Sepia PDL 828

Multichannel Picosecond Diode Laser Driver

Versatile multichannel laser driver designed to control picosecond laser and LED sources with precision and ease.
Sepia PDL 828 multichannel picosecond diode laser driver with modular laser channels for controlling multiple LDH and PLS laser heads

Key Benefits

Higher timing precision
Improved long-term system stability
Reduced setup complexity
Reproducible measurement
Easy system integration
Scalable system growth

Specifications

Large, L1 slot for oscillator module, 8 slots for laser driver modules
Small, S 1 slot for oscillator module, 2 slots for laser driver modules
Power supply 115/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, max. 350 Watts
DimensionLarge, L: 464 × 310 × 140 mm (w × d × h) small, S: 250 × 310 × 140 mm (w × d × h)
Outputs 8 trigger (NIM), 1 synchronization (NIM), 1 auxiliary
Inputs 1 external trigger, 1 auxiliary (TTL)
Operation mode rotary, programmed sequence of one channel must be completed before next channel is activated; adjacent channels can be grouped; multiple channels can be either combined or delayed (SOM 828-D only)
Oscillator type crystal locked
Base frequencies 80, 64, 50 MHz (selectable)
Repetition frequency User-selectable, derived from the selected master frequency or an external trigger source by division through any integer factor between 1 and 65 536 (SOM 828-D)
Jitter Typ. 3-5 ps
Timing synchronous to repetition frequency, timing position stepwise adjustable within the limits of the repetition frequency, step size equals base oscillator period
Masking synchronization pulses can be inhibited (masked), mask size selec- table in integer steps from 0 to 255, stepsize equals repetition period
Amplitude +500 mV into 50 Ohms (SOM 828); +1.5 V into 50 Ohms (SOM 828-D)
Timing at start of complete trigger sequence
Amplitude+500 mV into 50 Ohms
Amplitude -5 to +5 V (maximum limits)
Trigger level-1.2 to +1.2 V
Frequency rangeup to 40 MHz
External synchronization6.25 to 85 MHz (SOM 828-D only)
Burst lengthUp to 16.7 million pulses
Operation mode 1 synchronization (NIM), laser head connector
Repetition frequency of internal oscillator 80, 40, 20, 10, 5 or 2.5 MHz (user-selectable)
JitterTyp. 3-5 ps
Outputs1 synchronization (NIM), laser head connector
Inputs1 trigger (NIM), 2 gating (TTL)
Slow gateTransition time 500 Ohms Connector type: 4-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 type: 1-pin LEMO Socket - 00.250 Series Example of connector: FFA.00.250.NTA
Operating systemWindows 11
PC interfaceUSB 2.0

Download the datasheet here.

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.

Ultimate Flexibility for Multi-Wavelength Excitation

Shown here in a 2-channel configuration, the modular Sepia PDL 828 can scale to drive up to 8 laser or LED heads.

A Modular Laser Driver for Advanced Excitation Control

Sepia PDL 828 is a highly flexible multichannel driver designed for precise control of picosecond lasers and pulsed LEDs across a broad spectral range (266 – 1990 nm). Its modular architecture supports up to 8 independently addressable heads, enabling parallel excitation, complex pulse sequences, and rapid wavelength switching. A powerful oscillator module provides fine timing control, user-defined burst patterns, and picosecond-level delays, while the dedicated software and API allow seamless integration into automated measurement workflows. With intuitive USB operation and stand-alone capability, Sepia PDL 828 offers a robust platform for demanding multi-wavelength experiments in modern scientific research. A five-year limited warranty underscores its long-term reliability.

Sepia PDL 828 operating with LDH laser heads and compatible with LDH, LDH-FA, and PLS Series light sources for flexible multi-wavelength excitation.

Compatibility with LDH and PLS Series

Sepia PDL 828 is fully compatible with PicoQuant’s LDH, LDH-FA and PLS Series, supporting picosecond pulsed diode lasers and sub-nanosecond LEDs across a wide spectral range. Laser heads can be exchanged easily, enabling fast adaptation to different experimental requirements.

