Laser Combiner Operation Instructions 3.1. Preparing the installation space 3.2. Getting to know the parts 3.3. Mounting the C-FLEX on a heatsink or optical table 3.4. Connecting the cables from C-FLEX to auxillary equipment 3.5. Connecting the System Cables and starting emission 3.6.
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Introduction C-FLEX is a flexible and compact laser combiner that allows for integration of up to six different wavelengths on a single platform, modulation options for all wavelengths, and configuration with either free beam or fiber coupled beam delivery.
Safety General The C-FLEX laser combiner’s laser classification is dependent on the lasers integrated into the laser combiner system. The sum of the maximum emitted power of all lasers integrated into the laser combiner determines the laser classification. Residual emission of any wavelength not specified on the warning label does not exceed Laser Class 1.
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Beam Hazards It is advised to perform a risk assessment for the facility and equipment prior to using the laser. In the case of integration into a larger system, laser safety compliance must be evaluated in the end product. The device must be handled by skilled personnel experienced with lasers, in a laboratory environment and with access to adequate laser safety equipment.
WARNING – The magnetic switches use strong magnets which are attached to the underside of the access panel. Be aware of strong magnetic fields. CAUTION – Alignment and maintenance of the lasers inside the C-FLEX should only be performed by trained personnel with appropriate laser safety equipment.
Page 9
The aperture location and the open and close positions of the shutter are indicated on the top surface of the laser combiner access panel. C-FLEX is delivered with the shutter fixed in the ‘closed’ position using adhesive tape.
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Equipment Safety Back Reflection Sensitivity Laser light reflected directly back into the laser head can cause instabilities in laser performance, instantaneous damage to the laser diodes and a dramatic decrease in product lifetime. Cobolt 06-MLD lasers with a wavelength greater than 600 nm are particularly sensitive, exercise extreme caution.
The upper face of the laser combiner contains a yellow label with laser safety warning and classification information, the wavelength range and maximum power of each laser delivered originally with the C-FLEX. There are also labels that show the location of the laser beam aperture, indicates the open and closed positions of the manual shutter and the access panels.
Cobolt 04-01 series lasers integrated into the C-FLEX. The controllers and all necessary cables are delivered with the system. If the C-FLEX has an integrated AOM, or possibly up to three, then the answer is also YES! The AOM Driver and all necessary cables are delivered with the system.
C-FLEX laser combiner. Decide if the C-FLEX is to be mounted directly on an optical table or on the custom heat sink. When installing, allow for the space required to remove the access panel whilst aligning the optics inside the system. It will be necessary to open the lid for both installation and alignment.
C-FLEX Laser Combiner System parts ❖ C-FLEX Laser combiner with integrated lasers and fiber coupler (in case of the fiber coupled option) are delivered assembled. The fiber is not mounted at delivery. ❖ Optional Optical Fiber (not mounted at delivery) ❖...
Page 16
❖ Fixation bolts (3 pieces) – Both metric and imperial screws are delivered but only 3 will be used for mounting. If the C-FLEX contains a Cobolt 04-01 series laser or an AOM it will be delivered with auxillary equipment. Cobolt 04-01 Laser Controller and Cables ❖...
Page 17
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 ❖ Laser power supply cable (Kycon 4 pin connector to C-FLEX back panel) AOM Driver and Cables ❖ AOM Driver ❖ AOM Driver Cable – Sub-D 15 to 2x 5mm DC Socket ❖...
If mounting the C-FLEX onto the heat sink, mount the heat sink to the optical bench before mounting the C-FLEX. 2. Remove the four screws from the access panel of the C-FLEX. Keep them in a safe place, they will be replaced after fixation and alignment.
Page 20
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 NOTICE – The fixation bolts do not require the removal of any parts mounted within the C-FLEX! Take care not to bump the mirrors, it may affect the alignment accuracy. NOTICE – Use ONLY the delivered spring loaded bolts, improper mounting of the C-FLEX may introduce mechanical stress that will have a negative impact on performance.
C-FLEX Back panel Cobolt 04-01 Controller For each Cobolt 04-01 laser integrated in the C-FLEX there is a specific controller and cable, they are labeled with the laser’s serial number. Separate the controllers and cables by the laser they belong to and use only the corresponding equipment for each laser.
Page 22
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 4. Connect the Controller I/O cable’s 8-pin molex connector to the ‘Ctrl I/O’ socket on the C-FLEX. Connect the male end of the 26-pin D-SUB cable to the ‘Laser’ connectors on the controller and then connect the female end to the ‘Controller’...
Page 23
This section describes how to properly connect the driver, delivered with an integrated AOM, to the laser head interface on the C-FLEX, as well as the input signals to the AOM Driver from the delivered DC power supplies. Details on how to connect modulation signals will be...
