Quanta-Ray Lab-Series Pulsed Nd:YAG Lasers User’s Manual 1335 Terra Bella Avenue Mountain View, CA 94043 Part Number 0000-311A, Rev. A June 2003 Preface This manual contains information you need in order to safely install, align, operate, maintain and service your Quanta-Ray Lab-Series pulsed Nd:YAG laser on a day-to-day basis. Also described is the installation and operation of the HG harmonic generator and IHS internal harmonic separator. The system comprises three main elements: the Lab-Series laser head, the power supply and a table-top controller. (The system can also be controlled remotely via the front panel RS-232 serial port.) An optional Model WA-1 heat exchanger may also be present. The “Introduction” contains a brief description of these three components and is followed by an important chapter on laser safety. The Lab-Series is a Class IV laser and, as such, emits laser radiation which can permanently damage eyes and skin, ignite fires and vaporize substances. Moreover, focused back-reflections of even a small percentage of its output energy can destroy expensive internal optical components. This section contains information about these hazards and offers suggestions on how to safe- guard against them. To minimize the risk of injury or expensive repairs, be sure to read this chapter—then carefully follow these instructions. This chapter also contains information regarding system compliance to CDRH and CE regulations. “Laser Description” contains a short section on laser theory regarding the Nd:YAG crystal rods that are used in the Lab-Series laser. Also included is a discussion of the second, third and fourth harmonic laser output gener- ated by the system. Following this is a more detailed description of the Lab-Series laser system, concluding with system specifications and outline drawings. The next few chapters describe the Lab-Series controls and interconnects, and guide you through its installation, alignment and operation. The last part of the manual covers maintenance and service and includes a replace- ment parts list and a list of world-wide Spectra-Physics service centers you can call if you need help. Appendix A is a Programming Reference Guide for those who wish to operate the laser system automatically. Whereas the “Maintenance” section contains information you need to keep your laser clean and operational on a day-to-day basis, “Service and Repair” is intended to help you guide your Spectra-Physics field service engineer to the source of any problems. Do not attempt repairs yourself while the unit is still under warranty; instead, report all problems to Spectra- Physics for warranty repair. iii Quanta-Ray Lab-Series Pulsed Nd:YAG Laser System This product has been tested and found to conform to “Directive 89/336/ EEC for electromagnetic Compatibility.” Class A compliance was demon- strated for “EN 50081-2:1993 Emissions” and “EN 50082-1:1992 Immu- nity” as listed in the official Journal of the European Communities. It also meets the intent of “Directive 73/23/EEC for Low Voltage.” Class A com- pliance was demonstrated for “EN 61010-1:1993 Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory use” and “EN 60825-1:2001 Radiation Safety for Laser Products.” Refer to the “CE Declaration of Conformity” statements in Chapter 2. Should you experience any problems with any equipment purchased from Spectra-Physics, or you are in need of technical information or support, please contact Spectra-Physics as described in “Customer Service.” This chapter contains a list of world-wide Spectra-Physics service centers you can call if you need help. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. All information in this document is subject to change without notice. Spectra-Physics makes no representation or warranty, either express or implied, with respect to this document. In no event will Spectra-Physics be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential dam- ages resulting from any defects in this documentation. Finally, if you encounter any difficulty with the content or style of this manual, or encounter problems with the laser itself, please let us know. The last page of this manual is a form to aid in bringing such problems to our attention. Thank you for your purchase of Quanta-Ray Spectra-Physics instruments. iv CE Environmental Specifications CE Electrical Equipment Requirements For information regarding the equipment needed to provide the electrical service listed under “Service Requirements” at the end of Chapter 3, please refer to specification EN-309, “Plug, Outlet and Socket Couplers for Indus- trial Uses,” listed in the official Journal of the European Communities. Environmental Specifications The environmental conditions under which the laser system will function are listed below: Indoor use Altitude: up to 2000 m Temperatures: 10° C to 40° C Maximum relative humidity: 80% non-condensing for temperatures up to 31° C. Mains supply voltage: do not exceed ±10% of the nominal voltage Insulation category: II Pollution degree: 2 v Table of Contents Preface . iii CE Environmental Specifications. v CE Electrical Equipment Requirements . v Environmental Specifications . v Warning Conventions . xiii Standard Units . xv Unpacking and Inspection . xvii Unpacking Your Laser . xvii System Components . xvii Accessory Kit . xvii Chapter 1: Introduction . 1-1 The Quanta-Ray Lab-Series Pulsed Nd:YAG Lasers . 1-1 The Laser Head . 1-1 The Controller . 1-2 The Power Supply . 1-2 The Lab-Series Advantage . 1-3 Patents . 1-3 Chapter 2: Laser Safety. 2-1 Precautions For The Safe Operation Of Class IV High Power Lasers . 2-1 Safety Devices . 2-3 Emission Indicator . 2-3 MONITOR: PoWeR ON Indicator . 2-3 MONITOR: INTERLOCK Indicator . 2-4 REMOTE INTERLOCK Connector . 2-4 Cover Safety Interlocks . 2-4 POWER Keyswitch . 2-5 POWER Circuit Breaker . 2-5 Focused Back-Reflection Safety . 2-6 Maintenance Necessary to Keep this Laser Product in Compliance with Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) Regulations . 2-6 CE/CDRH Radiation Control Drawing . 2-7 Label Translations . 2-8 CE Declaration of Conformity . 2-9 Sources for Additional Information . 2-10 Laser Safety Standards . 2-10 Equipment and Training . 2-11 vii Quanta-Ray Lab-Series Pulsed Nd:YAG Laser System Chapter 3: Laser Description . 3-1 A Brief Review of Ion Laser Theory . .3-1 Emission and Absorption of Light . .3-1 Population Inversion . .3-2 Nd:YAG as an Excitation Medium . .3-4 Q-switching . .3-5 Resonant Optical Cavity . .3-6 Longitudinal Modes and Linewidth . .3-7 Producing Other Wavelengths . .3-8 Resonator Structural Considerations . .3-9 Pulse Triggering Sequence and Timing . .3-9 General Note on Specifications . .3-11 Laser Output Specifications . .3-12 Outline Drawing . ..