Compact Laser Diode Driver with TEC and Mount for Butterfly Packages

Overview
Specs
Display
Software
Pin Diagrams
PID Tutorial
OEM Modules
Feedback
Selection Guide

Click to Enlarge
Home Screen

Click to Enlarge
Menu Screen

Features

Integrated Mount Compatible with Thorlabs' Butterfly Laser Diodes
Operates in Constant Current or Constant Power Mode
Controlled Locally with Touch Screen GUI or Remotely over USB
Supports Laser Diode Drive Currents up to 1.5 A at 4 V
Provides up to 3.0 A of TEC Current
Compact Size: 111 mm x 73.5 mm x 169.9 mm (4.37" x 2.9" x 6.69")

Click to Enlarge
The CLD1015 shown with a butterfly laser installed.

The CLD1015 Laser Diode and Temperature Controller is a complete driver package designed to drive and cool pigtailed butterfly laser diodes (see the Pin Diagram tab for details). It contains a built-in mount for portability and mechanical stability. The CLD1015 accepts fiber-coupled lasers, superluminescent diodes, and laser amplifiers in both type 1 and type 2 butterfly packages. It supplies up to 1.5 A of drive current, making it compatible with Thorlabs' entire family of pigtailed butterfly diode lasers. This all-in-one unit provides a high degree of output stability and maintains the diode temperature with 0.005 °C of stability over 24 hours, prolonging the life of the diode. In addition to a full complement of safety features, such as a soft start mode, current and temperature limits, and external interlock compatibility, the CLD1015 laser diode driver includes a switchable noise reduction filter and a modulation input.

This laser diode driver is controlled with a built-in 4.3" diagonal, color touch screen, making it easy to tune, tweak, and optimize the laser output parameters. Operating parameters are set using the intuitive menu system, and the user is never more than two taps away from the home screen. For screenshots of the interface, please see the Display tab. A mini-USB interface on the rear of the unit enables remote control of all settings using several common programming languages, including LabVIEW and the Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) standard. For the full array of options, please refer to the Software tab. When using the CLD1015 to drive a laser, make sure that all of the operating parameters are set within the maximum ratings of your device.

Compact LD Driver, TEC, and Mount Selection Guide
Item #	Accepted Package Configurations	Max Drive Current
CLD1015	Type 1 and Type 2 Butterfly Packages	1.5 A (@ 4 V)
CLD1010LP	TO Can Packages with an A, D, E, or G Pin Code	1.0 A (@ 8 V)
CLD1011LP	TO Can Packages with a B, C, or H Pin Code	1.0 A (@ 8 V)

When fully assembled, this compact device measures just 4.37" x 2.9" x 6.69" (111 mm x 73.5 mm x 169.9 mm), ideal for tightly packed setups. Fiber cables can be fed through the ports on the back of the unit, which are also compatible with Thorlabs' FC-to-FC Mating Sleeves (not included). Two of the holes accept square flange mating sleeves, and two are designed for D-hole mating sleeves. A magnetically sealed lid encloses the laser package in the unit, protecting it from particulates and other lab hazards. Two mounting clips, compatible with 1/4"-20 and M6 bolts, are supplied with the laser diode driver to secure it to a breadboard.

Thorlabs also manufactures customized, application-specific butterfly mounts for OEM customers. Please see the OEM Modules tab for details.

For driver software, as well as programming reference guides for Standard Commands for the Programmable Instruments (SCPI) standard, LabVIEW™, Visual C++, Visual C#, and Visual Basic, please see the Software tab.

Note: This laser diode driver may be controlled locally via the touch screen or remotely over USB. When controlled locally via the touch screen, the resolution of the laser diode driver is limited by the display; the full resolution can be accessed when the device is controlled remotely. The command sets that are accessible over USB - for example, via LabVIEW or the Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) - offer increased resolution, as shown in the table below.

Laser Diode Driver Specifications

	Via Front Panel^a	Via Remote Control^a
Current Control (Constant Current Mode)
Control Range	0 to 1.5 A
Compliance Voltage	>4 V
Resolution	100 µA	50 µA
Accuracy	±(0.1% + 500 µA)
Noise and Ripple (Typical; 10 Hz to 10 MHz, RMS; @ 3.3 Ω Load, Current <1.2 A)	10 µA without Noise Reduction Filter 5 µA with Noise Reduction Filter
Drift (24 Hours)	<50 µA @ 0 - 10 Hz in Constant Ambient Temperature
Temperature Coefficient	<50 ppm/°C
Current Limit
Setting Range	1 mA to 1.5 A
Resolution	100 µA	50 µA
Accuracy	±(0.12% + 800 µA)
Photodiode Input
Photocurrent Measurement Ranges^b	0 to 2 mA (Low) 2 to 20 mA (High)
Photocurrent Resolution^b	100 nA (Low) 1 µA (High)	70 nA (Low) 700 nA (High)
Photocurrent Accuracy^b	±(0.08% +0.5 µA) (Low) ±(0.08% +5 µA) (High)
Photodiode Reverse Bias Voltage	0.1 to 6 V
Photodiode Input Impedance	~0 Ω (Virtual Ground)
Power Control (Constant Power Mode)
Photocurrent Control Ranges^b	0 to 2 mA (Low) 0 to 20 mA (High)
Laser Voltage Measurement
Resolution	1 mV	200 µV
Accuracy	±(1% + 40 mV)
Laser Overvoltage Protection
Trip Voltage (Typical)	4.2 V
Modulation Input
Input Voltage	±10 V
Input Impedance	10 kΩ
3 dB Small Signal Bandwidth (Constant Current Mode)	DC to 250 kHz without Noise Reduction Filter DC to 7.5 kHz with Noise Reduction Filter
Modulation Coefficient (Constant Current Mode)	150 mA/V ± 5%
Modulation Coefficient (Constant Power Mode)^c	200 µA/V ± 5% (Low) 2 mA/V ± 5% (High)

When the device is controlled via the front panel, the resolution is limited by the display. Higher resolution can be achieved by remotely controlling the device.
The user can toggle between low and high photocurrent ranges.
The power modulation is the product of the controller's photocurrent modulation and the laser diode's slope efficiency.

All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5 °C and 45 ± 15% relative humidity and subject to change without notice.

TEC Specifications

	Via Front Panel^a	Via Remote Control^a
TEC Current Output
Control Range	-3.0 to +3.0 A
Compliance Voltage	>4.7 V
Maximum Output Power	>14.1 W
Resolution	1 mA	100 µA
Accuracy	±(0.2% + 20 mA)
TEC Current Limit
Setting Range	5 mA to 3.0 A
Resolution	1 mA	100 µA
Accuracy	±(0.2% + 20 mA)
NTC Thermistor Sensors
Resistance Measurement Range	300 Ω to 150 kΩ
Control Range^b	-55 °C to +150 °C (Max)
Temperature Resolution	0.01 °C
Resistance Resolution	1 Ω
Accuracy	±(0.1% + 1 Ω)
Temperature Stability^b (24 Hours)	<0.005 °C (Typical)
Temperature Coefficient	<5 mK/°C
Temperature Window Protection
Setting Range	0.01 °C to 100.0 °C
Protection Reset Delay	0 to 600 s

When the device is controlled via the front panel, the resolution is limited by the display. Higher resolution can be achieved by remotely controlling the device.
The temperature control range and thermal stability depend upon the physical parameters of the thermistor and the operating temperature, respectively.

All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5 °C and 45 ± 15% relative humidity and subject to change without notice.

