The Newport 8610 is a modular plug-in laser diode driver and thermoelectric cooler controller designed for integration into Newport’s Model 8000 mainframe instrument platform. It delivers precise current sourcing to laser diodes and LEDs up to 1000 mA, with simultaneous bipolar TEC control up to 2 A and 4 V for temperature stabilization. The unit combines three functional blocks: a low-noise current source with photodiode monitoring, a temperature controller with 0.01°C resolution, and an internal function generator for modulation and characterization.
Technical Specifications
-# Laser Diode Driver
• Output current: 0–1000 mA with 0.0153 mA resolution (16-bit)
• Output accuracy: ±(0.03% + 30 µA); display mode ±(0.02% + 200 µA)
• Current limit: 0–1000 mA, ±2 mA accuracy
• Compliance voltage: 3 V
• Temperature coefficient: <50 ppm/°C (full scale)
• Short-term stability (1 hr): <10 ppm; long-term (24 hr): <50 ppm
• Noise/ripple: <2 µA rms
• Analog modulation: 0–10 V input, 100 mA/V transfer function, DC to 350 kHz bandwidth
• Photodiode monitor: 0–5 mA range, ±0.02% FS stability (24 hr)
• Forward voltage measurement: 0–3 V, 0.1 mV resolution, ±(0.005 V + 0.3 mV) accuracy
-# Thermoelectric Cooler Controller
• TEC output: bipolar, low-noise topology
• Maximum current: 2 A; maximum voltage: 4 V
• Nominal power: 8 W or 15 W
• Current limit accuracy: ±10 mA
• Temperature control: 0.01°C resolution, ±0.05°C accuracy
-# Function Generator
• Waveforms: sine and square
• Frequency ranges: 200 Hz–2 kHz and 2 kHz–300 kHz
• Frequency accuracy: ±5%; amplitude accuracy: ±5%
• Sinewave THD: <2%; squarewave risetime: <500 ns
– Key Features
• 16-bit programmable current source with <10 ppm short-term stability
• Integrated photodiode feedback loop for automatic power control
• High-bandwidth analog modulation (DC to 350 kHz)
• Precision temperature control with sub-0.1°C accuracy
• Internal waveform generator for dynamic testing and modulation
• Real-time display of output current, voltage, and photodiode current
– Typical Applications
• Laser diode characterization and burn-in
• Automated power stabilization via photodiode feedback
• Wavelength tuning and temperature-dependent performance mapping
• LED driver and controller applications
• Modulated optical signal generation
– Compatibility & Integration
The 8610 operates as a plug-in module within Newport's modular 8000 series mainframe, inheriting mainframe clock and communication resources. Supports both direct current programming and analog modulation inputs for flexible system architectures.
