ILX Lightwave LDC-3724: 200/500 mA Laser Diode Controller, LDC-3700 Series

The ILX Lightwave LDC-3724 is a precision laser diode controller delivering dual-range current control at 200 mA and 500 mA with integrated thermoelectric cooler management. Part of the LDC-3700 Series, this instrument provides constant current, high bandwidth, and constant optical power operation modes for research and industrial laser applications. The controller combines laser diode current regulation, temperature stabilization, and comprehensive protection in a single platform.

Technical Specifications Laser Current Source

Output current range: 0–500 mA

Current setpoint resolution: < 2 µA

Current setpoint accuracy: ±0.05%

Current stability: < 40 ppm/°C (24 hour)

Compliance voltage: 10 V maximum

Current limit range: 0–505 mA (500 mA range)

Voltage measurement accuracy: ±2.5%

Analog modulation: DC to 1 MHz

Modulation input: Differential BNC connector Temperature Controller

TEC output: –4 A to +4 A

Maximum TEC power: 32 W

Temperature stability: ±0.004°C

Temperature setpoint resolution: 0.1°C

TEC current limit: 0–4 A

Sensor compatibility: Thermistor, IC, RTD

Control modes: R Mode, ITE Mode Laser Diode Protection

Slow start current ramp

Adjustable current and voltage limits

Intermittent contact protection

Output shorting relays

Power surge and brown-out protection Photodiode Monitoring

Monitor photodiode current range: 5–5000 µA

PD setpoint accuracy: ±0.05% Interfaces

Remote: IEEE 488 GPIB

LD connector: 9-pin D-sub, female

TEC connector: 15-pin D-sub, female

Chassis ground: BNC connector

Display: 5-digit green LED

Key Features Dual current ranges accommodate diverse laser diode specifications. Four-wire laser forward voltage measurement eliminates lead resistance errors. Constant optical power mode closes the control loop on external photodiode input for stable optical output. High bandwidth mode optimizes frequency response for external modulation above DC. Comprehensive protection architecture prevents damage from intermittent contact, power surges, and thermal events.

Typical Applications Fiber-coupled laser systems, semiconductor laser characterization, optical communication sources, precision pump sources for amplifiers, and laboratory laser research demanding simultaneous current and temperature regulation.

Compatibility & Integration IEEE 488 GPIB remote programming enables integration into automated test systems. Differential modulation input accommodates isolated ground architectures. Multi-sensor temperature input flexibility supports thermistor-based, IC-based, and RTD temperature feedback.