Read–Write–Read burst sequence generated by the Sepia PDL 828 and the SOM 828-D oscillator module, enabling controlled population and probing of hidden states in time-resolved photoluminescence experiments. Demonstrated here for trapped carrier dynamics in a CsPbBr₃ microplate. Image courtesy of Ivan Scheblykin, Lund University, Sweden.

Complex Burst Pattern in Photoluminscence

Advanced burst control enables tailored excitation schemes for materials with long-lived or hidden non-radiative states, where conventional repetition rates fail to capture relevant dynamics. Using the burst mode of the Sepia PDL 828, complex pulse sequences such as the Read–Write–Read approach can be implemented. These sequences are generated and precisely timed by the SOM 828-D oscillator module, which provides programmable delays and reliable synchronization across channels. A controlled burst of write pulses prepares a quasi steady state, followed by delayed readout pulses to probe carrier trapping and relaxation dynamics in time-resolved photoluminescence experiments.

Single-molecule FRET analysis of freely diffusing RNA using pulsed interleaved excitation (PIE). The experiment probes interactions between a GAAA tetraloop motif (Cy3 donor) and its receptor region (Cy5 acceptor). A 2D plot of FRET efficiency versus stoichiometry reveals distinct molecular subpopulations for further analysis. Data courtesy of Julie Fiore and David Nesbitt, University of Colorado Boulder, USA.

Single-Molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET)

In Pulsed-Interleaved Excitation (PIE) two laser pulses are used sequentially to excite donor (D) and acceptor (A) molecules independently. The resulting fluorescence emission patterns can be used to discriminate between molecules showing Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) and molecules that don’t as well as indicate the absence of A.

FRET analysis of freely diffusing RNA. The experiment aimed at localizing interactions between specific elements of RNA secondary structure, in this case a GAAA tetraloop motif (Cy3 label, green) and its corresponding receptor region (Cy5 label, red). Using PIE, it was possible to calculate a 2D plot of FRET efficiency versus stoichiometry, that enables easy identification of subpopulations for further FRET evaluation.

Laser Combining Unit (LCU) integrating multiple picosecond laser heads for fiber-coupled excitation.

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
Relevant for Your Research​

Matching Applications & Methods​

Switcher A&M
Time-resolved photoluminescence emission spectrum showing three peaks from different semiconductor layers, illustrating layer-specific recombination dynamics.
Materials Science
Schematic illustration of quantum key distribution showing single photons exchanged between Alice and Bob while eavesdropping by Eve introduces detectable disturbances.
Quantum Optics
Technical Documentation and Data

Technical Downloads

Datasheet Sepia PDL 828

Features, specifications and applications of a multichannel picosecond diode laser driver for up to 8 laser heads

Technical Note: Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy Measurements

Coveres measurement principles, instrumentation, TCSPC detection, and applications in materials and life sciences

Technical Note: Picosecond Pulsed Laser Module for Time-Resolved Spectroscopy and Microscopy

Technical note on picosecond pulsed laser module VisIR for time-resolved spectroscopy and microscopy, including FLIM, STED imaging, and PIE-STED-FCS.

Expand Your System

Compatible Laser Heads

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

Picosecond Laser Diode Heads
Higher excitation precision
Faster data acquisition
Improved signal quality
More reliable long-term performance
Consistent output
Seamless system integration
Fiber Amplified Picosecond Laser Diode Heads
Higher excitation power
Cleaner time-domain measurements
More flexible experiment design
Reliable performance at high repetition rates
Stable output for quantitative workflows
Precise timing in synchronized setups
Sub-Nanosecond Pulsed LEDs
Improved data quality
Cleaner time-resolved measurements
Reliable excitation for quantitative workflows
Flexible design for diverse experiments
Consistent performance across wavelengths
Stable output at high rates
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