LDC8010 In Stock

The LDC8010 by ThorLabs is a laser diode current control module that is designed to provide stable and reliable control for laser diodes. The LDC8010 is designed for compatibility with the PRO8000 system and is considered a top performing system, which is due to its low current and noise drift. These features make this module an ideal choice for a wide range of applications that require precise and accurate control of laser diodes.

The LDC8010 is a bipolar current source and it comes equipped with a transimpedance amplifier input for the monitor diode. This input has an input impedance of 0 W, allowing for the use of both polarities of the monitor diode, which can be operated in either photovoltaic (without bias voltage) or photoconductive mode. Additionally, the laser diode current and monitor diode current can be set with a resolution of 12 bit, while the monitor diode current is read back with 16 bit, and the laser diode current, laser diode voltage, and laser diode current limit (hardware limit) with 15 bit plus sign.

The LDC8010 comes with user-friendly controls that make it easy to configure any module in the chassis. All necessary value settings can be done using the mainframe operating elements, such as the keypad and rotational encoder, or remotely via computer. The only parameter that must be set manually is the laser diode current limit, or "absolute hardware limit." No manual settings are required when utilizing an automated test set up for different laser diodes. Automated tests for laser diodes can be carried out without any manual adjustments, allowing for quick and accurate results. The LDC8010 also features a built-in mains filter in the mainframe and careful shielding of the transformer, microprocessor, and module itself to provide excellent suppression of noise and ripple. The housing of the module consists of a laser diode, a monitor diode, a TEC element for setting chip temperature, and a temperature sensor.

When operating in constant power (CP) or constant current (CC) mode, the laser diode current or monitor diode current of the LDC8010 module can be set with 16 bit resolution. The LDC8010 is always sourced against ground by the current controller, which is advantageous for laser protection and stability of the laser diode current. Additionally, the LDC8010 module comes with separate inputs for laser forward voltage measurement, allowing for a 4-wire connecting scheme that eliminates measurement errors caused by voltage drop due to the injection current.