- PLM
Peak Lock Module
- Fully integrated error signal generation package - RF source, detector interface, mixer, and filters in a single solution
- Provides a dedicated error signal output for easy integration with an external laser servo controller
- Ideal for all forms of top-of-peak locking; PDH, MTS, FM demodulation
- Built-in low-pass filter options (200kHz, 3MHz, 10MHz, or no filter)
- Fully adjustable demodulation phase (0.1° steps)
- Large dynamic range on output power (up to +21dBm into 50Ω), suitable for driving low-Vπ modulators or lasers directly
- Complete digital interface, controllable via USB
- Simple, intuitive GUI
Description
The Santec Peak Lock Module (PLM) is our comprehensive solution for error signal generation, designed for precision laser frequency stabilisation via modulation-based locking techniques such as Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) and FM demodulation locking. Combining a tunable RF source, low-noise adjustable gain stages, phase-sensitive demodulation, and configurable low-pass filtering into a compact platform, the PLM provides all the essential tools required for high-performance, low-noise locking systems.
The PLM is a flexible, self-contained solution capable of directly driving Santec electro-optic modulators or laser current modulation inputs, making it easy to integrate into a wide range of experimental setups, from locking a resonant SHG cavity to the fundamental laser, to FM demodulation locking with Santec's digital DLC.
Applications
- PDH locking to optical cavities
- Modulation transfer spectroscopy of atomic transitions
- FM demodulation of saturated absorption spectroscopy signals
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Performance | |
| RF frequency range | 500kHz - 100MHz (10kHz steps) | |
| Max RF output power | +21dBm into 50Ω | |
| Phase control | 0° - 360°, 0.1° steps | |
| Photodetector input gain | –10dB to 20dB | |
| Error signal output | Up to +10dBm into 50Ω | |
| Low-pass filter options | 200kHz, 3MHz, 10MHz, no filter | |
| Connectivity | USB-C (digital control), SMA (RF out, PD in, error out) | |
| Dimensions | 150 × 75 × 36.5mm (W×H×D), 722g |
System Integration
The PLM is designed to drop straight into Santec's laser and cavity platforms, acting as the error-signal front end between the optical system and the servo controller.