General Specifications
Interface
USB 2.0	Compliant with USBTMC/USBTMC USB488 Specification Rev. 1.0
Protocol	SCPI-Compliant Command Set
Supplied Drivers	VISA VXI pnp™, MS Visual Studio™, MS Visual Studio.net™, LabVIEW™, LabWindows/CVI™
General Data
Safety Features	Interlock, Keylock Switch, Laser Current Limit, Soft Start, Short Circuit when Laser Off, Laser Overvoltage Protection, Over Temperature Protection, Temperature Window Protection
Display	4.3" LCD TFT, 480 x 272 Pixels
Socket for Laser, Photodiode, NTC, TEC	Compatible with Butterfly Type 1 (Pump) and Butterfly Type 2 (Telecom)
Connector for DC Power Input	2.0 mm Center Pin Connected to +
Connector for Modulation Input	SMA
Connector for Interlock & Laser On Signal	2.5 mm Mono Phono Jack
Connector for USB-Interface	USB Type Mini-B
Chassis Ground Connector	4 mm Banana Jack
Desktop Power Supply, Line Voltage, Line Frequency	AC: 100 to 240 V ± 10%, 47 to 63 Hz DC: 12 V ± 5% / 3.5 A
Maximum Power Consumption	40 VA
Operating Temperature	0 to +40 °C
Storage Temperature	-40 to +70°C
Warm-up Time for Rated Accuracy	30 min
Weight (with Power Supply)	1.0 kg
Weight (without Power Supply)	0.75 kg
Dimensions without Operating Elements^a (W x H x D)	111 mm x 73.5 mm x 153.3 mm (4.37" x 2.9" x 6.04")
Dimensions with Operating Elements^a (W x H x D)	111 mm x 73.5 mm x 169.9 mm (4.37" x 2.9" x 6.69")

Dimensions do not include the mounting clips. With these clips attached, the unit is 165 mm wide.

Control Interface

The laser controller's interface consists of a flat menu hierarchy that makes it easy to find parameters to adjust.

Home Screen in Constant Current Mode		Home Screen in Constant Power Mode
Click to Enlarge	In Constant Current Mode, the home screen emphasizes the laser diode current and temperature and displays their respective setpoints. The output power, measured by the monitor diode, is also displayed. Up to four setpoint combinations can be stored in memory.	Click to Enlarge	In Constant Power Mode, the home screen emphasizes the laser output power and diode temperature. The laser diode current is also displayed.
Setpoint Entry		Menu Screen
Click to Enlarge	Each setpoint is easily modified. Simply tap the value to be changed, and buttons appear on the right that allow the value to be set. The current value of the parameter remains displayed while tweaking.	Click to Enlarge	The CLD1015 is configured through an intuitive two-level menu structure. All settings related to the laser and the thermoelectric cooler are made here, and several other system settings are provided.

Software for Laser Diode Controllers

The download button below links to VISA VXI pnp™, MS Visual Studio™, MS Visual Studio.net™, LabVIEW™, and LabWindows/CVI™ drivers, firmware, utilities, and support documentation for Thorlabs' ITC4000 Series laser controllers, LDC4000 Series laser controllers, CLD1000 Series compact laser diode controllers, and TED4000 Series TEC controllers.

The software download page also offers programming reference notes for interfacing with compatible controllers using SCPI, LabVIEW, Visual C++, Visual C#, and Visual Basic. Please see the Programming Reference tab on the software download page for more information and download links.

Driver Software

Version 3.1.0 (April 11, 2014)

Programming Reference

Version 3.3 (April 8, 2015) - SCPI Commands
Version 1.0 (June 16, 2015) - LabVIEW, Visual C++, Visual C#, Visual Basic

The software packages support LabVIEW 8.5 and higher. If you are using an earlier version of LabVIEW, please contact Technical Support for assistance.

Butterfly Laser Diodes Compatible with the CLD1015

The CLD1015 Laser Diode Driver and Temperature Controller is compatible with Type 1 Pump Laser Diodes and Type 2 Telecom Laser Diodes. Please use the pin diagrams below to verify compatibility with your specific butterfly package. The interior of the CLD1015 is labeled with the correct installation orientation for Type 1 and Type 2 lasers.

Type 1: Pump Laser Diodes

Connector Drawing

Pin	Connection	Pin	Connection
1	TEC+ (Thermoelectric Cooler)	8	Monitor Diode Anode^a
2	Thermistor	9	Laser Diode Cathode^b
3	Monitor Diode Anode^a	10	Laser Diode Anode
4	Monitor Diode Cathode^a	11	Laser Diode Cathode^b
5	Thermistor	12	No Connection
6	No Connection	13	Ground
7	Monitor Diode Cathode^a	14	TEC- (Thermoelectric Cooler)

The monitor photodiode may be placed across either pins 7 and 8 or pins 3 and 4. Please refer to the Laser Diode's documents for the specific pin configuration.
The laser diode cathode may be placed at either pin 9 or pin 11. Please refer to the Laser Diode's documents for the specific pin configuration.

