THORLABS MNA601/IR User Manual
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THORLABS MNA601/IR User Manual

THORLABS MNA601/IR User Manual

Nanotrak control module
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MNA601/IR
NanoTrak Control Module
User Guide
Original Instructions

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  • Page 1 MNA601/IR NanoTrak Control Module User Guide Original Instructions...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Contents Chapter 1 For Your Safety ................4 1.1 Safety Information ...................4 1.2 General Warnings ...................4 Chapter 2 Overview ..................5 2.1 APT Rack System Description ..............5 2.1.1 Introduction ......................5 2.1.2 Building Larger Scale Systems ................5 2.1.3 Ease of Use ......................5 2.2 Software ....................6 2.2.1 Background ......................
  • Page 3 Appendix B Specifications and Associated Parts ........40 Appendix C Associated Products ...............40 Appendix D NanoTrak Control Method Summary ........41 Appendix E Using the Piezo Controller ............45 Appendix F Principles of Operation ............50 Appendix G Regulatory ................58 Appendix H Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ..........63...

  • Page 4: Chapter 1 For Your Safety

    To minimize the possibility of this happening it is strongly recommended that any such modes that result in prolonged unresponsiveness be disabled before the APT software is run. Please consult your system administrator or contact Thorlabs technical support for more details.

  • Page 5: Chapter 2 Overview

    2.1 APT Rack System Description 2.1.1 Introduction Thorlabs has an extensive range of one-, two- and three-axis controllers for stepper motor and piezo actuator control. Increasingly, production of optoelectronic components requires fully automated or semiautomated control of a large number of mechanical stages.

  • Page 6: Software

    Typically, such positioning sequences require a series of descrete movements and measurements to implement an overall solution The mechanical stage options and drive electronics offered by Thorlabs are ideally suited to performing all of these individual steps in a variety of different ways.

  • Page 7: Apt Server (Activex Controls)

    NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller APTConfig. APT Server is the main software 'engine' that runs on the host PC to provide all necessary APT services such as generation of sophisticated graphical instrument panels, multiple unit USB communications and multithreaded execution to enhance system operation and prevent GUI deadlock. Rather than a single monolithic entity, the APT Server is actually an interoperating collection of ActiveX Controls (or simply Controls) together with associated support files and libraries.
  • Page 8 Chapter 2 operations to be automated by a client application. The instrument panel reflects the current operating state of the controller unit to which it is associated (e.g. such as relative power). Updates to the panel take place automatically when a user (client) application is making software calls into the same Control.

  • Page 9: Apt User.exe

    NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller 2.2.3 APT User.exe The APTUser application allows the user to interact with a number of APT hardware control units connected to the host PC. This program displays multiple graphical instrument panels to allow multiple APT units to be controlled simultaneously. All basic operating parameters can be altered and, similarly, all operations (such as motor moves) can be initiated.

  • Page 10: Apt Config Utility

    2.3 NanoTrak Autoalignment Description 2.3.1 Introduction The APT Modular NanoTrak Controller is available for use with the Thorlabs APT Modular Motion Control System and represents the latest development in automated optical alignment technology. It combines an intelligent active-feedback alignment control system and a two channel piezoelectric controller into a single plug-in unit.

  • Page 11: Nanotrak System Architecture

    NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller 2.3.2 NanoTrak System Architecture The modular NanoTrak unit comprises a PIN photodiode and transimpedance amplifier, an adjustable (proportional and integral) servo control loop, and a dual channel HV amplifier output circuit for driving two piezo actuators connected to a positioning stage.

  • Page 12: Rear Panel Connections

    Chapter 2 2.3.5 Rear Panel Connections SIG IN LV OUT LV OUT HV OUT HV OUT OPTICAL/PIN DRIVE CHANNEL 1 DRIVE CHANNEL 2 Model No. MNA601 PIEZO IN PIEZO IN USER I/O Fig. 2.1 Rear panel connections OPTICAL/PIN I/P - SMB connector – used to receive a signal from a PIN diode, as incorporated in external detector heads.

