LASER CONTROL / Overview
State of the art Laser Control
In the experimental research on ultra-high-precision spectroscopic techniques, ppqSense has developed advanced laser drivers that meet the requirements of very low current noise and high stability: this is the context where the QubeCL and QubeDL lines were born.
The modular architecture of the Qube-system allows the users to expand their possibility, covering almost any typical need in terms of control and stabilization of the laser phase/frequency against a reference source, an optical cavity or a molecular transition.
QubeCL or QubeDL?
QubeCL and QubeDL are instruments based on the same electronic design. The two lines are optimized for different laser compliance ranges, in order to guarantee the best performances with almost all the continuous wave (CW) lasers on the market.
The QubeDL line is born for laser diodes with low compliances, up to 7V. For higher laser compliances, the QubeCL line assures you the best noise performances on the market.
Born from research
QubeCL and QubeDL have been designed for state-of-the-art scientific purposes. The patented design, developed in a research laboratory, provides the lowest current-noise of any commercially available instrument.
The modular architecture solves the problem of sourcing large output currents while maintaining a noise level always below 1 nA/sqrt(Hz). In general, the current-noise of commercial drivers linearly increases with the maximum output current. This is not the case of QubeCL. In fact, its noise increases roughly with the square-root of the maximum current, always ensuring a sub-shot-noise operation.
With Qube-system the current noise does not contribute to broadening of laser emission, ensuring the narrowest linewidth and the highest frequency stability.
Compact and versatile
The fully modular, configurable and engineered Qube-system design provides the versatility and the compactness of a custom solution while keeping the ready-to-use typical of a benchtop instrument.
Infinite possibilities one
Up to 32 different configurations can be obtained by combining the 8 modules of the QubeCL system, covering multiple different needs:
You can embed your butterfly-packaged or HHL-packaged laser into your driver. All the signals will be internally routed to the laser: no cables around, a full control in a 10 cm x10 cm footprint. Compatible both with fiber-coupled and free-space lasers. In the latter case you can have the beam always at the right height by using the adjustable periscope accessory. For higher-power lasers a water-cooled option is also available.
Laser Socket Module
Laser Socket Module You can embed your butterfly-packaged or HHL-packaged laser into your driver. All the signals will be internally routed to the laser: no cables around, a full control in a 10 cm x10 cm footprint. Compatible both with fiber-coupled and free-space lasers. In the latter case you can have the beam always at the right height by using the adjustable periscope accessory. For higher-power lasers a water-cooled option is also available.
You can embed your butterfly-packaged or HHL-packaged laser into your driver. All the signals will be internally routed to the laser: no cables around, a full control in a 10 cm x10 cm footprint. Compatible both with fiber-coupled and free-space lasers. In the latter case you can have the beam always at the right height by using the adjustable periscope accessory. For higher-power lasers a water-cooled option is also available.
With overvoltage protection capabilities, it ensures a safe operation of the laser, and allows setting the laser polarity and grounding. Moreover, 2 independent external modulation signals can be efficiently coupled to the laser. As an option, an internal digital signal generator (DDS) can be added on both modulation channels.
For any frequency/phase stabilization need, you can choose among Phase Lock Loop (PLL), Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) and Lock-In Amplifier (LIA) modules. Seamlessly lock your laser to an external source, cavity or molecular reference. Here are some examples of lock applications with QCLs; the same scheme can be applied with other laser diodes and QubeDLs.
Choose between different current ratings, and combine them for larger current output, while always keeping the noise at the lowest level.
For current-driven TEC stages the temperature controller module ensures <1 mK operation in any condition.
It is not only a base: it is the cooling unit of the instrument and it allows you to screw it firmly at place. Compatible with the standard pitch of optical tables.
Laser Socket Module
You can embed your butterfly-packaged or HHL-packaged laser into your driver. All the signals will be internally routed to the laser: no cables around, a full control in a 10 cm x10 cm footprint. Compatible both with fiber-coupled and free-space lasers. In the latter case you can have the beam always at the right height by using the adjustable periscope accessory. For higher-power lasers a water-cooled option is also available.
Laser Head
With overvoltage protection capabilities, it ensures a safe operation of the laser, and allows setting the laser polarity and grounding. Moreover, 2 independent external modulation signals can be efficiently coupled to the laser. As an option, an internal digital signal generator (DDS) can be added on both modulation channels.
