New Wave Research Tempest

Questions and Answers

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Daniel ShawAug 12, 2025
What to do if New Wave Research Measuring Instruments laser starts, but no light is emitted?
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  Pamela WarrenAug 12, 2025
  If your New Wave Research Measuring Instruments laser starts but emits no light, verify that the mechanical shutter is open and the flashlamp voltage is set to the maximum. For internal triggering, the flashlamp and trigger select switches on the power supply's back should both be in the INT (up) position. For external triggering, ensure the flashlamp and trigger select switches are in the correct positions and that TTL pulses are present at the BNCs. Also, confirm the Q-switch delay is correct, typically around 180 microseconds.
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Alyssa AndradeAug 16, 2025
Why is the laser energy unstable in New Wave Research Measuring Instruments?
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  Jason StephensAug 16, 2025
  To troubleshoot unstable laser energy in New Wave Research Measuring Instruments, first, ensure the laser operates at full energy with the lamp voltage maximized. Check the flash lamp's shot count, estimating from the last change date and daily usage. Replace the flash lamp if it exceeds 30 million shots. For harmonic energy fluctuations, also ensure the laser runs at full energy.
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Wendy TorresAug 20, 2025
How to fix New Wave Research Measuring Instruments laser that does not start?
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  Sandra WebbAug 20, 2025
  If your New Wave Research Measuring Instruments laser does not start, begin by checking that the laser AC power cord is properly plugged in and the outlet is receiving power. Make sure the power switch on the AC power entry module is in the ON (I) position and the key switch on the power supply is also in the ON position. Verify the AC power light is illuminated. Ensure the control panel flashlamp knob is fully counterclockwise at the minimum start position, the water reservoir is filled with distilled water, and the umbilical from the laser head is securely connected to the power supply. Finally, confirm the interlock shorting plug is secured in its socket and, if using an external interlock, that it is activated.
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Eric SmithAug 25, 2025
Why is the fundamental output energy low in New Wave Research Measuring Instruments?
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  Andrea BryantAug 25, 2025
  To troubleshoot low fundamental output energy in your New Wave Research Measuring Instruments, check that the flashlamp voltage knob is fully rotated clockwise to the highest energy setting. If an optional attenuator is installed, ensure its knob is also fully clockwise for maximum energy/minimum attenuation. Inspect the optics for cleanliness and any burn marks.
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Cameron BeckAug 28, 2025
What to do if the second harmonic energy is low in New Wave Research Measuring Instruments?
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  Cynthia GregoryAug 28, 2025
  To address low second harmonic energy in your New Wave Research Measuring Instruments, start by checking the dichroic mirrors to ensure the SHG mirrors are installed, clean, and undamaged. Then, adjust the SHG crystal angle and the waveplate on the input to the SHG housing to maximize the output energy. If there's an optional attenuator, make sure its knob is fully clockwise for maximum energy/minimum attenuation. Inspect the second harmonic crystal and housing, ensuring all surfaces are clean and undamaged. Verify that the fundamental energy meets specifications and that the laser has been operating for at least ten minutes to reach optimal temperature.
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Tiffany HortonAug 31, 2025
How to resolve a clipped laser beam in New Wave Research Measuring Instruments?
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  Bobby CarlsonAug 31, 2025
  To troubleshoot a clipped laser beam in your New Wave Research Measuring Instruments, check the beam path for any obstructions. Reduce the energy by turning the flashlamp voltage knob counterclockwise, just above the threshold. Trace the beam through the head, examining the beam profile after each mount. Inspect the dichroic mirrors and mounts to ensure they aren't clipping the beam. Confirm the mechanical shutter is fully removed and not interfering with the beam path. Once you identify the cause of the clipping, correct it to ensure a clear beam path.
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Timothy JenningsSep 4, 2025
Why is the third harmonic energy low in New Wave Research Measuring Instruments?
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  watersjeremySep 4, 2025
  To troubleshoot low third harmonic energy in your New Wave Research Measuring Instruments, verify the dichroic mirrors to ensure the THG mirrors are installed, clean, and undamaged. Adjust the THG crystal angle to maximize THG output energy. Adjust the waveplate on the input to the SHG housing to maximize THG energy, and also adjust the SHG crystal angle to maximize THG output energy. If an optional attenuator is installed, ensure the knob is rotated fully clockwise for maximum energy/minimum attenuation. Inspect the harmonic crystals and housings to ensure all surfaces are clean and undamaged. If issues persist, check the 532 nm and 1064 nm energy levels.
C
Charlene RodriguezSep 8, 2025
What causes low fourth harmonic energy in New Wave Research Measuring Instruments?
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  greenjohnSep 8, 2025
  To address low fourth harmonic energy in your New Wave Research Measuring Instruments, first, check the dichroic mirrors to ensure the 4HG mirrors are installed, clean, and undamaged. Adjust the 4HG crystal angle to maximize the output energy. Adjust the wave plate on the input to the SHG housing and the SHG crystal angle to maximize the energy. If an optional attenuator is installed, ensure its knob is fully clockwise for maximum energy/minimum attenuation. Inspect the harmonic crystals and housings to ensure all surfaces are clean and undamaged. If problems continue, check the 532 nm and then the 1064 nm energy levels.

Summary

Preface

Optical Safety Hazards

Details risks of infrared radiation to eyes and skin, emphasizing safety glasses and awareness of reflections.

