THORLABS CLD101 Series

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The Thorlabs CLD101x is a compact laser diode and temperature controller designed for driving laser diodes with high precision and stability. It features a USB 2.0 interface for remote operation and a touch panel for easy local control. The CLD101x series includes different models tailored for specific laser diode types:

CLD1015: Designed for DFB lasers (Type 1 pump lasers and Type 2 DFB type lasers) in butterfly packages, supporting up to 1.5 A laser current.
CLD1010LP: Designed for Thorlabs LP pigtailed laser diodes with pin codes A, D, E, and G, supporting up to 1.0 A laser current.
CLD1011LP: Designed for Thorlabs LP pigtailed laser diodes with pin codes B, C, and H, supporting up to 1.0 A laser current.

All models provide a TEC current output of up to 3.0 A for precise temperature control.

Function Description

The CLD101x offers both constant current (CC) and constant power (CP) operating modes for laser diodes. In CC mode, the injection current is maintained with high accuracy, allowing for rapid changes and modulation up to 250 kHz (CLD1015) or 300 kHz (CLD1010LP/CLD1011LP). In CP mode, the optical output power is kept constant by controlling the monitor current, which is achieved by adjusting the laser injection current. This mode reacts relatively slowly to changes.

The device includes a comprehensive temperature controller with excellent stability, utilizing a built-in thermistor for temperature sensing. Users can select between Steinhart-Hart and exponential methods for thermistor calibration. A temperature window protection feature safeguards the laser diode from unwanted operating temperatures by pausing or switching off the laser if the actual temperature falls outside the defined range.

For enhanced control, the CLD101x supports external modulation via an SMA input. The CLD1010LP and CLD1011LP models also feature an RF BIAS input for modulating the laser with an external RF source from 200 kHz to beyond 1 GHz.

Safety is a key aspect of the CLD101x, incorporating multiple protection features:

Key lock switch: Disables laser current output, complying with CDRH requirements and preventing unauthorized use.
Interlock function: Provides safety lock, allows connection of an external emergency switch, and supports external automatic protection equipment (e.g., for temperature monitoring). The laser operates only when the interlock input is shortened.
Softstart: Protects the laser diode from current peaks during switch-on.
Laser current limit (hardware limit): Adjustable maximum laser current to prevent damage.
Open circuit detection for the laser diode: Immediate emergency switch-off if the laser connection is interrupted.
Electronic short-circuit switch: Shorts the laser diode when the driver output is off, preventing voltage application to laser contacts.
Over-temperature protection: Automatically switches off outputs if internal operating temperature is exceeded.
Defined states after switch-on: Laser and TEC outputs are off by default but can be configured to switch on at startup.
Line failure monitoring: Restarts with default power-on settings in case of line failure.

The device also features a photodiode (monitor diode) current feedback for precise optical power measurement. Users can enable a bias voltage for the photodiode and convert measured PD current into optical power using a configurable photodiode response.

Important Technical Specifications

Current Control (Constant Current Mode):

Control Range: 0 to 1.5 A (CLD1015), 0 to 1.0 A (CLD1010LP/CLD1011LP)
Compliance Voltage: >4 V (CLD1015), >8 V (CLD1010LP/CLD1011LP)
Resolution (Front Panel/Remote Control): 100 µA / 50 µA
Accuracy: ±(0.1% + 500 µA)
Noise and Ripple (10 Hz to 10 MHz, rms, typ.): 10 µA (w/o Filter), 5 µA (with Filter)
Modulation Bandwidth (CC Mode): DC to 250 kHz (CLD1015), DC to 300 kHz (CLD1010LP/CLD1011LP)

TEC Current Output:

Control Range: -3.0 to 3.0 A
Compliance Voltage: >4.7 V
Maximum Output Power: >14.1 W
Resolution (Front Panel/Remote Control): 1 mA / 100 µA
Accuracy: ±(0.2% + 20 mA)

NTC Thermistor Sensors:

Resistance Measurement Range: 300 Ω to 150 kΩ
Control Range Max.: -55 °C to +150 °C
Temperature Resolution: 0.01 °C
Temperature Stability (24 Hours typ.): <0.005 °C

Photodiode Input (CG/AG switchable for CLD1011LP):

Photo Current Measurement Ranges: 2 mA / 20 mA
Photo Current Accuracy: ±(0.08% +0.5 µA) / ±(0.08% +5 µA)
Photodiode Reverse Bias Voltage: 0.1 to 6 V
Photodiode Input Impedance: ~0 Ω (Virtual Ground)

Modulation Input:

Input Impedance: 10 kΩ
Input Voltage; max.: ±10 V (CC Mode), ±10 V (CP Mode)
Modulation Coefficient (CC Mode): 150 mA/V ±5%

RF Input (CLD1010LP/CLD1011LP):

RF Input Impedance: 50 Ω
Small Signal 3 dB Bandwidth: 200 kHz to > 1 GHz
Maximum RF Power: 500 mW

