PPL 512 / PPA 512

Programmable Pulse Laser and Amplifier

Programmable nanosecond pulse shaping for precise, reliable laser and amplifier control. 1030 – 1550 nm.
PPL 512 / PPA 512 programmable nanosecond pulse shaping laser and amplifier platform

Key Benefits

Cleaner pulse profiles
More stable seeding
Improved signal quality
Reduced artifacts
Flexible adaptation
Consistent output

Specifications

Power Input Voltage12 V (max. 18 V)
Currentmax. 1.7 A
External Power supply100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, max 100 Watt
Connector typeLEMO EXG0B302HLN-A
Dimensions210 × 118 × 47.4 mm (l × w × h)
Net weight laser head0.8 kg
Total weight incl. power supply, etc.1.6 kg
Power Dissipationmax. 20 W
Operating Temperature15 to 35 °C
Length512 bytes
Readout speed5 GS / s; 200 ps time bins; other sampling rates < 5 GS / s on request
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
Impedance500 Ohm
Connector typeSMA (female)
Amplitude+ 500 mV into 50 Ohm; falling edge at byte 253; rising edge at byte 508
Impedance50 Ohm
Connector typeSMA (female)
Connector typeMini-USB 2, type B
Baud rate115200
Data8 bit
Paritynone
Stop1 bit
Fiber receptacleFC/APC, narrow key, PM single mode optical fiber, built in optical isolator
Max. reverse launched power< 50 mW

Download the datasheet here.

Laser Safety Warning Label (Class 3B)
Laser Safety Warning Label (Class 3B)

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.

Precision Pulse Shaping for Advanced Laser Control

Programmable Nanosecond Pulses in a Compact Platform

PicoQuant’s PPL 512 / PPA 512 provides fully programmable nanosecond pulse shaping in a compact, computer-controlled platform designed for seamless integration into advanced laser chains. Users can define arbitrary pulse profiles with sub-nanosecond precision, enabling clean temporal control, reduced ringing, and optimized amplifier seeding. Fast current slopes support both shaped nanosecond pulses and gain-switched picosecond output, while integrated pre-compensation stabilizes downstream fiber or solid-state amplifiers. With single-mode fiber output, high extinction ratios, and straightforward USB connectivity, PPL 512 / PPA 512 offers a flexible and reliable solution for precise pulse generation across diverse photonics workflows. The platform is available in multiple modulation architectures, including direct diode modulation, SOA assisted modulation, and SOA only amplification, covering wavelengths from 1030 and 1064 nm to the 1.5–2 µm region as well as selected visible bands.

Example of a programmable nanosecond pulse profile generated by the PPL 512 / PPA 512. The 512-byte waveform architecture enables precise amplitude control and flexible shaping of complex temporal pulse structures.

Byte-by-Byte Pulse Programming with Sub-Nanosecond Resolution

PPL 512 / PPA 512 is based on a programmable waveform architecture that generates pulse patterns as a cyclic sequence of 512 bytes. These bytes are stored in high-speed memory and read out at up to 5 GS/s, providing a temporal resolution of 200 ps per byte. This approach allows arbitrary pulse shapes to be defined with 8-bit amplitude resolution on a byte-by-byte basis. The programmed sequence can be executed as a continuous, gapless loop or triggered externally, enabling precise synchronization and flexible control over complex pulse trains and burst patterns.

Relevant for Your Research​

Matching Applications & Methods​

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In-Depth Scientific Resources

Scientific Resources

Access in-depth application notes and scientific posters with detailed methods, measurement data, and real-world use cases.

Poster: Programmable, Pulse Shaped Diode Lasers

Poster describing programmable pulse shaped diode lasers (PPL 512 / PPG 512) for generating arbitrary optical pulses with 200 ps resolution using a 5 GHz RAMDAC waveform generator.

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Technical Documentation and Data

Technical Downloads

Datasheet PPL 512 / PPA 512

Datasheet describing the PPL 512 / PPA 512 programmable pulsed laser platform for nanosecond pulse shaping, seeding, and detector testing with fiber output.

Expand Your System

Complete your setup

Combine compatible components to build a complete system tailored to your experimental requirements and measurement workflows.

High-Resolution Multichannel Time Tagging & TCSPC Unit
Exceptional timing precision
Flexible trigger options
Upgradable channel configuration
High throughput via USB & external FPGA interface
Remote synchronization via White Rabbit
Smart on-board event filters
Precise and Versatile Time Tagging & TCSPC Unit
Exceptional timing precision
Flexible trigger options
Upgradable channel configuration
High thoughput via USB
Smart on-board event filters
Hybrid Photomultiplier Detector Assembly
Wide dynamic range
Best timing precision for shortest lifetimes
No dead time and negligible afterpulsing
High count rate perfomance
Large, easy-to-align active area
Reliable UV–NIR coverage
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