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User Guide for THORLABS models including: NPL94C, NPL Series Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers, NPL Series, Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers, Pulsed Lasers, Lasers
Nanosecond Pulsed Laser Systems
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DocumentDocumentNPL Series Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers User Guide Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers Table of Contents Chapter 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Intended Use .........................................................................................................................1 1.2 Explanation of Safety Warnings ..............................................................................................1 1.3 Description ............................................................................................................................1 1.3.1 Series Overview................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.4 Technical Data .......................................................................................................................3 1.4.1 Optical Specifications .......................................................................................................................................... 3 1.4.2 Trigger Specifications .......................................................................................................................................... 6 1.4.3 Power, Environmental, and Physical Specifications ............................................................................................ 6 1.4.4 Mechanical Drawings .......................................................................................................................................... 7 1.5 Inputs and Controls................................................................................................................9 1.6 Simplified Declaration of Conformity....................................................................................11 1.7 FCC Designation ...................................................................................................................11 Chapter 2 Safety ....................................................................................................................... 12 2.1 Laser Safety .........................................................................................................................12 2.1.1 2.1.2 2.1.3 Laser System with Item # Ending in A ............................................................................................................... 13 Laser Systems with Item #s Ending in B ............................................................................................................ 13 Laser Systems with Item #s Ending in C............................................................................................................. 13 Chapter 3 Installation ............................................................................................................... 13 3.1 Packing List..........................................................................................................................13 3.1.1 Laser System with Item # Ending in A ............................................................................................................... 13 3.1.2 Laser Systems with Item #s Ending in B or C ..................................................................................................... 14 3.2 Quick Start Guide.................................................................................................................14 Chapter 4 Operation ................................................................................................................. 15 4.1 Block Diagram......................................................................................................................15 4.2 Power..................................................................................................................................16 4.3 Interlock Circuit ...................................................................................................................16 4.4 Pulse Widths and Repetition Rates .......................................................................................17 4.5 Trigger Port..........................................................................................................................18 4.6 Optical Output.....................................................................................................................18 Chapter 5 Maintenance and Cleaning........................................................................................ 