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Integrated Optics MatchBox Series User Manual

Continuous wave laser
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Continuous Wave laser
Version 2.4 Jun. 2019

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Summary of Contents for Integrated Optics MatchBox Series

  • Page 1 Continuous Wave laser Version 2.4 Jun. 2019...
  • Page 3 MatchBox 2 series | User Manual INTRODUCTION As the title hints, MatchBox products are ultra-compact, single-unit laser sources with overall dimensions comparable to a regular matchbox (30x50x18 mm ), connector pins not included. The ‘MatchBox®’ series includes a range of continuous wave laser sources, featuring wide range of wavelength, output power, output type and line-width options.
  • Page 4 Integrated Optics...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    MatchBox 2 series | User Manual CONTENTS SAFETY INFORMATION ..........5 Labels ................. 5 Electrical safety ............6 Optical Safety ............. 7 Laser Safety and Classification ........9 DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS ......11 Part Numbers ............. 11 Description of Series ..........
  • Page 6 Integrated Optics Laser Control Software ..........38 Changing Output Power..........51 Communication Command Table ....... 51 Communication with Multiple Lasers in a Bus .... 55 Attaching Control Interfaces........58 ACCESSORIES..............59 Compatible accessories table ........59 TROUBLESHOOTING Q&A ...........

  • Page 7: Safety Information

    MatchBox 2 series | User Manual SAFETY INFORMATION 1.1: Labels Along the text you will find icons designed to draw your attention to different bits of safety or otherwise important information: This icon is used to draw your attention to important information, related to the usage of a laser.

  • Page 8: Electrical Safety

    Integrated Optics Figure 1-2. Serial number is marked on the back of the laser body, right above the pin connection. 1.2: Electrical safety Do not disassemble the enclosure. All units are designed to be operated as assembled. Warranty will be voided if the enclosure is opened by the customer.

  • Page 9: Optical Safety

    MatchBox 2 series | User Manual grounding interruptions with other devices. Otherwise it can be dangerous for the operator and it can cause malfunction of the laser. 1.3: Optical Safety Light, emitted from a laser source, features hazardous properties, as compared to conventional light sources, such as: luminescent bulbs, light emitting diodes and etc.
  • Page 10 Integrated Optics MatchBox lasers, however you shouldn’t use these spectacles to filter 561 nm, 593 nm waves or radiation in the red and infrared regions. Protective eyewear provides another significant advantage - when working in dark rooms, laser radiation could haze your eyes even if it is observed from diffuse reflections.

  • Page 11: Laser Safety And Classification

    The laser meets the emission requirements for Class 3B or Class 4 as specified in EN55011:2009. Compliance of lasers within the MatchBox series with the (EMC) requirements is certified by the CE mark. MatchBox lasers are OEM dedicated lasers and usually come without necessary safety means.
  • Page 12 Integrated Optics modulation/fan (predefined for different laser types) inputs/outputs. This interface is sufficient and convenient for OEM laser integration. However, for quick laser installation into scientific setups an additional box is needed to provide necessary interlock, USB control, modulation or...

  • Page 13: Description And Specifications

    MatchBox 2 series | User Manual DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS 2.1: Part Numbers The part number is composed as follows for the MatchBox series continuous wave lasers: Figure 2-1. Understanding part numbers of the MatchBox series CW lasers. 2.2: Description of Series MatchBox Pulsed laser system incorporates the finest laser technology with high quality direct and DPSS diode manufacturing techniques.

  • Page 14: Thermal Management

    2.3: Thermal Management The MatchBox series includes DPSS (Diode pump solid state) and direct diode lasers, whereas the higher power DPSS lasers as well as multi- wavelength diode lasers tend to generate more excessive heat than the single-wave diode lasers.
  • Page 15 Furthermore, these heat-sinks provide higher thermal handling capacity and/or extend operational temperature range for high power DPSS lasers. As an accessory, Integrated Optics, UAB offer a few heatsinking solutions, including self-sufficient forced air cooler, water-cooled adapter plate and breadboard adapter plate. Both adapter plates are used to fasten the laser to a standard 25 mm M6 thread pattern of a standard optical table or breadboard.

