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PDL 800-D

PDL 800-D

Picosecond Diode Laser Driver

Delivering precise picosecond excitation with reliable performance for demanding scientific research.
PicoQuant PDL 800-D picosecond pulsed diode laser driver for LDH and PLS light sources
Table of contents

Key-Benefits

Accurate timing control
Fast wavelength switching
Broad method compatibility
Smooth system integration
Consistent long-term stability

Specifications

Typecrystal locked (up to 80 MHz max.)
Operation modePulsed or Continuous wave (CW)
Base frequencies80 MHz, 1 MHz (selectable)
Repetition frequenciesUser selectable: 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 of base frequency: - 80, 40, 20, 10, 5 or 2.5 MHz - 1000, 500, 250, 125, 62.5 or 31.25 kHz
JitterTyp. 3-5 ps
Amplitude- 5 to + 5 V (maximum limits)
Trigger level (adjustable)-1 to + 1 V (negative slope)
Pulse width> 5 ns
Frequency range10 Hz to 80 MHz
DelayTrigger input to optical output*: typ. 35 ± 5 ns
Impedance50 Ohms (dynamic), 50 Ohms (static)
Connector typeBNC (female)
Amplitude< -800 mV into 50 Ohms (NIM)
Pulse width6 ns
Delay12 ns (from falling edge to laser output)
Impedance50 Ohms
Connector typeSMA (female)
Slow gateTransition time < 100 ms (pulsed and CW)
Internal Impedance> 500 Ohms
Connector type4-pin LEMO socket - 00.304 series, example of connector: FGG.00.304.CLA
Fast gateTransition time typ. 10 ns (pulsed only)
Internal impedance 50 Ohms
Connector type1-pin LEMO socket - 00.250 series, example of connector: FFA.00.250.NTA
Voltage< 7 VDC
Loop resistance10 Ohms max.
Line voltage220/240 or 110/120 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption45 Watts max.
Driver unit237 × 310 × 97 mm (w × d × h)
Temperature range10 - 40 °C

Download the datasheet here.

* The value of the delay between the trigger signal input and the optical pulse output can vary in the range of ± 5 ns depending on the PDL 800-D driver and on the laser diode head which is attached to it. For a given hardware combination, the delay is defined and constant, only the jitter applies.

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.

Reliable Picosecond Excitation for Diverse Scientific Applications

Flexible Laser Driving with Precise Timing Control

PDL 800-D is a reliable picosecond laser driver that delivers precise and stable excitation for LDH (diode laser) and PLS (LED) light sources across a wide spectral range from 266 to 1990 nm. Its crystal-locked timing architecture supports repetition rates from 2.5 to 80 MHz, while easy front-panel controls allow rapid wavelength changes, power adjustment and switching between pulsed and CW operation. With both internal and external triggering options, a clean sync output and dual gating inputs, PDL 800-D integrates seamlessly into a broad range of applications across life science, materials science and quantum optics, including advanced timing techniques such as LiDAR. A five-year limited warranty underscores its long-term reliability.

PDL 800-D with laser head of the LDH Series.

Compatibility with LDH, LDH-FA and PLS Series

PDL 800-D is designed for seamless operation with PicoQuant’s LDH and LDH-FA picosecond diode laser heads as well as the PLS Series of sub-nanosecond pulsed LEDs. This broad compatibility covers a wide spectral range and supports both laser- and LED-based excitation schemes. Light sources can be exchanged quickly by simply connecting a different head, allowing straightforward adaptation to changing experimental needs.

Broad Scientific Impact Across Disciplines

PDL 800-D supports a remarkably diverse range of scientific applications, enabling precise excitation in experiments that span cellular imaging, semiconductor characterization and long-range photon timing. Its stable picosecond pulses and clean synchronization make it ideally suited for life-science studies that rely on accurate fluorescence lifetimes, for materials research exploring carrier dynamics and perovskite emission processes, and for quantum-optical measurements requiring low-jitter photon detection. The same timing precision also benefits LiDAR and other time-of-flight techniques, underscoring the versatility of PDL 800-D across foundational and applied research.

Enhanced Multi-Color Delivery with the LCU

The Laser Combining Unit allows you to merge the output of up to five compatible laser heads into a single polarization maintaining single mode fiber.

  • Wavelength 375 nm to 900 nm
  • Up to 5 laser lines
  • Polarisation maintaining singlemode output fiber
  • Flexible configurations
Advanced Laser Operation Modes

Pulsed, Burst, and CW Modes

In materials science, choosing the right laser operation mode is key to unlocking accurate and insightful experimental results. Relevant modes: pulsed, burst, CW, fast switched CW.
Discover operation modes
Discover How Pulsed, Burst, and CW Modes Advance Your Research Goals
Scientific Insights & Resources

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Technical Documentation and Data

Technical Downloads

Datasheet PDL 800-D

Wwith features, specifications and applications

Expand Your System

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