/pdh_servo_v2

A servo controller for locking lasers to high-finesse cavities

Primary LanguageKiCad LayoutMIT LicenseMIT

PDH servo v2

pdh_servo_v2 is a servo controller for locking lasers to high finesse optical cavities using the Pound-Drever-Hall technique. The board features the following:

  • A PI^2D controller for > 1MHz locking bandwidth.
  • Microcontroller controlled analog switches to turn the servo as well as the integrator switches on and off.
  • Auto relocking sequence that detects when laser is out of lock, starts scanning the laser frequency to find resonance and re-engages the servo when the laser is in the capture region of the lock.
  • WiFi enabled microcontroller for remote monitoring and control.

Pics of the assembled PCB and box:

Assembled board Servo box

This repository is arranged as follows:

  • /kicad: board schmetic and pcb layout files
  • /kicad/gerber/: gerber and drill files sent out to the PCB manufacturer
  • /code/microcontroller: Particle photon controller code
  • /qucs: Qucs simulation of the servo transfer function
  • /docs: Bill of materials and misc. notes on board design.