18 Chapter 6 Troubleshooting and Repair ...................................................................................... 19 Chapter 7 Disposal.................................................................................................................... 19 Chapter 8 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ................................................................................... 20 Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Intended Use These products are intended to be used as high-speed laser sources with nanosecond pulse widths and operated in a laboratory environment with controlled temperature and humidity. The products may only be used in accordance with the instructions described in this manual. Any other use will invalidate the warranty. 1.2 Explanation of Safety Warnings Indicates information considered important, but not hazard-related, such as possible damage to the product. Laser Radiation Warning ESD Component Caution The CE/UKCA markings on the product are the manufacturer's declaration that the product complies with the essential requirements of the relevant European health, safety, and environmental protection legislation. The wheelie bin symbol on the product, the accessories or packaging indicates that this device must not be treated as unsorted municipal waste but must be collected separately. 1.3 Description The NPL series of pulsed diode lasers are designed to provide a convenient, turn-key source of nanosecond pulse trains. Model options are summarized in the table below and include different typical emission wavelengths, output powers, repetition frequency range, and fixed or adjustable pulse widths. 1.3.1 Series Overview Models with Item # suffix A provide fixed-duration 10 ns pulses in response to a user-supplied trigger input. Models with Item # suffix B offer variable pulse width control and internal oscillators that trigger the laser pulses at 1 MHz, 5 MHz, or 10 MHz in addition to user-triggered operation. Models with Item # suffix C offer higher pulse energies, variable pulse width control, and user trigger input at repetition frequencies up to 50 kHz. The optical output is a free-space beam with an integrated factory set collimated lens. Note that the shutter is permanently attached. Rev. J, March 20, 2025 Page 1 Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers Item # NPL64A NPL41B NPL45B NPL49B NPL52B NPL64B NPL79B NPL82B NPL91B NPL98B NPL41C NPL45C NPL52C NPL64C NPL81C NPL94C Typical Center Wavelength 640 ± 10 nm 405 ± 10 nm 450 ± 10 nm 488 ± 10 nm 520 ± 10 nm 640 ± 10 nm 785 ± 10 nm 820 ± 10 nm 905 ± 10 nm 980 ± 10 nm 405 ± 10 nm 450 ± 10 nm 520 ± 10 nm 640 ± 10 nm 808 ± 10 nm 940 ± 10 nm Pulse Width 10 ns 6 ns to 38 ns 5 ns to 39 ns 6 ns to 39 ns 5 ns to 39 ns 5 ns to 39 ns 6 ns to 39 ns 6 ns to 39 ns 6 ns to 39 ns 6 ns to 39 ns 6 ns to 129 ns Peak Output Power 13 mW 38 mW 75 mW 50 mW 30 mW 50 mW 88 mW 88 mW 88 mW 38 mW 1000 mW 1600 mW 1500 mW 1000 mW 1500 mW 1000 mW Chapter 1: Introduction Internal Trigger No Max Rep. Rate 10 MHz Yes 10 MHz No 50 kHz Page 2 000-105-199 Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers 1.4 Technical Data Chapter 1: Introduction 1.4.1 Optical Specifications Item # NPL64A NPL41B NPL45B NPL49B NPL52B Center Wavelength (Typ.) 640 ± 10 nm 405 ± 10 nm 450 ± 10 nm 488 ± 10 nm 520 ± 10 nm Pulse Width (FWHM) Mina Maxa 10 ± 1 nsb 6 ± 1 ns 38 ± 3 ns 5 ± 1 ns 39 ± 3 ns 6 ± 1 ns 39 ± 3 ns 5 ± 1 ns 39 ± 3 ns Internal Trigger No Yes (1, 5, or 10 MHz) Max Trigger Frequencyc 10 MHz Pulse Energy (Typ. Max)d 0.12 nJ 1.5 nJ 3.0 nJ 2.0 nJ 1.2 nJ Average Power (Max)d 1.2 mW 15 mW 30 mW 20 mW 12 mW Peak Power (Typ. Max)e 13 mW 38 mW 75 mW 50 mW 30 mW Beam Pointing Accuracyf 3° Beam Divergence (1/e2), Typ.g Major Minor 1.5 mrad 0.5 mrad 0.5 mrad 0.3 mrad 0.5 mrad 0.25 mrad 0.5 mrad 0.3 mrad 1.5 mrad 0.5 mrad Beam Full Width (1/e2) at 5.0 mg Major Minor 5.3 mm 2.1 mm 2.5 mm 1.7 mm 3.3 mm 1.6 mm 3.0 mm 1.8 mm 3.2 mm 2.0 mm Collimating Lens C340TMD-B C610TMD-A a. The pulse widths of lasers with Item # suffix B or C are adjustable over 16 discrete settings, from the minimum to the maximum specified widths. Refer to the web presentation for plots of typical pulses as well as plots of typical pulse widths vs. the pulse width control setting. b. Pulse widths are of fixed duration. Refer to the web presentation for plots of typical pulses. c. The maximum