Experts in Optics: Advice needed in working with SLDs

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenges of integrating a superluminescent diode (SLD) into a rocket system, specifically regarding the need for a compact driver and temperature control unit. The user seeks advice on sourcing or constructing these components to mitigate potential threats to the SLD during testing and launch. Key considerations include the stability of the driver and the preservation of SLD lifetime, which are critical for successful operation in a non-laboratory environment. The conversation highlights the distinction between superluminescent diodes and laser diodes, emphasizing the importance of precise terminology in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of superluminescent diodes (SLDs)
  • Knowledge of driver and temperature control unit design
  • Familiarity with electronics and stability requirements for optical devices
  • Basic principles of optics and their application in non-laboratory settings
NEXT STEPS
  • Research compact driver designs for superluminescent diodes
  • Explore temperature control solutions suitable for SLD applications
  • Investigate the differences between superluminescent diodes and laser diodes
  • Review stability requirements for optical devices in aerospace environments
USEFUL FOR

Engineers and researchers working on optical systems in aerospace applications, electronics designers focusing on compact driver solutions, and anyone involved in the integration of SLDs into non-laboratory environments.

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
 
Science news on Phys.org
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