Lock module:
For any frequency/phase stabilization need, you can choose among Phase Lock Loop (PLL), Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) and Lock-In Amplifier (LIA) modules. Seamlessly lock your laser to an external source, cavity or molecular reference. Here are some examples of lock applications with QCLs; the same scheme can be applied with other laser diodes and QubeDLs.
Current Module
Choose between different current ratings, and combine them for larger current output, while always keeping the noise at the lowest level.
Temperature Controller
For current-driven TEC stages the temperature controller module ensures <1 mK operation in any condition.
Main Unit
The core part of the driver, providing external interface with USB interface and Wi-Fi or LAN options. It carries the real-time processing of the laser parameters and can operate in completely autonomous mode.
Base
It is not only a base: it is the cooling unit of the instrument and it allows you to screw it firmly at place. Compatible with the standard pitch of optical tables.
You can compose the configuration of the Qube-System that fits your experimental needs. The instrument part number is composed as follows:
Here the codes and additional information for each module in the catalog.
Listed below the codes and additional information for each module in the catalog:
Example configurations
The simplest configuration: the essential modules (Base, Main Unit and Laser Head) and one current module. The numeric code identifies the total output current that can be obtained by adding one or more current modules to the system. In this case only the CD05 (500 mA) module is present.
Here two current modules are combined for 1.5 A maximum current output (CD05 + CD10). The -P code identifies the PLL module. Only one lock module can be used in a Qube configuration.
This is one of the most complete configurations. The 1A current module (CD10), the TEC (TC) and phase-locked loop (PLL) module are added to the essential modules. The laser itself can be embedded into the Qube system thanks to the Butterfly laser housing module. Here the laser is coupled in an optical fiber.
Are you still not sure of which configuration you need? We will support you in tailoring it for your experiment, just contact us.
Ready to use
QubeCL and QubeDL can be remotely controlled, and provide a variety of autonomous control routines that allow stand-alone operation in completely safe conditions for the laser.
The Qube Kit
The Qube-system is designed to be a plug-and-play solution for your laser experiment. You will only have to connect your laser to the Qube-system and focus on your application.
This is what you will find in the Qube-system box:
QubeCL/DL
QubePS
Quick starter guide: everything you need to get started
USB key with manual, Control Software and test report
Power cord for QubePs
USB connection cable
TEC cable: one end of the cable is left without any connector so that the user can wire it as it needs
Power cable: connect the QubeCL/DL to the QubePS
One of our amazing sticker for your lab or office
QubePS - Power the Qube
QubeCL platform layout has been designed to minimize the effort required for commissioning and the risk of setup errors that could potentially compromise the laser sources, allowing the user to immediately focus on the setup of the experiment.
For this reason we have developed the QubePS, a dedicated power supply for the Qube-System.
You connect the QubePS to the electrical line, then the power cable between the QubePS and the QubeCL/DL, now you can turn on your laser.
QubePS contains switching power supplies that have been designed to maintain the ultra-low noise performance of the Qube system. QubePS is an optional product, ask for it to be delivered with your Qube.
Connect the laser
Typically, a laser has to be driven in current and stabilized in temperature. So, at least, you will have to provide these two kinds of connections, depending on the laser that you want to use. If you need custom cables for your laser, just ask for them and we will provide, to facilitate even faster and simpler setup.
Optional for QubeCL only, we have developed the HHL laser shield board that allows you to connect your laser in HHL package to the QubeCL. You can screw the QCL pins to the board and then you will have to connect:
- An SMA cable for the laser current
- The TEC cable, in this case we will provide it with the appropriate connector
In some applications you may need to modulate QCL at high frequencies, in this case we offer the possibility to mount a bias-tee on the board.
Qube Communication
As a standard option you can control the Qube-system by using the USB cable and the Qube Control Software installed on your PC. Optionally,ethernet or wi-fi connection are also available.
Easy interface: Qube Control Software
QubeCL system can be controlled via a simple and intuitive software interface. Each module of the system has its own control tab that gives the user complete access and control to all its parameters.
In the Qube manual you will find the description of all the control software features. In case you need to integrate the Qube-system control into your own software, the manual also lists all the commands that you can send to the Qube-system through a dedicated serial connection in order to fully control it.
Qube Control Software Downloads
In the table below you can find all the Qube Control Software versions. Please note that not all the Qube are compatible with all the Qube Control Software. The Qube Control Software compatible version depends on the Qube firmware version, so consult your test report to find which version is recommended for your Qube.