  • Page 16: Power Supply

    XXXXL- XXXXL- 0.4-0.5 A Diode XXXXL- Voltage of 5 V is needed for these types of MatchBox series lasers. Lasers of the same model could require different current. For instance low-power laser 405L-21A needs maximum current of 0.6 Amps and...
  • Page 17 MatchBox 2 series | User Manual typical of 0.3 Amps, whereas it is estimated that low-power laser 785L- 21A needs maximum current of 0.3 Amps and typical of 0.2 Amps. For direct diode lasers the optimal power supply that we offer is the 15W PD type USB power supply (AM-P7), while for DPSS lasers we recommend to use 25 W, but optimally 45W to 60W PD-type (depending on other accessories used) power supply (AM-P8).

  • Page 18: Cables

    Integrated Optics Table 2-2. Power supply requirements regarding laser type during start-up. Typical Type Part No. Current Current 45 °C 25 °C XXXXL- 2.2 A 0.8-1.2 A Diode XXXXL- The values in the table are not absolute for all lasers and can vary from laser to laser.

  • Page 19: Power And Signal Connections

    Free space lasers are pre-set to start instantaneously when power is applied. Fiber coupled lasers must be turned on via MatchBox laser control software. Please contact Integrated Optics, UAB for a customized physical interface for data and power. 2.6: Power and Signal Connections The MatchBox laser alone has a simplified physical interface with just 5 pins with 2.54 mm spacing (Figure 2-2).

  • Page 20: Specifications

    2.7: Specifications The MatchBox series includes a variety of lasers featuring different wavelength and power ratings. The actual specifications of a laser are provided in a test report accompanying a laser, which is sold to the customer.

  • Page 21: Mechanical Design

    MatchBox 2 series | User Manual 2.8: Mechanical Design The laser sources within the MatchBox series employ a single-box design, which means that all optics, power electronics and thermal management components are located within a single enclosure. The overall dimensions of the laser are 30 x 50 x 18 mm...
  • Page 22 Integrated Optics Figure 2-3. Top and side view drawing of the MatchBox laser, free-space output option.
  • Page 23 MatchBox 2 series | User Manual Figure 2-4. Top and side view drawing of the MatchBox laser, fiber coupled output option.

  • Page 24: Laser Output Options

    Integrated Optics 2.9: Laser Output Options MatchBox laser sources are offered in two main configurations regarding to the type of the output. Free-space output is commonly used in compact (portable) laser setups, where working area (an object to be irradiated) is relatively close to the laser source and the beam could be delivered directly or using just a few mirrors.
  • Page 25 MatchBox 2 series | User Manual Permanent fiber pigtailed output has few modifications, though it looks essentially similar. The difference is in the fiber type, which is represented by the indicating colour. Multi-mode (orange), single-mode (yellow) or single-mode polarization maintaining (blue) fiber could be arranged with this output type.
  • Page 26 Integrated Optics Lastly,Integrated Optics, UAB offers MatchBox laser sources with a SMA port. Such lasers are supplied with a metal safety cap, as shown in Figure 2-7. The cap must be attached to the SMA port, whenever the laser is not in...

  • Page 27: Operating Environment

    15 and 30 °C. Whether the customer needs to operate the laser at higher temperature, such option has to be provided by Integrated Optics, UAB during assembly of the laser. The temperature range can also be extended by attaching the laser to a cold plate, which has surface temperature in the aforementioned range and good thermal conductivity parameters.
  • Page 28 Integrated Optics...

  • Page 29: Installation

    MatchBox 2 series | User Manual INSTALLATION 3.1: Preliminary Checks Every MatchBox unit is packed in an antistatic foam package, which is arranged to protect electronics inside the laser from charge accumulation and is absorbing mechanical shocks well during transportation. Further the foam is packed into a carton box.
  • Page 30 Integrated Optics After unpacking, save the laser package boxes for potential later shipments. Table 3-1. Contents of a typical package. Item Quantity Laser Source 1 unit Thermal Paste (1 1 unit gram) Countersunk 2 units Screws M2.5x25 mm Hex key: 1.5 mm;...

