THORLABS CLD101 Series User manual

Compact Laser Diode Controller
CLD101x
Operation Manual
2018

Version:
Date:
1.7
09-Jul-2018
Copyright © 2018 Thorlabs

Foreword
Contents
3
1General Information 4
41.1 Safety
61.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
61.3 Requirements
61.3.1 Hardware Requirements
61.3.2 Software Requirements
2 Operation 7
72.1 Parts List
72.2 Operating Elements
82.3 Safety and Protection Features
102.4 Getting Started
102.4.1 Installing "Butterfly" Laser Diodes to CLD1015
122.4.2 Installing LP Pigtailed Laser Diodes to CLD101xLP
172.4.3 Preparation
182.5 Operating Instruction
202.5.1 Set Point Memories
202.5.2 Main Panel Status Messages
212.5.3 Main Panel Error Messages
222.5.4 Laser Driver Setup
222.5.5 Laser Protection
232.5.6 Photodiode Input
252.5.7 TEC Driver Setup
252.5.8 PID Control Loop
282.5.9 Thermistor Calibration
292.5.10 System Settings
292.5.11 Information
292.5.12 External Modulation
3Remote Operation 31
323.1 Installing Driver Software
353.2 Instrument Communicator
4Write Your Own Application 40
414.1 32 bit Version
434.2 64 bit Version
474.3 Command Reference
474.3.1 IEEE488.2 Common Commands
484.3.2 SCPI Command Reference
554.3.3 Status Reporting

574.3.4 Error Reporting
5Maintenance and Service 60
605.1 Version Information
605.2 Firmware Upgrade
605.2.1 Uploading new Firmware
665.3 Troubleshooting
6 Appendix 68
686.1 Technical Data
746.2 Dimensions CLD101x
756.3 Standard Laser Diode Pinouts
776.4 Laser Control Tutorial
826.5 Certifications and Compliances
836.6 Warranty
846.7 Copyright and Exclusion of Reliability
856.8 Thorlabs 'End of Life' Policy (WEEE)
866.9 List of Acronyms
876.10 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

© 2018 Thorlabs
We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application
in the field of optical measurement technique. To help us to live up to
your expectations and constantly improve our products we need
your ideas and suggestions. Therefore, please let us know about
possible criticism or ideas. We and our international partners are
looking forward to hearing from you.
Thorlabs GmbH
Warning
Sections marked by this symbol explain dangers that might result in
personal injury or death. Always read the associated information
carefully, before performing the indicated procedure.
Please read this advice carefully!
This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.
Attention
Paragraphs preceded by this symbol explain hazards that could
damage the instrument and the connected equipment or may cause
loss of data.
Note
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© 2018 Thorlabs4
CLD101x
1 General Information
The CLD101x is a compact laser diode and temperature controller with a USB2.0 interface for
driving laser diodes up to 1.5 A (CLD1015) or 1.0 A (CLD1010LP and CLD1011LP) laser current
and 3.0 A TEC current.
Special highlights of the CLD101x Compact Laser Diode and Temperature Controllers are:
· CLD1015 operates DFB lasers type 1 (pump lasers) and type 2 (DFB type lasers) in butterfly
package
· CLD1010LP operates Thorlabs LP pigtailed laser diodes with pin codes A, D, E, and G
· CLD1011LP operates Thorlabs LP pigtailed laser diodes with pin codes B, C, and H
· Photodiode (monitor diode) current feedback
· Laser diode operation can be operated in constant current as well as in constant power
mode
· CC mode with modulation up to 250 kHz (CLD1015) and up to 300 kHz (CLD1010LP /
CLD1011LP)
· External modulation input, RF BIAS input on CLD1010LP and CLD1011LP
· Interlock for automatic switch off by an external emergency switch or by a cable interruption
· Temperature controller with excellent temperature stability
· Temperature window for laser protection
· A wide variety of protection features safeguard the laser diode and the TEC element from
damage.
· Touch panel for easy operation
· USB interface for remote operation supporting the USBTMC protocol
· SCPI compliant command set
· VXIpnp Instrument Drivers for various programming environments including NI-LabVIEW™,
NI-LabWindows™/CVI and MS-Visual Studio
1.1 Safety
Attention
The safety of any system incorporating the equipment is the responsibility of the assembler of the
system.
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual will only
apply when the unit is operated correctly as it was designed for.
The CLD101x must not be operated in explosion endangered environments!
Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in the housing!
Do not remove covers!
Do not open the cabinet. There are no parts serviceable by the operator inside!
This precision device is only serviceable if properly packed into the complete original packaging
including the plastic foam sleeves. If necessary, ask for replacement packaging.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel!
Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single components be made or
components not supplied by Thorlabs be used.
Follow the common recommendations for handling of ESD sensitive devices when installing a
laser diode to the CLD101x .

