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Thread: Opto Isolators

  1. #1
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    Default Opto Isolators

    I am modifying a flash lamp pumped dye laser by removing the complex controller board and replacing it with a simpler timing circuit. The existing firing mechanism is a large trigger transformer in series with the storage capacitors. This transformer is in turn driven by a pulsed power supply that is switched through an optically isolated circuit. I'm sure that the 30cm of plastic fiber between the source on the decommissioned board and the photo diode on the trigger's pulsed power supply is designed to isolate the high voltages from the main control board. I would like to retain this protection, but I do not know how to determine what kind of an optical pulse is necessary to drive this isolator. Can I drive, with my timer, a small red or infrared laser, or a white or red LED, etc? I could experiment, but if anyone who has some knowledge sees this and says "This is simple, really simple! All you have to do is..." I would appreciate it.

  2. #2
    mixedgas's Avatar
    mixedgas is offline Creaky Old Award Winning Bastard Technologist
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    Default

    They use IR leds for that. A 300 mW IR led is 99 cents. Is it a 1 mm core plastic fiber with a black plastic jacket? If so, I know what the sender is and they are all over EBAY from time to time.

    http://i-fiberoptics.com/fiber-optic-leds.php You probably want the led with the screw on cap that clamps the fiber.

    Otherwise the sensor is silicon and any really bright light will do.

    Steve
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  3. #3
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    Steve
    Thanks. I'll try one of these 110mW LEDs.

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