Precision control of multiple quantum cascade lasers for calibration systems

Journal Article · Wed Jan 15 00:00:00 EST 2014 · Review of Scientific Instruments

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4861200· OSTI ID:22251160

Myers, Tanya L.; Pratt, Richard M.; Stahl, Robert D.; Cannon, Bret D. ^[1]

---

1. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, Richland, Washington 99352 (United States)

We present a precision, 1-A, digitally interfaced current controller for quantum cascade lasers, with demonstrated temperature coefficients for continuous and 40-kHz full-depth square-wave modulated operation, of 1–2 ppm/ °C and 15 ppm/ °C, respectively. High precision digital to analog converters (DACs) together with an ultra-precision voltage reference produce highly stable, precision voltages, which are selected by a multiplexer (MUX) chip to set output currents via a linear current regulator. The controller is operated in conjunction with a power multiplexing unit, allowing one of three lasers to be driven by the controller, while ensuring protection of controller and all lasers during operation, standby, and switching. Simple ASCII commands sent over a USB connection to a microprocessor located in the current controller operate both the controller (via the DACs and MUX chip) and the power multiplexer.

• OSTI ID: 22251160
• Journal Information: Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 85, Issue 1; Other Information: (c) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0034-6748
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ACCURACY
CALIBRATION
DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTERS
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
LASERS
MICROPROCESSORS
MULTIPLEXERS
TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT