Current supplies put laser diodes to the test

Newport Corp has a new series of laser diode current suppliesthat offer a level of performance and functionality previouslyunavailable in low cost instruments.

In particular, the new 500BSeries laser diode drivers embody improvements in accuracy,linearity, noise, temperature stability, current resolution andmodulation bandwidth that puts them on a par with theindustry's most advanced products.

In addition, the 500Bseries offers improved ease-of-use through a USB interface, andeven includes bundled application software and LabView drivers toallow operation through a "virtual control panel".

The500B Series laser diode drivers are useful for a wide variety ofdiode laser development and QA tasks, offering all the tools forautomatic generation of LIV curves.

Their unique combination oflow noise and high stability also enables them to supportdemanding applications in scientific research and spectroscopy,as well as fibre optic communications research, development andtesting.

Currently, there are four 500B series laser diodecurrent sources, offering up to 0.1, 0.5, 2.5 or 6.0A maximumoutput.

The 6A output model can be adjusted with a resolution ofjust 0.12mA, and patented noise reduction circuitry lowers rippleto less than 2.5mA.

All models can be operated in either constantcurrent or constant light output mode, and also accept externalmodulation.

The modulation bandwidth ranges up to approximately800kHz for the 0.1A model.