14 • General Operation NEW FOCUS, Inc.
laser current controls the optical output power. The piezo voltage
controls the laser wavelength (frequency). Both of these parameters
can be adjusted through the front-panel controls, the computer
interface, or the back-panel BNC connectors.
Mounting the Laser Head
Proper mounting of the laser head is essential for stable wavelength
operation. The output wavelength is strongly dependent on the
temperature of the laser cavity, which is actively stabilized using a
thermoelectric cooler (TEC). The TEC utilizes the laser-head housing as
a heat reservoir. For this reason, the mount for the laser head needs to
provide a good thermal path away from the laser head. The mounting
bracket included with each laser head provides such a path when it is in
contact with a large thermal mass, such as an optical table.
The laser head can be mounted with or without the enclosed mounting
bracket (shipped attached to the laser head). Dimensional drawings of
the laser head and the mounting bracket are shown in Appendix I on
page 58. The mounting bracket is designed for use with metric (25-mm
spacing, M6) or English (one-inch spacing, 1/4-20) breadboards. If you
are mounting the laser head without the included mounting bracket,
take steps to ensure it has an adequate thermal heat sink.
Setting the Beam Height
The laser beam height is one inch (25.4 mm) from the bottom of the
laser head. The mounting bracket adds one additional inch (25.4 mm)
to the beam height. To raise the beam height, additional risers are
available from New Focus (model number 6001).
Optically Isolating the Laser
After mounting the laser head, take precautions to prevent back
reflections into the laser aperture. Isolation can be achieved by angling
your optics or with the use of an optical isolator. The degree of
isolation required depends on how you are using the laser; contact New
Focus technical support for help with your particular application.
Vortex6000.book Page 14 Tuesday, February 19, 2002 3:25 PM
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