LDC205 In Stock

The LDC205 by ThorLabs is a precise benchtop laser diode current controller utilized to ensure the safe functioning of laser diodes and LEDs. The temperature of a connected laser diode can be controlled simultaneously if a compatible temperature controller is used in conjunction with the LDC205.

With a user-friendly design and a structured front panel, the LDC205 makes it easy to navigate and monitor the operating parameters through an illuminated 4 ½-digit LCD display. A toggle switch enables the user to switch between parameters with ease. The laser diode and photodiode are connected through a 9-pin D-sub connection at the back of the device. Any polarities of laser diodes that are commercially available can be connected to the device due to the bipolar nature of the photodiode's input and the laser diode's output. The laser diode will always be sourced with respect to ground and compared to a floating driver stage, the polarity operation mode is advantageous because of higher security for the laser diode alongside better stability and lower noise of the laser current.

The LDC205 is equipped with a range of safety measures to protect the laser diode from damage, including a soft start function and a switch on/off delay to protect against undesired transients. Additionally, an adjustable limitation of the injection current can be set with a 20-turn potentiometer to protect against operating errors. The electronic short circuit of the laser diode in off-mode ensures that no voltage is applied, and a control signal at the output jack of an external monitoring LED indicates laser ON mode. The interlock system provides open circuit monitoring of the laser diode mount connection, ensuring that the unit remains safe even in the most challenging environments. Moreover, the LDC205 is designed with an internal cooling system that protects the unit against overheating, enabling safe operation of up to 40 °C ambient temperature.

The LDC205 offers the convenience of operating in both constant power and constant current mode. With a full scale adjustment knob that can be set with a potentiometer between 0.6 mA and 2 mA, you can easily set the operating point in constant power mode even with small photodiode currents. It has dimensions of 146 x 70 x 316 mm³ and it weighs ≤ 3 kg.