> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.axsun.com/axsun-knowledge-base/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.axsun.com/axsun-knowledge-base/api-references/axsunoctcontrol.dll.md).

# AxsunOCTControl.NET

## Background

***AxsunOCTControl.NET*** is a Windows-only .NET assembly that communicates with the microcontroller firmware running on Axsun SS-OCT devices (e.g. [Laser Engine](/axsun-knowledge-base/ref-manual/ss-oct-laser-engine.md), [Camera Link DAQ](/axsun-knowledge-base/ref-manual/cameralink-daq-board.md), [Ethernet/PCIe DAQ](/axsun-knowledge-base/ref-manual/gigabit-ethernet-daq-board.md)) through [OCT Host](/axsun-knowledge-base/software-tools/oct-host.md), the [Hardware Control Tool](/axsun-knowledge-base/software-tools/hardware-control-tool.md), or a custom client application integrating this AxsunOCTControl.NET API.

Some basic user functions of the AxsunOCTControl.NET library (or simply the "**Control.NET** library") include:

* Connect to a Laser Engine using USB
* Enable & disable Laser emission
* Set electronic K-clock delay
* Operate a [motorized variable delay line](/axsun-knowledge-base/how-tos/operating-a-variable-delay-line.md)

Some advanced user functions and field service functions of the Control.NET library include:

* Connect to EDAQ using Ethernet (TCP/IP) or connect to Laser Engine using Serial/RS-232
* Read diagnostic parameters from a device for troubleshooting
* Upgrade device firmware
* Configure device power-on default settings

AxsunOCTControl.NET is written in C# and requires the Microsoft .NET Framework on Windows 10/11.  It is also compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8, but is not formally tested/supported on these older OS versions.

## Relationship to other Axsun Libraries

### AxsunOCTControl\_LW

[AxsunOCTControl\_LW](/axsun-knowledge-base/api-references/axsunoctcontrol-lightweight.md) is an alternative to the AxsunOCTControl.NET library.  AxsunOCTControl\_LW provides a similar set of user functions as Control.NET, but does not require the Microsoft .NET Framework and therefore supports easier integration across OS platforms (Windows & Linux) and easier integration into projects other than those coded in C# or languages with direct .NET bindings.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**WARNING:**  AxsunOCTControl\_LW is intended to be used **instead of** the Control.NET library.  Do not attempt to use both libraries concurrently in your client application or open multiple GUI tools based on these libraries concurrently.
{% endhint %}

### AxsunOCTCapture

The [AxsunOCTCapture](/axsun-knowledge-base/api-references/axsunoctcapture.dll.md) library captures the high-bandwidth image stream from an Axsun [Ethernet/PCIe DAQ board](/axsun-knowledge-base/ref-manual/gigabit-ethernet-daq-board.md) and provides additional image management and display functionality.  It is intended to be used **concurrently with** AxsunOCTControl\_LW (or Control.NET in some circumstances) for operating the Axsun [Ethernet/PCIe DAQ board](/axsun-knowledge-base/ref-manual/gigabit-ethernet-daq-board.md).