The PDL 800-B is a stand-alone driver for the picosecond pulsed laser diode heads from 375 to 1990 nm (LDH Series, LDH-P-FA-530) as well as for the sub-nanosecond pulsed LEDs from 255 to 600 nm (PLS Series). The laser heads can emit light pulses as short as 70 ps FWHM (50 ps on selection) at repetition rates from single shot up to 80 MHz with peak powers up to 1 Watt (depending on wavelength). The PDL 800-B features easy to use controls for repetition frequency and laser pulse energy. Wavelengths can be changed quickly by simply plugging in a different laser or LED head.

User selectable repetition frequencies of 40, 20, 10, 5 and 2.5 MHz are derived from the internal crystal controlled oscillator that generates a low jitter base frequency of 40 MHz (64 or 80 MHz are available for red diode laser heads upon request). The laser pulses can also be triggered by an external trigger input so that the PDL 800-B can be synchronized with other instruments over the full frequency range. A sync output allows the PDL 800-B to trigger other components such as TCSPC electronics. An additional gating option permits to disable the laser output through an external TTL-signal.

An alternative to the PDL 800-B is the PDL 200-B. This laser driver has 5 user selectable internal repetition rates (8, 4, 2, 1 and 0.5 MHz) and can also be triggred externally up to 8 MHz. It provides a synchronization output and can drive all pulsed lasers of the LDH Series as well as all LEDs of the PLS Series.

For multiple wavelengths experiments, the PDL 808 "Sepia" is recommended, for automated systems, the computer controlled multichannel PDL 828 "Sepia II" is the best choice. An alternative single channel driver with dual mode (pulsed and continuous wave) capabilities and internal repetition frequency from 32.5 kHz to 80 MHz is also available (PDL 800-D)

Picosecond pulsed diode laser modules are also available in OEM quantities for system suppliers. These compact, cost-effective diode lasers with fixed parameters (repetition frequency, output power and wavelength) can easily be integrated into complex systems.