Page 24
Connect a 1 V DC signal (not delivered) to the SMA connector labeled MOD IN on the AOM Driver. 6. Connect the 5 V DC signal to the DC Socket labeled ‘5V’ on the AOM Driver Cable. C-FLEX systems with Integrated AOM’s are delivered with a 5 V / 3A DC power supply but any 5V DC signal may be used.
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Connecting the System Cables and starting emission In this section the initial start up of the C-FLEX will be explained, how to connect the system cables and start emission of the lasers.
Page 26
4. Connect the System Data cable’s USB-A connector to the PC being used to control the C-FLEX. 5. Connect the 15 V / 7 A power supply to the Kycon power socket on the C-FLEX. 6. To start the lasers, turn the key to the ON position. If it is already in the ON position, turn it to OFF and then ON again.
Page 27
8. Open Cobolt Monitor control software. If not already done, the application can be downloaded from the Cobolt website : www.coboltlasers.com/downloads . 9. Identify each laser displayed in the software and note the position in the C-FLEX. The position of each laser is noted on the delivered test protocol.
In this section the user will verify that the C-FLEX and integrated lasers are performing as expected and to determine if re-alignment is necessary. Choose the appropriate subsection for the beam delivery depending on if the C-FLEX is fiber coupled or free beam. For detailed instructions on how to control the emission of each laser individually see section 5.
Page 29
8. Place a beam profile camer at 1 meter distance from the C-FLEX aperture. . If no camera is available it is possible to use a 1 mm diameter pin hole and a fast power meter, but there will be no quantitative beam angle overlap result.
Page 30
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 10. Use the small angle approximation as seen in the equation below, where represents the beam position on the camera, to calculate the angular overlap between each beam and the reference laser.
Page 31
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Measure the alignment of a fiber coupled beam C-Flex Close the shutter of the C-FLEX behind the fiber coupler. 2. Mount the fiber into the fiber coupler. Press down on the lens tube locking plunger and place the fiber lens tube into the coupler.
Remove the fiber from the fiber coupler lens tube to allow the beam to exit the C-FLEX unobstructed. 2. Place an appropriate optical power meter at the exit of the fiber coupler to measure the free beam power of each laser out of the C-FLEX.
Page 33
NOTICE – If the adjustment screws have reached the end of their travel before a maximum is found the mounting of the fiber coupler on the C-FLEX may need to be adjusted. If so, turn the adjustment screws to the middle of their range, loosen the 4 x mounting bolts (where the coupler is fixed to the C- FLEX) and adjust the position manually until a maximum is achieved.
4. Use the safety interlock override tool to close the interlock circuit with magnetic switches. The override tool has been designed in such a way that the access panel may not be put back onto the C-FLEX with the override in place. The interlock override tool should be placed 1 cm from the edge of the side wall.
Page 35
8. Place the aperture pin hole in the C-FLEX aperture. The collar is intended to be used for positioning the pinhole in the center of the aperture. The pin hole alignment tool can be used in place of the aperture mounted pin hole.
Page 36
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 12. Use the horizontal angular adjustment set screw of the steering mirror to adjust the position of the beam on the pin hole horizontally and maximize the power through the pin hole.
Page 37
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 16. Adjust the position of the camera or pin hole to the reference laser. Record the reference beam’s exact centroid position and do not move the camera until alignment process is complete for all lasers.
Page 38
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 21. Use the horizontal angle adjustment screw to sweep the beam across the pin hole. Measure the change in power as the beam is swept and determine the direction of horizontal translation required to maximize the power through the pin hole.
Page 39
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 23. Apply the same procedure to vertical alignment. Sweep the beam across the pin hole. Measure the change in power as the beam is swept with the vertical anglular adjustment screw and determine the direction of vertical translation required to maximize the power through the pin hole.
Page 40
Verification Calculation Tool’ go to www.coboltlasers.com/downloads 33. Compare the alignment achieved with the alignment at shipment found on the C-FLEX test protocol. 34. Interate through the position and angular alignment procedure as described above until the beam overlap at exit and angular beam overlap are simultaneously within specification. See section 8 : FLEX System Specifications.
Remove the safety interlock override tool and verify that all lasers stop emitting and indicate an error. 2. Replace the access panel of the C-FLEX and fasten with the 4 access panel screws removed at the beginning of the alignment procedure.
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Cobolt Monitor™ Software The Cobolt Monitor™ software provides a graphical way to monitor the laser performance and to change the output power, operation mode and other settings. Cobolt Monitor™ has been tested with operating systems Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10.