  • Page 13: Detector Heads And Cables

    A range of connectors are available which simply plug into the connector on the rear panel. The MNA601/IR NanoTrak is supplied with an Infra Red InGaAs photodiode, and a standard SMB connector for use with external detector heads which incorporate a PIN (p-type/intrinsic/n-type) diode.

  • Page 14: Chapter 3 Set Up And Operation

    Chapter 3 Set Up and Operation 3.1 Introduction The functionality required for a client application to control a number of NanoTrak units is provided by the NanoTrak Control Object within the APT server, with manual operation being facilitated via a GUI panel (see Section 3.5.1.). Instances of this ActiveX control can be dragged from the toolbox in the development software.

  • Page 15: Software Installation And Upgrade

    If you experience any problems when installing software, contact Thorlabs on +44 (0)1353 654440 and ask for Technical Support. DO NOT CONNECT THE CONTROLLER TO YOUR PC YET 1) Go to Services/Downloads at www.thorlabs.com and download the APT software.

  • Page 16: Assigning A Serial Number

    Chapter 3 5) If using real hardware, ensure that Simulator Mode is disabled. If using a simulated setup, enable Simulator Mode and set up a ‘Simulated Configuration’ - see the APTConfig helpfile for detailed instructuions. 6) Begin using the APT hardware. 3.4 Assigning a Serial Number Every hardware unit is factory programmed with a unique 8-digit serial number.

  • Page 17: Manual Operation - Nanotrak

    NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller 3.5 Manual Operation - NanoTrak 3.5.1 Description of GUI Panel Controls Fig. 3.1 NanoTrak Software GUI...
  • Page 18 Chapter 3 The software drivers consist of several ‘Objects’, which in turn contain ‘Methods’ and ‘Properties’. The ‘NanoTrak’ object contains the methods which facilitate the programmed operation of the unit. The methods are used to perform such tasks as setting the circle diameter and position, returning the value of optical power input, setting scan frequency and phase offset, and setting Latch or Track mode.
  • Page 19 NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller If ‘dB’ is selected, readings are displayed or returned in dBs. The signal is first converted to Watts according to the calibration factor, and then into dB. Consequently, this conversion is also wavelength dependent. If a BNC input is connected (input source is set to a BNC mode using the SetInputSrc method), the display can be configured to display 'V', '%' or 'User'.
  • Page 20 Chapter 3 Latch - push button control used to set the NanoTrak to latch mode, whereby scanning is disabled and the piezo drives are held at their present position. The LED in the button is lit when selected. Tracking indicator - lit when the NanoTrak is tracking and measuring feedback signal levels above a software threshold set using the SetTrakThreshold method or the Settings button.

  • Page 21: Nanotrak Settings Window

    NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller setpoint determined by the NanoTrak algorithm. This is not an advised mode of operation when Nanotraking, where it is more usual to operate the HV output channels in open loop mode. Loop Gain - displays the gain setting for the NanoTrak control loop. The gain can be set either by entering a value in the 'Settings' panel or by calling the SetLoopGain method.
  • Page 22 Chapter 3 Tracking tab Fig. 3.2 NanoTrak Settings panel - Tracking Tab Circle User Diameter - the diameter of the scanning cicle (in NanoTrak units). The circle diameter is measured on a scale such that 10 units is the width and height of the screen.
  • Page 23 NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller When automatic LUT diameter adjustment mode is enabled (using the Diameter Mode parameter or by calling the SetCircDiaMode method), the system uses values in this LUT to modify circle diameter in relation to the input range currently selected. This LUT diameter adjustment mode allows appropriate circle diameters to be applied on an application specific basis.
  • Page 24 Chapter 3 Input/Output tab Fig. 3.3 NanoTrak Settings panel - Input/Output Tab Input Signal Input Signal Source - the input source can be set to PIN (TIA) or a range of BNC voltage inputs. The PIN (TIA) Input option should be used when NanoTraking to optimise a PIN current feedback signal.
  • Page 25 NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller If dB is selected, readings are displayed or returned in decibels. The signal is first converted to watts according to the calibration factor specified in the A/W Calibration parameter, and then into dB. A/W Calibration - the Amp:Watt calibration factor used when Watts or dBs is specified in the PIN Units Mode parameter.
  • Page 26 Chapter 3 NanoTrak Screen tab Fig. 3.4 NanoTrak Settings panel - NanoTrak Screen Tab Sometimes, it may be useful to explore the area of interest by manually repositioning the two piezos driven by the NanoTrak. If desired, the NanoTrak circle can be positioned by using the mouse. This feature allows manual repositioning of the piezos, e.g.
  • Page 27 NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller Note This setting affects only the NanoTrak screen and not the main 'Settings' display. If 'Microns' is selected and no piezo actuators are connected, the system sets automatically the increment size to be the micron equivalent of 1 NT unit, e.g. for a 20µm piezo travel, the increment would be set to 2µm.
  • Page 28 Chapter 3 If All Ranges is selected, the unit visits all ranges when ranging between two input signal levels. If Odd Ranges (or Even Ranges) is selected, only those odd (or even) numbered ranges between the two input signals levels will be visited. These latter two modes are useful when large rapid input signal fluctuations are anticipated.
  • Page 29 NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller HV Amps Tab Fig. 3.8 NanoTrak Settings panel - HV Amps tab This panel is used to set the output characteristics of the HV amplifier channels fitted to the NanoTrak unit. Both low pass filtering and current control settings can be made to tailor the piezo output drive to a particular application.

  • Page 30: Programmed Nanotrak Operation

    AC Strain Gauge - The AC Strain Gauge mode refers to the use of AC excited strain gauge feedback signals as generated by the complete range of Thorlabs piezo actuators and piezo equipped multi axis stages. All versions of the APT NanoTrak electronics support this feedback mode.

  • Page 31: Using An External Power Meter

    NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller Note If the circle reaches the edge of the display, this means that the piezo actuators cannot move far enough to reach the position of maximum power. The horizontal and vertical actuators should be adjusted to bring the circle away from the edge of the screen –...

  • Page 32: Using Two Nanotraks In The Same System

    Chapter 3 3.6.3 Using Two NanoTraks in the Same System The NanoTrak scanning process uses a single frequency (and a highly selective discriminator similar to a radio receiver) and it is possible to use more than one NanoTrak controller in a single optical path (and with a single detector). For example, with two control units set to different scanning frequencies (e.g.30 Hz and 50 Hz) it is possible to couple fibers both into (master NanoTrak) and out of (slave NanoTrak) an integrated optical device such as a waveguide –...
  • Page 33 NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller O/P piezo drive connections SIG IN LV OUT LV OUT HV OUT HV OUT OPTICAL/PIN DRIVE CHANNEL 1 DRIVE CHANNEL 2 PIEZO IN PIEZO IN USER I/O slave NanoTrak connection (from pin 26 [signal] and pin 25 [ground/earth]) I/P piezo drive connections SIG IN LV OUT...

  • Page 34: Chapter 4 Installation And Maintenance

    4.1 Mechanical Installation 4.1.1 Siting The NanoTrak control module is intended for installation in the Midi Rack as part of the Thorlabs APT Modular Motion Control System. Full installation instructions are contained in the handbook HA 0117 APT Modular Rack Handbook. Caution When siting the unit, it should be positioned so as not to impede the operation of the rear panel power supply switch.

  • Page 35: Electrical Installation

    NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller 4.2 Electrical Installation 4.2.1 Electrical Connections Warning High voltages may be present at the rear panel terminals. Ensure that the power is switched off before making or breaking any electrical connections. In particular, the piezo ‘HV OUT’ terminals can carry up to 85V piezo drive connections SIG IN LV OUT...

  • Page 36: Rear Panel User I/O Connector

    Chapter 4 4.2.2 Rear Panel User I/O Connector The User I/O connector exposes a number of internal electrical signals. For convenience, a number of logic inputs and outputs are included, thereby negating the need for extra PC based IO hardware. Using the APT support software, these user programmable TTL logic lines can be deployed in applications requiring control of external devices such a relays, light sources and other auxiliary equipment, or when operating a dual NanoTrak application.

  • Page 37: Rear Panel Piezo In Connector

    † Power supply for the piezo actuator feedback circuit. It must not be used to drive any other circuits or devices. * This signal is applicable only to Thorlabs actuators. It enables the system to identify the piezo extension associated with the actuator.

