Abstract: This Application Brief is an outline of the detailed information that can be found in the complete version of HFDN (High Frequency Design Note) 028.0. HFDN-028.0 explains in detail how optical measurements were performed, and provides guidelines for interfacing the MAX3701 blue laser driver with the blue/violet laser. Figure 1. Optical output of a blue/violet laser driven by the MAX3701. Background and Purpose Optical measurements of the MAX3701 driving a blue/violet laser diode were performed prior to the release of the MAX3701 in October of 2003. These measurements verified that the MAX3701 is capable of driving the blue/violet laser with rise/fall times of ≤1ns and overshoot <9% as shown in Figure 1. This Application Brief is an outline of the detailed information that can be found in the complete version of HFDN (High Frequency Design Note) 28.0. HFDN-28.0 explains in detail how optical measurements were performed, and provides guidelines for interfacing the MAX3701 with the blue/violet laser. The complete version of HFDN-28.0 can be obtained by request from the following link: MAX3701 datasheet. Topics include: Optical Evaluation Printed Circuit Board Materials and layout of the MAX3701 optical evaluation board Schematic diagram of the laser interface Connections and geometry of transmission lines Optical Test Equipment Optical test equipment setup Mounting information, including thermal heat sink Fiber optic patch cable alignment Optical-to-electrical converter Oscilloscope-recorded waveforms of blue/violet laser driver optical output Performance Optimization Parasitic elements Reducing overshoot and ringing on rising and falling edges Minimizing inductance Decreasing the Rise/Fall Time Optical rise and fall times limitations Analysis and performance relationships We Want Your Feedback! Automatic Updates Would you like to be automatically notified when new application notes are published in your areas of interest? Sign up for EE-Mail™. More Information   APP 2934: Dec 18, 2003 MAX3701 2x Blue Laser Driver with Sample and Hold   Download, PDF Format (29kB)  AN2934, AN 2934, APP2934, Appnote2934, Appnote 2934