ICE BLOC LB-4

  • Quantum
  • Computing
  • Sensing
  • Timing

Four channel digital lock controller

A four-channel digital controller for stabilisation of lasers to external narrow-linewidth references operated via our simple to use Ice Bloc user interface.

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The Ice Bloc LB-4 is a digital lock controller designed for stabilisation of laser systems, containing four PID loops with optional demodulation at loop bandwidths up to 3 MHz. The highly-configurable FPGA-based control algorithm provides flexibility for use with a wide array of applications such as quantum experiments, laser linewidth narrowing, frequency stabilisation, and many more.

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APPLICATIONS

  • Quantum Sensing
  • Quantum Timing
  • Quantum Computing

Laser lock techniques including:

  • Side-of-fringe
  • Top-of-fringe
  • Pound-Drever-Hall

CONTROL

A dedicated control system sets all of the system parameters (eg. gain, termination, coefficients, modulation frequency) through an intuitive user interface on a web browser.

  • Easy-to-use control software provides complete configuration of loop parameters
  • Remote control is also provided via TCP/IP commands
  • Software provides control of locking points and stability thresholds
  • Real-time monitoring of inputs and outputs.

FEATURES

  • FPGA based digital controller with 3 MHz loop bandwidth
  • Four channels with independent or linked inputs, outputs and modulation control
  • Each channel has standard and inverted inputs and are switchable voltage or current mode
  • Each voltage input has bandwidth 3.9 MHz without demodulation or 50 MHz with demodulation, sampling speed 15 MSps at 16 bit resolution and has programmable range ±10 V, ±2 V, ±0.2 V } and 50 Ω or 10 kΩ input impedance
  • Each current input has bandwidth up to 2.5 MHz, sampling speed 15 MSps at 16 bit resolution and has programmable transimpedance gain 200 V/A to 20 kV/A with selectable 50 Ω shunt impedance
  • Each modulation channel has frequency range 2.5 kHz to 50 MHz with amplitude range ±10 V (Hi-Z) or ±5 V (50 Ω) at 100 mA drive capability. Either on an external connector or internally connected to the main control output
  • Each channel output is 16 bit with range ±10 V (Hi-Z) or ±5 V (50 Ω) — Four general digital I/O channels for using as lock indication or lock hold control
  • Four auxiliary analogue inputs
  • Four monitor outputs with programmable signal selection — High voltage piezo drive outputs are a future option

Specifications

PRIMARY INPUTS
NUMBER OF CHANNELS 4 (normal and inverting signal)
MODES Voltage, Current
RANGESSelectable ±10 V, ±2 V, ±0.2 V (Voltage) Selectable 200 V/A to 20 kV/A in 256 steps (Current)
RESOLUTION16bit
SAMPLING RATE 15 Msamples per second
INPUT BANDWIDTH Voltage
±10 V
±2 V
±0.2 V

Current
200 V/A
20 kV/A
 ADC Bandwith
3.9 MHz
3.9 MHz
3.9 MHz

2.5 MHz
170 kHz
 Modulation Bandwidth
12 MHz
50 MHz
20 MHz

2.5 MHz
170 kHz
INPUT IMPEDANCESelectable 50 Ω, 10 kΩ (Voltage)
OUTPUTS
NUMBER OF CHANNELS4
AMPLITUDE RANGE±10 V (into Hi-Z) ±5 V (into 50 Ω)
CAPABILITY100 mA
RESOLUTION16 bit (subject to testing)
Update Rate15 Msamples per second
MODULATION
NUMBER OF CHANNELS4
FREQUENCY RANGE2.5 kHz to 50 MHz
FREQUENCY STEP56 mHz
AMPLITUDE RANGE 50 Ω load
< 10 MHz
10 to 50 MHz Amplitude
±5 V
±1 V
AMPLITUDE STEP 0.1 % (10 bit)
OPTIONSSelectable separate output / superimpose on main output
CONTROL LOOPS
NUMBER OF INDEPENDENT LOOPS4
MAXIMUM UPDATE RATE15 MHz
MAXIMUM BANDWIDTH ASSUMING TOTAL OF 1 M CABLE FOR SENSOR AND ACTUATOR. 3 MHz (subject to testing)
CONTROLLER TYPES Configurable PI, PD, PID
OTHER
GENERAL PURPOSE DIGITAL I/O CHANNELS4
AUXILIARY ANALOGUE INPUT CHANNELS4
MONITOR OUTPUT CHANNELS4 each with user selectable signals
FUTURE EXPANSION TO DEDICATED MODULESHDMI connector with proprietary digital interface
ENVIRONMENTAL
CONNECTORSMCX
ICE BLOC CONTROLLERHalf rack (203 mm) x 2U (89 mm) x 345 mm (8” x 3.5” x 13.6”)
AC POWER90 to 264 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz, 5 A at 90 VAC, 2 A at 230 VAC

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