supported edge transition time is 1 ms. d. These specifications are given for operation at the max repetition rate and with the greatest pulse width achievable by the laser. e. This specification is a typical maximum and is given for pulses that reach maximum output power. Some short duration pulses do not reach maximum output power and therefore have reduced average output powers. f. Relative to a beam axis normal to the plane of the front panel. g. The major axis of the ellipse is vertically oriented when the bottom surface of the laser head is in the horizontal plane. Rev. J, March 20, 2025 Page 3 Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers Chapter 1: Introduction Item # NPL64B NPL79B NPL82B NPL91B NPL98B Center Wavelength (Typ.) 640 ± 10 nm 785 ± 10 nm 820 ± 10 nm 905 ± 10 nm 980 ± 10 nm Pulse Width (FWHM) Mina Maxa 5 ± 1 ns 39 ± 3 ns 6 ± 1 ns 39 ± 3 ns 6 ± 1 ns 39 ± 3 ns 6 ± 1 ns 39 ± 3 ns 6 ± 1 ns 39 ± 3 ns Internal Trigger Yes (1, 5, or 10 MHz) Max Trigger Frequencyc 10 MHz Pulse Energy (Typ. Max)d 2.0 nJ 3.5 nJ 3.5 nJ 3.5 nJ 1.5 nJ Average Power (Max)d 20 mW 35 mW 35 mW 35 mW 15 mW Peak Power (Typ. Max)e 50 mW 88 mW 88 mW 88 mW 38 mW Beam Pointing Accuracyf 3° Beam Divergence (1/e2), Typ.g Major Minor 1.5 mrad 0.5 mrad 0.3 mrad 0.15 mrad 0.5 mrad 0.6 mrad 1.0 mrad 0.5 mrad 0.5 mrad 0.5 mrad Beam Full Width (1/e2) at 5.0 mg Major Minor 4.8 mm 2.7 mm 3.8 mm 3.3 mm 2.9 mm 1.4 mm 5.0 mm 2.8 mm 2.6 mm 1.3 mm Collimating Lens C340TMD-B A375TM-B C340TMD-B A375TM-B a. The pulse widths of lasers with Item # suffix B or C are adjustable over 16 discrete settings, from the minimum to the maximum specified widths. Refer to the web presentation for plots of typical pulses as well as plots of typical pulse widths vs. the pulse width control setting. b. Pulse widths are of fixed duration. Refer to the web presentation for plots of typical pulses. c. The maximum supported edge transition time is 1 ms. d. These specifications are given for operation at the max repetition rate and with the greatest pulse width achievable by the laser. e. This specification is a typical maximum and is given for pulses that reach maximum output power. Some short duration pulses do not reach maximum output power and therefore have reduced average output powers. f. Relative to a beam axis normal to the plane of the front panel. g. The major axis of the ellipse is vertically oriented when the bottom surface of the laser head is in the horizontal plane. Page 4 000-105-199 Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers Chapter 1: Introduction Item # NPL41C NPL45C NPL52C NPL64C NPL81C NPL94C Center Wavelength (Typ.) 405 ± 10 nm 450 ± 10 nm 520 ± 10 nm 640 ± 10 nm 808 ± 10 nm 940 ± 10 nm Pulse Width (FWHM) Mina Maxa 6 ± 1 ns 129 ± 5 ns Internal Trigger No Max Trigger Frequencyc 50 kHz Pulse Energy (Typ. Max)d 128 nJ 204 nJ 186 nJ 126 nJ 186 nJ 129 nJ Average Power (Max)d 6.4 mW 10.2 mW 9.3 mW 6.3 mW 9.3 mW 6.5 mW Peak Power (Typ. Max)e 1000 mW 1600 mW 1500 mW 1000 mW 1500 mW 1000 mW Beam Pointing Accuracyf 3° Beam Divergence Major 4.9 mrad 2.4 mrad 3.7 mrad 10.2 mrad 9.5 mrad 7.2 mrad (1/e2), Typ.g Minor 0.2 mrad 0.14 mrad 0.6 mrad 0.5 mrad 0.85 mrad 0.28 mrad Beam Full Width (1/e2) at 5.0 mg Major Minor 21 mm 1.0 mm 19.2 mm 1.3 mm 16.5 mm 1.9 mm 43 mm 1.2 mm 49 mm 1.3 mm 47 mm 1.6 mm Collimating Lens C610TMD-A C610TMD-B A397TM-B a. The pulse widths of lasers with Item # suffix B or C are adjustable over 16 discrete settings, from the minimum to the maximum specified widths. Refer to the web presentation for plots of typical pulses as well as plots of typical pulse widths vs. the pulse width control setting. b. Pulse widths are of fixed duration. Refer to the web presentation for plots of typical pulses. c. The maximum supported edge transition time is 1 ms. d. This specification is given for operation at the max repetition rate and with the greatest pulse width achievable by the laser. e. These specifications are typical maxima and are given for pulses that reach maximum output power. Some short duration pulses do not reach maximum output power and therefore have reduced average output powers. f. Relative to a beam axis normal to the plane of the front panel. g. The major axis of the ellipse is vertically oriented when the bottom surface of the laser head is in the horizontal plane. Rev. J, March 20, 2025 Page 5 Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers Chapter 1: Introduction 1.4.2 Trigger Specifications Parameter Specification Coupling AC Coupled Max Input Frequencya Item # Suffix A or B Item # Suffix C 10 MHz 50 kHz Input Voltage Input Impedance 