Hinds Instruments EXICOR 150AT User Manual
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Hinds Instruments EXICOR 150AT User Manual

Birefringence measurement system
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USER MANUAL
Hinds Instruments, Inc.
P/N: 010-0000-001 UM Rev F

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  • Page 1 USER MANUAL Hinds Instruments, Inc. P/N: 010-0000-001 UM Rev F...
  • Page 3 USER MANUAL Hinds Instruments, Inc. P/N: 010-0000-001 UM Rev F Software Version 6.5...
  • Page 4 Information furnished by Hinds Instruments, Inc. is believed to be accurate and reliable; however, no responsibility is assumed by Hinds Instruments, Inc. for its use; nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties which may result from its use.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Emergency OFF Switch ..................9 Activating the EMO System ....................9 Recovering From an EMO Activation ................10 1 Overview of the Exicor 150AT Birefringence Measurement System ....12 Exicor 150AT Birefringence Measurement System Description ...... 12 General Dimensions.................... 15 3 Operating The System .....................
  • Page 6 Cleaning the Optics .................... 69 Cleaning the Cabinet ..................70 6 Troubleshooting & Help ................... 72 Diagnosing Common Errors ................72 Contacting Hinds Instruments ................74 A Technical Specifications ..................75 General Description .................... 75 Power Requirements ..................75 General Specifications ..................76 Performance Specifications ................
  • Page 7 Table Of Contents Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 8: Table Of Figures

    Figure S.1 Laser Beam Path ....................6 Figure S.2 Compliance Labeling ..................7 Figure S.3 Rear Panel Connections .................. 8 Figure 1.1 Exicor 150AT Scanning Module ..............13 Figure 1.2 Optical components of system ..............14 Figure 1.2 General Dimensions ..................15 Figure 3.1 Hardware Initialization Screen ................
  • Page 9 Figure 4.20 Shaded Areas Show Macro Regions to Be Scanned ........62 Figure 5.1 Fast Axis Orientation of Polymer Film Sample ..........65 Figure 5.2 DC Level Indicator ...................66 Figure 5.3 X-Rail & Y-Rail Lubrication ................68 Figure 5.4 Direction of cotton swab wiping motion ............69 Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 10: Table Of Tables

    Table 4.4 Overview of High Speed Mode vs. Regular Speed Mode ......49 Table 4.5 Overview of Zoom Controls ................55 Table 5.1 Laser Fuse ......................67 Table 6.1 Diagnosing Common Errors ................73 Table 6.2 Contacting Technical Support ................ 74 Exicor 150AT User Manual viii...

  • Page 11: Operators' Safety Summary

    CDRH CLASS IIIa LASER PRODUCT IEC/EN CLASS 3R LASER PRODUCT The wording on this label is: Caution, Laser Light. Avoid direct eye exposure. 5mW AT 633 nm. CDRH Class IIIa laser product. IEC/EN Class 3R Laser Product. Exicor 150AT User Manual...
  • Page 12 See #’s 4-7 in figure S.2. CAUTION PINCH POINT The wording on this label is: Caution pinch point. The system identification label below is placed on the rear of the Scanning Module. See #6 in Figure S.1. Exicor 150AT User Manual...
  • Page 13 100 - 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 2A Covered by the following patents: 6,473,179; 6,697,157; 7,002,685 China ZL02820533-2 Japan JPN 4616746; JPN 4629869 The wording on this label is: Model No. _____, Serial No. _____, Manufactured: _____. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 14: Power Source

    5 mW at 633 nanometers (nm.) 2 to 5 mW levels of output power are to be found from the “laser pointers” used by lecturers and from a variety of surveying and construction instruments. Exicor 150AT User Manual...
  • Page 15 Health, Vol. 20, Feb. 1970, Lt Col Paul W. Lappin, BSC, USAF, Brooks Air Force Base, Texas. • Laser Pointers and the Human Eye – A Clinicopathological Study, Arch. Opthalmol, Vol. 118, Dec. 2000, Dennis M. Robertson, MD, et al., Dept. of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 16: Figure S.1 Laser Beam Path

    Operator’s Safety Summary Figure S.1 Laser Beam Path Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 17: Figure S.2 Compliance Labeling

    Laser Safety Figure S.2 Compliance Labeling Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 18: Mechanical Safety

    When power is on, avoid contact with the X-Y-Motion Stage and its supports/tracks when it is in motion. Motion of the stage occurs during sample scanning and may occur during setup. Turn off power to the Exicor 150AT when replacing or making changes to the sample holder.