High quality compact mechanical enclosure
The system mechanics have been designed with special attention to be able to include lasers and optical components within it, so that optical mini-setups can be implemented in a thermally and mechanically stable environment, thereby increasing performance.
Module designed to be equipped with
a Hamatsu QCL and collimation optics.
System with integrated QCL equipped
with Thorlabs system-compatible periscope
Thermal analysis of the system
Select the best Qube configuration for your optical setup:
We offer the possibility to customize a Qube module by integrating your desired optical mini-setup. This gives the possibility to have a compact, stable and ready-to-use system for your experimental purpose. Contact us and share your idea with a sketch of your desired optical setup, our expert optical engineer will discuss with you the feasibility of the project.
Our solutions
State of the art
Laser Control
In the experimental research on ultra-high-precision spectroscopic techniques, ppqSense has developed advanced laser drivers that meet the requirements of very low current noise and high stability: this is the context where the QubeCL and QubeDL lines were born.
The modular architecture of the Qube-system allows the users to expand their possibility, covering almost any typical need in terms of control and stabilization of the laser phase/frequency against a reference source, an optical cavity or a molecular transition.
QubeCL or QubeDL?
QubeCL and QubeDL are instruments based on the same electronic design. The two lines are optimized for different laser compliance ranges, in order to guarantee the best performances with almost all the continuous wave (CW) lasers on the market.
The QubeDL line is born for laser diodes with low compliances, up to 7V. For higher laser compliances, the QubeCL line assures you the best noise performances on the market.
Are you not sure which Qube is the most suitablefor your needs? Contact us and we will help to select the best solution.
Born from research
QubeCL and QubeDL have been designed for state-of-the-art scientific purposes. The patented design, developed in a research laboratory, provides the lowest current-noise of any commercially available instrument.
The modular architecture solves the problem of sourcing large output currents while maintaining a noise level always below 1 nA/sqrt(Hz). In general, the current-noise of commercial drivers linearly increases with the maximum output current. This is not the case of QubeCL. In fact, its noise increases roughly with the square-root of the maximum current, always ensuring a sub-shot-noise operation.
With Qube-system the current noise does not contribute to broadening of laser emission, ensuring the narrowest linewidth and the highest frequency stability.
Modularity: compact and versatile
The fully modular, configurable and engineered Qube-system design provides the versatility and the compactness of a custom solution while keeping the ready-to-use typical of a benchtop instrument.
Infinite possibilities
Up to 32 different configurations can be obtained by combining the 8 modules of the QubeCL system, covering multiple different needs:
Laser Socket Module
You can embed your butterfly-packaged or HHL-packaged laser into your driver. All the signals will be internally routed to the laser: no cables around, a full control in a 10 cm x10 cm footprint. Compatible both with fiber-coupled and free-space lasers. In the latter case you can have the beam always at the right height by using the adjustable periscope accessory. For higher-power lasers a water-cooled option is also available.
Laser Head
With overvoltage protection capabilities, it ensures a safe operation of the laser, and allows setting the laser polarity and grounding. Moreover, 2 independent external modulation signals can be efficiently coupled to the laser. As an option, an internal digital signal generator (DDS) can be added on both modulation channels.
Lock module
For any frequency/phase stabilization need, you can choose among Phase Lock Loop (PLL), Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) and Lock-In Amplifier (LIA) modules. Seamlessly lock your laser to an external source, cavity or molecular reference. Here are some examples of lock applications with QCLs; the same scheme can be applied with other laser diodes and QubeDLs.
Current Module(s)
Choose between different current ratings, and combine them for larger current output, while always keeping the noise at the lowest level.
Temperature Controller
For current-driven TEC stages the temperature controller module ensures <1 mK operation in any condition.
Base and Main Unit
The core part of the driver, providing external interface with USB interface and Wi-Fi or LAN options. It carries the real-time processing of the laser parameters and can operate in completely autonomous mode.
It is not only a base: it is the cooling unit of the instrument and it allows you to screw it firmly at place. Compatible with the standard pitch of optical tables.
You can compose the configuration of the Qube-System that fits your experimental needs. The instrument part number is composed as follows:
Llisted below the codes and additional information for each module in the catalog:
Infinite possibilities
QubeCL05
The simplest configuration: the essential modules (Base, Main Unit and Laser Head) and one current module. The numeric code identifies the total output current that can be obtained by adding one or more current modules to the system. In this case only the CD05 (500 mA) module is present.
