An open-source laser electronics suite

POSTER

Abstract

We present an integrated set of open-source electronics for controlling external-cavity diode lasers and other instruments in the laboratory. The complete package includes a low-noise circuit for driving high-voltage piezoelectric actuators, an ultra-stable current controller based on the design of~[1], and a high-performance, multi-channel temperature controller capable of driving thermo-electric coolers or resistive heaters. Each circuit (with the exception of the temperature controller) is designed to fit in a Eurocard rack equipped with a low-noise linear power supply capable of driving up to 5~A at $\pm$~15~V. A custom backplane allows signals to be shared between modules, and a digital communication bus makes the entire rack addressable by external control software over TCP/IP. The modular architecture makes it easy for additional circuits to be designed and integrated with existing electronics, providing a low-cost, customizable alternative to commercial systems without sacrificing performance. [1]~Erickson, C.J., \textit{et. al.} Rev. Sci. Instrum. 79, 073107 (2008).

Authors

  • Neal C. Pisenti

    JQI, University of Maryland and NIST, College Park, MD, 20742, JQI, University of Maryland and NIST, College Park, MD 20742

  • Benjamin J. Reschovsky

    JQI, University of Maryland and NIST, College Park, MD, 20742, JQI, University of Maryland and NIST, College Park, MD 20742

  • Daniel S. Barker

    JQI, University of Maryland and NIST, College Park, MD, 20742, JQI, University of Maryland and NIST, College Park, MD 20742

  • Alessandro Restelli

    JQI, University of Maryland and NIST, College Park, MD 20742

  • Gretchen Campbell

    JQI, University of Maryland and NIST, College Park, MD, 20742, Joint Quantum Institute, University of Maryland and NIST, JQI, University of Maryland and NIST, College Park, MD 20742, Joint Quantum Institute, NIST and UMD, University of Maryland