  • Page 19: Electrical Safety

    Instruments, Inc. or other trained personnel. Emergency OFF Switch The Exicor 150AT has 1 Emergency OFF (EMO) switch. The switch is located on the right side of the machine. The switch consists of a large red button on a yellow background.

  • Page 20: Recovering From An Emo Activation

    Recovering From an EMO Activation Before attempting to restart the Exicor 150AT, first clear the condition that prompted the EMO button to the pushed. Once the condition is made safe for the user and equipment, the EMO button should be rotated to deactivate the EMO switch.
  • Page 21 Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 22: Overview Of The Exicor 150At Birefringence Measurement System

    “map” of these measurements. Exicor 150AT Birefringence Measurement System Description Listed below are the main components of the Exicor 150AT Birefringence Measurement System. See figure 1.1 on page 12. • System Scanning Module: Includes the components for generating the modulated beam of light and detecting the light as it exits the sample.

  • Page 23: Figure 1.1 Exicor 150At Scanning Module

    Exicor 150AT Birefringence Measurement System Description • Computer and Exicor software – Controls the movement of the sample during testing, calculates the results of each measurement point and files and communicates the measurement results. Figure 1.1 Exicor 150AT Scanning Module...

  • Page 24: Figure 1.2 Optical Components Of System

    Chapter 1: Overview of the Exicor Birefringence Measurement System POL 1 PEM 1 SAMPLE PEM 2 POL 2 Figure 1.2 Optical components of system Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 25: General Dimensions

    Exicor 150AT Birefringence Measurement System Description General Dimensions Figure 1.2 General Dimensions Exicor 150AT User Manual...
  • Page 26 Chapter 1: Overview of the Exicor Birefringence Measurement System Exicor 150AT User Manual...
  • Page 27 Turning the Exicor 150AT On and Off The main power switch for the Exicor 150AT is located on the back of the System Scanning Module. Flipping the switch to the ON position will activate the scanning module. Be sure that the red button on the side of the scanning module is pulled Out.
  • Page 28 Exicor 150AT System Scanning Module Switch is turned off. Fuse Types The Exicor 150AT instrument has a total of three fuses. All three fuses are located at the back panel of the System Scanning Module. Two of these fusses are located at the main power input and the third is located at the laser fuse holder.
  • Page 29 Loading a Sample Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 30: Operating The System

    Chapter 3: Operating The System Operating The System WARNING The Exicor 150AT birefringence measurement system contains hazards such as a laser, potential pinch points, and electrical connections. All operators should be aware of the main power switch and Emergency OFF Switch (EMO).

  • Page 31: Figure 3.1 Hardware Initialization Screen

    If there are no errors during the initialization phase, all software indicators will be green and the system is now ready to begin making measurements. If an error occurs during the initialization phase, identified by a red indicator, see Chapter 6 for help dealing with system initialization errors. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 32: Warm-Up Time

    X-Y stage. Sample holders can be fixed to the stage using the threaded holes provided in the top plate. See Figure 3.2 below for the dimensional information and mounting features of the X-Y stage. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 33: Scanning A Sample

    The wait time may be different for samples of different sizes. Scanning a Sample The system can automatically scan various shapes using the automatic scan and macro functions. The following procedure is an example of how to scan a rectangular sample. Exicor 150AT User Manual...
  • Page 34 Chapter 3: Operating The System 1. After the initialization of the system, the main window appears as shown in 2. Figure 3.3. The main window may show different controls depending on the options purchased with the system. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 35: Figure 3.3 Exicor Main Window At Startup

    (air) that will be used to offset the birefringence measurements. Alternatively, offsets can be set up to happen automatically. See page 38 for more information. 4. Select Rectangular in the Scan Region drop-down menu. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 36: Figure 3.4 Setting Up A 100 X 100 Mm Scan

    6. Click on the Start Scan button. A new window pops up, prompting the user for a “Sample ID” (file name) and file location. Change the sample ID and file location as necessary. If the Sample ID field is left blank, the default sample ID “DefaultID” will be used. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 37: Figure 3.5 Rectangular Scan In Progress

    If desired, the legend colors can be changed by double-clicking on the Legend panel. When the scan is complete, x-y stage movement stops and the measurement plot area shows the complete results of the scan, as shown in Figure 3.6. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 38: Figure 3.6 Completed Rectangular Scan

