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PDL 808 - Mainframe sizes |
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The mainframe of the PDL 808 holds the power supply and provides space for the necessary modules. The number of slots for the modules depends on the version of the PDL 808:
- The short version provides space for one oscillator module and two laser driver modules.
- The medium version provides space for one oscillator module, one splitter- or sequencer module and up to six laser driver modules.
- The large version provides space for one oscillator module, one splitter- or sequencer module and up to eight laser driver modules (only uncooled laser heads).
A working version of a PDL 808 must at least contain one oscillator module and one laser driver module.
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PDL 808 - Modules |
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Oscillator Module
The oscillator module generates the base frequency for the pulse train (up to 80 MHz). This frequency can either be used as the actual pulse trigger frequency or, if a splitter module or a sequencer module is available, as a clock for bursts or sequences. The oscillator module is capable of triggering two individual laser heads simultaneously. In addition to its internal clock, the oscillator module also provides the opportunity for external triggering, thereby allowing output frequencies from single shot to 80 MHz. |
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Splitter Module |
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To trigger more than two laser heads simultaneously, the signal from one single output must be split out to multiple outputs. Typically the output from the oscillator module is used as an input trigger source and splitted into eight distinct trigger signals of the same amplitude at exactly the same time. These outputs can then be used to trigger more than two laser heads simultaneously or even to synchronize a more complex setup. In addition, an external signal can be applied to the module to enable or disable the output signal (gating). This feature makes it very easy to produce bursts. |
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Sequencer Module |
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The sequencer module offers another way of signal distribution over more than two laser heads. Like the splitter module, it has one input and eight outputs, which can each be enabled or disabled manually. In contrast to the splitter module, each triggering slope (typically from the oscillator module) is sent to only one of the enabled outputs at a time. With the next trigger signal the module sequences to the next enabled output. The signal is thus routed to the enabled outputs in a rotational sequence. |
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Laser Driver Module
For each laser head connected to the PDL 808 one of the laser driver modules is needed. It provides the picosecond pulses to the laser heads as well as the control for the laser intensity. Each laser driver module is typically triggered by one of the three other modules. |
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A large PDL 808, equipped with 6 laser driver modules, an oscillator module and a sequencer module.
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