Type 2: Telecom Laser Diodes

Connector Drawing

Pin	Connection	Pin	Connection
1	Thermistor	8	Ground
2	Thermistor	9	Ground
3	Laser Diode Cathode	10	No Connection
4	Monitor Diode Anode	11	Laser Diode Anode^a
5	Monitor Diode Cathode	12	No Connection
6	TEC+ (Thermoelectric Cooler)	13	Laser Diode Anode^a
7	TEC- (Thermoelectric Cooler)	14	No Connection

The laser diode anode may be placed at either pin 11 or pin 13. Please refer to the Laser Diode's documents for the specific pin configuration.

PID Basics

The PID circuit is often utilized as a control loop feedback controller and is very commonly used for many forms of servo circuits. The letters making up the acronym PID correspond to Proportional (P), Integral (I), and Derivative (D), which represents the three control settings of a PID circuit. The purpose of any servo circuit is to hold the system at a predetermined value (set point) for long periods of time. The PID circuit actively controls the system so as to hold it at the set point by generating an error signal that is essentially the difference between the set point and the current value. The three controls relate to the time-dependent error signal; at its simplest, this can be thought of as follows: Proportional is dependent upon the present error, Integral is dependent upon the accumulation of past error, and Derivative is the prediction of future error. The results of each of the controls are then fed into a weighted sum, which then adjusts the output of the circuit, u(t). This output is fed into a control device, its value is fed back into the circuit, and the process is allowed to actively stabilize the circuit’s output to reach and hold at the set point value. The block diagram below illustrates very simply the action of a PID circuit. One or more of the controls can be utilized in any servo circuit depending on system demand and requirement (i.e., P, I, PI, PD, or PID).

Through proper setting of the controls in a PID circuit, relatively quick response with minimal overshoot (passing the set point value) and ringing (oscillation about the set point value) can be achieved. Let’s take as an example a temperature servo, such as that for temperature stabilization of a laser diode. The PID circuit will ultimately servo the current to a Thermo Electric Cooler (TEC) (often times through control of the gate voltage on an FET). Under this example, the current is referred to as the Manipulated Variable (MV). A thermistor is used to monitor the temperature of the laser diode, and the voltage over the thermistor is used as the Process Variable (PV). The Set Point (SP) voltage is set to correspond to the desired temperature. The error signal, e(t), is then just the difference between the SP and PV. A PID controller will generate the error signal and then change the MV to reach the desired result. If, for instance, e(t) states that the laser diode is too hot, the circuit will allow more current to flow through the TEC (proportional control). Since proportional control is proportional to e(t), it may not cool the laser diode quickly enough. In that event, the circuit will further increase the amount of current through the TEC (integral control) by looking at the previous errors and adjusting the output in order to reach the desired value. As the SP is reached [e(t) approaches zero], the circuit will decrease the current through the TEC in anticipation of reaching the SP (derivative control).

Please note that a PID circuit will not guarantee optimal control. Improper setting of the PID controls can cause the circuit to oscillate significantly and lead to instability in control. It is up to the user to properly adjust the PID gains to ensure proper performance.

PID Theory

The output of the PID control circuit, u(t), is given as

where
K_p= Proportional Gain
K_i = Integral Gain
K_d = Derivative Gain
e(t) = SP - PV(t)

From here we can define the control units through their mathematical definition and discuss each in a little more detail. Proportional control is proportional to the error signal; as such, it is a direct response to the error signal generated by the circuit:

Larger proportional gain results is larger changes in response to the error, and thus affects the speed at which the controller can respond to changes in the system. While a high proportional gain can cause a circuit to respond swiftly, too high a value can cause oscillations about the SP value. Too low a value and the circuit cannot efficiently respond to changes in the system.

Integral control goes a step further than proportional gain, as it is proportional to not just the magnitude of the error signal but also the duration of the error.