Page 43
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Once the lasers are connected they can be controlled from the box dedicated for the laser. Only the most critical information is displayed on this level, including the status the laser is in and the possibility to switch each line ON or OFF (not for modulation).
Page 44
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 More An additional Cobolt Monitor™ window will open containing more detailed information of that laser’s status. TEC Settings Shows the running status and the fault status for the laser’s internal thermoelectric coolers (TEC).
Page 45
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Clear Fault Is displayed in the event of a fault. The user can resolve the cause of the fault and then press “Clear Fault” and then restart the laser by clicking “Laser ON”. Example: if the remote interlock loop is open the user must make sure the loop is closed again before issuing a “Clear Fault”...
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Controlling emission in Continuous Wave operation In this section the different ways to control the emission of each laser in continuous wave (CW) operation will be discussed in detail. It is not recommended to use the continuous wave emission or power level controls to turn the laser ON and OFF with high speed.
The constant power setting is used to regulate the output power level. All lasers are delivered in the most appropriate operating mode for optimized stability. To restore original power level settings refer to the test protocol delivered with the C-FLEX. Location of emission controls in Cobolt Monitor™ Software NOTICE Though the output power setting and drive current can be changed the other laser performance parameters are only guaranteed at 100% of nominal output power.
Page 48
In constant power mode each laser has a field where the output power can be set. The power set point for each laser controls the emission from the individual laser heads and not through the C-FLEX aperture. The expected power out of the C-FLEX aperture can be found on the test protocol.
Combining Constant Power operation and Constant Current operation during alignment When aligning the C-FLEX, one way to stop and start the emission is to set the constant current level to zero and set the constant power level to the nominal output power and then use the mode button in the Cobolt Monitor software to toggle between Constant Power operation and Constant Current operation.
Page 50
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 2. To control the emission of individual lasers during testing and alignment it can be usefull to pause the emission. Send the command ‘l0r’ to temporarily stop emission on all lasers not being tested. The LASER ON emission indicator will remain illuminated.
Controlling Emission with Modulation Mode Operation When C-FLEX is delivered with modulatable lasers or AOMs the modulation signal input connectors can be found on the back panel of the laser combiner. The modulation of the Cobolt lasers requires an external signal source, such as a function generator, to drive the modulation.
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Cobolt 06-MLD Modulation inputs Digital modulation input signal Input signal : 0 – 5 V TTL signal, square wave ▪ 0.0 – 1.5 V: OFF ▪ 3.5 – 5.0 V : ON Modulation Frequency : DC –...
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Cobolt 06-DPL Modulation Inputs Digital modulation input signal Input signal : 0 – 5 V TTL signal, square wave ▪ 0.0 – 1.5 V: OFF ▪ 3.5 – 5.0 V : ON Modulation Frequency : DC –...
Page 54
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Cobolt 06-DPL modulation mode settings The modulation settings of Cobolt 06-DPLs are optimized at the factory with a default modulation frequency of 1 kHz. The settings can be adjusted to optimize performance for the modulation scenario being used. The modulation mode temperature, high and low current settings can have strong influence on the pulse shape and can be optimized for a particular modulation frequency.
NOTICE Without both analog and digital input signals to the Acousto-Optic Modulater (AOM) driver and the RF signal from the AOM driver to the C-FLEX, there is no laser beam emitted through the combiner.
OFF position to the ON position. The status of operation can be monitored via LEDs. Setting the key to its OFF position puts the laser in stand-by mode. The standard CDRH model consists of: • C-FLEX Laser combiner with lasers and modulation accessories (configuration will vary) • Power supply 15VDC, 7A •...
C-FLEX Model identification and serial number The model description of the laser combiner in all cases is ‘C-FLEX’. The the serial number XXXXX is clearly visible on the manufacturers identification label. The serial number is used for tracing the as-delivered configuration of any C- FLEX, and the individual lasers that have been integrated at the factory.
8 or earlier (e.g Windows 7, Vista, XP) it is necessary to install the Cobolt signed USB driver. To be able to connect to a Cobolt laser integrated into a C-FLEX via USB, a USB driver may need to be installed on the computer. The USB driver can be downloaded from the Cobolt website (www.coboltlasers.com).
Page 59
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Go to the Control Panel and choose Hardware and Sound. 2. Under the Devices and Printers section, choose Device Manager. Under Other devices, find the device called Cobolt Laser Driver. Right-click it and chose Update Driver Software.
Page 60
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Click browse, and find the folder on your computer where the USB driver is stored. 60 | 82...
Page 61
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 6. Windows security may warn you that the publisher of the driver is unverified. Choose Install this driver software anyway. The installation should now be complete. 61 | 82...
