Frequency-Stabilized Diode Laser
for Raman Spectroscopy
Model PI-ECL-785-300-XX
Users Manual
Process Instruments, Inc.
825 North 300 West, Suite 225
Salt Lake City, Utah 84103
Phn: (801) 322-1235
Fax: (801) 322-5607
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Warning and Serial Number ................................................................................................... 2
Data Sheet ................................................................................................................................ 3
I.
Introduction.................................................................................................................... 4
II.
Operating Instructions .................................................................................................... 6
III.
Remote Control and External Modulation....................................................................... 6
IV.
Specifications and Dimensions......................................................................................... 9
V.
Maintenance and Service Procedures............................................................................. 11
VI.
Warranty/Service.......................................................................................................... 11
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WARNING !!!
The Process Instruments External-Cavity Laser (PI-ECL) is a CDRH certified Class 3B
laser product and conforms to 21 CFR 1010.2 and 1040.10. The warning and aperture label is
shown below and is located on top of the laser near the aperture.
Caution - Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures not specified
herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
PI-ECL-785-300-XX
XXXXXX
X, 20XX
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DATA SHEET
Model
PI-ECL-785-300-XX
S/N
XXXXXX
Manufacturing Date
X, 20XX
Operating Current Iop (mA)
XXX
Operating Current Limit (mA)
XXX
Operating Temp. Top (oC)
XX
Photodiode Reading (V)
X.XXX
Center Wavelength ( 0.2 nm)
XXX.X
Power (mW) @ Iop , Top
300XX
Laser Driver Transfer Function (mA/mV)
1/1
Current Monitor pin #13 (V)
.XXX
Hour meter Reading (hr)
XXX.X
Operating Voltage Vop (V)
.XXX
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I. Introduction
The PI-ECL uses patented technology (Pat. No. 6,100,975) to produce a high power, frequencystabilized, and narrow-linewidth laser output. These devices are especially useful for Raman spectroscopy.
The PI-ECL has the following unique characteristics:
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Custom wavelengths (630 nm - 980 nm) from visible to near-IR region are available.
Standard wavelengths at 670, 785, 830, and 865 nm.
Free space or fiber-coupled output.
High power output up to 300 mW into a 100 micron fiber.
Narrow linewidth ~ 1 cm-1.
Sealed laser-head package.
Turn key operation and can be controlled manually or remotely.
Built-in laser diode protection circuit for electrical power failure.
Optional Shutter
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Figure I.1 depicts the front and rear views of the PI-ECL. In the front, the laser beam is
emitted from the aperture located at the center of the wobble (fiber coupling) plate. Depending on
users choices, the laser output can be FC, SMA (fiber coupled), or free space. A heavy-duty key
switch and a four pin power connector for DC power supply input are also located in the front as
shown in Figure I.1. There is a built-in seven second delay between the time when turning on the key
switch and the laser emission for safety. In the rear, a 15 pin connector for remote control and
monitoring is provided. Please check Table I for the pin description. A precision single-turn power
adjust knob, a cooling fan, and a green LED are also shown.
Front
Rear
Figure I.1 Front and rear views of the PI-ECL.
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II. Operating Instructions
The operating procedures for the PI-ECL are as follows:
1.
Operate the laser at an ambient temperature between 15oC and 35 oC. Thermal shutdown
will occur when the ambient temperature reaches ~40 0C.
2.
Connect the included desktop power supply (+12 VDC/3.5A Min.) to the laser.
3.
Connect the wall plug to 110/120/220/240 VAC (47 - 63 Hz) electrical power.
4.
Turn on the key switch (the laser will be turned on after about 7 seconds) and wait 10
minutes for warm up.
5.
Use the current adjust knob to change the laser current (or power). The laser current can
be monitored on the 15 pin connector (see Table I).
6.
Always decrease the current applied to the device until you reach the minimum before
switching the laser off. If possible, do not switch the device on and off at full current, as
it may result in facet damage of the laser diode.
