The PDL 808 "Sepia" is a modular multichannel picosecond pulsed diode laser driver. Up to 8 laser heads can be driven in parallel: synchronously, delayed or in a user defined sequence with up to 80 MHz repetition rate (depending on the connected laser head). Laser wavelengths between 375 and 1550 nm and pulsed LEDs between 255 and 600 nm are available. The laser heads emit light pulses as short as 70 ps FWHM (50 ps on selection). The PDL 808 provides maximum flexibility for simultaneous and multiple wavelength applications. Wavelengths can be changed quickly by simply plugging in a different laser or LED head.

The system is available in three different sizes and consists of the mainframe with the power supply and a set of individual modules:

	An oscillator module which delivers the repetition frequency of up to 80 MHz. This module itself is capable of triggering two individual laser driver modules.
	A gated signal splitter module which can split an incoming trigger signal into 8 distinct signals of same amplitude
	A sequencer module which allows the sequential triggering of individual laser heads
	A laser driver module which controls the individual laser heads

The signal path is established by external cabling. This allows besides maximum flexibility (even across multiple racks) also easy and jitter-free delay insertion as well as manifold synchronisation options.
An alternative to the PDL 808 is the computer controlled multi-channel driver PDL 828 "Sepia II" which offers even more functionality.