4308-QCW LaserSource, 8A, QCW
The 4308-QCW LaserSource provides up to 8A of current, with excellent noise and accuracy specs.
The 4308-QCW is an excellent choice for high-power fiber pigtailed devices and other applications requiring up to 8A.
The 4308-QCW supports both CW and Quasi-CW (QCW) mode.
Simple User Interface
The 4308-QCW’s user interface is remarkably simple… so easy to use, you’ll have it up and running in no time.
Unlike other instruments which rely on 7-segment LED displays and a confusing array of indicators and buttons, the 4308-QCW instead presents information on a high contrast VFD display in an easy-to-read format.
The 4308-QCW displays current, voltage, and photodiode current simultaneously… no need to toggle through the readings as you would on most instruments.
Settings and error messages are in clear English, not cryptic codes and flashing status lights.
Quasi-CW (QCW) Mode
The 4308-QCW includes QCW mode, a feature not found in most other laser drivers in this price range.
Many applications require the low duty cycle, high current pulses that QCW offers to manage thermal loading on the device.
With rise times of less than 20µs, and pulse widths as narrow as 100µs, the 4308-QCW offers an effective and low-cost QCW solution.
If you are looking for the non-QCW driver, see the 4308 LaserSource.
Standard Computer Interfaces
The 4308-QCW includes both USB and RS232 computer interfaces, allowing for quick and easy connection to a PC for remote operation.
In addition, the LaserSource’s command set is compatible with ILX and Newport controllers, allowing you to leverage any existing software you may have already developed.
Ground Loops Eliminated
Like all LaserSources, the 4308-QCW includes isolated inputs and outputs.
In technical terms, this means that every input and output signal is electrically isolated, so that offset voltages, ground connections, and AC noise will not “bleed” into other parts of the electronics.
Even the photodiode input is fully isolated from the laser output, ensuring full isolation of the laser output.
In practical terms, this means it’s impossible to create a ground loop through the LaserSource, a common problem in laboratory setups where several different instruments are used in the same test.
No other driver on the market has this capability.
Analog Modulation
The 4308-QCW’s analog interface supports modulation rates up to 40kHz.
Features
- 8A range
- - Both CW and QCW operation
- - 0.5mA resolution
- - <60uA noise
- - USB and RS-232 interfaces
Specifications
CW Mode Specifications
LASER CURRENT
| Range (mA) | 0 – 8000 |
| Resolution (mA) | 0.5 |
| Accuracy (±[% set+mA]) | 0.05% + 1.6 |
| Stability (ppm, time) | < 10, 1 hour |
| Temperature Coeff (ppm/°C) | 50 |
| Noise/Ripple (μA rms, low BW) | < 60 |
| Transients (μA) | < 600 |
| Compliance Voltage (V) | 4 |
| Modulation Bandwidth (kHz) | 40 |
| Modulation Input Range | 0 – 10V, 10kΩ |
PHOTODIODE CURRENT
| Range (μA) | 25 – 20000 |
| Resolution (μA) | 1 |
| Accuracy (±[% set+μA]) | 0.05% + 2 |
| Stability (ppm, time) | < 200, 24 hours |
| Temperature Coeff (ppm/°C) | < 200 |
| PD Bias (V) | 0 to -5V, software programmable |
LASER VOLTAGE
| Range (V) | 0 – 4 |
| Resolution (V) | 0.001 |
| Setpoint Accuracy (±[% set+V]) | 0.05% + 0.005 |
| Measurement Accuracy (±[% reading+V]) | 0.05% + 0.004 |
QCW Mode Specifications
LASER CURRENT
| Range (mA) | 50 – 8000 |
| Resolution (mA) | 1 |
| Setpoint Accuracy (±[% set+mA]) | 0.5% + 10 |
| Measurement Accuracy (±[% reading+mA]) | 3% + 16 |
LASER VOLTAGE
| Resolution (V) | 0.01 |
| Measurement Accuracy (±[% reading+V]) | 2% + 0.04 |
PHOTODIODE CURRENT
| Resolution (μA) | 10 |
| Measurement Accuracy (±[% reading+μA]) | 2% + 100 |
PULSE WIDTH
| Range (ms) | 0.1 – 600 |
| Resolution (ms) | 0.001 |
| Accuracy (ms) | 0.015 |
FREQUENCY
| Range (Hz) | 1 – 1000 |
| Resolution (Hz) | 0.1 |
| Accuracy (Hz) | 0.5 |
DUTY CYCLE
| Range (%) | 0.1 – 90 |
| Resolution (%) | 0.1 |
| Rise/Fall Times (µs) | < 20 / < 10 |
| Overshoot (%) | < 7 |
| Zero Current (% of set) | 7.5 |
LIMITS
| Current Limit Accuracy (mA) | 80 |
| Voltage Limit Accuracy (±% FS) | 2.5% |
GENERAL
| Display Type | 2×20 VFD |
| Laser Connector | DB-9, female |
| Photodiode/Interlock | On LDD connector |
| Computer Interface | USB 2.0 Full Speed (Type B), RS-232 (DB-9, male) |
| Input Power | 100V / 120V / 230V, 50 / 60Hz |
| Size (H x W x D) [inches (mm)] | 3.47 (89) x 8.5 (215) x 12 (305) |
| Operating Temperature | +10°C to +40°C |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to +60°C |
