input provides four ranges: 10 mV, 100 mV, 1 V, or 10 V maximum voltage. Instead of bare thermopile sensors, sensor amplifiers or power meters with analog voltage output can be connected here as well. Both monitor inputs can be calibrated by a sensor response parameter to directly display the optical power in milliwatts. Continuous Wave (CW) or Quasi-Continuous Wave (QCW) OperationThe LDC4000 Series can be operated in continuous wave (CW) or quasi-CW (QCW) mode. The LDC4020 is at ease providing sharp and accurate 100 µs pulses of 20 A peak current without any unwanted overshoots. The integrated pulse generator can be triggered internally with an adjustable repetition rate or externally via a BNC jack at the rear of the unit. Enhanced Protection Features for the Laser DiodeFor optimal LD protection, the LDC4000 Series offers a set of enhanced protection features. Independent of operation mode or compliance voltage, a precisely adjustable current limit ensures that the maximum allowed laser current cannot be exceeded. The LDC will return an error signal whenever this pre-set limit is reached by user settings or external modulation. The soft start feature ensures a slow increase of the laser current without voltage peaks after the device is switched on. Voltage peaks on the AC line are effectively suppressed by electrical filters and by careful grounding of the chassis. Even in the case of power line failure, the laser current remains transient-free. When the output is disabled, the laser is additionally protected by an electronic output short circuit. If the connection between current source and laser diode is interrupted, or the laser voltage exceeds the adjustable voltage protection threshold, the laser current is switched off.
|
| Item # | LDC4005 | LDC4020 |
|---|
| | Front Panel* | Remote Control* | Front Panel* | Remote Control* | | Current Control (Constant Current Mode) | | Control Range | 0 to 5 A | 0 to 20 A | | Compliance Voltage | 12 V | 11 V | | Setting / Measurement Resolution | 1 mA | 80 µA | 1 mA | 320 µA | | Accuracy | ±(0.1% + 2 mA) | ±(0.1% + 8 mA) | Noise and Ripple (10 Hz to 10 MHz, rms, typ.) | <250 µA | <10 mA | Drift, 24 hours (0-10 Hz, typ., at Constant Ambient Temperature) | <300 µA | <1 mA | | Temperature Coefficient | <50 ppm/°C | | Current Limit | | Setting Range | 5 mA to 5 A | 20 mA to 20 A | | Resolution | 1 mA | 80 µA | 1 mA | 320 µA | | Accuracy | ±(0.12% + 3 mA) | ±(0.12% + 12 mA) | | Power Monitor Input - Photodiode | | Photocurrent Measurement Ranges | 2 mA / 20 mA | | Photocurrent Measurement Resolution | 1 µA / 10 µA | 32 nA / 320 nA | 1 µA / 10 µA | 32 nA / 320 nA | | Photocurrent Accuracy | ±(0.08% +0.5 µA) / ±(0.08% +5 µA) | | Photodiode Reverse Bias Voltage | 0 to 10 V | | Photodiode Input Impedance | ~0 Ω (Virtual Ground) | | Power Monitor Input - Thermopile** | | Voltage Measurement Ranges | 10 mV / 100 mV / 1 V / 10 V | Voltage Measurement Resolution (for 10 mV / 100 mV / 1V / 10 V Range) | 1 µV / 10 µV / 100 µV / 1 mV | 0.16 µV / 1.6 µV / 16 µV / 160 µV | 1 µV / 10 µV / 100 µV / 1 mV | 0.16 µV / 1.6 µV / 16 µV / 160 µV | Voltage Measurement Accuracy (for 10 mV / 100 mV / 1V / 10 V Range) | ±(0.1% + 10 µV) / ±(0.1% + 100 µV) / ±(0.1% + 1 mV) / ±(0.1% + 5 mV) | | Voltage Input Resistance | 1 MΩ | | Constant Power Control | | Photocurrent Control Ranges | 0 to 2 mA / 0 to 20 mA | | Photocurrent Setting Resolution | 1 µA / 10 µA | 32 nA / 320 nA | 1 µA / 10 µA | 32 nA / 320 nA | | Voltage Control Ranges | 1 µV to 10 mV / 10 µV to 100 mV / 100 µV to 1V / 1 mV to 10 V | | Voltage Setting Resolution | 1 µV / 10 µV / 100 µV / 1 mV | 0.16 µV / 1.6 µV / 16 µV / 160 µV | 1 µV / 10 µV / 100 µV / 1 mV | 0.16 µV / 1.6 µV / 16 µV / 160 µV | | Power Limit | | Photocurrent Limit Setting Ranges | 5 µA to 2 mA / 50 µA to 20 mA | | Photocurrent Limit Resolution | 1 µA / 10 µA | 128 nA / 1.28 µA | 1 µA / 10 µA | 128 nA / 1.28 µA | | Photocurrent Limit Accuracy | ±20 µA / ±200 µA | | Sensor Voltage Limit Setting Ranges | 10 µV to 10 mV / 100 µV to 100 mV / 1 mV to 1V / 10 mV to 10V | | Sensor Voltage Limit Resolution | 1 µV / 10 µV / 100 µV / 1 mV | 730 nV / 7.3 µV / 73 µV / 730 µV | 1 µV / 10 µV / 100 µV / 1 mV | 730 nV / 7.3 µV / 73 µV / 730 µV | | Sensor Voltage Limit Accuracy | ±10 µV / ±100 µV / ±1 mV / ±10 mV | | Laser Voltage Measurement | | Measurement Principle | 4-Wire | | Measurement resolution | 1 mV | 160 µV | 1 mV | 160 µV | | Accuracy | ±20 mV | | Laser Overvoltage Protection | | Setting Range | 1 V to 11 V | | Resolution | 1 mV | 650 µV | 1 mV | 650 µV | | Accuracy | ±100 mV | | Laser Current Monitor Output | | Load Resistance | >10 kΩ | | Transmission Coefficient | 2 V/A ±5% | 500 mV/A ±5% | | External Modulation Input | | Input Impedance | 10 kΩ | | Small Signal 3dB Bandwidth, CC Mode | DC to 100 kHz | DC to 50 kHz | | Modulation Coefficient, CC Mode | 500 mA/V ±5% | 2A/V ±5% | | Modulation Coefficient, CP Mode, Current Sensor | 200 µA/V / 2 mA/V ±5% | | Modulation Coefficient, CP Mode, Voltage Sensor | 10 mV/V / 100 mV/V / 1V/V ±5% | | Internal Modulation | | Waveforms | Sine, Square, Triangle | | Frequency Range | 20 Hz to 100 kHz | 20 Hz to 50 kHz | | Modulation Depth | 0.1 to 100% | | QCW Mode | | Pulse Width Range | 100 µs to 1 s | | Pulse Width Resolution | 1 µs | | Repetition Rate Range | 1 ms to 5 s (0.2 to 1000 Hz) | | Repetition Rate Resolution | 10 µs | | Trigger | | Input | Rising Edge Triggered, Starts QCW Pulse with Internal Adjusted Width | | Input Level | TTL or 5 V CMOS | | Output | Active High, Tracks Pulse Width | | Output Level | TTL or 5 V CMOS | | Death Time to Next Pulse | >10 µs | | Digital I/O Port | | Number of I/O Lines | 4 (Separately Configurable) | | Input Level | TTL or CMOS, Voltage Tolerant up to 24 V | | Output Level (Source Operation) | TTL or 5 V CMOS, 2 mA MAX. | | Output Level (Sink Operation) | Open Collector, up to 24 V, 400 mA MAX. | | Interface | | USB2.0 | According to USBTMC/USBTMC-USB488 Specification Rev. 1.0 | | Protocol | SCPI Compliant Command Set | | Drivers | VISA VXI pnp™, MS Visual Studio™, MS Visual Studio.net™, LabView™, LabWindows/CVI™ | | General data | | Safety Features | Interlock, Inhibit, Keylock Switch, Laser Current Limit, Laser Power Limit, Soft Start, Short Circuit when Laser off, Adjustable Laser Overvoltage Protection, Over Temperature Protection Temperature Window Protection (only in combination with TED4015) | | Display | LCD 320 x 240 Pixel | Connector for Laser, Photodiode, Interlock & Laser On Signal | 13W3 Mixed D-Sub Jack (female) | | Connectors for Control Input / Output | BNC | | Connector for USB-Interface | USB Type B | | Chassis Ground Connector | 4 mm Banana Jack | | Line Voltage / Frequency | 100 to 120 V and 200 to 240 V ±10%, 50 to 60 Hz | | Maximum Power Consumption | 200 VA | 600 VA | | Operating Temperature | 0 to 40°C | | Storage Temperature | -40 to 70°C | | Warm-up Time for Rated Accuracy | 20 min | | Weight | 5.5 kg | Dimensions without Operating Elements (W x H x D)
