What’s New for Photonics West 2015

January 19, 2015

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Low Noise QCL Driver Laboratory Series Instrument

DETECTION THRESHOLDS DROP
WITH LOW NOISE QUANTUM CASCADE LASER DRIVER
The QCL Driver Laboratory Series Instrument is now available.
Electronic noise from Quantum Cascade Laser drivers has long limited the detection threshold of chemical sensors. No longer. Patented1 low noise technology is now available to both researchers and developers. Wavelength Electronics introduces the QCL LAB family of instruments that couple an intuitive touchscreen display with low noise drive electronics that have a proven track record of dropping detection thresholds up to an order of magnitude. 1Covered by U.S. Patents 6,696,887; 6,867,644 and 7,176,755. Licensed from Battelle Memorial Institute.

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Product Demonstration: Low Noise QCL Driver Instrument Operation and Applications

Wavelength CEO Mary Johnson will present a product demonstration of the new low noise QCL driver instrument on Tuesday, 10 February 2015 at 10:30 AM in Demo Area 1 (Hall ABC South). Learn about our new low noise QCL driver instrument, including operation, features, and best-fit applications. The only driver licensed to use patented high precision QCL current control technology.

Meet the Applications Engineers

JOE McDONALD
Joe McDonald is a graduate of Idaho State University with a degree in Laser Electronics/Optics. For 18 years he has worked with electro-optics for a variety of applications, and been involved with all aspects of production — manufacturing, sales, customer service, training and technical documentation. If you have product or technical questions, he’s confident that he can provide the support you need!

DIRK RESTVEDT
Dirk Restvedt is an honor graduate of DeVry University, Phoenix Arizona, with a degree in electronics and computer science. He brings 20+ years’ experience in semiconductor laser related industries to Wavelength Customer Support. He has been a factory trainer and field service technician for clients such as: Intel, 3M, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Fujitsu, Northrup, Lockheed Martin, NASA. With 18 years’ experience in technical support administration, customer service and customer training curriculum development, you know he will have a clear, thoughtful answer to any support questions you might have.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Detection Thresholds Drop with Low Noise QCL Driver

January 12, 2015

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The QCL Driver Laboratory Series Instrument is now available.

Electronic noise from Quantum Cascade Laser drivers has long limited the detection threshold of chemical sensors. No longer. Patented* low noise technology is now available to both researchers and developers. Wavelength Electronics introduces the QCL LAB family of instruments that couple an intuitive touchscreen display with low noise drive electronics that have a proven track record of dropping detection thresholds up to an order of magnitude.

Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs) operate with high power at wavelengths suited to detecting molecules significant to humans. Some applications include remote detection of explosive materials, medical diagnosis using the breath, non-invasive glucose testing, emissions & air quality monitoring, petroleum leak detection, methane detection in fracking… The list is growing exponentially as researchers discover new possibilities.

Detection threshold is always a defining characteristic of a sensor. With 0.4 µA RMS noise current and 1nA / √Hz average current noise density up to 100kHz, the QCL500 LAB instrument allows the lowest possible detection thresholds. Low electronic noise translates into stable center wavelength, narrow linewidth, and repeatable scans.

Models are available with output currents of 500 mA, 1000 mA, 1500 mA, and 2000 mA in Constant Current mode. Compliance voltage is adjustable up to 20 V with 2-3 MHz analog modulation bandwidth. Operate standalone or via USB or Ethernet (remote operation software included). Application notes and free technical support help you minimize noise in particularly demanding applications.

After your testing is complete, compact OEM drivers are available for integration into field-deployable systems. The QCL OEM family noise levels are also the lowest commercially available. Safety features include:

  • Adjustable soft-clamp current limit, with Brick-Wall Never-Exceed circuitry
  • Password protection available to lock out a selectable control set
  • Key switch, active, and passive interlocks
  • Driver over-temperature protection circuit
  • Relay shorts output when current is disabled
  • AC input and patented power supply filtering
  • 2 second turn-on delay — adjustable
  • 1.5 msec current ramp

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COUNT ON WAVELENGTH ELECTRONICS
Wavelength Electronics leads the laser control industry by simplifying advanced quantum cascade laser, laser diode, and thermal control for demanding electro-optical OEMs and researchers. Our experienced Sales Engineers are available to help you decide which controller is right for your application. To learn more about the QCL Series Low Noise Quantum Cascade Laser Drivers and Wavelength’s complete line of high precision, low-noise, ultra-stable laser diode drivers and temperature controllers visit us at Photonics West, Booth #2406 in the South Hall, or www.teamWavelength.com. Come see our product demo on Tuesday, February 10 at 10:30AM in Demo Area 1, South Hall.

