In laser modulation, the current or voltage varies with time to modulate the output signal from the laser. This can be accomplished in two ways: by changing the signal input/driving current or by alternating the continuous wave output after the light is generated. This Application Note discusses both methods and provides troubleshooting tips for each.
The complete Application Note is available as AN-LD19.
Researchers have developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) thermal cycler using a proportional-integral (PI) temperature controller. The precise temperature controller is needed for stable temperature control and rapid temperature changes in the PCR process. The portable and low-cost thermal cycler allows better opportunities for low-resource areas compared to the bulky and expensive commercial devices available. The developed system produces a temperature ramp rate of 5.5ºC/s at a proportional gain value of 15 A/V and an integral gain value of 1.8 A/V.
Using gel electrophoresis to analyze the amplified DNA, the samples were validated at the expected molecular weight of 150 base pair. The PTC10K-CH temperature controller, as well as other commercial off-the-shelf products, reduce prototyping costs and maintain accurate and precise reactions.
The complete case study is available as CS-TC04.
Researchers from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have developed optical interruption of a mid-infrared (MIR) quantum cascade laser (QCL) using a near-infrared (NIR) laser diode for cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS). The QCL is modulated from the injection of the NIR laser diode, and this shifts the frequency of the signal in the cavity generating rapid interruption of the high-finesse cavity resonance. Optical interruption reduces the high bandwidth requirements of the QCL driver as well as lowers cost and complexity of the system. The necessary precision control was provided by Wavelength Electronics’ LDD200 laser and QCL1000 drivers.
Researchers at Northwestern University, Illinois have designed a terahertz (THz) frequency comb using a Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) with a Distributed Feedback (DFB) grating inside the cavity. The DFB grating addition allows for dual wavelength emission from the QCL. A single-mode state and a harmonic comb state combine inside the cavity for a THz frequency comb. Two uses of QCL frequency combs demonstrated by researchers at Harvard University are also discussed.
The QCL’s operation state is highly dependent on the injection current, and the QCLs must be properly and accurately driven with stable temperature control. QCL2000 LAB drivers provide the necessary stability. The PTC10K-CH temperature controller surpasses the required temperature stability of less than 10 mK. At Harvard University, both studies use the TC5 LAB to control the temperature of the QCLs with the same noise levels listed for the Northwestern University study.
The complete case study is available as CS-LDTC07.
Power is the backbone of any electronic system and the power supply is what feeds it. Choosing the right supply can make the critical difference between optimum performance and inconsistent results. This video covers AC/DC fundamentals, a comparison of different power supply characteristics, important specifications for selecting a power supply, and answers some FAQs.
AMS Technologies is our longest-term and most trusted Distributor. They stock all our most popular products to provide fast delivery times. AMS is a key player in bringing Wavelength products to the European continent. Their highly technical team provides the best product support for both OEM designs and bench top applications.
We have a fantastic working relationship and look forward to many more years! Thank you from the Wavelength Electronics Team! For further information please visit www.amstechnologies.com.
AMS Technologies is Europe’s leading solution provider and distributor for Optical, Power and Thermal Management Technologies. From a network of local offices in Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Poland and Sweden, AMS Technologies supports customers with solutions that allow them to take a prime position in a variety of high-tech markets.
Wavelength Electronics’ drivers and controllers ideally complement AMS Technologies’ portfolio of laser diodes, laser systems, thermoelectric and resistive thermal management components as well as the turnkey solutions AMS Technologies is designing and manufacturing to meet the company’s customers’ demanding specifications.
Researchers at the University of Vienna have designed a photon source using Spontaneous Parametric Down-Conversion (SPDC) with a doubly resonant Optical Parametric Oscillator (OPO) utilizing an additional birefringent crystal to tune clusters independent of SPDC phase-matching. Achieving the doubly resonant condition in the OPO that enables a single mode is challenging. This photon source has a bandwidth of 10.9 MHz to match the linewidths of atomic transitions. The source also produces single-mode photon pairs at a rate of 47.5 Hz without mode filters reducing loss in the system, which enables research and applications in the quantum realm using hybrid light-matter interactions.
The Optical Parametric Oscillator (OPO) is highly dependent on the temperature of the crystal, which can alter the index of refraction and change the wavelength of the light or change length due to temperature, causing a shift in efficiency and cluster tuning capabilities. Temperature regulation of both crystals in the OPO cavity is essential. The PTC5K-CH controlled the temperature of the crystals in the OPO cavity with precision better than 2 mK, generating the necessary crystal stability.
The complete case study is available as CS-TC03.
Pair the WLD3343 Laser Diode Driver with either a WTC3243 or WTCP-5A5V Temperature Controller when precision laser diode current and temperature control are required. The WLD3343’s and the WTC3243’s are Li+ battery-compatible. These drivers are widely used in electro-optic qualification, Raman spectroscopy, medical diagnostic equipment, range finders, eye-safe atmospheric lidar and on research benches. System safety is paramount with Wavelength drivers.
For more information on the individuals modules, click the links below:
Knowing how much and where ozone is in our atmosphere is important to daily life on Earth. Ozone present in the stratosphere is critical to protecting life from harmful radiation, but ozone in the troposphere is detrimental. NASA has created a network specifically tasked with measuring and mapping the ozone in the troposphere. This will allow researchers to analyze potential dangers with ozone levels and propose solutions to these problems.
Bridger Photonics has developed a Differential Absorption LiDAR (DIAL) system for a NASA LiDAR network to measure ozone concentrations in the troposhpere in a compact, easy-to-use, high power output with low power consumption, fast repetition rate, commercially available device.
The PTC10K-CH provides stable thermoelectric current to control the temperature of the laser diode arrays and the nonlinear crystal. This controller delivered the precision performance and long-term reliability Bridger Photonics required.
The LD15CHA delivers up to 15 A of output current to the laser diode arrays which pump the solid state laser. Because Bridger Photonics operates the driver near limit, it is important that the output current never exceed the setpoint. The LD15CHA can be configured (setpoint and limit) without output current enabled.
Read the full Case Study here.
For a limited time, when you buy any industry-leading, low noise QCL LAB Instrument, receive a PTC10K-CH Precision Temperature Controller for free.
The patented technology of the QCL LAB quantum cascade laser driver reduces jitter, minimizes noise for narrow linewidth and delivers exceptional current stability for repeatable scans.
The mK temperature stability of the PTC controller supports highly stable wavelength output.
