Experts in Optics: Advice needed in working with SLDs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of superluminescent diodes (SLDs) in a rocket project, specifically focusing on the need for a small driver and temperature control unit to ensure the SLD's functionality and longevity in a challenging environment. The scope includes practical applications and technical considerations related to electronics and optics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks advice on sourcing or creating a small driver and temperature control unit for an SLD used in a rocket, emphasizing the need for sufficient stability without requiring lab-grade precision.
  • Another participant questions the relevance of the inquiry to optics, suggesting it may be more related to electronics.
  • A participant provides a link to a product page for laser diodes, prompting a discussion about the differences between laser diodes and superluminescent diodes.
  • There is a request for clarification on what specific "threats" to the SLD the original poster is concerned about.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus; there are differing views on the relevance of the discussion to optics versus electronics, and there is confusion regarding the terminology used (SLDs vs. laser diodes).

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the specific threats to the SLD and the implications of using laser diodes instead of superluminescent diodes. The discussion reflects varying levels of understanding and assumptions about the devices in question.

Nicholas moore
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I'm working on a project which will involve placing a superluminescent diode in a rocket, which will get launched in desert (obviously the SLD is just part of a greater system, the objective is not the operation of an SLD)
What I need to know is if you think I could make, or where I can track down and buy, a small driver and temperature control unit to avoid all the different kinds of impending threats to an SLD.

Typically these devices for powering and monitoring the SLD are large, because the SLD is used in a lab setting, because preserving SLD lifetime is an important design parameter, and because stability of the driver impacts lab measurements; so in your answer keep in mind that the driver stability only needs to be good enough and that the SLD only needs to last through a couple dozen tests until the summer when the rocket gets launched.

Optimistic, and perhaps naive,
Thank you,
-N
 
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This looks more related to electronics rather than optics

Nicholas moore said:
What I need to know is if you think I could make, or where I can track down and buy, a small driver and temperature control unit to avoid all the different kinds of impending threats to an SLD.

what " threats " have you envisioned ?Dave
 
Nicholas moore said:
These ones: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=1832
(In the "LD guide" tab)

OK so what do you really want to know about ?

your title and OP talk about super luminous diodes

your link speaks of laser diodes
There is somewhat of a difference between the two

so what googling have you done on SLD's since that was your initial quest ?

Dave