THE LOWEST-NOISE DRIVER AVAILABLE

These Low Noise QCL Drivers have the lowest current noise density of any commercially available driver. Powering your QCL with this patented⁽¹⁾ driver will enable better performance—at lower cost and in less time—than otherwise possible. This is the right driver for lasers that require a high-precision and ultra-low noise current source. The 500 mA QCL laser driver exhibits noise performance of 0.5 µA RMS to 100 kHz, and an average current noise density of 1.5 nA / √Hz—the lowest available today. To help you get the best performance from your QCL driver, Wavelength provides on-line Application and Technical notes: AN-LD08: Manage Grounding to Minimize Noise with the QCL Drivers AN-LD09: Troubleshooting Low Noise Systems TN-LD02: How is Current Noise Measured at Wavelength Electronics

CHOOSE THE RIGHT OUTPUT CURRENT RANGE TO MINIMIZE NOISE

The QCL Driver family is available in four different OEM models so that you can choose the ideal one for your application:

• QCL500 OEM, output current up to 500 mA
• QCL1000 OEM, drive up to 1 A
• QCL1500 OEM, delivers up to 1.5 A
• QCL2000 OEM, output current up to 2 A

What is the difference between the standard QCL OEM and the QCL OEM(+)? Often with epi-down configurations of the QCL, the exit lead is attached to the case and it is desirable to ground it. Now, the reverse polarity driver, a current source, is available in the OEM package to address this need:

• QCL500 OEM(+), output current up to 500 mA
• QCL1000 OEM(+), drive up to 1 A
• QCL1500 OEM(+), delivers up to 1.5 A
• QCL2000 OEM(+), output current up to 2 A

We can also modify the driver at the factory to suit your particular QCL application. * For example, the standard maximum compliance voltage is 16 V. For up to 20 V compliance, request Product Variation PV055. * For higher efficiency operation at ±15 V (compliance voltage of 7 V), request PV066. * OEM versions — loaded PCBs only — are also available. For integrated temperature control, the PTC-CH Series temperature controllers can be nested inside the QCL heatsink. Information is available here. An instrument with an integrated power supply, intuitive touchscreen front panel and remote operation software is also available for benchtop use:

• QCL500 LAB, output current up to 500 mA
• QCL1000 LAB, drive up to 1 A
• QCL1500 LAB, delivers up to 1.5 A
• QCL2000 LAB, output current up to 2 A

ULTRA-NARROW QCL LINEWIDTH

In order to maintain their characteristically tight center linewidths and minimize jitter, quantum cascade lasers must be powered by drivers with exceptionally low current noise density. Our customers have reported achieving narrower linewidths with these drivers than any other they’ve used.

HIGHEST MODULATION BANDWIDTH

The high modulation bandwidth and fast rise-time maintains modulation waveform integrity so you can shape the laser output profile exactly as your application requires.

DESIGNED FOR RAPID INTEGRATION

The robust design and simple operation of our drivers allows you to take your revolutionary QCL application from the test bench to market quickly and efficiently, using the same driver throughout the entire process. You can focus your efforts on the demanding technical aspects of the system.

PROTECT YOUR QCL INVESTMENT

All the essential control and monitor functions you expect in a Wavelength laser driver are incorporated into this driver, along with protection circuitry to safeguard your QCL from minor power source faults, over-temperature conditions, and electrical faults. The soft-clamp current limit features a brick-wall never-exceed characteristic that prevents the QCL from being accidentally over-driven and damaged.

KNOWLEDGEABLE CUSTOMER SERVICE

Download the brochure to view a more detailed specification chart and learn more about the capabilities of our industry-leading QCL driver. The datasheet for earlier product revisions (A – C) is available here.

APPLICATIONS

Due to their unique construction, QCLs operate with high power in the near-IR through terahertz ranges. These wavelengths are particularly suited to detection of molecules significant to humans. Applications for the lower noise QCL driver include: remote detection of explosive materials, medical diagnosis using the breath, non-invasive glucose testing, emissions monitoring of the atmosphere or marine environments, and pharmaceutical process quality control. Additional applications include anesthesia and hospital air quality monitoring, leak detection, remote imaging, and cavity ring-down spectroscopy. ⁽¹⁾Covered by U.S. Patents 6,696,887; 6,867,644 and 7,176,755. Free, effective, and responsive technical support is available to simplify integration of Wavelength products into your OEM design. Standard product can be easily modified to meet your application requirements.