Laser diodes are extremely sensitive to electro-static discharge, excessive current levels, current spikes, or transients from power surges or other laboratory equipment. One of the most important features we have implemented into each instrument is the ILX Lightwave proven laser diode protection standards. These standards have led to advanced protection features such as current limits and output shorting circuits. In addition, during power up, the laser diode is protected from over current and turn-on transient conditions by a slow start routine designed to ramp the current to the desired set point referred to as slow-start. AC line filters and double shielded transformers provide further transient protection during laser operation. For more information about these protection features, please see our “Protecting Your Laser Diode" application note.

Depending on the configuration of the laser diode under test, the LDP-3840B allows the output polarity to be quickly configured for either anode or cathode grounded devices from the front panel or through the GPIB/IEEE interface. The ILX Lightwave laser diode mounting board can be configured for either polarity with the laser correctly installed.