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