Definition of high voltage power supplies

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Photonics Dictionary

high voltage power supplies: High voltage power supplies in photonics are specialized electrical devices designed to provide a stable and adjustable high voltage output to power various photonic and optical equipment. These power supplies are crucial for operating components that require high voltage to function properly, such as certain types of lasers, photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), and other high-voltage photonic devices.

Function: High voltage power supplies convert standard electrical power into high voltage output needed for specific photonic applications. They maintain stable voltage levels to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Common features:

Voltage range: High voltage power supplies can deliver output from hundreds to thousands of volts, depending on the specific application.

Precision: These supplies offer precise voltage adjustment to fine-tune the performance of photonic devices.

Stability: Designed to maintain a stable output with minimal ripple or noise to prevent interference with sensitive measurements and operations.

Protection: Equipped with safety features such as over-voltage protection, current limiting, and short-circuit protection to ensure the safety of both the power supply and connected equipment.

Applications:

Lasers: Certain lasers, including gas lasers like CO2 lasers and excimer lasers, require high voltage to ionize the gas and produce laser light.

Photomultiplier tubes (PMTs): PMTs require high voltage to amplify weak electrical signals generated by incoming photons.

Electro-optic devices: Electro-optic modulators or tunable filters may require high voltage to modulate or control light.

Common types:

Bench-top power supplies: Designed for laboratory use with manual controls to set and adjust the output voltage.

Rack-mountable power supplies: Typically integrated into equipment racks, ideal for production environments or research facilities.

Compact high-voltage modules: Used in applications where space is limited or where a compact form factor is needed.

Importance: High voltage power supplies are vital in photonics, ensuring the proper operation of high-voltage components. They provide the necessary power for devices that rely on high voltage, enabling advanced photonic technologies and maintaining system performance and safety.