Integral control is highly effective at increasing the response time of a circuit along with eliminating the steady-state error associated with purely proportional control. In essence integral control sums over the previous error, which was not corrected, and then multiplies that error by K_i to produce the integral response. Thus, for even small sustained error, a large aggregated integral response can be realized. However, due to the fast response of integral control, high gain values can cause significant overshoot of the SP value and lead to oscillation and instability. Too low and the circuit will be significantly slower in responding to changes in the system.

Derivative control attempts to reduce the overshoot and ringing potential from proportional and integral control. It determines how quickly the circuit is changing over time (by looking at the derivative of the error signal) and multiplies it by K_d to produce the derivative response.

Unlike proportional and integral control, derivative control will slow the response of the circuit. In doing so, it is able to partially compensate for the overshoot as well as damp out any oscillations caused by integral and proportional control. High gain values cause the circuit to respond very slowly and can leave one susceptible to noise and high frequency oscillation (as the circuit becomes too slow to respond quickly). Too low and the circuit is prone to overshooting the SP value. However, in some cases overshooting the SP value by any significant amount must be avoided and thus a higher derivative gain (along with lower proportional gain) can be used. The chart below explains the effects of increasing the gain of any one of the parameters independently.

Parameter Increased	Rise Time	Overshoot	Settling Time	Steady-State Error	Stability
K_p	Decrease	Increase	Small Change	Decrease	Degrade
K_i	Decrease	Increase	Increase	Decrease Significantly	Degrade
K_d	Minor Decrease	Minor Decrease	Minor Decrease	No Effect	Improve (for small K_d)

Tuning

In general the gains of P, I, and D will need to be adjusted by the user in order to best servo the system. While there is not a static set of rules for what the values should be for any specific system, following the general procedures should help in tuning a circuit to match one’s system and environment. In general a PID circuit will typically overshoot the SP value slightly and then quickly damp out to reach the SP value.

Manual tuning of the gain settings is the simplest method for setting the PID controls. However, this procedure is done actively (the PID controller turned on and properly attached to the system) and requires some amount of experience to fully integrate. To tune your PID controller manually, first the integral and derivative gains are set to zero. Increase the proportional gain until you observe oscillation in the output. Your proportional gain should then be set to roughly half this value. After the proportional gain is set, increase the integral gain until any offset is corrected for on a time scale appropriate for your system. If you increase this gain too much, you will observe significant overshoot of the SP value and instability in the circuit. Once the integral gain is set, the derivative gain can then be increased. Derivative gain will reduce overshoot and damp the system quickly to the SP value. If you increase the derivative gain too much, you will see large overshoot (due to the circuit being too slow to respond). By playing with the gain settings, you can maximize the performance of your PID circuit, resulting in a circuit that quickly responds to changes in the system and effectively damps out oscillation about the SP value.

Control Type	K_p	K_i	K_d
P	0.50 K_u	-	-
PI	0.45 K_u	1.2 K_p/P_u	-
PID	0.60 K_u	2 K_p/P_u	K_pP_u/8

While manual tuning can be very effective at setting a PID circuit for your specific system, it does require some amount of experience and understanding of PID circuits and response. The Ziegler-Nichols method for PID tuning offers a bit more structured guide to setting PID values. Again, you’ll want to set the integral and derivative gain to zero. Increase the proportional gain until the circuit starts to oscillate. We will call this gain level K_u. The oscillation will have a period of P_u. Gains are for various control circuits are then given below in the chart.

Custom Module for Two 14-Pin Butterfly Packages

Click to Enlarge
Custom Module for 14-Pin Butterfly Packages

Thorlabs OEM Manufacturing

In addition to manufacturing a wide variety of active optical devices, Thorlabs is equipped to deliver customized laser diode, superluminescent diode, and semiconductor optical amplifier modules in OEM quantities. For example, the module shown to the right provides temperature and current control for two superluminescent diodes (SLDs) from an SPI interface. Because this module is designed for standard 14-pin butterfly packages, it is easily adapted for combinations of other optical devices, such as a pigtailed semiconductor laser with an optical amplifier.

As a manufacturer of III-V semiconductor devices, MEMS-VCSEL lasers, quantum cascade lasers, lithium niobate optical modulators, and other devices, we are intimately familiar with the operating requirements of driving lasers and related components. Please visit this webpage for an overview of our laser manufacturing facility, or contact us directly to discuss your application's needs.

