The ILX Lightwave LDC-3744C is a precision laser diode controller integrating stable current source and thermoelectric temperature management. It delivers 0–4 A output with ±0.05% setpoint accuracy and sub-20 ppm/FS short-term stability, supported by dual-range current selection and comprehensive diode protection. The TEC subsystem maintains ±0.004 °C temperature stability over one hour across a −100 °C to +199 °C range, accommodating thermistor, IC, and RTD sensors. A photodiode monitoring channel with ±0.05% setpoint accuracy enables closed-loop optical feedback. Purpose-built for laser characterization, alignment, and manufacturing test, the controller combines low-noise performance (< 10 µA ripple, low bandwidth) with high-bandwidth capability (DC to 250 kHz) and includes slow-start, intermittent contact protection, and output shorting relays. GPIB and USB connectivity with LabVIEW drivers support integration into automated test systems.
## Technical Specifications
**Laser Current Source**
• Output range: 0–4 A (dual 2 A / 4 A range)
• Setpoint accuracy: ±0.05% of full scale
• Resolution: 40 µA / 80 µA (dual range)
• Short-term stability (1 hour): < 20 ppm FS
• Long-term stability (24 hour): < 40 ppm/°C or < 40 ppm FS
• Temperature coefficient: < 100 ppm/°C or < 100 ppm FS/°C
• Noise & ripple (low bandwidth): < 10 µA
• Noise & ripple (high bandwidth): < 20 µA
• Bandwidth (low): DC to 10 kHz or DC to 15 kHz (external modulation)
• Bandwidth (high): DC to 250 kHz
• Compliance voltage: 10 V maximum
• Current limit range: 0 to full scale
**Temperature Controller (TEC)**
• Output: −4 A to +4 A, ±8 V maximum
• Maximum power: 32 W
• Control range: −100 °C to +199 °C
• Setpoint resolution: 0.1 °C
• Stability (1 hour): ±0.004 °C
• Stability (24 hour): ±0.01 °C
• Current limit: 0–4 A with ±0.1 A accuracy
• Current noise/ripple: < 1 mA rms
• Sensor compatibility: Thermistor, IC, RTD
**Photodiode Monitoring**
• Measurement range: 5–5000 µA or 0–10,000 µA
• Setpoint accuracy: ±0.05%
• Current accuracy: ±4 µA
• Reverse bias control: 0 to −5 V, user settable
**Monitor Current**
• Range: 5–10,000 mA
• Accuracy: ±4 µA
• 24-hour stability: 2×10⁻⁴
## Key Features
• Dual-range current output with selectable 2 A or 4 A maximum
• Slow-start and intermittent contact protection
• Output shorting relays for safe diode handling
• Bipolar TEC driver with independent current limiting
• 5-digit front-panel display
• External modulation input (BNC)
## Compatibility & Integration
• GPIB and USB interfaces
• LabVIEW drivers included
• Power: 100–120 VAC or 220–240 VAC (±10%), 50–60 Hz
• Dimensions: 127 mm H × 353 mm W × 345 mm D
• Weight: 11.3 kg
