PPL 512 / PPA 512

The PPL 512 / PPA 512 is a stand-alone, computer controlled laser platform for the generation of nanosecond pulses with programmable pulse shapes. The resulting laser signal, featuring the defined pulse shape, is then output to a single mode fiber. In order to program the pulse shape, the PPL 512 / PPA 512 is connected to a host computer via a standard USB interface. The very compact form factor makes it ideal for integration into larger amplified laser chains. By programming fast current slopes, not only nanosecond pulses can be generated but also gain switched operation becomes possible, which results in picosecond optical output pulses. Also, undesired ringing effects at fast switch-on transients can be reduced by defining specific current ramps. Moreover, saturation effects of optical amplifiers can be pre-compensated, which makes the device an ideal seeding source for fiber or solid-state amplifiers.

Programming arbitrary pulses profiles – byte by byte

The PPL 512 / PPA 512 is based on a programmable waveform platform capable of generating pulse patterns in a cyclic sequence of 512 bytes. The 512 bytes are stored in a special high-speed memory that can be read out at the full speed of 5 GS/s. This results in a timing resolution of 200 ps per byte (other values may be made available on request). With such a 512 byte data set, arbitrary pulse shapes can be defined with an amplitude resolution of 8 bits (0 to 255). This pre-defined sequence can then be run as a gapless loop at the full speed of 5 GS/s or started and stopped by an external control signal.

One laser platform, multiple variations

Multiple model versions can be derived from the main PPL 512 / PPA 512 laser platform, depending on the internal architecture and mode of modulation. The available palette encompasses:

the direct modulation of the laser diode (PPL 512 – xxxx¹)
the modulation of the cw driven laser diode via a semiconductor optical amplifier (PPL 512 – xxxx SOA¹)
the modulation via a semiconductor optical amplifier NOT including the cw diode (PPA 512 – xxxx¹)

The PPL 512 / PPA 512 can be configured to provide programmable pulses at wavelengths such as 1030 or 1064 nm, 1.5 or 2 µm, as well as many wavelengths in the visible range.

¹ the “xxxx” label indicates the laser’s emission wavelength

Mainframe
Power input voltage	12 V (max. 18 V)
Current	max. 1.7 A
Amplitude	50 mV_rms typ., 2 V_{rms max.}
External power supply	100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, max 100 Watt
Connector type	LEMO EXG0B302HLN-A
Dimensions	210 × 118 × 47.4 mm (W × D × H)
Net weight (laser head)	0.8 kg
Total weight (incl. power supply, etc)	1.6 kg
Power dissipation	max. 20 W
Operating Temperature	15 to 35 °C
Pulse pattern
Length	512 bytes
Readout speed	5 GS / s; 200 ps time bins; other sampling rates < 5 GS / s on request
OP mode input
Amplitude	> 0.75 and < 1.1 V continues pattern generation with byte 0 after reading all 511 bytes < 0.2 V: pattern generation stops after reading 508 bytes unconnected: free-running mode
Impedance	500 Ohms
Connector	SMA (female)
Synchronization output
Amplitude	+500 mV into 50 Ohm; falling edge at byte 253; rising edge at byte 508
Impedance	50 Ohm
Connector	SMA (female)
Status output
Amplitude	5 V for Laser ON; 0 V OFF
Impedance	min. 10 kOhm
Connector	SMA (female)
USB 2.0 UART (virtual COM port)
Connector type	Mini-USB 2, type B
Baud rate	115200
Data	8 bit
Parity	none
Stop	1 bit
Optical output
Fiber receptacle	FC/APC, narrow key, PM single mode optical fiber built in optical isolator
Max. reverse launched power	< 50 mW

All Information given here is reliable to our best knowledge. However, no responsibility is assumed for possible inaccuracies or omissions. Specifications and external appearances are subject to change without notice.

The table below is a non-exhaustive list of possible variants. Please contact PicoQuant, other wavelengths are available on request, high power fiber preamplified version available on request!

PPL 512 models

Type PPL 512 –	Wavelength [nm]	Min. pulse duration [ns]	Rise / fall time [ps]	Max. avg. power [mW]	Extinction ratio	Linewidth (FWHM) [nm]	Optical input
– 1030	1030 ± 2 nm	0.1	typ. 50	20	> 20 dB	typ. < 0.1	none
– 1030; – SOA	1030 ± 2 nm¹	0.5	typ. 250	20	> 50 dB	typ. < 0.05, near transform limited	none
– 1050	1053 ± 1 nm	0.1	typ. 50	20	> 70 dB	typ. < 0.1	none
– 1050 – SOA	1053 ± 1 nm¹	0.5	typ. 250	20	> 50 dB	typ. < 0.05, near transform limited	none
– 1060	1064 ± 1 nm	0.1	typ. 50	20	> 70 dB	typ. < 0.1	none
– 1060 – SOA	1064 ± 1 nm¹	0.5	typ. 250	20	> 50 dB	typ. < 0.05, near transform limited	none
– 1550	1550 ± 20 nm²	0.1	typ. 50	20	> 70 dB	typ. < 0.1	none
– 1550 – SOA	1550 ± 20 nm^1,2	0.5	typ. 250	20	> 50 dB	typ. < 0.05, near transform limited	none

¹ Enhanced central wavelength stability!
² Exact wavelength on request, any between 1530 and 1570 nm

PPA 512 models

Type PPA 512 –	Wavelength [nm]	Min. pulse duration [ns]	Rise / fall time [ps]	Max. avg. power [mW]	Extinction ratio	Linewidth (FWHM) [nm]	Optical input
– 1030	1030 ± 5 nm¹	0.5	typ. 250	20	> 50 dB³	N.A.²	FC/APC fiber receptacle, polarisation maintaining. Max CW input power: 20 mW³
– 1060	1060 ± 10 nm¹	0.5	typ. 250	20	> 50 dB³	N.A.²	FC/APC fiber receptacle, polarisation maintaining. Max CW input power: 20 mW³
– 1550	1550 ± 20 nm¹	0.5	typ. 250	20	> 50 dB³	N.A.²	FC/APC fiber receptacle, polarisation maintaining. Max CW input power: 20 mW³

¹ PPA does NOT include the laser diode, the range of wavelengths shown corresponds to the acceptable wavelengths for the laser diode to be coupled externally
² Depends on the CW laser input
³ The best perfomances in terms of extinction ratio are achieved for a CW input level of 5-8 mW, higher input power leads to more output power but a slightly decreased extinction ratio.

All Information given here is reliable to our best knowledge. However, no responsibility is assumed for possible inaccuracies or omissions. Specifications and external appearances are subject to change without notice.

The PPL 512 / PPA 512 laser platform can be used for various applications, where modulated laser output is important, such as: