Not specified multi-function controller #4568

Overview
Meadowlark Optics liquid crystal controllers provide bench-top control and modulation for liquid crystal variable retarders and compatible LC optics. Available in analogue (standalone) and digital (interface) configurations, these controllers support laboratory and system-level applications requiring repeatable retardance states and multi-channel synchronization.

Key Features

• Benchtop control of liquid crystal variable retarders and compatible LC optics
• Analogue standalone controller and digital interface options
• USB connectivity for digital units; analogue unit supports optional battery operation

Analogue Liquid Crystal Controller
The analogue controller is designed for immediate, standalone bench operation. It provides independent voltage adjustments to select two repeatable retardance states and a manual toggle for modulation between them. Banana jacks positioned between the knobs enable continuous voltage monitoring without interrupting device connections. Each supplied liquid crystal retarder includes a measured retardance vs. voltage curve for accurate retardance-to-voltage correlation. An external power supply with international adapters is included; optional battery operation is supported for field use.

Liquid Crystal Digital Interface
The digital interface supports two independent channels with voltage and temperature sensing and control. Each channel has dedicated SMB I/O connectors and offers multiple external control options. A "set-and-go" autonomous mode allows operation without a host computer. The interface provides a 2 kHz square-wave output with amplitude modulation options (sinusoidal, square, triangle, sawtooth and transient nematic effect waveforms). The included CellDRIVE 5000 software enables multi-cell control and provides a separate sync output per channel.

Digital Interface Package Contents (summary)

• Controller unit
• Front-panel SMB I/O connectors
• User manual
• USB cable
• Power supply and power cable
• Temperature sensing and control capability
• CellDRIVE 5000 software
• National Instruments LabVIEW virtual instrument drivers

Applications

• Benchtop control and modulation of liquid crystal retarders
• Laboratory experiments requiring repeatable retardance states
• Systems requiring synchronized or modulated LC control across multiple channels

Technical specifications

• Controller types: Analogue (standalone benchtop) and Digital Interface (CellDRIVE 5000 control)
• Analogue controller: independent voltage adjustment for two selectable retardance states; manual toggle modulation; banana jacks for voltage monitoring
• Digital interface: two independent channels with voltage and temperature sensing and control; SMB I/O connectors per channel; set-and-go autonomous operation
• Digital output: 2 kHz square wave; amplitude modulation with sinusoidal, square, triangle, sawtooth and transient nematic effect waveforms
• Included software: CellDRIVE 5000 for multi-cell control and sync outputs
• Included drivers: NI LabVIEW virtual instrument drivers
• Power options: external power supply included; analogue controller supports optional battery operation; international adapters included
• Calibration: each LC retarder supplied with measured retardance vs. voltage plot for accurate correlation