200 mVpp to 2 Vpp 5 k Output Voltageb 900 mV (Hi-Z Load) 600 mV (50 Load) Max Jitterc 20 ps RMS 100 ps Peak-to-Peak Delay from External Trigger Input to Optical Outputd 35 ns ± 5 ns Delay from Internal Trigger to Optical Outputb 28 ns ± 5 ns a. The maximum supported edge transition time is 1 ms. b. Available only on NPL series lasers with Item # suffix B. c. Applies to external triggering (all Item #s) and internal triggering (only models with Item # suffix B). d. External trigger delay is measured between the Trigger SMA connector and the optical output at the lens. 1.4.3 Power, Environmental, and Physical Specifications Parameter DC Input Voltage Range to Laser Head DC Input Current to Laser Head AC Input Frequency Range to DS15 Power Supply AC Input Voltage to DS15 Power Supply Operating Temperature Range Storage Temperature Range Humidity Range (RH) Dimensions (L x W x H) Without ECM225 Clamps With ECM225 Clamps Specification 14 V to 16 V 800 mA Max 50 Hz - 60 Hz 100 V to 240 V 10 °C to 40 °C 0 °C to 50 °C 5% to 85% 139.6 mm x 61.5 mm x 48.7 mm (5.49" x 2.42" x 1.92") 139.6 mm x 61.5 mm x 54.7 mm (5.49" x 2.42" x 2.15") Page 6 000-105-199 Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers 1.4.4 Mechanical Drawings Chapter 1: Introduction Figure 1 Mechanical Drawing of the NPL64A Rev. J, March 20, 2025 Page 7 Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers Chapter 1: Introduction Figure 2 Mechanical Drawing for NPL Series Lasers with Item # Suffix B Page 8 000-105-199 Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers Chapter 1: Introduction Figure 3 Mechanical Drawing for NPL Series Lasers with Item # Suffix C 1.5 Inputs and Controls The only differences in the back panels of the A, B, and C versions, shown below, are the pulse width and repetition rate controls. Models with Item # suffix A have neither, suffix B models have both pulse width and repetition rate control, and suffix C models have only pulse width control. In these images, the shorting device (interlock pin) that ships installed in the interlock jack has been removed. Rev. J, March 20, 2025 Page 9 Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers Key Switch Power Jack Chapter 1: Introduction Interlock Jack Laser Status Trigger Port Figure 4 Back Panel of NPL64A Laser Interlock Jack Key Switch Power Jack Pulse Width Control Figure 5 Laser Status Trigger Port Repetition Rate Control Back Panel of NPL Series Lasers with Item # Suffix B Key Switch Power Jack Interlock Jack Laser Status Trigger Port Pulse Width Control Figure 6 Back Panel of NPL Series Lasers with Item # Suffix C Page 10 000-105-199 Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers Chapter 1: Introduction 1.6 Simplified Declaration of Conformity The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=10823 1.7 FCC Designation The following statement applies to the products covered in this manual, unless otherwise specified herein. The statement for other products will appear in the accompanying documentation. Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules, and meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Standard ICES-003 for digital apparatus. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in an industrial installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. Thorlabs is not responsible for any radio television interference caused by modifications of this equipment or the substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment other than those specified by Thorlabs. The correction of interference caused by such unauthorized modification, substitution or attachment will be the responsibility of the user. The use of shielded I/O cables is required when connecting this equipment to all optional peripherals or host devices. Failure to do so may violate FCC and ICES rules. This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits according to IEC 61326-1 for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet). Rev. J, March 20, 2025 Page 11 Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers Chapter 2: Safety Chapter 2 Safety All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual will only apply when the unit is operated correctly. If equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single components be carried out or components not supplied by Thorlabs be used. Caution: ESD Sensitive Component The components inside this instrument are ESD sensitive. Take all appropriate precautions to discharge personnel and equipment before making any connections to the unit. Components not Water Resistant This instrument should be kept clear of environments where liquid spills or condensing moisture are likely. It is not water resistant. To avoid damage to the instrument, do not expose it to spray, liquids, or solvents. Caution: Follow Intended Usage Guidelines Inputs and outputs must only be connected with shielded connection cables. The safety of any system incorporating the equipment is the responsibility of the assembler of the system. If equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single components be carried out or components not supplied by Thorlabs be used. There are no user serviceable components inside this device. 