DigiLock 110: Digital Locking

Digital laser locking module

  • FPGA-based laser locking: Fast & flexible
  • Fully digital and computer controlled
  • Fast response, high bandwidth
  • Multiple PIDs, Lock In, Pound-Drever-Hall, FFT, network analysis
  • Click & Lock, Auto- & ReLock, response, simulation

TOPTICAs DigiLock 110 is the versatile solution for laser control, stabilization, characterization & analysis. Its digital nature makes it easy to use, flexible and intelligent. The FPGA based hardware allows for high bandwidth and flexibility, and with its clever software one has the overview, but can go into every tiny detail if need be.

Application Note - Phase and Frequency Locking of Diode Lasers

The DigiLock 110 features multiple digital controllers. PID parameters, bandwidths, etc. can be digitally entered. The user can easily go back to well proven parameter sets and change parameters in well defined steps. With the parameters given, the DigiLock can calculate the controller frequency response in amplitude and phase and visualize it – a useful tool in optimizing locking performance, especially in conjunction with spectrum and network analysis.
The DigiLock 110 AutoLock feature controls multiple PIDs and the analog P simultaneously. It scans the laser to the desired lock point, and enables all PIDs at the right moment. The DigiLock can detect a correct lock through several means, allow a lock only under certain circumstances and try to relock in a well defined and controlled way once it does fall out of lock. This intelligence makes locking lasers a lot more comfortable and maximizes measurement time for the user.
The DigiLock 110 module supports the user in many ways. When optimizing laser locking parameters, it is useful to see, how the spectrum of the error signal looks like. The DigiLock can not only display time signals, but it can also display the spectrum of a signal. Oscillations can be easily detected and residual laser noise analyzed. Also, the frequency response of the actuators in the laser play an important role when choosing corner, modulation and filter frequencies. DigiLock offers network analysis functions for determining actuator bandwidth and resonance frequencies.