QCL-LAB datasheet(9/24 Pages) WAVELENGTH

9 / 24 page

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (STAND-ALONE)

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

• QCL Instrument

• Power Cable, type appropriate for final location

• Red fuse tray

• Two 0.63 A fuses and two 1.25 A fuses for fuse box on the

back panel

• USB Flash Drive, includes all necessary software,

instrument documentation, and additional storage space

• Keys for the keyswitch

• Interlock Replacement Kit (interlocks for QCL D-SUB and

Active Interlock BNC)

THEORY OF OPERATION

The QCL Series low noise drivers are designed expressly to

drive quantum cascade lasers, and utilize patented1 circuitry

to deliver ultra-low noise current and still maintain a wide

modulation bandwidth.

The QCL drivers are controlled current sources; they deliver

the current commanded by the setpoint. The current source

continually monitors the actual output current, compares it to

the setpoint, and adjusts the current if there is a difference

between the two signals.

As current is driven through the load, there is a voltage drop

across the load proportional to the load resistance and current.

As the current increases, the voltage drop may increase to

the point that it reaches the Compliance Voltage limit of the

current source. Once that occurs the current source is no

longer able to increase the current driven to the load even if

you increase the setpoint.

The QCL driver includes features that help protect your laser,

and also make the driver more versatile in a wide array of

applications. These features are explained in detail in the

Operating Instructions.

• The user-adjustable current limit prevents overdriving the

laser even if the external modulation signal is above the

maximum drive current for the laser.

• Over- and under-voltage protection circuits protect the

driver and QCL if the power supply voltages fall outside of

the acceptable operating range.

• Over-temperature protection circuits safely shut down

the output if the internal temperature of the QCL driver

rises to an unsafe level. The fan turns on to manage the

internal temperature.

• Output slow-start ramps the current to setpoint over

1.5 msec.

• A mechanical relay shorts the output connections when

the output is disabled, and when the QCL driver is

powered off.

Covered by U.S. Patents 6,696,887; 6,867,644 and

7,176,755. Licensed from Battelle Memorial Institute.

The External Modulation Input can be used for adding to

or subtracting from the internal setpoint on the QCL LAB

Instrument. Inputting positive voltages will result in adding

to the setpoint, while inputting negative voltages will result in

subtracting from the setpoint.

These instructions are for operating the QCL Laboratory

Series instrument. Fuses are provided but not installed. After

installing the fuses in the fuse box, be sure to install the fuse

box so the correct voltage for your country is showing. We

also recommend using a test load until you are familiar with

operation of the instrument.

REQUIRED AND OPTIONAL

EQUIPMENT

FOR SET UP

•

Small, narrow headed flathead screwdriver (required)

•

Test load (optional)

•

Wavelength Interlock Replacement Kit with interlock

overrides (optional)

COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS FOR

REMOTE OPERATION ONLY (OPTIONAL)

Operating System: Windows XP SP2 or later

Note: See

page 16 for Remote Operation

ESD INFORMATION

Before proceeding, it is critical that you take precautions to

prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to the load.

ESD damage can result from improper handling of sensitive

electronics, and is easily preventable with simple precautions.

QCL-LAB Datasheet(PDF) 9 Page - Wavelength Electronics, Inc.

QCL-LAB Datasheet(HTML) 9 Page - Wavelength Electronics, Inc.

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