Posted Comments:

Y Yang (posted 2020-01-10 11:36:44.853)

Can CLD 1015 generate constant current square wave signal by connecting signal generator

dpossin (posted 2020-01-13 07:13:42.0)

Dear Customer, Thank you for your feedback. The CLD1015 can be modulated externally via square wave signals. Just note that the maximum bandwith in the specification refers to sinusoidal modulation thus, the maximum bandwidth for square waves is around 10% of the specified bandwidth.

M10619007 (posted 2018-12-05 16:30:05.713)

I want to know the full width at half maximum of this light source?

wskopalik (posted 2018-12-06 04:25:03.0)

This is a response from Wolfgang at Thorlabs. Thank you very much for your inquiry! The CLD1015 is only the driver needed to run a laser diode, i.e. it supplies the laser diode and also its TEC element with current. You can install different butterfly laser diodes in the CLD1015, but these are not included. The full width at half maximum e.g. of the emitted spectrum depends on the installed laser diode. I will contact you directly so we can talk about the laser diode in question.

v.t.tenner (posted 2018-11-29 16:08:48.963)

Does this driver contains a fan?

wskopalik (posted 2018-12-06 04:12:06.0)

This is a response from Wolfgang at Thorlabs. Thank you very much for your inquiry! Yes, this driver contains a fan to prevent overheating of the components inside. I will contact you directly to discuss your requirements in further detail.

alexey.kokhanovskiy (posted 2018-09-19 06:33:17.02)

Dear Sir/Mme 1) Is CLD1010LP or CLD1011LP fits TO-56 package? I attached example: http://www.optilab.com/devices/category/laser_diode/SM_1550_nm_VCSEL_pigtail_with_2.5_Gbps/ 2) Is it possible to change a mount for TO package to mount for butterfly package? With respect, Alexey Kokhanovskiy

nreusch (posted 2018-09-21 09:10:59.0)

This is a response from Nicola at Thorlabs. Thank you very much for your inquiry. Yes, CLD1010LP and CLD1011LP are suitable for TO-56 packages. Unfortunately, we cannot offer to modify CLD1010LP or CLD1011LP to be compatible with butterfly packages as the changes would be too large.

michael.woods (posted 2018-05-25 23:34:01.41)

Where is the windows based program for controlling this unit over usb?

YLohia (posted 2018-05-29 09:00:57.0)

Hello, unfortunately, we do not currently provide a GUI software for controlling this unit. We do, however, provide drivers and references for controlling this via SCPI commands and LabVIEW/C++/C#/Visual Basic here: https://www.thorlabs.com/software_pages/viewsoftwarepage.cfm?code=4000_Series

jsauls (posted 2016-03-24 13:30:55.593)

It is possible to modulate a laser diode with this controller via the USB connection and the provided LabView driver VI's, bypassing the external SMA modulation input?

besembeson (posted 2016-03-25 09:35:01.0)

Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: You may be able to turn the modulation input on or off, but you will not be able to modulate the laser amplitude. This can only be done through the SMA modulation input. With a different controller such as the ITC4001 (http://www.thorlabs.us/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=4052&pn=ITC4001#4054), and suitable mount (http://www.thorlabs.us/navigation.cfm?guide_ID=35), this will be possible.

sascha.liehr (posted 2015-09-09 11:58:23.017)

I like to buy new laser current dirvers and TEC drivers and saw the new CLD1015 system. My questions is: Is the CLD1015 more stable/precise than an equivalent combination of your LDC220C / TED200C controllers? Did you get any feedabck or have recommendations? I need to ensure lowest possible temperatue and current drift! Thank you and best regards Sascha Liehr

shallwig (posted 2015-09-11 01:51:35.0)

