OXXIUS L1C Series User Manual

Platform for lcx and lbx laser sources

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L1C series

User manual

L1C platform for LCX and LBX laser sources

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Page 1 L1C series User manual L1C platform for LCX and LBX laser sources...
Page 3: Table Of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Safety information ........................ 4 1-1 Safety instructions......................4 1-2 Labels on the product ......................9 2. Getting started ........................12 2-1 Product description and variants ..................12 2-2 Preparing for use ......................13 2-3 Product tour ........................17 2-4 Installation ........................
Page 4: Safety Information
The product should be used only for its intended use and within its performance limits, as specified in the data sheet and brochures. If you are unsure of the appropriate use, please contact your local representative or Oxxius Technical Support.
Page 5: Electrostatic Discharges (Esd)
The product is suitable for pollution degree 2 environments where non-conductive contamination may occur. For more information on environmental conditions such as ambient temperature and humidity, refer to the datasheet. ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGES (ESD) Electrostatic discharges occur when friction over objects create a deficit or an excess of electrical charges. When a discharge occurs, the voltages involved are high enough to damage electronic circuits.
Page 6: Laser Safety
LASER SAFETY The L1C models are sources of laser radiation that present special hazards. The light produced by a laser source has several characteristics that make it very different from sunlight or the light emitted by an incandescent lamp. These characteristics create specific hazards associated with the operation and maintenance of the laser source: Laser light sources produce highly intense light that is either visible or invisible to the human eye, Laser beams are often collimated or have low divergence so that they maintain their harmful properties...
Page 7: Safety Guidelines
Please refer to the Manufacturing Test Report for detailed information regarding the laser classification of your equipment. The following table lists the accessible power and irradiance at the output of each model, as well as the degree of eye protection required to operate in safe conditions: Table 1-2: Accessible emission of some L1C models Model Nominal optical...
Page 8 "as is" in an open environment such as a laboratory. The equipment into which the laser is integrated must meet the laser safety standards listed above. Therefore, Oxxius is not responsible for any failure to comply with the safety standards of the environment in which the OEM version of the laser source is used.
Page 9: Labels On The Product
emission command is received until the laser actually emits. This provides a delay to warn the user of the impending emission. OPTICAL SHUTTER Mechanical shutters, located at the output port of the L1C, allow the beam to be fully deactivated. 1-2 Labels on the product Labels on the housing provide information about •...
Page 10: Identification Label
LASER CLASS LABEL This label indicates the class of the laser source and warns of the potential hazards of exposure to radiation. This pictogram indicates that the labeled device has the potential to emit some laser radiation. The pictogram serves to alert the user to the hazard associated with unprotected eye contact with the beam.
Page 11 Figure 1-3: Labels on the front panel and removeable cover of the L1C Laser aperture label Laser class label Identification label Wavelength range label...
Page 12: Getting Started
2. GETTING STARTED 2-1 Product description and variants THE L1C PLATFORM The L1C is a platform that embeds a laser source (LaserBoxx model) and additional components, typically an isolator or a modulator. These elements are aligned inside the L1C laser head. The output beam can be available either in free space, or delivered through an optical fiber.
Page 13: Part Numbers
Using the laser source without its controller is equivalent to using the source as an OEM part. Oxxius is not responsible for any failure to comply with applicable safety standards or local regulations when using a plug-and-play L1C without its dedicated controller.
Page 14: Operating Site
The laser head generates some heat during operation. Refer to the following cases depending on your requirements. L1C MOUNTED ON A STANDARD OXXIUS HEATSINK The laser head can be equipped with an optional heatsink HTSK-10. This model provides an important heat dissipation while keeping the laser head at a fixed temperature, improving its overall stability.
Page 15 L1C FIXED ON A HEAT-DISSIPATING SUPPORT The laser head can be mounted directly onto a mounting base, provided that it is flat enough (50 µm flatness or less) and that heat dissipation through it is effective. An optical stage or machined baseplate typically meets these requirements.
Page 16: Unpacking And Installing
Contact your Oxxius representative to find out the exact power consumption of your model or for detailed advice on this topic. UNPACKING AND INSTALLING Carefully unpack the product. Keep the original packing materials. Use it to transport or ship the product later.