 

 

*Covered by U.S. Patents 6,696,887; 6,867,644 and 7,176,755. Licensed from Battelle Memorial Institute[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Wavelength Doubles Manufacturing Capacity

July 28, 2014

Last year, Wavelength Electronics was qualified to reliably place fine pitch BGAs to IPC Class 3 standards. To support this added capability as well as increasing sales of standard product, Wavelength has recently doubled manufacturing capacity. “Our dedication to product reliability and robustness requires that we work with state-of-the art equipment and keep staff well-trained,” says CEO Mary Johnson. “Our industry-low RMA rate is proof of our commitment to our OEM partners. We’ve invested in increasing our capacity to make sure we can meet growing demands while maintaining quality.”

Wavelength is Pleased to Sponsor the MIRTHE Webcast

October 14, 2013

Wavelength, along with ILX Lightwave, Edmund Optics and Hammamatsu are sponsoring a webcast by MIRTHE on QCL use in methane emission detection and analysis.

Natural gas extraction from horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) promises an abundant and inexpensive domestic energy source; per unit energy, natural gas combustion produces only half the carbon dioxide emissions of coal. However, methane is 25 times more potent as a greenhouse gas on a per molecule basis than carbon diozide, and fugitive methane emissions from the natural gas supply chain (from extraction to end users) much above 1% of the total production would negate the climate benefits of transitioning from coal to natural gas.One of the key barriers for identifying and mitigating fugitive methane emissions is a lack of compact, portable, and field-robust sensors.

This webcast covers recent developments and field deployments of compact quantum-cascade-laser (QCL)-based methane sensors to quantify methane emissions from the Barnett, Marcellus, and Monterey Shales. Fugitive methane concentrations, plume sizes, and distribution of emissions rates from shale gas extraction, storage, and transmission will be presented, along with a summary of the technical and sampling challenges needed to quantify fugitive methane emissions from the lifecycle of the natural-gas supply chain.

Mark Zondlo, Ph.D.,
Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
at Princeton University, will be presenting.

PREMIERES LIVE
October 30, 2013

TIME:
1:00 PM EDT
12:00 PM CDT
10:00 AM PDT
5:00 PM GMT

What You’ll Learn:

  • Methane and hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”)
  • Quantum-cascade-laser (QCL)-based methane sensors
  • Technical challenges associated with methane sampling
  • Experimental results

Who Should Attend:

  • Design engineering
  • Optical and systems engineering
  • Basic research
  • Applied research & development
  • Engineering management

EFFICIENT PWM TEMPERATURE CONTROL

September 13, 2013

THE NEW WTCP5V5A FROM WAVELENGTH ELECTRONICS
 
This 5 A, 5 V thermoelectric controller combines high efficiency Pulse-Width Modulated (PWM) control with excellent temperature stability. Portable, airborne, and other space-constrained temperature control applications are ideal places to use the WTCP.

 

COMPACT, POWERFUL, EFFICIENT
The WTCP5V5A Temperature Controller delivers all the advantages of Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) control in a compact PCB-mounted package. The WTCP is highly efficient, and usually does not require any additional heatsinking. It is perfectly suited for applications requiring high efficiency, low power dissipation, and high stability.

 

DESIGNED FOR EASY INTEGRATION
The WTCP5V5A can operate from a single 5 V power supply, or the WTCP and load can be driven from separate power supplies when even lower output current noise is required.

The available WTCPEVAL evaluation circuit board includes everything needed to quickly configure the WTCP for a wide range of applications and load conditions. The on-board feedback loop parameter adjustment switches simplify tuning, and dramatically reduce your development time.

An OEM module board is also available, and can be preloaded at the factory with components fine-tuned for your application.

 

PRACTICAL FEATURES, ROBUST DESIGN

Thoughtfully designed features provide valuable benefits, and help ensure the long-term reliability of your application:

  • Separate heating and cooling current limits protect the load from operational anomalies.
  • External passive components fine-tune the operating range for maximum control sensitivity and accuracy.
  • Versatile interface signals simplify integration of the WTCP into a wide range of applications.
  • Easy-to-use component selection calculator simplifies system design and configuration.

 

VALUABLE SAFETY FEATURES
Built-in safety features make the WTCP robust to real-world operating conditions: current limit and voltage limit. Long-term reliability means better up-time, fewer service calls, and more satisfied and successful customers.

 

COUNT ON WAVELENGTH ELECTRONICS
Our Sales Engineers have the experience to help you choose and use the WTCP temperature controller. Call today or visit our website to find out how Wavelength Electronics can help you succeed.

USBKIT NOW SUPPORTS LDTC & PTC PCB MODELS

July 11, 2013

 

USB CONTROL FOR TEMPERATURE & LASER DIODE DRIVERS
 
COMPUTERIZE THE WAVELENGTH ADVANTAGE

Expand the capabilities of your Wavelength Electronics controllers with the USBKIT and QuickConnect™ software. The upgraded version now supports all the LDTC integrated temperature and laser diode controllers, as well as all the PTC PCB-mount temperature control models. The USBKIT provides convenient computer control of output currents up to 12.5 A at a surprisingly low price. The software provides an intuitive virtual control panel that allows you to leverage the low-noise, high-stability laser diode and temperature control capabilities of Wavelength’s components to save time and money. The QuickConnect™ software is easily loaded onto your computer with the automated installer, and is compatible with x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit) PCs.