  • Page 31: Heatsink Requirements

    Various types of MatchBox lasers have different thermal resistance requirements, depicted in Table 2. Integrated Optics, UAB recommends to use a thermal paste between the MatchBox laser and the heatsink to provide proper thermal contact. The mounting surface of the heat sink should be flat within <0.05 mm over the mounting surface.

  • Page 32: Heatsink Installation

    (laser diode) temperature reaches around 40-45°C. As an accessory, Integrated Optics, UAB offers few heatsinking solutions, including self-sufficient forced air cooler, water-cooled adapter plate and breadboard adapter plate. Both adapter plates are used to fasten the...

  • Page 33: Starting The Laser

    Any attempt to open the laser module will damage it and render the warranty void. Maintenance of the product is done exclusively by Integrated Optics, UAB personnel at the factory. Make sure that the MatchBox laser head and the heatsink are se- cured in place according to the instructions in section 3.3: Heatsink Instal-...
  • Page 34 Integrated Optics Download the MatchBox control software at the “Downloads” sec- tion on our website. When the download is finished, you need to extract .zip file to de- sired directory. Figure 3-2. Initial installation window. After the installation procedure is finished, you need to install the CP210xUSB to UART Bridge Driver.
  • Page 35 MatchBox 2 series | User Manual Figure 3-3. License agreement window. After accepting the agreement, the driver will automatically install and you will be informed about the successful installation.
  • Page 36 Controller file. It is a portable application and it does not need to be in- stalled. See section “Laser Control Software” on page 38 to learn about the use of the control software. For assistance in thermal management and system integration, please contact Integrated Optics, UAB technical support.

  • Page 37: Operation

    MatchBox 2 series | User Manual OPERATION 4.1: Operating Fiber Coupled Laser Fiber coupled diode laser / DPSS laser is a compact and robust unit for alignment-free operation throughout the lifetime of the laser. Proprietary fiber coupling technology ensures good power stability and excellent fiber-coupling efficiency.

  • Page 38: Operating Free-Space Output Laser

    Integrated Optics, UAB. Using these options a laser is not in operation or it could be shut for a short period of time, in case minor adjustments need to be made without stopping the laser, thus stable operation is not lost.

  • Page 39: Uart Bus

    MatchBox 2 series | User Manual Figure 4-2. Exemplary Free-space Output Diode Laser . Fiber coupled lasers must be turned on via MatchBox laser control software. 4.3: UART bus UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) is a commonly used communication device in computer based systems. UART communication can be converted to USB and RS232 by using USB control interface AM-C8 or RS232 control interface for MatchBox (AM- C3).

