THORLABS Blueline Series User manual

Operation Manual

Thorlabs Blueline™ Series

Laser Diode Controller

LDC2xx

2006

Version: 1.11

Date: 20.06.2006

Contents page

1General Information 1

1.1 At a Glance 1

1.2 Safety 3

1.3 Ordering codes and accessories 5

2Getting Started 6

2.1 Unpacking 6

2.2 Preparation 6

2.3 Operating elements 7

2.3.1 Operating elements on front panel 7

2.3.2 Operating elements on rear panel 8

2.4 First operation 9

3Operating the LDC2xx 10

3.1 Connecting components 10

3.1.1 9-pole SUB-D output jack 10

3.1.2 Interlock and control LED for LASER ON 11

3.1.3 Connecting the laser diode and photodiode 12

3.1.4 Analog control output for the laser current 14

3.2 Setting the current limit "ILIM" 15

3.3 Selecting the laser diode polarity 15

3.4 Constant current mode (CONST I) 17

3.5 Constant power mode (CONST P) 18

3.5.1 Changing the "IPD" setting range 20

3.6 Calibrating the optical power display 21

3.7 Analog modulation of the laser diode 21

3.8 Over-temperature-protection of the LDC2xx 22

4Remote control 23

5Maintenance and Repair 24

5.1 Maintenance 24

5.2 Line voltage setting 25

5.3 Replacing the mains fuse 26

5.4 Internal Fuse Replacement 27

5.5 Troubleshooting 28

6Appendix 30

6.1 Warranty 30

6.2 Certifications and compliances 31

6.3 Technical data 33

6.3.1 Common Data 33

6.3.2 Individual data LDC200V 34

6.3.3 Individual data LDC201U 35

6.3.4 Individual data LDC202B 36

6.3.5 Individual data LDC205B 37

6.3.6 Individual data LDC210B 38

6.3.7 Individual data LDC220 39

6.4 Thorlabs “End of Life” policy (WEEE) 40

6.4.1 Waste treatment on your own responsibility 40

6.4.2 Ecological background 41

6.5 List of acronyms 42

6.6 List of figures 42

6.7 Addresses 43

We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application in the

field of optical measurement technique. To help us to live up to your

expectations and develop our products permanently we need your ideas and

suggestions. Therefore, please let us know about possible criticism or ideas.

We and our international partners are looking forward to hearing from you.

Thorlabs GmbH

This part of the instruction manual contains all the specific information on how to

operate a current module LDC2 xx. A general description is followed by explanations

on how to operate the unit manually. You will also find information about a simple

remote control of the unit.

Attention

This manual contains “WARNINGS” and “ATTENTION” labels in this

form, to indicate personal danger or possible damage to equipment.

Please read these advises carefully!

NOTE

This manual also contains “NOTES” and “HINTS” written in this form.

1.1 At a Glance

LDC2xx / page 1

1 General Information

1.1 At a Glance

The laser diode controllers of the series LDC200 by Thorlabs GmbH are extremely

precise controllers for laser diodes and LEDs. If a temperature controller by Thorlabs

GmbH is used additionally the injection current or the optical output power and the

temperature of the connected laser diode can be controlled simultaneously.

The LDC200V is designed for safe operation of VCSEL laser diodes.

The LDC201U provides ultra low noise current (<0.2µA RMS).

The new suffix “B” controllers offer an enhanced compliance voltage (>10V) for use

with blue laser diodes.

To protect the laser diode against dam age the LDC2xx provides the following

protection circuits:

• Softstart function

• Adjustable limitation of injection current

• Interlock (open circuit monitoring of the laser diode mount connection)

• Electronic shortcircuit for the laser diode in off-mode

• Separate key to switch the laser diode current on and off

• Monitoring LED for LASER ON mode

The LDC2xx is easy to use due to the clearly structured front panel.

Operating parameters are shown on an illuminated 4½-digit LCD display. The

parameter to be displayed is selected with a toggle switch.

The switch on/off delay and the softstart function protect the laser diode against

undesired transients.

An independent hardware limit for the inject ion current can be set with a 20-turn

potentiometer. This protects the laser diode against operating errors.

With the output open the laser diode is shortcircuited electronically so no voltage is

applied to the laser diode.

1.1 At a Glance

LDC2xx / page 2

When turned on the laser diode controller L DC2xx is automatica lly in LASER OFF

mode. The laser current can be switched on/off with a separate key at the front panel.

Laser diode and photodiode are connec ted by a 9-pin D-sub jack at the rear of the

unit. The output for the laser diode and the input for the photodiode are bipolar, thus

all polarities of commercial available laser diodes can be connected.

With a control signal at the output jack an external LED can be used to indicate

LASER ON.

The injection current or the optical output power of the laser diode can be modulated

via a modulation input at the rear of the unit.

For monitoring purposes a voltage proportional to the laser diode current is provided

at an analog control output at the rear.

If an error occurs or the limit for the la ser current is reached, the corresponding LED

lights up and a short beep gives a warning.

The installed mains filter and careful tr ansformer shielding provide low ripple and

noise at the output.

The internal cooling of the LDC200 with a fan protects the unit against overheating in

case of high environmental temperatures.

With free air circulation a safe operation of the unit is guaranteed up to 40 °C ambient

temperature.

Attention

Do not obstruct the air-ventilation slots in the housing!

If a laser diode head and the corresponding cable (CAB 400) by Thorlabs GmbH is

used, damages caused by wrong connections are impossible.

1.2 Safety

LDC2xx / page 3

1.2 Safety

Attention 

All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in

this instruction manual will only apply when the unit is operated

correctly.

Before applying power to your LDC2xx system, make sure that the

protective conductor of the 3 conductor mains power cord is cor-

rectly connected to the protective earth contact of the socket outlet!

Improper grounding can cause electric shock with damages to your

health or even death!

Also make sure that the line voltage setting marked on the rear panel

agrees with your local supply and that the corresponding fuses are

inserted. If not, please have a service technician change the voltage

(see section 5.2).

Changing of the mains fuse can be done by the customer (see

section 5.3, Replacing the mains fuse)

The unit must not be operated in explosion endangered environ-

ments!

Laser and photodiodes must only be connected with duly shielded

connection cables.

Only with written consent from Thorlabs GmbH may changes to

single components be carried out or components not supplied by

Thorlabs GmbH be used.

This precision device is only dispatchable if duly packed into the

complete original packaging including the plastic form parts. If

necessary, ask for a replacement package.

1.2 Safety

LDC2xx / page 4

Attention 

Laser modules can deliver up to several 100mW of (maybe) invisible

laser radiation!

When operated incorrectly, this can cause severe damage to your

eyes and health!

Be sure to pay strict attention to the safety recommendations of the

appropriate laser safety class!

This laser safety class is marked on your external laser source used.

Attention 

Mobile telephones, handy phones or other radio transmitters are not

to be used within the range of three meters of this unit since the

electromagnetic field intensity may then exceed the maximum

allowed disturbance values according to EN 50 082-1.

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