III. Remote Control and External Modulation
Table I shows the pin description for the 15 pin connector. Users who want to control or
monitor the laser will find those outputs of the 15 pin connector very useful.
For remote control of the laser, use the following procedures.
Step 1: Turn the laser off.
Step 2: Remove the jumper from INT LE to EXT LE on the circuit board.
(See Figure I.2)
Step 3: Turn the key switch to ON position.
Step 4: Connect pin#4 and pin#5 to turn on the laser remotely. Disconnection will turn
the laser off.
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To modulate the laser externally, use the following procedures.
Step 1: Turn the laser off.
Step 2: Remove the jumper from INT MOD to EXT MOD on the circuit board.
(See Figure I.2)
Step 3: Check the proper operating voltage from the data sheet. Applying this voltage to
Pin #8 (Ext Mod) results in a maximum laser operating current.
Step 4:
The operating voltage and the laser output current have a linear
relationship. To adjust the laser output current, adjust the operating
voltage in pin #8. One way to do this is by using pin #15 (2.5 V reference)
to setup a voltage divider (See Figure I.3).
Step 5: Return to operating instructions.
IV. Shutter Control (optional)
If the optional shutter is attached to the laser, the three position toggle switch should be on the
ON position for laser use. When laser is not in use the toggle switch should be in the OFF
position.
The shutter can also be controlled remotely using the 15 pin connector. The toggle switch
needs to be on the TTL position. A constant 5 V (high) on pin # 12 will open the shutter, while
a 0 V (low) will close the shutter.
Table I Pin assignment of the 15 pin connector.
PIN #
Description
PIN #
Description
Time delay and protection OK
N/A
N/A
10
N/A
Temperature OK
11
N/A
Remote interlock (EXT LE_1)
12
Solenoid TTL
Remote interlock (EXT LE_2)
13
Laser current monitor
Laser on OK
14
Laser power monitor
GND
15
2.5 Volt reference
External Modulation (EXT MOD)
(1 mA/mV)
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15 pin connector
INT MOD
EXT MOD
INT LE
EXT LE
Fuse1
Fuse2
Fan
TEC
Controller
Laser Driver
Hourmeter
Figure I.2 Overview of the PI-ECL circuit board.
An overview of the internal circuit board showing the positions of the jumpers (INT MOD, EXT
MOD, INT LE, and EXT LE) is depicted in Figure I.2. CAUTION: before making any changes
on these jumpers, always turn the laser off first.
PIN#15 (2.5 V REF.)
R1 (FIXED) =(Vref-Vop)R2/Vop
Vop
PIN#8 (EXT. MOD.)
R2 (VARIABLE)
10k ohm Pot
PIN#7 (GND)
Vop (mV) = Iop (mA) x 1 (
mV
mA
) = 2500 (mV) x (
OPERATING CURRENT TRANSFER
(DATA SHEET)
FUNCTION
2.5 V
REFERENCE
Figure I.3 Schematic of a voltage divider for external modulation.
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R2
R1+R2
VOLTAGE
DIVIDER
V. Specifications and Dimensions
Model
PI-ECL-785-300-XX
CW Optical Power (mW) - Nominal*
300
Center Wavelength (nm)
XXX 0.2
Beam Output (FC, SMA, or free space)
XX
Power Monitor
via photodiode
Linewidth (cm-1)
~1
Recommended Operating Temp. (0C)
15 to 35
DC Power Supply (VDC)**
12 (3.5 A min.; 12.5 V max.)
AC Power supply (VAC)
110/120/220/240
(47 - 63 Hz)
* Power into a 100 m, 0.22 N.A. fiber.
** Connector Amphenol T3300-001 or Right-angle T3300-005
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PIN#3
PIN#1
PIN#4
GND
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PA RT NO .
DWG . NO .
TITLE
THIS DO CUMEN T C ONTAINS PRO PRIETAR Y
INFORMATIO N AND MAY N OT BE REPROD UCED
PUBLISHED OR DISTRI BUTED IN ANY FOR M
D RAW N BY
OR DISCLO SED IN WHOL E OR IN PART
WITHO UT THE W RITTEN AUTH ORIZATI ON
FR OM PROCESS I NSTRU MENTS
EN GIN EER IN G
+12 VDC
UN LESS OTHER WI SE SPECI FI ED:
DI MESION S ARE IN INC HES
TOLER ANCES ON :
DR AWN
C HECKE D
QU ALITY
DA TE
SHEE T
MA NU FACTU RIN G
D ATE
R EV.
DAT E
DATE
Sal t Lake Ci ty
Uta h
DATE
Process Instruments
( 4 PIN DIN POWER CONNECTOR )
2.325
8.494
4X 4- 40
N/A
PIN#2
.140
D ESCRI PTI ON OF C HANGE
N/A
3.984
6.970
1.450
.140
2.931
REV PART NO
Laser Dimensions
V. Maintenance and Service Procedures
WARNING !!!
The PI-ECL made from Process Instruments is designed to be maintenance free and
should not be opened or adjusted (except for jumpers as mentioned above) by anyone other than
Process Instruments certified technicians. Please contact a Process Instruments representative
first for any maintenance or service of the PI-ECL.
Optimizing Wobble Plate for Fiber Coupling Use
1) Clean all fiber tips.
2) Insert FC/SMA coupling lens into the Wobble Plate.
3) Three sets of screws- 1) 4-40 cap head X3 that adjust the Wobble Plate. 2) 4-40 X3 set screws
that lock the Wobble Plate in position. 3) 4-40 X3 set screws that lock the cap head screws in
place (on the edge of the Wobble Plate).
4) Loosen the locking setscrews located on the Wobble Plate edge.
5) Loosen the setscrews that lock the Wobble Plate in position (make sure they are backed out
far enough as not to interfere with the re-optimization).
6) With the Laser on set the power to its MIN position, connect the fiber to the coupling lens.
(Do this to avoid damaging the fiber tip)
7) Connect the other end of the fiber to a Power Meter or Raman Probe.
8) Once all fiber connections have been made increase the Laser Power to ~45-50%.
9) Slowly adjust (by slowly turning) the three cap head screws to optimize power coupling. One
this has achieved maximum power coupling, increase the power output on the laser to its MAX
position, and repeat.
After optimization carefully tighten the three 4-40 setscrews to lock in the Wobble Plate
position. Then tighten the setscrews on the outer edge of the wobble plate.
VI. Warranty/Service
2001 Factory Warranty
Factory Warranty Policy - Laser Electronics, Power Supply, and Optical Components
All electronic components including table top power supply and optical components (laser diode not includedsee separate warranty for laser diode) are warranted to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for
a period of 1 year from date of shipment.
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Repair of Electronics and Optical Components
Repair of electronic and optical components (except the laser diode) are performed on a parts plus labor basis.
Factory Warranty Policy - 785 to 865 nm Laser Diodes - 9,000 Hours (2,000 hours for 670 nm laser diodes)
of Use or 12 Months (which ever comes first).
The laser diode contained in PI laser products is warranted to be free from defects in workmanship and materials
for a period of 9,000 hours (2,000 hours for 670 nm laser diodes) of operation (all products incorporate an
hour meter to measure elapsed time of laser operation) or 12 months from date of shipment. All PI laser
products are burned in prior to shipment to eliminate infant mortality. Our laser diode vendors perform random
life studies of their diodes to characterize their reliability. The laser diode vendors can make representations
about the laser diode reliability based on these studies. From these studies, the vendors predict laser life time
to be > 10,000 hours when operated at 25 oC. However, the diode vendors are also adamant that the lifetime
of a laser diode can only be expressed as a probability and the actual lifetime of a laser diode cannot be
warranted. Because we operate our laser diodes under cooler conditions, hermetically seal the laser head and
limit laser current, we have extended our warranty by ~ 300% beyond the conventional 90 day (2,160 hr)
warranty offered by the rest of our industry for standard 785 to 865 nm laser diodes.