  • Page 38: Preventive Maintenance

    The equipment contains no user servicable parts. There is a risk of severe electrical shock if the equipment is operated with the covers removed. Only personnel authorized by Thorlabs Ltd and trained in the maintenance of this equipment should remove its covers or attempt any repairs or adjustments.

  • Page 39: Appendix A Troubleshooting

    Appendix A Troubleshooting Question. Although the green ‘T ’ LED is on, the circle appears to wander RACKING across the display screen. Answer. 1) Increase the size of the scan circle diameter. 2) Increase the gain. 3) Adjust the phase offset. 4) Check the connections (see Section 4.2.1.).

  • Page 40: Appendix B Specifications And Associated Parts

    Appendix B Specifications and Associated Parts B.1 Specifications Parameter Value Optical Power Measurement PIN Photo-Diode FC/PC Fiber Input Si or InGaAs Detector 1nA to 10mA Photocurrent Signal Phase Compensation -180° to 180° NanoTraking Circle Scanning Frequency 1–300Hz Circle Position Range <1% to >99% MPE Piezo Drive Connector...

  • Page 41: Appendix D Nanotrak Control Method Summary

    Appendix C NanoTrak Control Method Summary The 'NanoTrak' ActiveX Control provides the functionality required for a client application to control one or more NanoTrak auto-alignment controller products. The NanoTrak system comes in both benchtop (BNT001) and 19" rack modular (MNA601) formats, both of which are covered by the NanoTrak ActiveX Control.
  • Page 42 Appendix C GetCircHomePos Returns the circle home position horizontal and vertical coordinates GetCircPosReading Obtains the current horizontal and vertical position of the circle GetInputSrc Gets the HV amplifier input source. GetLoopGain Returns the feedback loop gain GetLPFilter Obtains the cut off frequency of the digital low pass (LP) filter applied to output readings of the internal amplifier (TIA) circuitry.
  • Page 43 NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller SetAmpOutputParams Sets the HV amplifier output parameters. SetAmpControlMode Sets the loop operating mode (open/closed). SetCircDia Sets the user circle diameter SetCircDiaLUTVal Sets the LUT value for the specified NanoTrak range, when automatic look up table (LUT) diameter adjustment mode is enabled.
  • Page 44 Appendix C TrackEx Sets the scan pattern when the tracking mode is set to 'Track'. Properties APTHelp Specifies the help file that will be accessed when the user presses the F1 key. If APTHelp is set to 'True', the main server helpfile APTServer will be launched. HWSerialNum specifies the serial number of the hardware unit to be associated with an ActiveX control instance.

  • Page 45: Appendix E Using The Piezo Controller

    Appendix D Using the Piezo Controller D.1 Manual Operation - Piezo Controller By calling the method SetHWMode in the APTServer, the NanoTrak can be placed into Piezo mode. This section explains the piezoelectric mode of operation. D.1.1 Piezo Controller GUI Panel Fig.
  • Page 46 Appendix D Travel - the range of travel (in µm) of the piezo actuator. Zero - used to zero the position sensor (strain gauge) when operating in 'Closed Loop mode' - see Setting The Position Sensor Zero. Enable - enables or disables the HV channel's output voltage. With the piezo enabled, the LED in the button is lit.
  • Page 47 NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller D.1.2 Piezo Controller Settings Panel When the 'Settings' button on the GUI panel is clicked, the 'Settings' window is displayed for the selected channel. This panel allows data such as jog step size and input sources to be entered. General tab.
  • Page 48 AC Strain Gauge - The AC Strain Gauge mode refers to the use of AC excited strain gauge feedback signals as generated by the complete range of Thorlabs piezo actuators and piezo equipped multi axis stages. All versions of the APT Piezo electronics support this feedback mode.
  • Page 49 NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller Note On APT modular hardware (and build 2 versions of benchtop APT hardware), the function of the pin connections on the 9-way D-type feedback connector is dependent on the feedback mode selected. Refer to the pin-out tables in Section 4.2.3. for details. D.1.3 Setting the Position Sensor Zero The position sensor is a strain gauge fitted to the piezo actuator.

