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Spectra-Physics Tsunami - User Manual

Spectra-Physics Tsunami
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Ts u n a m i
Mode-locked Ti:sapphire Laser
User’s Manual
The Solid-State Laser Company
1335 Terra Bella Avenue
Mountain View, CA 94043
Part Number 0000-232A, Rev. D
June 2002

Table of Contents

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Summary

Preface

Unpacking and Inspection

Details on how to unpack the Tsunami system and lists the items received.

Introduction to Tsunami Laser System

Brief description of Tsunami laser configurations, conversions, and operation.

Laser Safety Precautions

Information on hazards and suggestions for safeguarding against them for Class IV lasers.

Laser Description and Specifications

Exposition on Ti:sapphire laser theory, system specs, and outline drawings.

Maintenance and Customer Service Information

Covers options, maintenance, service, and customer support contact details.

Environmental Specifications

CE Electrical Equipment Requirements

Information regarding equipment needed for electrical service.

Environmental Operating Conditions

Specifies the environmental conditions for laser system function.

FCC Regulations Compliance

Details compliance with FCC rules for digital devices and radio frequency energy.

Laser Description and System Components

General Overview of Tsunami Laser

Describes the laser head, elements, and basic operation.

Ti:sapphire Laser Theory

Explanation of Ti:sapphire crystal properties and laser action.

Pumping Optimization

Details on achieving optimal laser output through pump beam alignment.

Wavelength Tuning Characteristics

Explanation of tuning methods for fs and ps configurations.

Pulse Width Selection

Factors influencing pulse width and compensation techniques.

Specifications Overview

Presents performance specifications for different configurations and pump lasers.

Controls, Indicators, and Connections

Laser Head Controls and Connections

Details on external laser head controls, input bezel connections, and connectors.

Control Panel Functions

Description of indicators and controls on the laser head control panel.

Mechanical Controls of Laser Head

Explanation of shutter, foot height adjustment, and cover clamps.

Opto-Mechanical Controls: fs Configuration

Details on opto-mechanical controls specific to fs configuration.

Opto-Mechanical Controls: ps Configuration

Details on opto-mechanical controls specific to ps configuration.

Model 3955 Electronics Module Controls

Description of front and rear panel controls and indicators for the Model 3955.

Model 3910 Purge Unit Controls

Explanation of controls for the Model 3910 purge regulator/filter unit.

Installation Procedures

Laser Installation Overview

Guidance on installing the Tsunami laser system, including tools and equipment.

Installing the Pump Laser

Steps for setting up and aligning the pump laser with the Tsunami laser head.

Initial Placement of Tsunami Laser Head

Procedure for positioning the Tsunami laser head on the optical table.

Aligning Tsunami Laser Head to Pump Beam

Steps to align the Tsunami laser head input port to the pump beam.

Installing the Chiller and Purge Unit

Instructions for connecting the chiller and the Model 3910 purge unit.

Installing Model 3955 Electronics Module

Steps for connecting the Model 3955 electronics module and related cables.

Installing the GTI (ps configuration)

Procedure for installing the Gires-Tournois Interferometer for ps systems.

Alignment Procedures

Front-End Alignment

Steps for aligning the pump beam entry through M3 for both fs and ps systems.

Cavity Alignment for FS Systems

Procedure for aligning the laser cavity in the femtosecond configuration.

Cavity Alignment for PS Systems

Procedure for aligning the laser cavity in the picosecond configuration.

Aligning the A;O Modulator (AOM)

Steps for aligning the acousto-optic modulator for optimum modelocking.

Establish Modelocking

Procedure to initiate and stabilize mode-locked operation.

Optimizing Modelocking

Techniques to optimize output power and pulse width for mode-locked operation.

Changing the Prism Setting (fs Systems Only)

Adjusting prism settings for wavelength tuning and dispersion compensation.

Optics Conversion Procedures

Converting Between Non-overlapping Optics Sets

Procedure for changing non-overlapping optics sets in the laser cavity.

Converting Between Overlapping Optics Sets

Procedure for changing between overlapping wavelength ranges.

Converting Between fs and ps Configurations

Steps for converting the laser system between femtosecond and picosecond operation.

Requirements for Conversion

Details the component differences between fs and ps Tsunami lasers.

Phase Adjustment and Cable Management

Fs to ps Conversion Procedure

Detailed steps to convert the Tsunami laser from fs to ps operation.

Coarse Phase Adjustment and Cable Changes

Procedure for adjusting phase and managing RF/photodiode cables.

Ps to fs Conversion Procedure

Warning Conventions

Standard Units of Measurement

Abbreviations Used in Manual

Unpacking and Inspection Procedures

Unpacking Your Tsunami Laser

Instructions for inspecting the laser system upon receipt.

System Components List

Lists the main components included with the Tsunami laser system.

Introduction to the Tsunami Laser System

Tsunami System Overview

Description of the Tsunami laser system's components and capabilities.

System Configurations

Details available Tsunami laser configurations and upgradeability.

Conversions Between Configurations

Explains differences and methods for converting between fs and ps operation.

Upgradeability Options

Information on upgrading Tsunami systems to different configurations or features.

Tsunami Laser Patents

Lists US patents covering Tsunami laser technology.

Laser Safety Guidelines

Precautions for Class IV High Power Lasers

Essential safety measures for operating Class IV lasers.

Laser Head Interlocks

Description of the laser head shutter interlock and its operation.

CDRH Regulations Compliance

Required maintenance actions for compliance with CDRH regulations.

CDRH Radiation Control Drawing

Diagrams illustrating radiation control features and labels.

CE and CDRH Warning Labels

Visuals and descriptions of warning labels for safety compliance.

Label Translations for Safety

Translations of warning labels for non-English speaking personnel.

