The PDL 800-D 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-D features easy to use controls for repetition frequency and laser pulse energy. Continuous Wave (CW) operation is possible with the latest generation of laser heads, the LDH-D Series. Wavelengths can be changed quickly by simply plugging in a different laser or LED head.

The internal oscillator has two selectable base frequencies: 80 MHz and 1 MHz. Each base frequency can be further reduced by division through 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32. The highest internal repetition frequency that can be derived is therefore 80 MHz, the lowest repetition rate is 31.25 kHz. The laser pulses can also be triggered by an external trigger input so that the PDL 800-D can be synchronized with other instruments over the full frequency range. A sync output allows the PDL 800-D to trigger other components such as TCSPC electronics. The gating inputs allow to disable the laser output on two time scales through an external TTL-signal.

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.

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.