General Data:

Display: 4.3" LCD TFT, 480 x 272 Pixel, touch-sensitive
Dimensions (W x H x D): 111 x 73.5 x 153.3 mm³ (w/o operating elements), 111 x 73.5 x 169.9 mm³ (with operating elements)
Weight: 1.0 kg (CLD1015), 1.1 kg (CLD1010LP/CLD1011LP) with power supply
Operating Temperature: 0 to +40 °C (non-condensing)
Interface: USB 2.0 (USBTMC/USBTMC-USB488 Specification Rev. 1.0)
Protocol: SCPI Compliant Command Set

Usage Features

Intuitive Touch Panel Operation: The CLD101x features a touch-sensitive LCD front panel for easy and intuitive control. The main operation panel ("HOME") displays actual readings in large characters for good visibility. Parameters can be easily changed by touching the desired value and using the edit sidebar (increase/decrease value, shift cursor). Set points can be stored and retrieved from up to 4 memory icons.

Laser Diode Installation:

"Butterfly" Laser Diodes (CLD1015): The manual provides detailed steps for installing 14-pin butterfly laser diodes, including verifying pinout, removing/installing the laser mount, opening ZIF socket clamps, inserting the laser diode, and securing it with screws. Proper ESD protection is emphasized.
LP Pigtailed Laser Diodes (CLD101xLP): Installation involves disassembling the laser mount, setting the STYLE jumper according to the laser diode's pin code, inserting the pigtailed laser diode, and reassembling the mount. The BYPASS jumper setting is crucial for modulation via RF input.

Configuration Menus:

Laser Driver Setup: Allows setting laser polarity (Anode Grounded/Cathode Grounded), current limit, operating mode (Constant Current/Constant Power), noise reduction filter, external modulation input, and default laser switch-on state.
Laser Protection: Configures temperature protection actions (None, Pause, Switch off), protection reset delay, and temperature window for safeguarding the laser diode.
Photodiode Input: Sets photodiode polarity, input current range, enables/disables bias voltage, sets bias voltage level, and configures photodiode response for optical power display.
TEC Driver Setup: Sets TEC current limit, output voltage protection, default TEC switch-on state, temperature setpoint, and lower/upper setpoint limits.
PID Control Loop: Allows tuning Proportional, Integral, and Derivative shares, and oscillation period for optimal temperature stability and settling time. Default settings are provided for different CLD101x types.
Thermistor Calibration: Selects between Steinhart-Hart and exponential calculation methods for the thermistor, allowing adjustment of corresponding parameters.
System Settings: Configures display brightness, auto-dimming, audible feedback, beeper volume, temperature unit, and enables/disables firmware updates.
Information Panel: Displays device information such as pinout, model, serial number, calibration date, and firmware version. It also provides buttons for touch panel calibration and clearing set point memories.

Remote Operation: The CLD101x supports remote control via a USB 2.0 interface using the USBTMC protocol and SCPI compliant command set. Thorlabs provides VXIpnp Instrument Drivers for various programming environments (NI-LabVIEW™, NI-LabWindows™/CVI, MS-Visual Studio) and an Instrument Communicator software for basic communication. When in remote mode, the touch panel controls are disabled to prevent conflicts.

Maintenance Features

General Maintenance: The CLD101x is designed for minimal user maintenance. It does not contain user-serviceable parts inside. Users are advised to protect the device from spray, liquids, or solvents and to avoid obstructing air ventilation slots. Covers should not be removed.

Firmware Upgrade: The device supports firmware upgrades using a DFU Wizard and a firmware image file (*.dfu). The process involves enabling firmware update in the system settings, connecting the CLD101x to a PC via USB, and using the DFU Wizard to upload the new firmware. The wizard also offers an option to back up the current firmware (though this feature is disabled for bootloader versions 3.2.0 and higher).

Troubleshooting: The manual provides guidance for common issues such as strange display messages (e.g., "FAILURE," "UNDERFLOW"), inability to switch on the TEC or laser, and error messages related to interlock, keylock, or temperature protection. Troubleshooting steps include checking laser pin-out, installation, thermal contact, and TEC settings.

Error Reporting: The CLD101x stores errors in a queue that can be read out using the SYSTem:ERRor[:NEXT]? SCPI command. The manual lists various error numbers and their descriptive messages, covering issues from general execution errors to hardware failures and specific operational constraints (e.g., operation not allowed while LD output is on).

Warranty and Service: Thorlabs provides a 24-month warranty for material and production defects. For warranty repairs or service, the unit must be returned to Thorlabs. The warranty does not cover damages from improper treatment, unauthorized modifications, or operation outside defined ambient conditions.

End of Life Policy (WEEE): Thorlabs adheres to the WEEE Directive, offering end-users in the EC the option to return "end of life" units for disposal without charge. This policy applies to electrical and electronic equipment sold after August 13th, 2005, marked with the "crossed out wheelie bin" logo, and still complete and uncontaminated.