Datasheet

Chapter 1: Overview
1.3. Starter kit
The purpose of the Starter Kit is to readily operate an ALPES LASERS QCL. The
user must provide an external power supply; see section 3.1 for prerequisites and
section 1.4 for recommended peripherals. The kit is delivered with all cables needed
to connect the LLH or HHL housing, electronic devices (TCU, LDD and TPG for pulsed
operation), power cables and connections for optional water cooling. The installation
and connections of the Starter Kit components are described in chapter 3.
CW mode
The Starter Kit shown in figure 1.7 is meant to operate QCLs in CW mode. It consists
of the following elements, which are described in dedicated subsections:
• Temperature Controller Unit (TCU), section 1.3.1
• CIL and CTL or CTLm cables for laser driver and TCU, section 3.3
Figure 1.7.: Starter Kit for CW mode operation, shown with laser driver (not included
in the Starter Kit).
Note: a CW QCL is very sensitive to electrical surges and instabilities as any con-
ventional bipolar laser diode (telecom NIR laser). It is necessary to use a good quality
power supply; see section 1.4 for recommended peripherals.
8 QCL user’s manual v3.0