Cobolt 06-01 laser interface on C-FLEX The C-FLEX back panel has LEDs to indicate each laser’s status. When power is supplied to the laser head, regardless of key-switch state, the temperature control elements will be active to reach set point values.
Page 63
Cobolt 08-01 laser with AOM RF Input interface on C-FLEX The C-FLEX back panel has LEDs to indicate each laser’s status. When power is supplied to the laser head, regardless of key-switch state, the temperature control elements will be active to reach set point values.
(50 ºC) and the ambient temperature at the air-heat sink interface (e.g. 40 ºC), divided by the maximum power dissipated from the system, 100 W. The C-FLEX laser combiner must be attached to a heat sink providing a thermal resistance of < 0.2 K/W at 30 °C ambient temperature. The mounting surface should be flat within 0.05 mm over the mounting surface.
The power supply accepts 100-260 VAC and 47-63 Hz. Ripple and noise 1% peak- peak max, 20 MHz bandwidth. Accepted voltage for C-FLEX is 15 VDC, 7 A. Specification values are given at 15 VDC.
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Electrical Interfaces – AOM Driver Interfaces Connector Function Control input – AOM Driver DB 15, male 5V TTL Digital modulation input , 24 V Power supply to AOM driver, RF output connector (“RF out”)
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Compatible Laser Products Cobolt 04-01 Series Powerful, single frequency CW diode pumped lasers: 457 nm – 660 nm up to 400 mW* https://www.coboltlasers.com/lasers/dpss-lasers/ Cobolt 06-01 Series Plug & play modulatable lasers: 405 nm – 660 nm up to 300 mW https://www.coboltlasers.com/lasers/diode-lasers/...
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Mechanical Drawings In this section we will describe the the outer dimensions of the C-FLEX and auxillary equipment. Laser combiner 70 | 82...
Two pin-hole technique Alignment of the C-FLEX can be done by using two pin holes or targets to adjust the beam position and the beam angle. The pin hole closest to the light source is used for beam position adjustments and the second pin hole is used for angular adjustments.
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Vertical alignment In the case of C-FLEX the beam height can be adjusted independently from the horizontal position and beam angle. After loosening the set screw, adjust the beam height by turning the beam height adjustment wheel until the beam is aligned in the middle of the steering mirror.
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Angular alignment Once the beam is aligned horizontally and vertically the same three screws can be used for tip/tilt adjustments, controlling the beam angle. When adjusting the beam angle, do not use all three screws. As described above, the dark blue and green screws are used for angular alignment, turning all three will translate the steering mirror and change the incident location on the mirror.
After the beam is aligned to the aperture the fiber must be aligned within the coupler. The fiber coupler provided with the C-FLEX is supplied with a black tube with a pin-hole in one end. Use this tube to align the system by placing the pin-hole tube in the coupler, maximizing the output power through the pinhole using the corresponding set of adjustment screws on the coupler.
DANGER – Laser Radiation is accessible when the safety interlock is defeated. Avoid skin and eye exposure to direct or scattered radiation. Close the shutter before powering up the system. WARNING - Alignment and maintenance of the lasers inside the C-FLEX should only be performed by trained personnel with appropriate laser safety equipment.
Page 78
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 WARNING – The system is powered up and voltages are present in the power distribution circuits. Take care not to make touch any electronics with screws or screw drivers. Always use screw drivers with isolated handles when working in an opened, powered up system.
Page 79
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 9. Remove the mirror mount pin hole. 10. Replace the steering mirror mount that was removed during alignment and tighten the steering mirror mounting bolt. 11. Place the aperture mounted pin hole.
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Warranty and Maintenance Hübner Photonics issues 12 months of limited warranty on workmanship and mechanics. The lasers integrated are provided with the manufacturers warranty, see laser specifications for details. Service Due to accuracy tolerances, calibration differences and allowed power drift there may be discrepancies between the manufacturer measurement of the optical output power and the customer measurement equipment.
OWNERS MANUAL | C-FLEX | D0579-B DECEMBER 2019 Compliance (CDRH models only) The CDRH model lasers are designed and manufactured to comply with the EC Low Voltage Directive and the EC EMC Directive in the CDRH-compliant configuration of laser head, key control, key and Hübner Photonics supplied power supply.
Page 82
HÜBNER GmbH & Co. KG (Sales in Germany, Switzerland and Austria) Kassel, Germany Phone: +49 6251 770 6686 Fax: +49 6251 860 9917 E-mail: photonics@hubner-germany.com www.hubner-photonics.com Cobolt AB (Sales in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark) Solna, Sweden Phone: +46 8 545 912 30 Fax:...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the C-FLEX and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers