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Fundamentally, a laser diode driver is that constant current source, linear, noiseless and accurate that will be used to deliver such precise quantities of current to a laser diode as is needed to perform a given function or for a specific application. Users will have the option of keeping the laser diode or the photodiode current constant or at wheel level. It is the control system that will drive the current to the laser safely and at the required degree.
By and large, the laser diode drivers happen to vary greatly in their set features and performance as well. Read on and see some of the things and basics worth knowing of when it comes to laser diode drivers.
We will first take a look at some of the facts and basics on laser diodes. By and large, the laser diode drivers happen to serve the main purpose of supplying current to the laser diodes. There are a number of uses that exist for the laser diode. Some of the most common applications to which the laser diodes are often seen being used are such as remote sensing, spectroscopy, medical diagnostic and analytical equipment, welding and material processing, particle sizing and counting and many other uses. In a number of the application settings where these are used, you will find it having the indication or referred to as LD.
We have as well mentioned the photodiodes and these are the other elements that need clarification when it comes to the laser diodes and laser drivers. It is at times the case that you will have your laser diode package coming integrated with the monitor photodiode. You will in most cases realize that the integrated monitor photodiode will produce current that is more or less same in amount to the output laser diode optical power. It should be known that each laser diode package actually varies from the others widely and in most cases the photodiode transfer function as well varies as much. The photodiode will be indicated with wavy arrows shown entering the device and as well are abbreviated using the initials PD.
Talking of the other essential features that need to be known of when it comes to the laser diode drivers is that referred to as the Feedback Mode. Most of the laser drivers will always allow control based on either of the two currents, laser diode current or the photodiode current. In case the laser diode current is used as feedback, then the control system as we had already hinted above will try to keep it constant. It is always the case at such times that the output of the Adjustable Current Source will not vary in the case where there is used the laser diode current as feedback.
