LDC200 In Stock

The ThorLabs LDC200 is an advanced laser diode controller that offers precision and flexibility in controlling both laser diodes and LEDs. Designed to cater to a wide range of applications, the LDC200 can be used in conjunction with a compatible temperature controller to monitor and control the injection current and optical output power of the connected laser diode.

The LDC200 boasts several protective circuits that ensure the safety of the laser diode. These circuits include a soft start function, an adjustable injection current limitation, an interlock, an electronic short circuit for the laser diode in off-mode, a separate key for switching the laser diode current on and off, and a monitoring LED for LASER ON mode. The interlock function automatically switches off the output if a relay contact or open collector transistor is inserted in the interlock line, preventing any damage to the laser diode. Additionally, an independent hardware limit for the injection current can be set with a 20-turn potentiometer, safeguarding the laser diode against any operating errors.

For monitoring purposes, the LDC200 offers an analog control output that displays a voltage proportional to the laser diode. If an error occurs or the limit for the laser current is reached, the corresponding LED lights up, accompanied by a short beep for a warning. The LDC200 is equipped with a mains filter and careful transformer shielding, which provides low ripple and noise at the output. The internal cooling system ensures the unit's protection against overheating in case of high environmental temperatures, with a safe operation guaranteed up to 40 °C ambient temperature.

The LDC200 is user-friendly, with a clearly structured front panel that displays the operating parameters on an illuminated 4½-digit LCD display. The parameter to be displayed is selected with a toggle switch. Although the LDC200 does not provide any standard computer interface, it can be used to build simple semi-automatic systems by using the analog inputs and outputs. The laser diodes and photodiodes are connected 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, allowing for the connection of all polarities of commercially available laser diodes. Additionally, an external LED can be used to indicate LASER ON with a control signal at the output jack. This controller offers modulation input at the rear of the unit, which enables the injection current or the optical output power of the laser diode to be modulated.