Definition of Laser Diode Failure
Failure of laser diode is defined as a power loss of > 30% for 785 to 865 nm ( > 50% for 670 nm) from the laser
diodes original performance characteristics measured prior to shipment that cannot be corrected by adjusting
the fiber coupling alignment mechanism.
Laser diodes are easily damaged. Our warranty does not apply to products which PI determines, upon
inspection, have failed, become defective or unworkable due to abuse, mishandling, misuses, alteration,
negligence, improper installation, use which is not in accordance with the information and precautions
described in the applicable operating manual, or other causes beyond PIs control. Except for the foregoing
warranty, PI specifically disclaims and excludes all other warranties, express or implied, including implied
warranties of noninfringement, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Rapid Turn Around Policy for Laser Diode Replacement and/or Altering the Laser Wavelength.
The laser diode is basically a consumable device and it will eventually need to be replaced. Because down time
is costly to everyone, we have made this task a top priority. The laser module can be replaced in all of our laser
products with rapidturn around. We will replace the laser module and return the device within two weeks (10
working days of receiving device). The cost for replacing the laser module is shown below and depends upon
the output power of the laser. Consult the factory for additional information. If you wish to have the laser
diode operate at a different wavelength, we can replace the laser module and/or retune the laser to a new
wavelength. For some applications, this will require adjusting the laser current limit switch to protect the laser
diode. Again, consult the factory for additional information. The standard warranty applies for diode repair
and/or the laser diode conversion process.
Laser Product
Diode Laser Module
Replacement Cost
670 nm Laser
$5,500.00 to 7,500.00
(depending upon power)
785 to 865 nm Laser
$5,500.00
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Return Policy
Buyer shall notify PI of any defect during the warranty period of 9,000 hours (2,000 hours for 670 nm) or 12 months
for laser diodes and 12 months for electronic and/or other optical components. Obtain a return authorization
for the defective products, and return the defective products, freight prepaid, to PIs designated facility along
with a written statement describing the defect. PIs sole and exclusive obligation under this warranty is to use
reasonable commercial efforts, at PIs option, to repair, replace or refund the purchase price for any products
which are returned to PI as set forth above and which are, after examination by PI, determined in PIs reasonable
discretion to be defective. In-warranty repaired or replacement products are warranted only for the remaining
unexpired portion of the original warranty period applicable to the repaired or replaced products or components,
however the warranty period does not include the time period between when PI receives the defective products
and when PI returns the repaired or replacement products to Buyer. Buyer agrees that the foregoing provisions
constitute the sole and exclusive remedies available to Buyer for breach of warranty by PI with respect to the
products.
In no event will PI be liable for any indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, including but not
limited to loss of anticipated profits or benefits, even if PI has been informed of the possibility thereof in
advance. In no case will PI aggregate liability to buyer be greater that the purchase price paid by buyer to
PI for the products which are the subject of the buyers claim.
PIs laser products are not authorized by PI for Buyers use in any device or application where the failure,
malfunction or inaccuracy of the product carries a risk of death or serious bodily injury, such as, but not limited
to medical equipment, nuclear facilities, aircraft operation, air traffic control, life support or other applications
representing a similar degree of hazard. Any such use is prohibited without prior written agreement of PI, under
terms intended to allocate the risks of selling the product for such uses. Buyer will indemnify, defend and hold
PI harmless from all claims, losses, damages and expenses, including attorneys fees arising from any prohibited
use or application of the products.
For further questions, please contact:
Process Instruments, Inc.
825 N. 300 W. suite 225,
Salt Lake City, Utah 84103
U.S.A.
TEL: (801) 322-1235
FAX: (801) 322-5607
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