  • Page 40: Laser Control Software

    Integrated Optics 4.4: Laser Control Software The control software incorporates many useful parameter settings and readings. It also displays operational hours and times the laser has been started. The software window is shown in Figure 4-3. The window is divided in four segments.
  • Page 41 MatchBox 2 series | User Manual Any warning signs seen in the main window display explanations if clicked on them. Figure 4-3. The main software window for CW lasers . There are two versions of the software – User edition (limited functionality) and Integrator edition (less limited functionality).
  • Page 42 Integrated Optics Figure 4-4. Laser control software window when a CW laser is connected and radiating. After launching the software, connect the laser to the computer. The connected device should appear automatically as shown in Figure 4-5.
  • Page 43 MatchBox 2 series | User Manual Figure 4-5. Laser connection window...
  • Page 44 Integrated Optics Figure 4-6. Laser is not connected window If laser is connected to the computer, but no devices are shown, please check if USB ports are connected correctly. After checking the connection press refresh button, until the device is shown.
  • Page 45 MatchBox 2 series | User Manual connect it again - the old settings will be restored and displayed on the screen. Another reason not to write new parameters in the memory is limited write cycles of the EPROM. Especially if integrators are making their own control software, having for example a slider for power setting, one stroke of such slider might result in hundreds of values saved in the EPROM, reducing its cycle capacity.
  • Page 46 Integrated Optics Next, we will briefly describe particular lines of the software window. These lines are accessed through “More” section in the right top corner of the main software window. Figure 4-8. ‘More...’ section view ‘More...’ section provides detailed information about a laser: item code, serial number, firmware version, operational time (laser working time), started time (how many times turned on), and virtual port.
  • Page 47 MatchBox 2 series | User Manual Figure 4-9. ‘Access level’ section view. Access level can be changed to Level 1 with a command ‘c u 1 1234’. If access level is not sufficient to execute a command, the laser will return <ERR 1>.
  • Page 48 Integrated Optics Entering commands with higher access levels might cause laser to dis- function. Figure 4-10. ‘Send Command’ section view “Programmable pin” section is used for number 4 pin (TTL). To program this pin access level 2 or 3 is needed.
  • Page 49 MatchBox 2 series | User Manual Figure 4-11. ‘Programmable pin’ section view ‘Fan temperature control’ section is used for controlling fan rotation speed. Fan speed can be set to maintain the laser body temperature in the range from 15 deg.C to max 35 degrees. Controlling fan speed helps to stabilize laser body temperature and prevents it from heating up.
  • Page 50 Integrated Optics Figure 4-12. ‘Fan Temperature’ section view ‘Generate report’ section provides user the ability to generate a report about the laser. This report provides information of what settings were set, what is the type of laser (model name, serial number) and other...
  • Page 51 MatchBox 2 series | User Manual Figure 4-13. ‘Generate Report’ section view. Laser will start emitting light as soon as the ‘Enable’ button is pressed. Please make sure that there is no risk of getting the laser to radiate to an eye or skin of a person, as outlined in the chapter “SAFETY INFORMATION”...
  • Page 52 USB port is connected properly and press the ‘Refresh’ button. The lasers in MatchBox series can have either one or two TEC (thermo- electric cooler) elements arranged inside the laser body. One TEC is used...

  • Page 53: Changing Output Power

    Calibration is also possible for fiber coupled lasers, as well as for a complete turnkey system, e.g. a microscope setup. 4.6: Communication Command Table The following commands are used with MatchBox series lasers at serial communication rate of 115200 bps.
  • Page 54 Integrated Optics Table 4-1. Communication commands of MATCHBOX lasers. Access Comm Argument Function Returned Value Example Level e˽ start/stop laser 1 or 0 <ACK> or <ERR> c˽1˽ set crystal temperature 2550 <ACK> or <ERR> to 25.5 °C c˽2˽ set LD temperature to 2550 <ACK>...
  • Page 55 MatchBox 2 series | User Manual Table 4-1. Communication commands of MATCHBOX lasers. Access Comm Argument Function Returned Value Example Level r˽s receive settings. #Settings: 1800 Returned values are: 1829 150 840 nan Crystal set temp, LD set 180 Autostart: OFF temp, LD set current, feedback value, optical power set...
  • Page 56 Integrated Optics Table 4-1. Communication commands of MATCHBOX lasers. Access Comm Argument Function Returned Value Example Level r˽i Receive laser Firmware information. Returned MatchBox2 values are: firmware v1.7.648 version, serial number, Laser S/N: 915322 product code, operating Laser model: 405L- time, LD turn-on times.

  • Page 57: Communication With Multiple Lasers In A Bus

    MatchBox 2 series | User Manual a. To execute the commands, access level must be equal to the values given in the table or higher. b. To change access level, command argument code can be provided by sales person on separate request. The list below explains error codes for MatchBox lasers: •...
  • Page 58 Integrated Optics Figure 4-14. Suggested communication diagram for multiple lasers in a single bus. This communication diagram is based on simultaneous communication from the system UART controller to all connected lasers and individual response from a particular laser. Random response timing is used only for laser initialization with ‘ID?’...
  • Page 59 MatchBox 2 series | User Manual Figure 4-15. ID request sent from the system UART to a bus with multiple lasers.