    If the default sample ID is used, the new data replaces any data currently stored in the file “DefaultID.dat”. The steps above are sufficient for most applications. See chapter 4 Software Interface for other scan methods. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 39: System Shutdown

    9. Close the Exicor software. 10. Push the button on the start/stop switch. All devices inside the scanning module will shut down. The PC and monitor can be shut down independently if necessary. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 40: Software Interface

    Each area and button of this window is further explained in this chapter. The sections of the Exicor main window are shown in Figure 4.1 on the following page. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 41: Menu Bar

    File: controls related to new file creation, opening, saving, printing, copying data files, and exit. Recently opened files are shown and can be reopened by clicking on them. Macro: controls related to loading, unloading, creating and editing macros. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 42: File Identification Bar

    Figure 4.3 shows the Automatic Scan panel, located at the left-hand side of the main window under the Interactive Scan Panel. This panel is used to define the geometry of the scan. See Automatic Scans on page 44 for more information. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 43: Birefringence Plot Area

    More light reaching the detector means more signal strength and less noise in the measurement. . Figure 4.4 DC Level Indicator The functions of the buttons below the Automatic Scan panel are explained in the following table: Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 44: Table 4.1 Statistics, Notes, Offset, And Home & Reset Buttons

    The retardation will be accurate even if the sample thickness is wrong. The sample thickness in the status bar is for display only and can be changed in the System Parameters window. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 45: Configuring The System

    System Parameters Stage Home Position Offset Settings Enable Auto Calibration Configuration Auto-Offset Settings Auto-Calibration Location Configuration Auto-Offset Settings System Parameters Offsets Num Offset Samples Configuration Auto-Offset Settings Table 4.2 Summary of Where to Change System Parameters Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 46: System Parameters Window

    Change the value if necessary in the field provided. The default value is 5 and the user does not need to change it in most cases. Exicor 150AT User Manual...
  • Page 47 To change the value, choose a new material from the drop-down menu. The material property list provided with the system is just an example. New materials can be added using the Edit button next to the drop-down menu. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 48: Auto-Calibration Settings

    “no sample” location even while the sample is loaded. This location should have no sample material or any other obstructions. To access the Auto-Calibration settings, select Configuration Auto-Calibration Settings from the menu bar. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 49: Figure 4.6 Auto Calibration Settings Dialog Box

    Configuring the System Figure 4.6 Auto Calibration Settings Dialog Box Exicor 150AT User Manual...
  • Page 50 To change the number of single measurements averaged together for the auto- calibration measurement, enter a new number in the field provided. The most useful way to do offsets on the Exicor 150AT is by time. The position method is more useful for other Exicor models. Both methods are described below.
  • Page 51 This method works similar to the “Sample X-axis edge” method described above. This method, however, makes offset measurements beyond the top or bottom edge of the sample, depending on the Y location entered. Change the sample offset edge by changing the Sample Location Y parameter. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 52: Making Birefringence Measurements

    Automatic Scan panel, as described on page 44. To take a single-point measurement, use one of the following techniques: 1. Double-click on the plot area at the desired grid point to move to that location and take a measurement. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 53: Figure 4.8 X-Y Motion & Fast Axis Angle

    Figure 4.8 X-Y Motion & Fast Axis Angle If the Retardation field reads “BLOCKED”, this means there is not enough light getting to the detector. See Chapter 6 for more information on dealing with “BLOCKED” measurement results. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 54: Automatic Scans

    • Zones (Optional): The X-Y scan area is divided into 4 symmetric zones, allowing the user to select which zones to scan and which areas of the zones to scan. This option is intended for use with the zones sample holder only. • Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 55: Figure 4.9 Automatic Scan Panel For Rectangular Scans

    Follow these steps to define a circular scan: 1. Select Circular from the drop-down menu under Scan Region. The scan control now looks like Figure 4.10 below. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 56: Figure 4.10 Automatic Scan Panel For Circular Scans

    A center-radius scan is defined by the center and radius of the desired circular region. Follow these steps to define a circular scan: 1. Select Center/Radius from the drop-down menu under Scan Region. The scan control now looks like Figure 4.11 below. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 57: Figure 4.11 Automatic Scan Panel For Center/Radius Scans

    A stationary scan is defined by the point to be measured and the number of times to repeat the measurement. Follow these steps to define a stationary scan: 1. Select Stationary from the drop-down menu under Scan Region. The scan control now looks like Figure 4.12 below. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 58: Figure 4.12 Automatic Scan Panel For Stationary Scans

    Number of Samples field. 3. Select High Speed for precisely timed data collection. Leave the box unchecked for regular speed. Refer to Table 4.4 below for a comparison between high speed and regular speed modes. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 59: Table 4.4 Overview Of High Speed Mode Vs. Regular Speed Mode

    Zone scans are rectangular shapes only. Follow these steps to define a zones scan: 1. Select Zones from the drop-down menu under Scan Region. The scan control now looks like Figure 4.13 below. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 60: Figure 4.13 Automatic Scan Panels For Zones Scans

    X-Y-Motion Stage as the auto-offset feature operates (if enabled). The Time Left field shows approximately how much time is remaining until the end of the scan. After the scan is complete, the data is saved automatically. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 61: Viewing Scan Results

    Exicor main window. Figure 4.14 Measurement/Graph Type Controls The Measurement Type control changes the type of data that is shown. The options are • Retardation: the magnitude of linear retardation – units are nanometers (nm). Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 62: Legend

    Violet represents low numerical results while represents high numeric results. The legend minimum and maximum values are customizable. Figure 4.15 below shows the 3 different types of legends shown together in one figure. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 63: Figure 4.15 Data Plot Legend (All Types Shown)

    The % column shows the percent of the total points that are within each color range. To adjust the legend settings, double-click the legend on the main window. The legend control appears as in Figure 4.16 shown below. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 64: Figure 4.16 Legend Settings Window

    • Manual tab: these settings only apply to the Custom legend type. Enter the lower value for each color individually in the fields provided. The number ranges do not need to be equal. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 65: Zoom Controls

    Select area with mouse + Zooms the view in to show only the selected data points Roll mouse wheel away Zoom Out from monitor Roll mouse wheel toward Zoom In monitor Table 4.5 Overview of Zoom Controls Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 66: Scan Statistics

    To add notes during or after the scan, click , type comments as desired, and then click OK. If comments are entered after the scan is complete, the user needs to save the file (File Save) to save the comments to the data file. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 67: Copying Files To The Clipboard

    • Filename and sample ID • Legend • Scan information: sensitivity, sample thickness, time and date, statistics, comments The image copied to the Windows Clipboard is similar to the output produced by printing the data (see Figure 4.18 below). Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 68: Printing Files

    Print from the Exicor menu bar. This opens the Print dialog box. Use this as you would any other Windows Print dialog box. 5. Select the appropriate printing properties in the Print dialog box. 6. Click OK. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 69: Managing Files

    • Y: The y coordinate of the point • Mag: The retardation magnitude of the point • Biref: The birefringence magnitude of the point • Stress: The stress magnitude of the point • Time: The time the data point was taken Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 70: Creating A New File

    Open is selected from the Exicor menu bar, the Open dialog box appears. Again, this is similar to other Windows File Open dialog boxes. When a file is open, changing the grid spacing will result in the file being unloaded. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 71: Using Macros

    Add/Change. To define a polygon, first click on the point where the first vertex should be placed. Then click to place the remaining vertices (the line expands following the mouse pointer). Then click once more on the first vertex to close the polygon. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 72: Loading A Macro

    Select the macro file you want to load and click on the Load button. The loaded macro is listed in the Macro field at the top of the Exicor main window. This macro is used for all subsequent scans until the macro is unloaded. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 73: Unloading A Macro

    Load Macro from the Exicor menu bar). Next, select Macro Edit Macro from the Exicor menu bar. The rest of the process is the same as for creating a macro, as discussed earlier in this chapter. Exicor 150AT User Manual...
  • Page 74 Chapter 4: Operating the System Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 75: Maintenance And Cleaning

    Maintenance and Cleaning The Exicor 150AT requires very little maintenance. System Performance Check Exicor systems are delivered with a sample optic that can be used for system performance checks. The user should periodically measure this sample to make sure the system is still working properly. Follow these steps to measure the sample: 1.

  • Page 76: Consumables

    2-3 years and the procedure should be done by a Hinds Instruments engineer or a factory trained representative. This schedule may vary according to the amount of time the system is powered on and the operating environment.

  • Page 77: Fuse Types

    Fuse Types Fuse Types For continued protection against fire, replace with same type and value of fuse. The Exicor 150AT has two fuses mounted separately on the rear panel of the System Control Module (SCM.) Voltage Fuse Rating Hinds Part Number 5x20mm, 3.15A, 250V, SB 345-8000-034...