Page 17: Product Tour
2-3 Product tour LASER HEAD Here are the accessible elements on the laser head. For detailed drawings of your model, refer to chapter 7-3. Figure 2-5: Elements on the front of the L1C laser head Shutter (inside the laser head) Output aperture (with optional fiber coupling system)
Page 18 Figure 2-7: Detailed output channel with an optional fiber coupling system Ferrule holding screw Optical connector Mounting flange Delivery patch cable Coupler body Figure 2-8: Bottom view of the L1C M4 fixation holes (x4) The following elements are accessible to the user: Base plate mounting holes: these holes are used to secure the laser head to a base plate or a heat sink.
Page 19 Fiber coupling system (option): This system is designed to inject the power into an optical fiber. It is composed of: ▪ The mounting flange, which supports the coupler. Note that this flange is precisely centered against the laser beam. Therefore, it is not advisable to loosen these screws and disturb its positioning.
Page 20 be seen without exposure to laser radiation; the white color is used to be visible through most protective eyewear. In accordance with CDRH recommendations, this indicator illuminates six seconds before the actual laser emission to warn of the impending hazard. These two elements are required by laser safety standards in order to protect the user from an accidental exposure.
Page 21 Analog signal input socket (BNC socket): This input is used to control the optical power from an analog voltage, allowing for power adjustment. Refer to chapter 3-2 for detailed information on power adjustment. Input/Output port (DE-9 Male): This interface allows the L1C to be controlled and monitored by electrical signals.
Page 22 HEATSINK (“HTSK-10” OPTION) This heatsink is designed to ensure a stable operation over a broad range of temperatures. The default (“automated”) operation consists in transferring a sufficient amount of heat while keeping the fan as quiet as possible. Figure 2-12: Rear view of the heatsink HTSK-7 Status indicator Supply socket Air inlet...
Page 23: Installation
2-4 Installation SIGNAL CONNECTIONS Connect the controller to the laser head using the umbilical cable. Secure both connectors using the locking screws. Connect your remote interlock circuit to the remote interlock terminals on the controller. If a complete interlock circuit is not to be used, the shunt wire provided. WARNING DEFEATED INTERLOCK CIRCUIT Using a shunt wire on the socket renders the interlock circuit ineffective, thereby negating the...
Page 24: Connecting To Power
This failure mechanism is not covered under Oxxius’ standard warranty. Oxxius strongly recommends that users take the following precautions when installing their laser head: All reflective surfaces in the optical path should be slightly angled so that surface...
Page 25: Usb Communication
WARNING For electrical safety, Oxxius recommends using the standard power supply provided with this product. A protective ground connection integrating a grounding conductor is essential for a safe operation. To avoid electrical shock, please ensure that the power cord is plugged into a properly wired receptacle.
Page 26: Installing The Software Suite
Shield Case Shield 2-5 Installing the software suite The Oxxius Laser application software allows users to monitor and control one or several laser sources linked to a personal computer. PREREQUISITES • Oxxius Laser requires either a serial port (for RS-232 communication) or a USB port (using either the native USB protocol or a virtualized serial communication).
Page 27 HTTP://WWW.OXXIUS.COM/DOWNLOAD/F09512DD.EXE Executing the file “setup.exe” prompts a standard installation wizard. Please take note of the license agreement and proceed by selecting “I accept the agreement” Click on « Next » twice, unless you need to set a specific save folder.
Page 28 The final step of the installation prompts the user to install the USB drivers to communicate with various models (see the screenshot below). To proceed, select all the features proposed. To complete the installation, please click "Finish." Your operating system may require you to restart your computer.
Page 29: Operation
3-2 How to operate the L1C Most of the procedures described in this chapter rely on Oxxius’ graphical user interface (GUI); refer to chapter 4-2 for a description of this GUI. HOW TO POWER UP THE SOURCE AND RELEASE THE EMISSION Connect the power supply to your mains socket.
Page 30 Turn the emission key clockwise until the end stop. The laser emission indicator lights up in solid white, which indicates that the laser is armed. The start-up sequence will also begin, which may take up to ten minutes. During this time, status indicator will blink in green. Refer to the next paragraph if your model is from the “S”...
