Compact Picosecond Diode Lasers

Abstract

This article presents the electrical circuit, a description of the design, and results of measurements of the radiative watt–ampere and time characteristics of compact inexpensive emitters based on commercial laser diodes with wavelengths from 405 to 850 nm, which operate in the picosecond (70–180 ps) and nano- second (0.69–1.2 ns) modes. The optical emitter includes a master crystal oscillator based on a microcontroller (frequencies of 76 Hz–20/80 MHz), a synchronization circuit, a low-voltage (9–12 V) subnanosecond electric pulse shaper that operates according to the method of double differentiation, a pump circuit with an adjustable direct current source, and a laser diode. The average light power at a frequency of 80 MHz varies in pico mode from 0.6 to 1.6 mW and in nano mode from 6 to 18 mW. The lasers are powered by a 220 V/12 V, 0.25 A serial power supply, with a power consumption of 3 W and a weight of 0.2 kg.