© 2018 Thorlabs
1 General Information
5
Attention
Prior to applying power to the CLD101x , make sure that the protective conductor of the 3
conductor mains power cord is correctly connected to the protective earth ground contact of the
socket outlet! Improper grounding can cause electric shock resulting in damage to your health or
even death!
To avoid risk of fire, only the appropriate fuses for the corresponding line voltage must be used.
All modules must only be operated with duly shielded connection cables.
Attention
The following statement applies to the products covered in this manual, unless otherwise specified
herein. The statement for other products will appear in the accompanying documentation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules and meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment Standard ICES-003 for digital apparatus. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his
own expense.
Users that change or modify the product described in this manual in a way not expressly approved
by Thorlabs (party responsible for compliance) could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
Thorlabs is not responsible for any radio television interference caused by modifications of this
equipment or the substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment other than those
specified by Thorlabs. The correction of interference caused by such unauthorized modification,
substitution or attachment will be the responsibility of the user.
The use of shielded I/O cables is required when connecting this equipment to any and all optional
peripheral or host devices. Failure to do so may violate FCC and ICES rules.
Attention
Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters are not to be used within the range of
three meters of this unit since the electromagnetic field intensity may then exceed the maximum
allowed disturbance values according to EN61326-1.
This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits according to EN61326-1 for
using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).
Warning
Laser emission is dangerous to human eye. Do not stare into the emitting aperture, wear protective
glasses and observe the safety instructions supplied with the laser diode.

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CLD101x
1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
CLD1015 Compact Laser Diode Controller with mount for Type1 and Type2 14-pin butterfly
laser diodes.
CLD1010LP Compact Laser Diode Controller with mount for Thorlabs LP pigtailed laser
diodes, pin codes A, D, E, and G
CLD1011LP Compact Laser Diode Controller with mount for Thorlabs LP pigtailed laser
diodes, pin codes B, C, and H
For included in delivery parts please see section Parts List . Please see also the Thorlabs
website for services, spare parts and available accessories.
1.3 Requirements
These are the requirements to a PC dedicated to remotely control the CLD101x .
1.3.1 Hardware Requirements
CPU: 1 GHz or higher
RAM: 256 MB
Hard disc with at least 100 MB free storage space
USB 2.0 port
USB cable according the USB 2.0 specification
1.3.2 Software Requirements
The CLD101x software is compatible with the following operating systems:
· Windows ® XP (32-bit) SP3
· Windows ® Vista (32-bit, 64-bit)
· Windows ® 7 (32-bit, 64-bit)
· Windows ® 8 (32-bit, 64-bit)
· Windows ® 10 (32-bit, 64-bit)
For operation of the CLD101x , also an NI-VISA™ (version 5.3 or higher) is required. The NI-
VISA™ engine is included with the Thorlabs CLD101x Installation CD, that is delivered with the
CLD101x , but can also be downloaded from the National Instruments website www.ni.com/visa.
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2 Operation
7
2 Operation
2.1 Parts List
Inspect the shipping container for damage.
If the shipping container seems to be damaged, keep it until you have inspected the contents and
you have inspected the CLD101x mechanically and electrically.
Verify that you have received the following items within the package:
1
CLD1010LP / CLD1011LP / CLD1015 driver
1
Compact wide range power supply (AC 100...240 V to DC 12 V / 3.75 A)
1
Power Cord
1
USB 2.0 A to Mini B cable, 1.5 meters
1
Allen wrench 1.5 mm
1
Allen wrench 2.0 mm (CLD1015 only)
5
Screws M2 x 5 mm for fixing the Laser Diode (CLD1015 only)
1
Set of auxiliary mounting accessories
1
Quick Reference
2.2 Operating Elements
Front panel
The compact laser driver CLD101x has a touch-sensitive LCD front panel. The controls are
intuitive, for detailed explanations please see subsequent chapters.
Rear panel
1
Power switch
2
USB 2.0 Interface
3
DC supply input
4
Modulation input (SMA)
5
Interlock connector
6
Ventilation slots
7
Locking Key
8
Ground jack

