0008 Visible Light Oscilloscope Probe

I describe the design and breadboard construction of a visible light probe for an oscilloscope that is useful for measuring light waveforms such as flicker from LEDs, florescent, and incandescent lights. It can measure fast switching light waveforms from LED lights and photo strobes (flashes). It as also useful for measuring the output waveforms of infrared remote controls.

I go over my initial design specifications, how I chose the key components, and the details of how the circuit works. I go over the input offset sampling noise of zero-drift operational amplifiers (op-amps) and show how that effects circuit performance.

I demonstrate measurement of the fast switching light waveform from an underwater flashlight, the measurement of a IR remote control, and the flicker waveforms from a LED and florescent light.

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