Page 31 The step “Searching SLM” is meant to result in a stable emission and a single longitudinal mode output. NOTES On LBX models, the value of the current is an important factor in completing the start-up sequence. By default, the nominal current (100%) is the only guaranteed value resulting in an SLM emission. While it is possible to modify the current while in operation, we recommend re-running the start-up sequence in order to ensure a stable and SLM emission.
Page 32 Note that the Status LED will lit in solid white as the switch is in “Open” position. HOW TO POWER DOWN THE L1C Here is the normal sequence to turn the emission off and shut down your source: Close the shutter (using a manual shutter: rotate the lever to “Close”), Turn off the emission by rotating the emission key anti-clockwise, Turn off the power switch on the controller.
Page 33: Analog Modulation
EXTERNAL MODULATION FUNCTIONS Using these functions, the optical output can be modulated according to incoming electrical signals. ANALOG MODULATION Using this function, the output power will vary in a linear way against the analog voltage applied to the LaserBoxx. Where to apply the signal Apply your signal on the BNC socket at the back side of the ControlBoxx.
Page 34: Advanced Operations
4. ADVANCED OPERATIONS This section offers comprehensive details on the accessories and options, as well as on alternative control methods for the laser source. 4-1 Fiber-coupling options These options are designed to inject the output laser beam into the core of an optical fiber which then guides the optical signal along.
Page 35: Routine Maintenance
Flat side Should the shutter no longer be fixed to the laser head or the coupler no longer be aligned with the beam, please contact your local Oxxius representative. NOTE: The coupling efficiency can be altered once the laser head has been fixed to its support, especially with single mode fibers.
Page 36 Finish the cleaning using the CLETOP. Note that the presence of scratches or shards near the fiber core is damage that cannot be repaired with these methods. If you require assistance in polishing the optical connector, please contact your Oxxius representative.
Page 37: How To Use The Monitoring Application
APPLICATION TOUR DEVICE DETECTION Connect your L1C to your computer using RS-232 or USB, then launch the executable file “Oxxius laser”. The window on the left lists the detected devices upon startup. Note that a unit connected through USB appears automatically on the laser list.
Page 38 Figure 4-2: Control panel of a L1C based on a LBX or LSX model Emission control : On/Off Laser emission warning Modulation settings Status bar Power and current monitors and settings Figure 4-3: Control panel of a L1C based on a LCX or LPX model Modulation settings Status bar...
Page 39 TYPICAL USAGE OF THE CONTROL PANEL Once the laser source is connected, then the user can click the "Emission On" and “Off” buttons to start or stop the emission. This will have an effect over the actual laser emission only if the key switch had been turned on too. Once the laser emission is stabilized, clicking on the “Shutter”...
Page 40 The following elements are present inside this window, from top to bottom: To activate (or deactivate) data logging, please tick the box called “Data logging”. The “log interval” determines how often the unit is polled for data. The default value is “1000 ms”. The “log directory”...
Page 41: Resources For Developers
Additionally, the logged parameters can be visualized in real time by entering "graph" in the command console. This will open a separate window displaying the recorded parameters as plots against time (on the abscissa). The frame on the top left lists the parameters that were polled for and their current values. Tick on the leftmost box of a line to have the corresponding plot to appear the left axis.
Page 42 “cold” restart by toggling its power supply off and on. The command “CDC 0” reverts this setting. INTERFACING WITH MICROMANAGER The L1C are supported by Micro-Manager, the open-source microscopy software. For detailed information, please visit the following URL: https://micro-manager.org/wiki/Oxxius...
Page 43: Operating The Laser Using An Electronic Interface
Windows’ Device Manager. Execute MicroManager and open the "Hardware Configuration Wizard" to detect and configure your L1C: amongst the available “Devices”, select and add one “Oxxius LaserBoxx” as illustrated below. Press “Next” to proceed to the COM port configuration. Enter the COM port of your L1C and also the communication parameters specified in table 4-4.
Page 44 Table 4-6: Pin assignment of the ControlBoxx interface Signal name and function Direction Description Drive or load number Reference voltage Output +5V DC. Use this reference to drive your inputs on 100 Ω this I/O port Not connected Alarm Output Indicates the presence of an alarm.
Page 45: Troubleshooting
5. TROUBLESHOOTING 5-1 Operating Status and alarms An alarm is a status indicating that certain operational conditions are off-limits. When an alarm is raised, laser operation is not possible until the cause of the alarm is fixed. To resume emission, the unit must be reactivated by the emission key.
