Technical Reference; Technical Overview; Laser Tube; Optical Resonator - Novanta v40 User Manual

TECHNICAL REFERENCE

Technical reference
Use information in this section as a technical reference for your v40 laser.
This section contains the following information:
• Technical overview – briefly describes 's v-Series technology and basic optical setup.
• Controlling laser power – explains various aspects of v40 control signals.
•
User I/O (Input/Output) connections – describes signals and specifications for the 15-pin User
I/O connector.
•
DB-9 connections – describes signals and specifications for the SAB model's side-mounted DB-9
connector.
• Integrating safety features – describes how to integrate v40 safety features into your
automated control system.
• v40 general specifications – provides specifications for the v40 laser.
• v40 package outline drawings – illustrates laser package and mounting dimensions for
Keyswitch and OEM v40 lasers.
• Packaging instructions – illustrates how to package the v40 laser for shipment using NOVANTA-
supplied packaging materials.

Technical overview

The Technical overview section includes subsections:
•

Laser tube

•

Optical resonator

•
RF power supply
• Optical setup
Laser tube
v-Series lasers were developed using new technology patented by NOVANTA. This patented "v"
technology, based on a combination of free-space and waveguide resonator designs, enables NOVANTA
to economically produce a symmetrical laser beam from a small but powerful laser capable of operating
for many years with virtually no maintenance. V40's unique extruded aluminum envelope offers excellent
heat transfer, long gas life, and low operating costs in contrast to other laser tube technologies. Besides
being the vessel that maintains the lasing environment, the aluminum tube is also the structural platform
that integrates the laser's optical, electrical, and cooling components.
Optical resonator
The optical resonator, in conjunction with the electrodes and the gas mixture, generates the laser beam.
v40 optical resonators are comprised of four optical elements: a rear mirror, two turning mirrors, and an
output window. These optical elements are fastened to the tube's exterior and are exposed to its interior
through holes in the end caps. O-rings sandwiched between optical elements and each end cap form a
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