| 263 mm x 122 mm x 307 mm | Dimensions with Operating Elements (W x H x D) | 263 mm x 122 mm x 345 mm |
*Via front panel the resolution is limited by the display. Via Remote Control a higher resolution is offered. **The Thermopile Power Monitor Input can also be used for sensor amplifiers and power meters with voltage output. All technical data valid at 23 ± 5°C and 45 ±15% relative humidity. Subject to change without notice.
|
LDC Front Panel| Callout | Connection | Callout | Connection |
|---|
| 1 | Key Switch | 5 | Escape Key | | 2 | Supply Power Switch | 6 | LD Status Indicator | | 3 | LC Display | 7 | Adjustment Knob | | 4 | Softkeys for Menu Navigation |
LDC Back Panel| Callout | Connection | Callout | Connection |
|---|
| 1 | TTL Input "Laser Enable In" 5 V Max | 8 | Cooling Fan | | 2 | TTL Input "QCW Pulse In" 5 V Max | 9 | LD Output and Optical Sensor Input "Laser Output" | | 3 | TTL Output "Trigger Out" 0 - 5 V | 10 | Power Connector and Fuse Holder "Line In" | | 4 | Optical Sensor Input "Opt Sensor In" 0 - 10 V Max | | 5 | Modulation Input "Modulation In" -10 to 10 V | 11 | USB Connector | | 6 | Laser Current Monitor "Analog CTL Out" 0 - 10 V | 12 | 4 mm Banana Jack for Chassis Ground | | 7 | Serial Number of the Unit | 13 | MiniDin-6 Jack "Digital I/O" |
|
13W3 Mixed D-Sub Jack Pin Configuration
| Pin | Connection | Pin | Connection |
|---|
| 1 | (Thermo) Voltage Sensor Input (+) | 7 | Photo Current Sensor Input (+) | | 2 | (Thermo) Voltage Sensor Ground (-) | 8 | Photo Current Sensor Ground (-) | | 3 | Not Connected | 9 | Not Connected | | 4 | Laser Diode Anode (+) | 10 | Laser Diode Cathode (-) | | 5 | Output for Interlock and Status Indicator “LASER ON/OFF” (+) | A1 | Laser Diode Ground | | 6 | Ground Pin for Interlock and Status Indicator “LASER ON/OFF” (-) | A2 | Laser Diode Cathode (with Polarity AG) (-) | | A3 | Laser Diode Anode (with Polarity CG) (+) |
Digital I/O Ports| Pin | Connection |
|---|
| 1 | I/O 1 | | 2 | I/O 2 | | 3 | I/O 3 | | 4 | I/O 4 | | 5 | GND | | 6 | I/O Supply Voltage (+12 V from internal or higher external voltage up to +24 V) |
LD Enable InBNC Female
Laser Enable Input (high to enable laser ON), TTL 5 V max QCW Pulse InBNC Female
Input for external trigger signal, TTL 5 V Max Trigger OutBNC Female
QCW puls tracking output, TTL 5 V OPT Sensor InBNC Female
Input for optical sensor, 0 ... +10 V max Modulation InBNC Female
Input for external modulation signal, -10 ... + 10 V max Analog CTL OutBNC Female
Output for laser current monitoring, 0 ... +10 V Computer ConnectionUSB Type B
USB Type B to Type A Cable Included Ground 
4 mm banana jack for chassis ground CAB4005 Laser Diode CableThis cable contains a DB-9 male connector on one side and a 13W3 male connector on the other side. Both views shown below are looking into the connector.  DB-9 Male Connector  13W3 Male Connector | Pin Matching |