2.1 Laser Safety Warning: Laser Radiation This is a Class 3B laser system. Observe all safety precautions and wear protective eyewear appropriate for this type of device. Align system at lower output power if possible. Do not position device so that it is difficult to access the switch and interlock. Caution - Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure. Page 12 000-105-199 Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers 2.1.1 Laser System with Item # Ending in A 2.1.2 Laser Systems with Item #s Ending in B Chapter 3: Installation 2.1.3 Laser Systems with Item #s Ending in C Chapter 3 Installation 3.1 Packing List 3.1.1 Laser System with Item # Ending in A · NPL64A Laser Head · DS15 +15 V Power Supply · Two ECM225 Aluminum Clamps · Interlock Pin Installed in Interlock Port · Set of Keys for the Key Switch Rev. J, March 20, 2025 Page 13 Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers Chapter 3: Installation · Quick Start and Safety Guide 3.1.2 Laser Systems with Item #s Ending in B or C · NPL Series Laser Head · DS15 +15 V Power Supply · Two ECM225 Aluminum Clamps · Flathead Screwdriver with 2.5 mm Edge · Interlock Pin Installed in Interlock Port · Set of Keys for the Key Switch · Quick Start and Safety Guide 3.2 Quick Start Guide 1. Mount the laser head as needed using the supplied ECM225 clamps and either imperial or metric screws. After screwing the ECM225 clamps to any convenient base or post, such as one of Thorlabs' TR series optical posts, snap the clamps on to the bottom side of the NPL housing. Firmly tighten the clamps using the locking screws. Figure 4 shows an example of an NPL laser head mounted on an optical table. 2. Orient the laser to ensure the output beam will be safely contained. 3. Connect the power supply cable to the head, and then plug the power supply into mains power. 4. Make sure the shutter has been rotated to the closed position and interlock pin is in place at this time. An external interlock circuit can be added later for more convenient integration of the interlock safety feature. 5. Put on laser safety goggles if your situation requires them. 6. Turn the power switch on using the key switch. 7. The dual color LED indicator (red/blue) will blink until the laser temperature has stabilized. Initial warm up can take 30 - 60 seconds. The indicator will then glow continuously when the laser output is enabled. Note there is a four second delay between the time the indicator glows solid and laser output is enabled. Note also that there will be no optical output unless the laser is triggered. The B versions are triggered either externally or via internal oscillator, and the A and C versions require an external trigger. 8. Ensure the laser is pointing in a safe direction, and then rotate the shutter to the open position. For the B and C versions of the laser, note that adjusting the variable pulse width and/or repetition rate controls will change the average output power. Note the beam shape is asymmetric as is typical of solid-state diode lasers that do not use anamorphic optical components to circularize the beam. Anamorphic elements, such as anamorphic prism pairs, are available from Thorlabs. Page 14 000-105-199 Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers Chapter 4: Operation Figure 7 Laser Head Mounted Using the Included ECM225 Clamps Chapter 4 Operation 4.1 Block Diagram The block diagram in Error! Reference source not found. depicts the internal architecture of the laser head, which contains all of the pulser drive electronics, safety interlocks, and trigger circuits, as well as the temperature stabilization system. The dual color LED indicator (red/blue) is designed to be visible through most laser safety glasses. It blinks during the 30 -60 s warm up and glows continuously while the laser is enabled. Power is supplied by the included +15 V power supply. For the B versions of the laser, nothing else is required to produce stable trains of nanosecond laser pulses. The A and C