Laser Safety Precautions

General Laser Safety

Discusses hazards of laser light, precautions like using covers, avoiding direct beam, and using protective eyewear.

Laser System Safety Features

Continued Safety Precautions

Covers ambient light, warning signs, enclosures, targets, service contact, and not opening covers.

Built-in Safety Mechanisms

Laser Safety Components

Interlock System Functionality

Explains internal and external interlocks preventing accidental exposure to electricity or radiation.

Chapter One: Laser Safety Overview

Understanding Optical Safety

Details risks of infrared radiation to eyes and skin, emphasizing safety glasses and awareness of reflections.

Laser Safety Guidelines

General Laser Safety Rules

Discusses hazards of laser light, precautions like using covers, avoiding direct beam, and using protective eyewear.

Detailed Laser Safety Practices

Further Safety Precautions

Covers ambient light, warning signs, enclosures, targets, service contact, and not opening covers.

Electrical Safety Considerations

Warns about lethal voltage and current, advises against operating with covers removed, and emphasizes unplugging for service.

Safety Feature Explanations

Laser Safety Mechanisms

Laser Head Protection

Interlock System Operations

Explains internal and external interlocks preventing accidental exposure to electricity or radiation.

Chapter Two: Harmonic Generation and Control

Second Harmonic Generation Process

Third Harmonic Generation Process

Fourth Harmonic Generation Process

Safety Interlock System

Discusses internal and external interlocks for user and system protection.

Chapter Two: System Components and Specs

Water Cooling System Operation

Tempest Model Specifications

Presents performance specifications for different Tempest models in a table.

Chapter Two: Gemini PIV Specifications

Gemini PIV Model Specifications

Lists performance specifications for Gemini PIV models.

Chapter Three: Laser System Installation

Voltage Input Requirements

Chapter Three: Final Installation Steps

Interlock Connector Installation

Explains the purpose and installation of the interlock connector for system safety.

Cooling System Water Fill

Details filling the cooling system with deionized/distilled water and checking the level.

Chapter Four: Laser Operation Guide

Laser Startup Procedure

Provides a step-by-step guide for starting the laser after installation and safety checks.

Chapter Four: Basic Laser Operation

Laser Shutdown Procedure

Details the standard procedure for safely turning off the laser system.

Controls and Indicators Overview

Chapter Four: Advanced Operation

Control Panel Functions

Interlock System Safety

Explains the function of internal and external interlocks in ensuring safe operation.

Internal Interlock Details

Lists the specific internal interlocks present in the Tempest Nd:YAG laser system.

External Interlock Configuration

Chapter Four: Triggering and Synchronization

Triggering and Timing Modes

Input;Output Signal Connections

Chapter Four: Triggering Modes Explained

Triggering Mode Selection

Internal Triggering Operation

External Triggering Operation

Chapter Four: Gemini PIV Alignment and UV Operation

Gemini PIV System Alignment

Chapter Four: Gemini PIV Alignment Process

Gemini PIV Alignment Steps

Chapter Five: Laser System Maintenance

Cooling System Maintenance

Deionization Cartridge Replacement Procedure

Chapter Five: Cartridge Replacement and Cooling

Deionization Cartridge Replacement Steps

Chapter Five: Cooling System Flushing

Cooling System Flushing Procedure

Cartridge Protection During Flush

Chapter Five: Cooling System Flush Steps

Cooling System Flushing Steps

Chapter Five: Flashlamp Maintenance

Flashlamp Replacement Procedure

Describes when to change the flashlamp and the procedure to install a new one.

Chapter Five: Flashlamp Replacement Steps

Flashlamp Replacement Steps

Continues the flashlamp replacement procedure, covering pump chamber removal and end cap removal.

Chapter Five: Final Flashlamp Replacement Steps

Flashlamp Replacement Final Steps

Continues the flashlamp replacement, including installing the new lamp and checking o-rings.

Chapter Six: Troubleshooting Guide

Identifying Observed Conditions

Recommended Troubleshooting Procedures

Provides detailed procedures to resolve specific observed conditions.

Chapter Six: Common Laser Issues

Procedure 1: Laser Not Starting

Offers checks for common reasons why the laser fails to start.

Procedure 2: No Light Emission

Provides steps to diagnose why the laser starts but emits no light.

Procedure 3: Low Fundamental Output Energy

Lists checks for low output energy, including settings and optics condition.

Procedure 4: Unstable Laser Energy

Addresses unstable laser energy by checking parameters and operating conditions.

Chapter Six: Beam Profile Troubleshooting

Procedure 5: Clipped Laser Beam

Guides on identifying and removing objects causing a clipped laser beam profile.

Procedure 6: Low Second Harmonic Energy

Lists checks for low second harmonic output energy, focusing on mirrors and crystals.

Chapter Six: Harmonic Energy Troubleshooting

Procedure 7: Low Third Harmonic Energy

Provides checks for low third harmonic output energy, including mirrors, crystals, and waveplates.

Procedure 8: Low Fourth Harmonic Energy

Lists checks for low fourth harmonic output energy, focusing on mirrors, crystals, and waveplates.

Chapter Six: Harmonic Troubleshooting Continuation

Procedure 7: Low Third Harmonic Energy Checks

Continues checks for low third harmonic output energy.

Procedure 8: Low Fourth Harmonic Energy Checks

Continues checks for low fourth harmonic output energy.