LDC501 is described as the ideal instrument for controlling the current and temperature of laser diodes, with the performance and features expected from instruments costing twice as much
The LDC501 is a highly stable, low-noise current source, with an integrated TEC temperature controller available at a very affordable price.
With an inbuilt a low-noise current source that delivers up to 500mA, a 36W high-precision temperature controller, and standard computer interfaces including ethernet, the LDC501 is the right choice for your laser diode testing and control applications says Lambda Photometrics.
The LDC501 has an intuitive user interface, and many first time users will be able to operate the instrument without having to crack open the manual.
Unlike competitive models, the LDC501 has a dedicated front-panel display for parameter entry.
In addition, bright five-digit green LED displays constantly monitor current and temperature, and are large enough to easily read from anywhere in the lab.
Two modes of operation are available for the laser diode current source: constant current mode (CC) programs the source to a precise DC amplitude.
Alternatively, the constant optical power mode (CP) servos the current source to maintain a constant signal on a monitor photodiode.
Both control modes allow you to add an external modulation signal, with adjustable bandwidth up to 1.1MHz (in CC mode) or 10kHz (in CP mode).
Remote operation of the LDC501 is supported with GPIB, RS-232 and ethernet interfaces.
All instrument functions can be controlled and read over any of the interfaces.
Up to nine complete instrument configurations can be saved in non-volatile Ram and recalled at any time.
The LDC501's integrated 36W temperature controller lets you adjust temperature with 0.001C resolution, and measure temperature with 0.01C accuracy (with a calibrated sensor).
It maintains a typical stability of 0.0005C/C with respect to room temperature, and has a very wide temperature control range.
The TEC controller also has two modes of operation: constant temperature mode (CT) controls the TEC current to maintain a fixed temperature (or raw sensor value), while constant current mode (CC) operates the TEC at a fixed current.
Thermistor, RTD and IC sensors are all supported.
The LDC501 has a temperature coefficient of 10ppm/C, said to be a factor of five better than competing models, making it the ideal controller for precision laser diode experiments.
