ILX Lightwave LDC-3752: 2/4 A Laser Diode Controller

The ILX Lightwave LDC-3752 is a precision laser diode controller integrating a high-stability current source with a 32 W temperature controller for simultaneous management of laser diode current and temperature. Dual output ranges of 2 A or 4 A accommodate various laser diode types, while three control modes - constant current, constant optical power, and high bandwidth - support both DC operation and external analog modulation. The instrument delivers short-term current stability better than 20 ppm, temperature stability within ±0.01°C, and comprehensive laser diode protection. An LCD front panel with keypad provides manual operation; GPIB (IEEE-488) enables remote control.

Technical Specifications Laser Current Source

Output current ranges: 2 A / 4 A

Current control modes: Constant current (CC), constant optical power (CP), high bandwidth mode

Current accuracy: ±0.1% of set value

Current ripple: <0.1% of full scale (10 Hz to 1 MHz)

Short-term stability: <20 ppm

Compliance voltage: 10 V

External modulation: Differential analog input supported Temperature Controller

Integrated TEC power: 32 W

TEC output current: 4 A

TEC output voltage: 8 V

Temperature control range: −100°C to 199°C

Temperature stability: <±0.01°C

Temperature resolution: 0.01°C

Temperature accuracy: ±0.05°C (calibrated sensor) / ±0.1°C (temperature-controlled devices)

Control modes: Constant temperature, constant sensor, constant TE current

Supported sensors: Thermistor, IC, RTD

TEC measurement: Temperature, current, resistance, voltage Electrical & Physical

Power requirement: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz

Power consumption: ~100 W

Weight: 34 lbs

Key Features

Dual current ranges for multi-diode compatibility

Photodiode-based optical power feedback loop

Differential modulation input for improved laser protection

Wide temperature range with 0.01°C resolution

Multiple sensor types accepted (thermistor, IC, RTD)

GPIB remote interface for automated test sequences

Typical Applications

Wavelength-stabilized laser systems requiring tight thermal control

High-frequency modulation experiments with external RF signal injection

Multi-laser test benches with varying current and temperature demands

Compatibility & Integration The LDC-3752 accepts analog modulation via differential input and supports thermistor, IC, and RTD temperature sensors. GPIB connectivity integrates with automated test platforms and data acquisition systems.