The ILX Lightwave LDC-3722 is a precision laser diode controller combining current source and thermoelectric cooler (TEC) drive circuits in a single instrument. Operating in dual-range modes (200 mA or 500 mA), it delivers ±0.05% output current accuracy with <40 ppm/°C stability over 24 hours and <2 µA setpoint resolution. Three operating modes—Constant Current, High Bandwidth (DC to 1 MHz), and Constant Optical Power—accommodate diverse experimental configurations. The instrument integrates comprehensive laser protection including fully redundant current limiting, adjustable compliance voltage (max 10 V), slow-start current ramping, and output shorting relays.
## Technical Specifications
**Laser Diode Current Source**
• Dual-range operation: 200 mA or 500 mA
• Output current accuracy: ±0.05%
• Output current stability: <40 ppm/°C (24-hour window)
• Current setpoint resolution: <2 µA
• Voltage measurement accuracy: ±2.5%
• Compliance voltage (max): 10 V
• Bandwidth (3 dB): DC to 1 MHz
• Analog modulation capability: To 1 MHz
**Temperature Controller (TEC)**
• TEC output current range: −4 A to +4 A
• Maximum TEC output power: 32 W
• Temperature stability: ±0.004°C
• Temperature control range: −100°C to 199.9°C
• Temperature setpoint resolution: 0.1°C
• Temperature measurement accuracy: 0.05°C (calibrated sensor)
• Supported sensors: Thermistor, IC (AD590LH, LM335AH), RTD
• TEC current limit range: 0 to 4 A
**Photodiode Measurement**
• Measurement range: 5 to 5000 µA
• Setpoint accuracy: ±0.05%
## Key Features
• Three independent control modes optimize performance across constant current, high-bandwidth modulation, and optical power feedback applications
• Fully redundant current limiting with adjustable limits and slow-start ramping
• Multiple laser protection circuits including intermittent contact protection, output shorting relays, and surge protection
• Integrated TEC control supports constant temperature, constant sensor, or constant TE current modes
• Digital display and optional GPIB (IEEE-488/IEEE-488.2) interface for remote automation
## Typical Applications
Lab and industrial laser diode characterization, fiber-coupled laser modules, optical communication testing, and temperature-stabilized diode operation.
## Compatibility & Integration
Power requirements: 100–120 VAC (±10%) or 220–240 VAC (±10%), 50–60 Hz. Analog modulation input: 0 to 10 V, 10 kΩ input impedance. Optional GPIB interface enables automated measurement sequences and instrument control.