Page 46 Table 5.1 Alarm status detailed Alarm Cause of the alarm Required action Power supply The DC supply voltage is Check the supply voltage using the command “VA?”. alarm outside its limit range Measure the actual voltage at the unit’s supply terminals. Refer to your unit’s specifications for allowable voltage ranges.
Page 47: Recovering Missing Power
Use a heatsink (HTSK-10) in order to improve the stability of the coupling INJECTED POWER The software provided by Oxxius monitors the amount of power injected into the fiber coupling. It is important to ensure that this value is sufficient in relation to the conditions listed in the manufacturing test report.
Page 48: Measurement Equipment
5-3 How to maximize the transmission over an optical fiber When a fiber coupling option is ordered on a L1C, its alignment is performed and tested at Oxxius’ facilities. However, minor adjustments may be necessary after the system is positioned in its final location or when the optical fiber is being replaced.
Page 49 It is not advisable to detach the supporting flange (or the shutter body) from the front of the laser head. Please contact Oxxius should the supporting flange be detached from the laser head, as this situation requires a specific alignment procedure.
Page 50 Release the laser emission and check the value detected by your power meter. Please use the Maunfacturing Test Report delivered by Oxxius as a reference document. QUICK OPTIMIZATION PROCEDURE In this paragraph, the decrease of injection efficiency is assumed to be limited. In other words, the power at the delivery end of the fiber is still measureable and one can proceed with the thumb test.
Page 51 CHECKING THE ALIGNMENT: THE “THUMB TEST” Figure 5-4: The “thumb test” A convinient way of checking the optimal alignment consists in gently pressing the cone-shaped part (the boot) between the optical cable and the back of the optical connector. Do this in a given direction (as in figure 5-5 above), and the transmitted power should be modified.
Page 52: Issues With Back Reflection
(or using any other beam dump) and noting if the laser operates normally under this condition. Oxxius also recommends the following precautions when working with open beam laser modules. When coupling the light into optical fibers, use angle-polished connectors such as FC/APC, Any optical surfaces in the optical path should be slightly angled to avoid back reflections.
Page 53: Uninstalling And Repacking Procedures
E-mail: service@oxxius.com 5-6 Disposal Oxxius is committed to making careful, ecologically sound use of natural resources and minimizing the environmental footprint of our products. Help us by disposing of waste in a way that causes minimum environmental impact. A product labeled as follows cannot be disposed of in normal household waste Disposal via collection points for waste electrical and electronic equipment is not permitted either.
Page 54: Warranty
LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AND DOES NOT COVER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS. OXXIUS makes no warranty of any kind with regard to the information contained in this guide, included but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and suitability for a particular purpose.
Page 55: Technical Documents
7. TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS This section lists the software commands and as well as the mechanical drawings of the laser head and the controllers. 7-1 Software commands COMMUNICATION AND IDENTIFICATION Purpose Command Syntax and result Configuration of the USB port: standard or virtual CDC 0 (CDC,<space>,0):Standard USB serial port.
Page 56 (see section “Troubleshooting” for more “2” : Stand-by (no emission) information concerning the laser status) “3” : Emission On “5” : Alarm present “6” : Sleep mode “7” : Searching for SLM point Re-initialize the unit RST 0 (RST,<space>,0) Resets the microcontroller Switches the source to “Sleep mode”, thus greatly T 0 (T,<space>,0): turn the emission off and switches the source to reducing consumed power.
Page 57: L1C Electrical Interface
“Warranty and certification”. Oxxius bears no responsibility in any lack of compliance with safety standards of the environment in which the L1C is used without its controller.
Page 58 RS-232 Rx Input To be connected to Tx on computer side RS-232 Tx Output To be connected to Rx on computer side Power supply GND Ground Ground for pins 4, 5, 11, 12 and TTL signals. TTL Low = No alarm 2 kΩ, Alarm Output...
Page 59: Mechanical Drawings
7-3 Mechanical drawings L1C LASER HEAD...
Page 60 L1C+ LASER HEAD...
Page 61 CONTROLBOXX...
Page 62 HTSK-10 HEAT SINK (OPTION)
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