This is a response from Stefan at Thorlabs. Thank you very much for your inquiry. For the CLD1015 we specify for the laser diode current driver an accuracy of ±(0.1% + 500 µA) and a drift (24 hours) <50 µA @ 0 - 10 Hz in Constant Ambient Temperature. For the TEC driver the accuracy is specified with ±(0.2% + 20 mA) and the temperature stability over 24 hours is typically <0.005 °C. Please note the temperature control range and thermal stability depend upon the physical parameters of the thermistor and the operating temperature, respectively. For the Benchtop devices we specify following: LDC220C: Accuracy: ±2.0 mA Drift, 24hours: <2 mA @ 0 - 10 Hz typ., at constant ambient temperature TED200C: Accuracy: ±10 mA Temperature Stability: ? 0.002 °C So the laser diode current driver part of the CLD1015 provides more stable results than the LDC220C but the built in TEC driver has slightly worse specifications. I will contact you directly to discuss in more detail which devices are more suitable for your application.

user (posted 2015-02-12 13:32:54.423)

CLD1015: Is it possible to modulate optical output power with frequencies up to 20 MHz? The CLD1011LP seems to have this option via a bias tee interface but the CLD1015 seems only to have a modulation input for frequencies in the kHz range.

tschalk (posted 2015-02-16 12:14:17.0)

This is a response from Thomas at Thorlabs. The CLD1015 is not equipped with an additional bias-t like the CLD1010. The laser mount LM14S2 can be used with a bias-t adapter to modulate the diode up to 500MHz. Please contact me at europe@thorlabs.com if you need any further assistance.

1982ariel (posted 2015-01-11 12:37:29.643)

Thorlabs hello, Please specify if this is a current source or voltage source Ariel

shallwig (posted 2015-01-12 07:00:35.0)

This is a response from Stefan at Thorlabs. Thank you very much for your inquiry.The CLD1015 is like all our laser diode controllers a current source. You set the current to a fixed value within the control range and depending on the laser diode (load resistance) the driver sets the compliance voltage automatically. To make sure a laser diode can be driven by a controller the specified operating voltage has to match with the controllers compliance voltage specifications as well as with the current control range. I will contact you directly to discuss your needs in detail.

neil.troy (posted 2014-03-23 06:16:26.72)

Can the display be turned off when controlling remotely? The light from the display will saturate our sensitive measurement.

tschalk (posted 2014-03-25 12:00:26.0)

This is a response from Thomas at Thorlabs. Thank you very much for your inquiry. In the System Settings (described in the manual at section 2.5.9 System Settings) you can enable the Auto Dimming function. After 30 sec the display ceases and reactivates with a touch to the panel.

doug (posted 2013-02-12 14:40:11.153)

The CLD 1015 would be very attractive if I could re-configure the pin-out, and also remove one side of the zero-force pin holder. I am using a 7-pin butterfly (i.e. one-sided) with a high-speed modulation K-connector on the other side. So, the fixed pin-out of the current product prevents me from using it.

jvigroux (posted 2012-09-12 13:12:00.0)

A reposne from Julien at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback! We are really glad we could develop a device that triggered such a positive response! We did put a lot of effort into trying to make this device as versatile as possible as the number of potential applications is very large. The switching noise is indeed the main limitation, which was unfortunately not possible to completely eliminate without compromising the output current.

scoleman (posted 2012-09-11 11:32:30.0)

I have had the opportunity to use this device for several weeks now and I am very pleased with it. The interface is the best I have used on any laser controller (in 15 years in this business) and provides a great deal of confidence-inspiring information, at a glance. Nothing is extraneous, the home "page" is wonderful. Error handling is great, changing pinouts is very convenient, and the current source and TEC controller are very powerful, especially considering the size of the unit. For applications requiring modulation/pulsing the unit has significantly more bandwidth than similar controllers. The versatility of this little unit is really impressive and all of the features are intuitive to access. It was clearly designed by people very familiar with operating lasers in real-world situations. The only limitation I have encountered with it thus far is that some switching noise is evident when making sensitive (DFB phase noise/RIN) measurements. . .but in my opinion this is a reasonable trade given the amount of current the current source can provide in such a small package. This noise is reduced at increased drive current. Also, FYI the mounting screws are metric and wrenches are provided. All in all I highly recommend this device.

jvigroux (posted 2012-09-05 13:07:00.0)

