Laser Locking Electronics

Intelligent solution for versatile locking

TOPTICA provides exceptionally stable tunable diode lasers that feature free running narrow linewidths. Still, many demanding applications have even more rigorous requirements. To reduce remaining frequency fluctuations or cancel out long-term frequency drifts, active frequency stabilization, or "locking", is required.

Application Note - Phase and Frequency Locking of Diode Lasers
  PFD pro FALC pro DigiLock 110 FALC 110 & mFALC 110 PDH/DLC pro DLC pro Locka Wavelength Meter
Description / Type Phase and Frequency detector for error signal generation Digitally controlled fast analog PID Versatile digital locking solution incl. PID Fast analog 2-Channel PID Pound-Drever-Hall Signal Generation, requires additional PID All-digital feedback solution, incl. PID Wavelength meter with PID option
Main application Offset phase lock all linewidth narrowing PDH locking, FM or modulation transfer spectroscopy Spectroscopy lock Long-term stabilization  
Side-of-fringe Not applicable ✔ ✔ ✔   ✔ not applicable
Top-of-fringe Not applicable With PDH ✔ With PDH or old PDD ✔ ✔ not applicable
Max. bandwidth ≈ 30 MHz 50 MHz (-3 dB) ≈ 10 MHz ≈ 45 MHz 50 MHz (analog)
1.5 MHz (digital)		 ≈ 30 kHz < 100 Hz
Modulation frequency Not applicable   17 Hz .. 25 MHz   5 MHz or 25 MHz 11 Hz .. 160 kHz not applicable
Accuracy depends on reference
(can be very good)		 2 MHz          
Signal analysis     FFT, ...     FFT, ...  
Relock mechanisms   With DLC pro Lock ✔     ✔  
Computer control ✔ ✔ ✔   ✔ ✔ ✔
High voltage output           ✔  
High bandwidth output ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔    
Two feedback channels   ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Up to 8 channels available
Rack compatibility DLC pro or DFC CORE required DLC pro required DLC ext or old SYS DC 110 DLC ext or old SYS DC 110 Built-in module for DLC pro    
Strength High frequency dynamics Best performance High end Integrated in DLC pro Stand-alone    

a optional software licence for DLC pro