Open source laser attenuator controller
Created by: The M3 Learning Group
All designs and code by: Ryan Forelli
- 1x Custom PCB
- 1x A4988 stepper motor drivers
- 1x ATmega328P AVR microcontroller
- 1x Male & female pin header set
- 1x through hole pushbutton
- 1x 16 MHz crystal oscillator
- 2x 22pF ceramic capacitors
- 1x 10uF electrolytic capacitor
- 1x 100uF electrolytic capacitor
- 2x 100nF capacitors
- 3x 10k through-hole resistor
- 1x Assorted solid-core jumper wires
- 1x Standoffs (optional)
- 1x Custom back plate (optional)
- 1x USB to TTL Adapter
- 1x PN2222 transistor
- 1x 1N400X series diode
- 1x 5V SRD-05VDC-SL-C relay
- 1x CH330N USB to serial chip (optional if using USB to TTL Adapter)
- 1x 5.5x2.1 DC power port
- 1x USB type B female port
Our open source PCB and firmware can be used to control an attenuator controller to adjust the power output of a laser for applications such as pulsed laser deposition. The program attenuator_control.exe can be used to communicate with the ATmega328p microcontroller to control the attenuator. The LabVIEW and C++ source code is available in the repository.
- Supply PCB with 5V from USB to TTL Adapter.
- Supply stepper motor controller and relay with 24V.