A response form Julien at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback! We did try to create device that was at the same time as versatile and easy to use as possible as well as compact, which might lead to the impression that the display is cluttered when one only sees screenshots. We will address this point and replace the pictures in order to give a more accurate feeling about the ease of use of the CLD1015, as Sean already wrote. We would also be happy to send you a loan unit so that you can try it out and hopefully change your mind about the ease of use of this device.

sharrell (posted 2012-09-05 10:25:00.0)

Response from Sean at Thorlabs: Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on our new butterfly laser diode mount and controller. Based on your feedback, we will be taking new photos of the device which will better show its intended function. This device was created after many discussions with customers who were looking for a compact, easy-to-use unit with advanced control features not available on our other mounts.

cbrideau (posted 2012-09-04 14:29:43.0)

When I saw the picture for this I thought Thor was selling a kitchen scale. The screen seems overly complex compared to a simple temperature and current readout and a couple knobs but I suppose there are applications where you want to be able to set every tiny detail relatively quickly.

Laser Diode Controller Selection Guide

The tables below are designed to give a quick overview of the key specifications for our laser diode controllers and dual diode/temperature controllers. For more details and specifications, or to order a specific item, click on the appropriate item number below.

Current Controllers
Item #	Drive Current	Compliance Voltage	Constant Current	Constant Power	Modulation	Package
LDC200CV	20 mA	6 V			External	Benchtop
VLDC002	25 mA	5 V		-	Int/Ext	OEM
LDC201CU	100 mA	5 V			External	Benchtop
LD2000R	100 mA	3.5 V	-		External	OEM
EK2000	100 mA	3.5 V	-		External	OEM
LDC202C	200 mA	10 V			External	Benchtop
KLD101	230 mA	≤10 V			External	K-Cube™
IP250-BV	250 mA	8 V^a			External	OEM
LD1100	250 mA	6.5 V^a	-		--	OEM
LD1101	250 mA	6.5 V^a	-		--	OEM
EK1101	250 mA	6.5 V^a	-		--	OEM
EK1102	250 mA	6.5 V^a	-		--	OEM
LD1255R	250 mA	3.3 V		-	External	OEM
LDC205C	500 mA	10 V			External	Benchtop
IP500	500 mA	3 V			External	OEM
LDC210C	1 A	10 V			External	Benchtop
LDC220C	2 A	4 V			External	Benchtop
LD3000R	2.5 A	--		-	External	OEM
LDC240C	4 A	5 V			External	Benchtop
LDC4005	5 A	12 V			Int/Ext	Benchtop
LDC4020	20 A	11 V			Int/Ext	Benchtop

When using a 12 V power supply.

Dual Temperature and Current Controllers
Item #	Drive Current	Compliance Voltage	TEC Power (Max)	Constant Current	Constant Power	Modulation	Package
VITC002	25 mA	5 V	>2 W		-	Int/Ext	OEM
ITC102	200 mA	>4 V	12 W			Ext	OEM
ITC110	1 A	>4 V	12 W			Ext	OEM
ITC4001	1 A	11 V	>96 W			Int/Ext	Benchtop
CLD1010LP^a	1.0 A	>8 V	>14.1 W			Ext	Benchtop
CLD1011LP^b	1.0 A	>8 V	>14.1 W			Ext	Benchtop
CLD1015^c	1.5 A	>4 V	>14.1 W			Ext	Benchtop
ITC4002QCL^d	2 A	17 V	>225 W			Int/Ext	Benchtop
ITC133	3 A	>4 V	18 W			Ext	OEM
ITC4005	5 A	12 V	>225 W			Int/Ext	Benchtop
ITC4005QCL^d	5 A	20 V	>225 W			Int/Ext	Benchtop
ITC4020	20 A	11 V	>225 W			Int/Ext	Benchtop

Combined controller and mount for pigtailed laser diodes in TO can packages with A, D, E, or G pin codes only.
Combined controller and mount for pigtailed laser diodes in TO can packages with B, C, or H pin codes only.
Combined controller and mount for laser diodes in butterfly packages only.
Enhanced compliance voltage for QCL operation.

We also offer a variety of OEM and rack-mounted laser diode current & temperature controllers (OEM Modules, PRO8 Current Control Rack Modules, and PRO8 Current and Temperature Control Rack Modules).

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