ILX Lightwave LDC-3724B Laser Diode and Temperature Controller

The ILX Lightwave LDC-3724B is a dual-function laser diode and temperature controller integrating a precision current source and 32W thermoelectric cooler (TEC) controller into a single benchtop instrument. It delivers stable, low-noise current control up to 500 mA with temperature regulation to ±0.005°C, serving research, development, and manufacturing applications demanding high repeatability and extended reliability.

– Technical Specifications

-# Laser Diode Current Source
• Dual-range output: 200 mA / 500 mA selectable
• Current limit: 1–505 mA
• Setpoint resolution: < 2 µA
• Setpoint accuracy: ±0.05% of full scale
• Current stability: < 40 ppm / °C (24 hour)
• Compliance voltage: 0–10 V adjustable
• Current noise: < 1 mA RMS
• Analog modulation: Up to 1 MHz
• Forward voltage measurement: 4-wire, ±2.5% accuracy (calibration load)
• Operating modes: Constant power and constant current
• Protection: Slow start ramp, adjustable current limit, intermittent contact protection, output shorting relays, power surge and brown-out protection, overtemperature protection, reverse voltage protection

-# Temperature Controller (TEC)
• Integrated power: 32 W
• Control stability: ±0.005°C
• Temperature stability: ±0.01°C (achieved at 0.004°C)
• Temperature range: −5°C to +45°C
• TEC output current: −4 A to +4 A
• Control loop: Hybrid PI
• Temperature setpoint resolution: 0.1°C
• Temperature sensors: Thermistor, IC, and RTD (includes TS-510 calibrated 10k thermistors standard)
• Control modes: Constant temperature, constant sensor, constant TE current

-# Interfaces & Display
• Remote control: GPIB/IEEE-488, USB, RS-232
• Analog modulation input: BNC connector
• Display: 5-digit green LED with LCD real-time monitoring
• Input power: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz

– Key Features

Precision architecture achieves <2 µA resolution and ±0.05% accuracy across the full 500 mA range. The hybrid PI control loop maintains temperature to ±0.005°C, critical for wavelength-locked and thermally sensitive laser diodes. Four-wire voltage measurement eliminates lead resistance errors. Multiple sensor types and control modes provide flexibility for diverse thermal management scenarios.

– Typical Applications

Fabrication and test of low-to-medium power laser diodes, fiber-coupled diode modules, and wavelength-stabilized laser systems. Research environments requiring long-term current and temperature stability. Manufacturing quality assurance for high-reliability photonic devices.

– Compatibility & Integration

Works with ILX Lightwave laser diode mounts including LDM-4407, LDM-4980, LDM-4982, LDM-4984, and LDM-4986 variants. Standard GPIB, USB, and RS-232 interfaces enable system integration into automated test stands.