  • Page 50: Appendix F Principles Of Operation

    Appendix E Principles of Operation E.1 The NanoTrak E.1.1 Introduction For simplicity, the following example refers to the alignment of two opposing butt coupled single mode fibers, however the principles of operation are method is equally valid for the physical alignment of any two opposing optically coupled faces or indeed any two objects that can provide a feedback signal (voltage) that varies as a function of their alignment with respect to each other.
  • Page 51 NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller E.1.2 How the NanoTrak Maximizes Optical Power To understand the principles involved in the alignment, consider the operation in a single axis. When two fibers are aligned, maximum power is transmitted between them, and if the fiber is moved a few microns to the left (Fig. E.3, position A), the power is reduced.
  • Page 52 Appendix E Now, the range of the piezo is typically 20 to 30 µm, while the fiber is oscillated by 2 or 3 microns. Therefore, it can be seen, that by varying this offset voltage we can adjust the position at which the oscillation of the fiber takes place - see Fig. E.4 detail A.
  • Page 53 NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller E.1.3 Circle Size and Gain Control Given that movement of two opposing fibers produces variations in the coupled power, the very act of automatically aligning the fibers to increase the coupled power may cause unwanted disturbances to the signal path. Consider the optical profile in Fig.
  • Page 54 Appendix E The loop gain can also effect system stability. If the gain is too high, the circle moves erratically, whereas too low a setting results in the circle ‘floating’ around the edge of the screen. Loop gain can be configured from the Controller GUI. Both circle size and loop gain effect the system amplification.
  • Page 55 – see Fig. E.6. In this way, the distance from positive to negative electrodes is very small. A large field gradient can therefore be obtained with a modest drive voltage (75 V in the case of Thorlabs actuators). expansion piezoelectric...
  • Page 56 Some Thorlabs nanopositioning actuators have position sensing, others do not. The Piezoelectric control module allows both types to be controlled.
  • Page 57 NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller Open loop control moving part demand actuator Closed loop control moving part demand actuator a + b/s – sensor Fig. E.8 Open loop and closed loop control The result of using closed-loop control is a linear relationship between demand (voltage) and measured position –...

  • Page 58: Appendix G Regulatory

    Appendix F Regulatory F.1 Declarations Of Conformity F.1.1 For Customers in Europe See Section F.3. F.1.2 For Customers In The USA This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, persuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
  • Page 59 • left over parts of units disassembled by the user (PCB's, housings etc.). If you wish to return a unit for waste recovery, please contact Thorlabs or your nearest dealer for further information. F.2.2 Waste treatment on your own responsibility If you do not return an "end of life"...
  • Page 60 Thorlabs Ltd 1 Saint Thomas Place, Cambridgeshire Business Park, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4EX declare that the MNA601/IR auto-alignment control module complies with the following Harmonized European Standards: BS EN 61326-1:1998 BS EN 61000-3-2: 2000 BS EN 61000-3-3: 1995 EN 61010-1: 2001...
  • Page 61 NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller...
  • Page 62 Chapter 4 HA0118T Rev 6 Feb 2016...

  • Page 63: Appendix H Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

    Fax: +86 (0)21-32513480 Support: www.thorlabs.com techsupport.uk@thorlabs.com email: chinasales@thorlabs.com France Brazil Thorlabs SAS Thorlabs Vendas de Fotônicos Ltda. 109, rue des Côtes 78600 Maisons-Laffitte Rua Riachuelo, 171 France São Carlos, SP 13560-110 Tel: +33 (0) 970 444 844 Brazil Fax: +33 (0) 811 381 748 Tel: +55-16-3413 7062 www.thorlabs.de...
  • Page 64 Thorlabs Inc. Thorlabs Ltd. 56 Sparta Ave Saint Thomas Place, Ely Newton, NJ07860 Cambridgeshire CB7 4EX, Tel: +1 973 579 7227 Tel: +44 (0) 1353 654440 Fax: +1 973 300 3600 Fax: +44 (0) 1353 654444 www.thorlabs.com www.thorlabs.com...

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