A Low-Cost Picosecond Laser Module for Time-Resolved Optical Sensing Applications

A low-cost and low-power laser driver capable of delivering picosecond optical pulses is presented. Pulsewidth in the 150-350 ps range and pulse energies between 2 and 12 pJ with a maximum repetition frequency of 160 MHz were obtained from several laser diodes with different wavelengths and power ratings. The laser driver can be used in combination with integrated single-photon detectors in time-resolved optical sensing applications.