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CLD101x
2.3 Safety and Protection Features
The CLD101x incorporates a number of safety and protection features in order to prevent
damages to the laser diode and to protect the user.
Key lock switch
The key switch disables the laser current output. This feature complies with the CDRH (Center for
Devices and Radiological Health) requirements and prevents an unauthorized usage of the laser
driver.
Interlock
The interlock function provides several protection functions simultaneously.
· Safety lock to prevent unintentional use
· An external emergency switch may be connected
· To connect your external automatic protection equipment, e.g. for temperature monitoring
The laser can only be operated with the interlock input shortened. Please refer to section Laser
Protection for details.
Softstart
The soft start function protects the laser diode against undesired peaks during the laser switch-on
process.
Laser current limit (hardware limit)
The maximum laser current can be adjusted by the laser current limit, that can be set in the Laser
Driver Setup menu.
Open circuit detection for the laser diode
If the connection to the laser is interrupted even for a short time during operation, an immediate
emergency switch off occurs.
Electronic short-circuit switch for the laser diode
With the laser driver output switched off, an electronic switch will short the laser diode so that no
voltage is applied to the laser contacts.
Temperature window protection of the laser diode
This feature protects the laser diode from unwanted operating temperatures in combination with
the integrated TEC controller: Defining a temperature window around the laser temperature set
point, the laser can be paused or permanently switched off, if the actual temperature is outside of
that window.
Please see TEC Driver setup and Laser Protection sections for details
Over-temperature protection
The CLD101x has an automatic over-temperature protection. If the allowed internal operating
temperature should be exceeded, the outputs will be switched off. After a temperature drop of
about 10 °C, the outputs of the CLD101x can be switched on again.
Defined states after switch-on
When turning on the CLD101x with the main switch, the laser and TEC output are by default
switched off. The setup allows to switch on the LD and/or TEC output when starting the
device.
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2 Operation
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Line failure monitoring
In case of line failure / line interruption the CLD101x will restart anew as if it has been turned on
with default power-on settings.

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CLD101x
2.4 Getting Started
Warning
A laser diode is extremely sensitive to electrostatic discharges. Take care for ESD protection
during installation of the laser. Connect the ESD protection ground of your workplace and wrist
strap to the GND jack (8) on the rear panel of the CLD101x . Improper ESD grounding may lead
to damage of the laser diode!
2.4.1 Installing "Butterfly" Laser Diodes to CLD1015
CLD1015 with installed BFY1 type pump laser
CLD1015 with installed BFY2 type telecomm laser
1. Verify the pinout of the laser diode to be installed. CLD1015 supports the two standard pin
styles of 14 pin butterfly laser diodes (see Standard BFY Pinouts ). The actual pinout of the
laser can be found in it's data sheet.
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2 Operation
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2. Remove the 2 screws, fixing the laser mount to the
CLD1015 (marked red), using the attached 2.0 mm
Allen wrench.
3. Remove the laser mount and install it according to the
type of pinout - the arrow for the package type should
line up with the round marker (see green marking). The
picture shows the installation of the laser mount for a
standard pump laser.
4. Fix the laser mount to the enclosure. Open the ZIF
("Zero Insertion Force") socket clamps by pressing
down the lids and sliding the release levers into the
shown direction (marked blue).
5. Install the laser diode into the ZIF socket:
· Make sure, the laser pin numbering matches with
the imprint on the laser socket. Please refer to the
laser diode's data sheet for location of pin #1.
· Insert the laser into the mount in such way, that the
pins fit easily into the slots of the ZIF socket.
· For laser diodes with high heat load use the
delivered thermal conductive pad to improve thermal contact between laser and heat sink.
· Fix the laser diode to the laser mount using the attached 4 screws M2 x 5 and the 1.5 mm
Allen wrench. In order to ensure the best thermal contact between the bottom plate of the
laser diode (hot side of the laser's TEC) and the surface of the laser mount, it is
recommended to use thermal compound - particularly in case of a high laser power.
· Close the clamps of the ZIF socket.