versions require only the application of an external trigger. The elements unique to the B versions are noted in Figure 3 by the yellow blocks. The Repetition Rate Control and Oscillators provide internally-generated trigger signals, which make it possible for the B versions to produce stable trains of nanosecond pulses without an external trigger. Rev. J, March 20, 2025 Figure 8 Block Diagram of the NPL Series Laser Head Page 15 Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers Chapter 4: Operation 4.2 Power Power is supplied by the external, +15 V, wall-mounted DS15 Power Supply included with the unit and shown in the left image of Figure 9. The power supply includes a location-specific plug. The mini-XLR type connector, which uses a latching mechanism to prevent accidental pull-out, plugs into the laser head as shown in the right image of Figure 9. Figure 9 The DS15 Power Supply (left) connects to the back panel of the laser head (right). The key switch controls power to all internal components. When the key switch is turned on, the temperature stabilization system is activated. There is a 30 - 60 second warm up, during which time the LED indicator light blinks. When the LED stops blinking, there is an additional four second delay and then laser is enabled. Note there will not be any optical output until the interlock is satisfied, a trigger signal is supplied, and the shutter is opened. 4.3 Interlock Circuit The laser is equipped with a phono-type interlock jack located on the back panel. To enable the laser source, a short circuit must be applied across the terminals of the interlock connector. The shorting device (interlock pin) installed in all units shipped from Thorlabs performs this function. Leave the shorting device installed unless using an external safety circuit or other type of remotely controlled switch to enable laser output. Making use of the Interlock feature requires the appropriate 2.5 mm phono-type plug, which is shown in the left diagram of Figure 10 and is readily available through most electronics retailers. The plug should be wired to the external safety circuit or switch and then plugged into the back panel's interlock jack in place of the shorting device. The electrical specifications of the interlock jack are listed in the following table, and the circuit schematic describing how the interlock jack is connected inside the laser head is shown in the right diagram of Figure 10. Parameter Interlock Switch Requirements Type of Mating Connector Open Circuit Voltage Specification Must be Normally Open Dry Contacts, Apply no External Voltages to the Interlock Input 2.5 mm Mono Phono Jack 5 VDC (Center Pin is at 5 VDC, Ring is Ground) The user's safety circuit must be attached to the phono plug and wired such that the ring and center pin are shorted when it is safe to enable the laser. The laser will be enabled when connection is closed. If it changes to an open state, the laser source will turn off. Page 16 000-105-199 Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers Chapter 4: Operation Figure 10 The interlock circuitry internal to the laser head (right) applies a 5 VDC bias across the ring and center pin of the phono-type plug (left). An external circuit that shorts the ring and center pin enables the laser. 4.4 Pulse Widths and Repetition Rates NPL series lasers with Item # suffix A and C require a user trigger input to the SMA connector on the back panel. The NPL64A laser supports rates up to 10 MHz. The C version supports rates up to 50 kHz. The slowest supported edge transition time for the trigger signal is 1 ms. See the specifications in Section 1.4 for correct voltage levels. Lasers with Item # suffix B offer additional controls for varying repetition rate using internal oscillators as well as selecting a user trigger. Use the included 2.5 mm flathead screwdriver to operate these controls. The photograph in Figure 11 shows three oscillator settings: A, B, and C. These positions provide repetition frequencies of 1 MHz, 5 MHz, and 10 MHz, respectively. Position D allows the user to apply an external signal to trigger the laser pulses. This control can be seen immediately to the right of the pulse width control in the photo and can be adjusted with the same small screwdriver. Lasers with Item # suffix B and C offer controls for varying the pulse width. Use the included 2.5 mm flathead screwdriver to operate this control as shown in Figure 11. The range of pulse widths for each model are listed in the specifications tables in Section 1.4.1. The pulse width control directly programs the pulse generator and has 16 positions, which allows the pulse width to be adjusted in approximately 15 equal increments. Plots of typical pulses and of typical pulse width as a function of control setting are available in the web presentation. Rev. J, March 20, 2025 Page 17 Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers Chapter 5: Maintenance and Cleaning Figure 11 Use the included 2.5 mm flathead screwdriver to adjust the pulse width and repetition rate controls. 