|---|
| DB-9 Pin | 13W3 Pin | | 1 | 5 | | 2 | 8 | | 3 | A1 | | 4 | 7 | | 5 | 6 | | 6 | 10 | | 7 | A2 | | 8 | A3 | | 9 | 4 | | Shield | Shield |
| DB-9 Connector Colors |
|---|
| Pin | Color | | 1 | White | | 2 | Gray and Pink | | 3 | Gray and Black | | 4 | Red and Blue | | 5 | Brown | | 6 | Blue | | 7 | Yellow and Purple | | 8 | Green and Pink | | 9 | Red |
| 13W3 Connector Colors |
|---|
| Pin | Color | Pin | Color | | 1 | No Connection | 8 | Green and Pink | | 2 | No Connection | 9 | No Connection | | 3 | No Connection | 10 | Blue | | 4 | Red | A1 | Gray and Black | | 5 | White | A2 | Yellow and Purple | | 6 | Brown | A3 | Green and Pink | | 7 | Red and Blue |
|
Sample Screens of the LDC4000 Series | Measurement Screen | Menu Screen |
|---|
 | The measurement screen offers an easy readout of measurement values and device status information. It also allows to adjust the major instrument setpoints. You can freely select two, four, or six values to be displayed with optimized character size. |  | The menu screen allows selecting various operation modes and options. | | Laser Diode Setup Screen | Photodiode Input Screen |
|---|
 | The laser diode setup screen allows to enter essential laser control parameters: constant current or constant power mode, limits for laser current and laser power, speed and source of the constant power feedback loop. |  | Via the photodiode input screen, all parameters concerning the photodiode sensor are entered. | | QCW Settings Screen | Preferences Screen |
|---|
 | This is the input screen for the Quasi-Continous Wave (QCW) pulse mode settings, e.g. trigger source and pulse parameters. |  | The preferences screen offers access to the device preferences, e.g. display and signal settings. |
|
|
Software for the LDC4000 Series Use this link to download the below software packages: The available software is organized into the following categories: - Drivers: Instrument drivers to directly operate the device via external software to extend or adapt the functionality to user specific requirements.
- Utility Module: Thorlabs Device Firmware Upgrade Wizard to install new firmware.
- Utility Module: Thorlabs Instrument Communicator 2 for instrument communication functionality.
|
LDC4000 Series Shipping List| LDC4005 | LDC4020 | Part |
|---|
| x | | Benchtop Laser Diode Controller, 5 A / 10 V | | | x | Benchtop Laser Diode Controller, 20 A / 10 V | | x | | Cable LDC4000/ITC4000 to laser mount, 5 A, 13W3, D-Sub-9 (CAB4005) | | | x | Cable LDC4000/ITC4000 to laser mount, 20 A, 13W3, 13W3 (CAB4006) | | x | x | Mixed D-Sub Connector, 13W3, male & female with 3 high current contacts each, 20 A (CON4005) | | x | x | USB Cable A-B, 2 m | | x | x | Instrumentation CD Series 4000 | | x | x | Printed Operation Manual LDC4000 Series | | x | x | Certificate of Calibration |
|
Laser Diode Controller Selection GuideThe table below is designed to give a quick overview of the key specifications for our laser diode controllers. For more details and specifications, or to order a specific item, click on the appropriate item number below. We also offer a variety of rack mounted laser diode current & temperature controllers (OEM Modules, TXP Rack Modules, PRO8 Rack Modules)
|

Loading...
|
Additional Current Controllers
|