  • Page 78: Ball Screws

    Move the carriage from one end of the rail to the other. Repeat this process as necessary until the entire length of the groove in the ball screw is lightly covered with grease. • Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 79: Opening Covers

    Figure 5.4 Direction of cotton swab wiping motion Choose a solvent that will not soften or remove the locking indicator used to secure components. Isopropyl alcohol and mineral solvent are examples of suitable materials. Acetone, MEK or Toluol are unsuitable. Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 80: Cleaning The Cabinet

    Chapter 5: Maintenance and Cleaning Cleaning the Cabinet You can clean the exterior of the Exicor 150AT cabinet with an ammonia-based cleanser (such as Windex.) CAUTION To avoid electrical shock and equipment damage, do not allow any liquids to get inside the Exicor 150AT.
  • Page 81 Cleaning the Cabinet Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 82: Troubleshooting & Help

    One or both motion axes Use the cursor to move the other Sample stage will not stuck at a hard stop direction. Actuators cannot travel move beyond preset factory limits Restart software Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 83: Table 6.1 Diagnosing Common Errors

    Check all hardware cable connections Occasionally, the PC screen saver Software freezes Some hardware was turned causes software freezes. Turn off during scan off or disconnected screen saver Restart software Table 6.1 Diagnosing Common Errors Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 84: Contacting Hinds Instruments

    Chapter 8: Troubleshooting Contacting Hinds Instruments If it is necessary to contact Hinds Instruments for support, refer to the following table for the company contact information. Method Information Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM PST Telephone (503) 690-2000...

  • Page 85: A Technical Specifications

    • Reading sample data from file to graph • File management Power Requirements • The Exicor 150AT system is designed to operate on the following (Including the computer and monitor): • 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 3 A MAX Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 86: General Specifications

    Retardation: nm, Birefringence: nm/cm, Stress: psi Wavelength: 633 nm Measurement Spot Size: 1 mm nominal Maximum Scan Region: 150 mm x 150 mm Maximum Sample Weight 7 kg (including holder) Maximum Sample Height 150 mm Other spot sizes optional Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 87: Performance Specifications

    • System tests performed in a laboratory environment (temperature change <1ºC during for one hour prior to and during measurement) • Machine turned-on for minimum of 1 hour before test with auto-offset time interval of 5 minutes Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 88: Software Features

    • Zoom In/Out via buttons or mouse wheel User Features • Copy file name from start scan dialogue • Abort button • Real-time measurement display updates • Data saved in .DAT or .DMT files using plain text tab-delimited format Exicor 150AT User Manual...

  • Page 89: B Exicor 150At Limited Warranty

    150AT Limited Warranty ® Hinds Instruments, Inc. warrants the Exicor 150AT Birefringence measurement System to be free from defects in materials and/or workmanship for (1) year from the date of delivery, subject to the provisions contained herein. Hinds’ warranty shall extend to the original purchaser only and shall be limited to factory repair or replacement of defective parts.
  • Page 90 ® Appendix F: Exicor 150AT Limited Warranty Exicor 150AT User Manual...
  • Page 91 ........32, 50 editing birefringence plot, definition ......... 29 macros ............. 62 cabinet, cleaning ..........69 email address, Hinds Instruments, Inc....73 cables Emergency OFF switch .......... 9 maintenance of ..........68 activating the EMO system ........ 9 calibration.............
  • Page 92 Exicor software............. 17 IEC/EN Logotype ..........1 existing file, opening ..........59 Laser Light ............2 FAX number, Hinds Instruments, Inc....73 Pinch Point ............2 File field, Exicor main window ......31 Protective Housing ..........2 files labels adding annotations to ........
  • Page 93 .......... 41–59 single-point measurements ......31, 41 interactive scan ......... 31, 41 software phone number, Hinds Instruments, Inc....73 system specific ..........74 plot area ....See birefringence plot area, See stage distance units, changing ......36...
  • Page 94 ........76 X-Y Rail lubrication ..........66 power requirements ......... 74 X-Y-Motion Stage repeatability conditions ........76 pinch point label ..........2 telephone number, Hinds Instruments, Inc... 73 Zoom In button, Exicor main window ....50 time remaining for scan ........49...
  • Page 95 . h i n d s i n s t r u m e n t s . c o m COPYRIGHT © 2000, 2008 HINDS INSTRUMENTS, INC All Rights Reserved MANUFACTURED IN USA UNDER PATENTS &...

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