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CLD101x
2.4.2 Installing LP Pigtailed Laser Diodes to CLD101xLP
The CLD1010LP is designed for mounting Thorlabs LP Series pigtailed laser diodes (laser anode
grounded - AG) and supports pin styles (codes) A, D, E, and G, while CLD1011LP (laser cathode
grounded - CG) supports pin styles (codes) B, C, H. The installation of the pigtailed laser diode
requires a number of mandatory steps, explained in the following.
· Find the laser diode's pin code from the specifications.
· Disassemble the laser mount:
1. Remove the 2 screws "A" from the protection cover:
2. Remove the 4 screws "B", that fix the upper cooler shell, and remove the upper shell:

© 2018 Thorlabs
2 Operation
13
3. Remove the 2 screws "C" fixing the laser mounting plate to the cooler and pull out the mounting
plate from the connector:
4. Set the STYLE jumper on the mounting plate (PCB) according to the pin code:
STYLE j umper location on the laser mounting PCB
] CLD1010LP: for pin codes A, D, E set the jumper to
the lower 2 pins
] CLD1010LP: for pin code G, set the jumper to the
upper 2 pins
] CLD1011LP: for pin codes B, C, H set the jumper to
the lower 2 pins
5. The BYPASS jumper should be set only, if the laser is modulated via the CLD101xLP
modulation input (4) and the internal noise reduction filter is switched off. Please see also the
following table:
Operation Mode
Noise Reduction Filter
Bypass Jumper
Low noise, no modulation
ON
no
RF Modulation via RF IN (BIAS-T)
ON
no
Modulation via CLD101xLP
OFF
set
BYPASS j umper location on the laser mounting PCB
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CLD101x
6. Insert the laser diode into the socket on the opposite to the jumpers side of the mounting plate
according to the pin code as shown in the figure below:
Pin Styles CLD1010LP (Laser Diode - Anode Grounded)
Pin Styles CLD1011LP (Laser Didoe - Cathode Grounded)

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2 Operation
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Insert the pigtailed laser diode and make sure, that the orientation matches exactly with the pin
code:
7. Insert the adapter PCB with installed laser diode into the connector and fix it using the 2 screws
"C":
8. Install upper cooler shell and fix it using the 4 screws "B":
9. Attach the protection cover and fix it using the 2 screws "A".

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CLD101x
RF Modulation via SMA RF input
The CLD1010LP / CLD1011LP laser mount has an RF input for modulating the laser with an
external RF source from 200 kHz to beyond 1 GHz. This is a 50 Ω input that is AC-coupled directly
to the laser through the Bias-T network. To calculate the desired RF power to modulate the laser,
determine the amount of modulating current needed from the laser manufacturer’s data sheets and
use the following calculations:
RF voltage = LD modulating current ×50 W
It is strongly recommended that you start off conservatively by a factor of 10 below the calculated
modulating voltage and slowly bring the RF power up until the desired depth of modulation is
reached. Use the CLD1010LP / CLD1011LP to establish the DC operating point of the laser.
Warning
The RF input is directly coupled to the laser. Any excessive transients or noise will be coupled into
the laser and may cause the laser to be overdriven. Also, the laser can be easily overdriven if
excessive RF power is applied to this input. Use the RF modulation input with care to avoid
damaging your laser.

© 2018 Thorlabs
2 Operation
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2.4.3 Preparation
1. Check if the interlock jumper or an external emergency switch is installed to the I-LOCK
connector (5) , see section Interlock for details.
2. Insert the key into the lock (7) . For normal operation turn the key clockwise, this way
enabling the laser current output. In this position, the key cannot be removed.
3. Connect the power supply to the DC input (3) and switch the CLD101x on (1).
4. The CLD101x turns on and the boot screen appears for abt. 3 seconds. It displays basic
information.
CLD101x Boot Screen
During the boot process, a variety of hardware and software self tests are carried out. If any of
these test failed, an appropriate error message will be displayed in above screen. Please note
this error message and contact Thorlabs Tech Support.
5. Then the standard ("HOME") operation panel is displayed.
CLD101x Standard Operation Panel
If the Laser Current output is locked, lites up, if the interlock is open - .
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CLD101x
2.5 Operating Instruction
Prior to switching on the TEC and Laser output, configure the CLD101x according to your laser
diode specification. The following sections explain these settings in detail. All setting menus are
available via the button in the lower right corner of the panel:
General Operations:
Menu sidebar
- select menu topic up
- select menu topic down
- edit menu topic (change value)
(alternatively, push the highlighted topic a 2nd time)
- exit and return to Main Menu
Edit sidebar
- increase value
- decrease value
- shift cursor left
- shift cursor right
- save changes and return to previous menu
- don't save changes and return to previous menu