The ThorLabs LDC8010 is a single-slot laser diode current control module for the PRO8000 modular instrument mainframe. It delivers precisely regulated current to laser diodes with output ranging from 0 to ±1 A, supporting both constant current and constant power control modes. The module integrates 16-bit setting resolution (one part in 65,000) with exceptionally low noise (<10 µA RMS, 10 Hz–10 MHz) and minimal ripple (<1.5 µA at 50/60 Hz), ensuring stable, predictable laser diode performance across research, development, and industrial applications.
Technical Specifications
Current Control
• Output range: 0 to ±1 A
• Setting resolution: 15 µA
• Setting accuracy (full scale): ±0.1%
• Noise (10 Hz–10 MHz, RMS): <10 µA typical
• Ripple (50/60 Hz, RMS): <1.5 µA typical
• Drift (60 min/24 hour at constant ambient): <5 µA / <20 µA
• Temperature coefficient: 5 V
Constant Power Mode
• Photo current control range: 10 µA to 5 mA
• Resolution: 100 nA
• Accuracy (full scale): ±0.05%
• Reverse bias voltage: 0/5 V (switchable)
Current & Power Limiting
• Current limit range: 0 to ≥1 A (20-turn trim-pot)
• Current limit resolution: 30 µA
• Current limit accuracy: ±2 mA
• Power limit photo current range: 0 to 5 mA
• Power limit resolution: 1.25 µA
• Power limit accuracy: ±50 µA
Laser Voltage Measurement
• Measurement principle: 4-wire (compensates for cable resistance)
• Measurement range: 0 to 5 V
• Resolution: 0.2 mV
• Accuracy: ±5 mV
Analog Modulation Input
• Input resistance: 10 kΩ
• 3 dB bandwidth (CC): DC to 50 kHz
• Modulation coefficient (CC): 100 mA/V ± 5%
• Modulation coefficient (CP): 0.5 mA/V ± 5%
• Rise & fall time: <5 µs typical
• Connector: BNC
– Key Features
• IEEE 488.2 remote control capability
• Transient response <50 µA (processor) and <1 mA (other sources)
• 9-pin D-Sub (female) laser diode connector
• External TTL modulation synchronous across all current cards
• Operating temperature: 0 to 40 °C
• Storage temperature: -40 to +70 °C
• Single-slot form factor; weight <500 g
– Compatibility & Integration
Designed for PRO8000, PRO8000-4, and PRO800 mainframes. Compatible with DFB/WDM8 laser modules, TED temperature controllers, ITC combination modules, OSW optical switches, and PDA photodiode amplifiers. TEC mount connection requires CAB400 cable (1.5 m).