BIG FEATURES IN A SMALL PACKAGE
The USBKIT loads many features into one small package, making it a terrific value-add for your laser lab or manufacturing floor.
  • The USB board includes D/A for remote setpoint control and A/Ds for monitoring actual temperature or current.
  • The software provides control of one laser diode driver, one temperature controller, an auxiliary monitor, and full graphing and datalogging of selected parameters.
  • Multiple USBKITs can be attached to the same computer, allowing for control of complex systems.
  • Setup configurations can be saved for repeating experiments or manufacturing testing routines.
  • The QuickConnect™ software includes on-screen wiring diagrams for the selected Wavelength modules, making set-up a snap.
  • Two strip charts graph laser and temperature data as a function of time. Selected data can be continuously logged.
PLUG-IN CONVENIENCE FOR OEMS

Build the USBKIT into your OEM laser system and enjoy the convenience of closed-cover system calibration and troubleshooting—all you need is the USB cable that comes with the USBKIT.

The software is built on the Windows .NET framework so you can write your own code for a manufacturing test system, field-calibration kit, or laboratory applications. Wavelength also offers program customization.

COUNT ON WAVELENGTH ELECTRONICS
Our experienced Sales Engineers are available to help you decide which controller is right for your application. Call today or visit our website to find out how Wavelength Electronics can help you to be successful.

New Application Notes Released

May 29, 2013

 

Our popular “Basics” landing pages are now available as downloadable App Notes.

AN-TC11: Thermistor Basics
Everything you need to know about thermistors and more. This introduction to thermistors discusses the different types, how to use them, and the pros and cons of different sensor types. It also discusses what the Steinhart-Hart Equation is and how to use it.

AN-TC10: Temperature Controller Basics
Temperature controllers are the brains in a temperature control system. This article discusses how they are used, how they run, and other useful operational information. It also includes electrical diagrams and specification explanations, and other useful terminology.

AN-LD13: Laser Diode Driver Basics
This introduction to laser diode drivers discusses what they are, how they run, differences between types, and many other important facts. Also included are electrical diagrams, explanation of specifications and useful terminology.

AN-LD15: An Introduction to Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs)
 Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs) are a new and important addition to the laser market. This article discusses the difference between QCLs and other lasers, the benefits of each type of laser, as well as the types of applications at which QCLs excel.

AN-LD14: Quantum Cascade Laser Driver Basics (QCLs)Quantum Cascade Lasers, or QCLs, are different than other lasers in that they are semiconductor lasers that emit mid- and long-wave infrared bands. The drivers must possess low noise and high stability. This introductory article presents important facts about QCL drivers and how they work.

New Products Introduced at Photonics West 2013

January 11, 2013

Visit Wavelength Electronics at booth #2400 South Hall.

 

Pulse-Width Modulation Temperature Control
The brand new WTCP5V5A Temperature Controller delivers all the advantages of Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) control in a PCB-mounted package. The WTCP is compact and efficient, and usually does not require any additional heatsinking, even when operated at full output current of 5 A. The WTCP temperature controller is perfectly suited for applications requiring high efficiency, low power dissipation, and high stability. Portable, airborne, and other space-constrained temperature control applications are ideal places to use the WTCP.

 

Computer Control for Your Wavelength Laser Drivers and Temperature Controllers — Now with 64-bit Compatibility
Expand the capabilities of your Wavelength controllers with the USBKIT and QuickConnect™ software. The USBKIT provides convenient computer control of most Wavelength chassis mount controllers and evaluation boards at a surprisingly low price. The software provides an intuitive virtual control panel that allows you to leverage the low-noise, high-stability laser diode and temperature control capabilities of Wavelength’s components to save time and money. The QuickConnect™ software is easily loaded onto your computer with the automated installer, and is compatible with x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit) PCs.

 

FL519FL — The Full-Featured FL500 Evaluation Board
The FL591FL is the evaluation board for the FL500 dual-channel laser diode driver. The FL591FL features low-noise electronics and low quiescent current, and the feedback and monitor signals allow you to accurately characterize the FL500. You can transfer the FL500 prototype configuration directly to your custom laser control system with no surprises. The FL591FL can be configured to drive a single 500 mA output, or two 250 mA independent outputs by setting onboard jumpers. The FL591FL also allows the FL500 to be configured to operate in Constant Power or Constant Current mode. Because of it’s compact size and light weight the FL500 is commonly used in hand-held, portable, space-constrained, and airborne applications. The dual-channel output is idea for sighting-and-detection applications. The FL591FL makes prototyping the FL500 a snap.