ILX Lightwave LDC-3714C: 50/100 mA Laser Diode Controller, LDC-3700 Series

The ILX Lightwave LDC-3714C is a precision laser diode controller delivering dual current output ranges of 50 mA and 100 mA for low to medium power laser diode applications. It integrates a low-noise current source with a 32W thermoelectric cooler (TEC) controller, enabling independent regulation of laser drive current and operating temperature. The instrument supports three operating modes

Constant Current (Low Bandwidth to 15 kHz), Constant Current (High Bandwidth to 1 MHz), and Constant Optical Power - accommodating both DC operation and dynamic modulation. Set point accuracy of ±0.05% FS with 1 µA resolution (50 mA range) ensures stable wavelength control critical for research, development, and production testing.

Technical Specifications Laser Current Source

Current output ranges: 50 mA / 100 mA

Set point accuracy: ±0.05% FS

Setpoint resolution: 1 µA (50 mA range) / < 2 µA (100 mA range)

Short-term stability (1 hour): < 20 ppm FS

Long-term stability (24 hours): < 40 ppm FS

Current noise and ripple: < 1.5 µA

Output stability: 0.02%

Temperature coefficient: 8 V DC

Sensor compatibility: Thermistor, IC, and RTD Photodiode Feedback

Type: Differential

Photodiode reverse bias: 0–5 V adjustable

Photodiode current range: 5–5000 µA

Key Features

Four-wire laser forward voltage measurement

Photodiode-based constant optical power feedback mode

Differential modulation input supporting independent grounds

Slow start, adjustable current limit, and intermittent contact protection

Output shorting relays for laser protection

TEC bipolar constant current source with forward voltage monitoring

Typical Applications Precision wavelength locking, optical power stabilization, and dynamic laser tuning in laboratory and manufacturing environments where temperature and current stability directly impact performance.

Compatibility & Integration USB and GPIB/IEEE-488 remote interfaces enable integration into automated test systems. Supports ILX model TS-510 calibrated 10 kΩ thermistors.