QubeCL15-P
Here two current modules are combined for 1.5 A maximum current output (CD05 + CD10). The -P code identifies the PLL module. Only one lock module can be used in a Qube configuration.
QubeCL10-TP-BFS
This is one of the most complete configurations. The 1A current module (CD10), the TEC (TC) and phase-locked loop (PLL) module are added to the essential modules. The laser itself can be embedded into the Qube system thanks to the Butterfly laser housing module. Here the laser is coupled in an optical fiber.
Are you still not sure of which configuration you need? We will support you in tailoring it for your experiment, just contact us.
Ready to use
QubeCL and QubeDL can be remotely controlled, and provide a variety of autonomous control routines that allow stand-alone operation in completely safe conditions for the laser.
The Qube Kit
The Qube-system is designed to be a plug-and-play solution for your laser experiment. You will only have to connect your laser to the Qube-system and focus on your application.
This is what you will find in the Qube-system box:
QubeCL/DL
QubePS
Quick starter guide: everything you need to get started
One of our amazing sticker for your lab or office
USB key with manual, Control Software and test report
USB connection cable
TEC cable: one end of the cable is left without any connector so that the user can wire it as it needs
Power cable: connect the QubeCL/DL to the QubePS
Power cord for QubePs
In a standard Qube box the laser current cable is not included. The laser current output of the Qube is an SMA female connector.
QubePS - Power the Qube
QubeCL platform layout has been designed to minimize the effort required for commissioning and the risk of setup errors that could potentially compromise the laser sources, allowing the user to immediately focus on the setup of the experiment.
For this reason we have developed the QubePS, a dedicated power supply for the Qube-System.
You connect the QubePS to the electrical line, then the power cable between the QubePS and the QubeCL/DL, now you can turn on your laser.
QubePS contains switching power supplies that have been designed to maintain the ultra-low noise performance of the Qube system. QubePS is an optional product, ask for it to be delivered with your Qube.
Connect the laser
Typically, a laser has to be driven in current and stabilized in temperature. So, at least, you will have to provide these two kinds of connections, depending on the laser that you want to use. If you need custom cables for your laser, just ask for them and we will provide, to facilitate even faster and simpler setup.
Optional for QubeCL only, we have developed the HHL laser shield board that allows you to connect your laser in HHL package to the QubeCL. You can screw the QCL pins to the board and then you will have to connect:
- An SMA cable for the laser current
- The TEC cable, in this case we will provide it with the appropriate connector
In some applications you may need to modulate QCL at high frequencies, in this case we offer the possibility to mount a bias-tee on the board.
Qube Communication
As a standard option you can control the Qube-system by using the USB cable and the Qube Control Software installed on your PC. Optionally, ethernet or wi-fi connection are also available.
Easy interface: Qube Control Software
QubeCL system can be controlled via a simple and intuitive software interface. Each module of the system has its own control tab that gives the user complete access and control to all its parameters.
In the Qube manual you will find the description of all the control software features. In case you need to integrate the Qube-system control into your own software, the manual also lists all the commands that you can send to the Qube-system through a dedicated serial connection in order to fully control it.
Qube Control Software Downloads
In the table below you can find all the Qube Control Software versions. Please note that not all the Qube are compatible with all the Qube Control Software. The Qube Control Software compatible version depends on the Qube firmware version, so consult your test report to find which version is recommended for your Qube.
High quality compact mechanical enclosure
The system mechanics have been designed with special attention to be able to include lasers and optical components within it, so that optical mini-setups can be implemented in a thermally and mechanically stable environment, thereby increasing performance.
Module designed to be equipped with a Hamamatsu QCL and collimation optics. Possibility to connect the module to an external water-cooling circuit.
System with integrated QCL equipped with Thorlabs
system-compatible periscope. Customize the distance between the laser beam and the optical table.
Thermal analysis of the system.
The frames of the Qube-system modules are designed for an appropriate heat dissipation. The internal fan rotational speed is controlled by the Qube-system to guarantee thermal stable conditions. The Qube system internal temperature can be read using the Qube Control Software.
Select the best Qube configuration for your optical setup:
We offer the possibility to customize a Qube module by integrating your desired optical mini-setup. This gives the possibility to have a compact, stable and ready-to-use system for your experimental purpose.
Contact us and share your idea with a sketch of your desired optical setup, our expert optical engineer will discuss with you the feasibility of the project.