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MEET YOUR DRIVERS.

The Dark Matter Series offers a range of high-performance laser driver PCBs, each engineered for a specific role in your optical arsenal. From ultra-compact modules to full-scale control systems, every board in the series delivers mission-grade stability, precision current control, and seamless hardware integration. Whether you're driving DB9 laser diodes, butterfly packages, or impact spec assemblies, the Dark Matter Series provides you with a hardened, scalable foundation built for scientific, industrial, and rugged-grade applications. Each unit features USB-C connectivity, intuitive interface options, and form factors optimized for plug-and-play deployment — ready to bring power and precision to your photonics system.

Circuit board with green, blue, and white components, with yellow text overlay saying 'UNKNOWN LABS' and small text 'Dark Matter VEX'.

DARK MATTER VEX

Ultra-Compact. Universal DB9 Control.

Dark Matter VEX is your elite-level DB9 laser diode driver. It features a minimal footprint, ideal for space-constrained optical setups, while offering high-precision control. VEX delivers reliable current, responsive thermal regulation, and plug-and-play simplicity in a rugged, field-ready form. Equipped with USB-C, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, VEX interfaces seamlessly with the Unknown Labs control platform, allowing real-time configuration and remote monitoring. Despite its compact size, it retains full DB9 functionality and protocol support.

    • TEC Output: 3.75V Max @ <5A — efficient, low-noise thermal control

    • Laser Diode Output: 1.9V Max @ <1.4A — precision-regulated LD supply

    • Interface: USB-C, RESET, Power — clean and accessible connectivity

    • Form Factor: DB9 port — compact, direct-connect architecture

    • Dimensions: 72mm × 40mm — micro-scale integration, macro-level control

    • FAN+ (Reserved)

    • TEC–

    • LD–

    • Thermal Resistor

    • TEC+

    • FAN– (Reserved)

    • (Empty)

    • LD+

    • Thermal Resistor

For Commercial Customers Only:

DARK MATTER APEX

Control the Core. Command the Chaos.

Command-Grade. Multi-Channel Control. Engineered for Total Laser Domination.

Dark Matter APEX is the strategic core of the Dark Matter Series — a large-format, multi-channel laser driver designed for advanced spectrometry, automation, and control. Fitted with USB-C (40 Gb/s), Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, APEX serves as a smart, connected control hub capable of handling high-speed data, remote operation and precision laser regulation across multiple channels. Every circuit is isolated and optimized for low-noise, high-reliability performance, with dedicated ports for lasers, TECs, relays, and kill-switch logic. Seamlessly integrated with the Unknown Labs interface, APEX provides real-time monitoring, diagnostics and control — whether you're in the lab or deployed in the field.

  • USB-C Hub: Integrated 40 Gb/s port — optimized for spectrometer and data hardware

    Dimensions: 90mm × 85mm — expanded layout, industrial-grade routing

    Dedicated Circuitry: Isolated paths for each laser and relay — precision meets protection

    Connection Ports (All JST 2.0mm Pitch)

    12V TEC – 2-pin

    5V TEC – 2-pin

    5V Laser Driver – 2-pin

    12V Laser Driver – 2-pin

    12V Relay Control – 2-pin

    5V Relay Control – 2-pin

    Kill Switch Input – 2-pin

    Signal Bus – 4-pin: 2× Signal, 1× Ground, 1× VCC

    • FAN + (Reserved)

    • TEC –

    • LD –

    • Thermal Resistor

    • TEC +

    • FAN – (Reserved)

    • (Empty)

    • LD +

    • Thermal Resistor

For Commercial Customers Only:

DARK MATTER OVERWATCH

Stripped Down. Locked In. Always On.

Dark Matter OVERWATCH is built for the most unforgiving conditions—where failure is fatal. Designed with a singular purpose, OVERWATCH strips away all non-essential components to deliver pure, laser power with unshakable reliability. There are no wireless connections, no digital interfaces and no distractions. Just a rugged, multiple fail safe, battery-efficient system engineered to operate in isolation, under pressure and without hesitation. Meant for critical applications.

OVERWATCH keeps your system alive when everything else shuts down.

Keep It Simple. Make it Known.