4.5 Trigger Port The Trigger In/Out port has dual function. If the internal oscillators are used (on B models), then the Trigger port provides an output signal that is synchronized with the pulse generation. In the user-triggered mode, the SMA port allows external trigger signals to drive the pulse generator. See the Specifications tables in Section 1.4 for the correct signal levels and port impedances. 4.6 Optical Output The optical output is finally enabled by opening the safety shutter. This is done by rotating the flap through 180°. Magnets will hold the flap either in the open or closed position. Note that the shutter is permanently attached. Chapter 5 Maintenance and Cleaning The NPL laser should not require regular maintenance. If necessary, the housing can be cleaned using a soft cloth moistened with a mild glass cleaner. Do not use acetone, chemical solvents, or harsh cleaning solutions, and do not spray cleaning solutions directly onto the unit. See Chapter 6 for advice on cleaning the lens. The NPL does not contain any user-serviceable components. If malfunctions occur, please contact Thorlabs' technical support (techsupport@thorlabs.com). Do not disassemble the unit. See the troubleshooting guide below for basic help. Page 18 000-105-199 Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers Chapter 6: Troubleshooting and Repair Chapter 6 Troubleshooting and Repair Problem No Output Beam is Distorted Lens is Dirty Power is Low Suggested Checks Check that power is supplied and connected properly. Check that key switch is turned on. Confirm that laser is warmed up (30 - 60 s). Confirm the interlock circuit is complete. Check that the indicator LED is glowing continuously. Check that a trigger signal is being provided. Check that the shutter is open. Check to see if the lens is dirty. If so, see the cleaning instructions in "Lens is Dirty." Blow any loose dust off with dry air. If lens requires further cleaning, gently wipe with lens tissue that is moistened with either isopropyl or methyl alcohol. Do not apply drops of solvent directly to the lens. Do not use acetone or other aggressive solvents. NPL64A: Check the trigger frequency. Item # Suffix B: Check the trigger frequency and settings of pulse width and repetition rate controls. Item # Suffix C: Check the trigger frequency and pulse width control settings. Chapter 7 Disposal Thorlabs verifies our compliance with the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive of the European Community and the corresponding national laws. Accordingly, all end users in the EC may return "end of life" Annex I category electrical and electronic equipment sold after August 13, 2005 to Thorlabs, without incurring disposal charges. Eligible units are marked with the crossed out "wheelie bin" logo (see right), were sold to and are currently owned by a company or institute within the EC and are not dissembled or contaminated. Contact Thorlabs for more information. Waste treatment is your own responsibility. "End of life" units must be returned to Thorlabs or handed to a company specializing in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public waste disposal site. It is the user's responsibility to delete all private data stored on the device prior to disposal. Rev. J, March 20, 2025 Page 19 Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers Chapter 8: Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts Chapter 8 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts For technical support or sales inquiries, please visit us at www.thorlabs.com/contact for our most up-to-date contact information. Corporate Headquarters Thorlabs, Inc. 43 Sparta Ave Newton, New Jersey 07860 United States sales@thorlabs.com techsupport@thorlabs.com EU Importer Thorlabs GmbH Münchner Weg 1 D-85232 Bergkirchen Germany sales.de@thorlabs.com europe@thorlabs.com Page 20 Product Manufacturer Thorlabs, Inc. 43 Sparta Ave Newton, New Jersey 07860 United States sales@thorlabs.com techsupport@thorlabs.com UK Importer Thorlabs Ltd. 204 Lancaster Way Business Park Ely CB6 3NX United Kingdom sales.uk@thorlabs.com techsupport.uk@thorlabs.com 000-105-199 www.thorlabs.com