  • Page 60: Attaching Control Interfaces

    Attaching Control Interfaces The pins of the laser can be attached to control interfaces, which are designed as accessories of the MatchBox series. On the other hand, in OEM arrangements, the pins can be connected to a custom electronics within an instrument or portable laser equipment, which is arranged to work as a control interface for the laser.

  • Page 61: Accessories

    MatchBox 2 series | User Manual ACCESSORIES Integrated Optics, UAB offers a variety of accessories for heat management, power supplying and mounting. As our company strives for perfection and diversity, our engineers and researchers work hard everyday to make slight improvements of our products, especial in new products newly created equipment.
  • Page 62 Integrated Optics...

  • Page 63: Troubleshooting Q&A

    Q: How should I cool the MatchBox series laser? A: Diode laser typically requires 5 W heat dissipation so basically such laser could be cooled when attached to any optical table or cooling device.
  • Page 64 7.5 W heat dissipation. DPSS lasers usually require more – about 15 W heat dissipation. All diode lasers and majority of DPSS lasers in the MatchBox series could work properly attached to our forced air cooler.
  • Page 65 MatchBox 2 series | User Manual unless ‘Save settings’ at the bottom of the main software window is activated. This is done to save EPROM write resource. Q: What fiber core diameter do you use? A: We use fibers from many different vendors. Whether you need to know the actual fiber details, please contact us in order to get detailed information, such as core diameter or NA of the fiber.
  • Page 66 Second step is to adjust laser diode (or cavity) temperature using the laser control software. For this access level 2 is needed. Please contact Integrated Optics, UAB for further instructions. Q: How hard should I tighten the screws of the laser? A: Recommended Tightening torque is 0.25 - 0.35 N·m.
  • Page 67 Integrated Optics, UAB for repair. So laser firmware can only be updated in particular situations after consulting with the support team at Integrated Optics, UAB.
  • Page 68 Integrated Optics Q: After a while of working, laser power dropped by a few mW, why that? A: There could be a few reasons why the laser power might drop by few 1. The laser is getting some back-reflections and these are having impact on the internal photodiode response.

  • Page 69: Glossary

    MatchBox 2 series | User Manual GLOSSARY °C Degrees Celsius µm Micrometer = 10 A/Amps Amperes Alternating Current Automatic Current Control Automatic power control Bytes Per Second Charge-coupled device CDRH Centre for Devices and Radiological Health Centimetre Digital-to-Analog Converter Direct Current DPSS Diode-Pumped Solid-State Electromagnetic Compatibility...
  • Page 70 Integrated Optics Kilohertz = 10 Laser Diode Megahertz = 10 Multi-Mode mrad Milli-radian = 10 radians Milliwatt = 10 Watts Nanometre = 10 meter N·m Newton metre Negative Temperature Coefficient Original Equipment Manufacturer Printed Circuit Board Polarization maintaining Polyvinyl Chloride...
  • Page 71 MatchBox 2 series | User Manual RS232 Standard serial communication transmission of data Receive Single-Longitudinal-Mode Thermo-Electric Cooler Transistor-Transistor Logic Transmit UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter Universal Serial Bus Voltage at the Common Collector Volume Bragg Grating...
  • Page 72 Integrated Optics...

  • Page 73: Warranty

    (b) is free from defects in materials and workmanship. The MatchBox lasers are warranted to conform to Integrated Optics, UAB published specifications and to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of: •...
  • Page 74 Integrated Optics • Improper or inadequate maintenance by the buyer, • Buyer-supplied interfacing, • Operation outside the environmental specifications of the product, • Unauthorized modification or misuse, • Improper site preparation and maintenance, or • Opening the laser housing. THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER WRITTEN, ORAL OR IMPLIED, AND DOES NOT COVER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS.
  • Page 75 MatchBox 2 series | User Manual...
  • Page 76 Integrated Optics...

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