Compact embedded device for lock-in measurements and experiment active control

Abstract: We present a multi-purpose toolkit for digital processing, acquisition and feedback control designed for physics labs. The kit provides in a compact device the functionalities of several instruments: function generator, oscilloscope, lock-in amplifier, proportional-integral-derivative filters, Ramp scan generator and a Lock-control. The design combines Field-Programmable-Gate-Array processing and microprocessor programing to get precision, ease of use and versatility. It can be remotely operated through the network with different levels of control: from simple out-of-the-shelve Web GUI to remote script control or in-device programmed operation. Three example applications are presented in this work on laser spectroscopy and laser locking experiments. The examples includes side-fringe locking, peak locking through lock-in demodulation, complete in-device Pound-Drever-Hall modulation and demodulation at 31.25 MHz and advanced acquisition examples like real-time data streaming for remote storage.