Sources for Additional Safety Information

Resources for laser safety standards, equipment, and training.

Equipment and Training Resources

List of recommended resources for laser safety equipment and training.

Laser Description and Specifications

General Overview of Tsunami Laser System

Description of the laser head, components, and connections.

Ti:sapphire Laser Theory

Explanation of Ti:sapphire material properties and laser action.

Pumping Optimization Strategies

Guidance on optimizing pump beam and cavity overlap for laser performance.

Tsunami Laser Description Details

Explanation of pump laser, folded cavity design, and optical path.

A;O Modulator (AOM) Function

Description of the acousto-optic modulator's role in mode-locking.

Wavelength Tuning Characteristics

How wavelength selection is achieved using prisms or birefringent filters.

Pulse Width Selection Mechanisms

Explanation of factors affecting pulse width and GVD compensation.

Purging the Tsunami Laser Cavity

Procedure for purging the laser cavity with dry nitrogen gas.

Tsunami Laser Specifications

Detailed performance specifications for fs and ps configurations.

Outline Dimensions

Drawings showing the physical dimensions of Tsunami models.

Controls, Indicators, and Connections

Laser Head Controls and Input Bezel Connections

Description of external laser head controls and input bezel connectors.

Laser Head Control Panel

Explanation of indicators like PULSING, TEMPERATURE, and GTI POSITION.

Mechanical Controls for Laser Head

Details on shutter, foot height adjustment, and cover clamps.

Opto-Mechanical Controls: fs Configuration

Description of opto-mechanical controls specific to femtosecond operation.

Opto-Mechanical Controls: ps Configuration

Description of opto-mechanical controls specific to picosecond operation.

Model 3955 Electronics Module Controls

Explanation of front and rear panel controls for the Model 3955 module.

Model 3910 Purge Unit Controls

Details on the controls for the Model 3910 purge regulator/filter unit.

Installation Procedures for Tsunami System

Laser Installation Overview

General guidance on laser installation, emphasizing professional setup.

Installing the Pump Laser

Steps for setting up and powering the pump laser.

Initial Placement of Tsunami Laser Head

Procedure for positioning the laser head and removing its cover.

Aligning Tsunami Laser Head to Pump Beam

Steps to align the laser head input port to the pump beam path.

Installing the Chiller

Instructions for placing and connecting the chiller unit.

Removing and Installing Hoses

Procedure for connecting chiller hoses and verifying water flow.

Installing Model 3910 Purge Unit

Steps for connecting the purge unit and its gas supply line.

Installing Model 3955 Electronics Module

Connecting the electronics module, power, and signal cables.

Installing the GTI (ps configuration)

Procedure for installing the Gires-Tournois Interferometer into the laser head.

Alignment Procedures for Tsunami Laser

Equipment Required for Alignment

Lists necessary equipment for laser alignment procedures.

Front-End Alignment Steps

Initial alignment of pump beam entry through M3.

Cavity Alignment for FS Systems

Detailed alignment steps for the femtosecond laser cavity.

Cavity Alignment for PS Systems

Detailed alignment steps for the picosecond laser cavity.

Aligning the A;O Modulator (AOM)

Procedure to align the AOM for optimal mode-locking.

Establish Modelocking Process

Steps to initiate and stabilize the mode-locking function.

Optimizing Modelocking Performance

Adjustments to maximize output power and pulse width.

Changing Prism Settings (fs Systems)

Procedure for adjusting prism settings for wavelength and dispersion.

Optics Conversion and Configuration Changes

Converting Between Non-overlapping Optics Sets

Instructions for swapping non-overlapping optics sets.

Converting Between Overlapping Optics Sets

Instructions for swapping between overlapping optics sets.

Converting Between fs and ps Configurations

Detailed steps for converting Tsunami from fs to ps operation.

Fs to ps Conversion Steps

Procedure for converting the laser from femtosecond to picosecond mode.

Ps to fs Conversion Steps

Procedure for converting the laser from picosecond to femtosecond mode.

Coarse Phase Adjustment and Cable Management

Adjusting phase and handling RF/photodiode cables.

Troubleshooting Guide

Generic Troubleshooting (Non-Lok-to-Clock Systems)

Common issues and corrective actions for non-LTC systems.

Troubleshooting Low Output Power

Diagnosing and resolving issues related to low output power.

Troubleshooting Mode Locking Issues

Resolving problems with mode locking, noisy pulses, or low power.

Troubleshooting LTC Systems

Specific troubleshooting steps for Lok-to-Clock systems.

Customer Service Information

Product Warranty Details

Information regarding the Tsunami laser system's 12-month warranty.

Returning Instruments for Repair

Procedures for returning instruments for service or repair.

Spectra-Physics Service Centers

List of global service centers for Tsunami laser support.

Appendix A: Modelocking Principles

General Principles of Laser Oscillation

Explanation of longitudinal modes, gain-bandwidth, and mode locking.

Modelocking Techniques Overview

Discussion of active, passive, and regenerative modelocking methods.

Regenerative Modelocking in Tsunami

Detailed explanation of the Tsunami's regenerative modelocking technique.

Group Velocity Dispersion (GVD)

Explanation of GVD and its effects on ultrashort pulses.

GVD Compensation Techniques

Methods for compensating GVD using prisms and GTIs.

Appendix B: Pulse Width Measurement

Introduction to Pulse Measurement

Overview of measuring pulses using autocorrelators.

The Autocorrelation Technique

Explanation of how autocorrelators measure pulse width.

Signal Interpretation and Analysis

Relating autocorrelation signals to pulse width and bandwidth.

GVD Compensation in Ultrashort Pulse Measurement

Importance of GVD compensation for accurate pulse width measurements.

Calculating Pulse Broadening

Formulae and methods for calculating pulse broadening effects.

CW Breakthrough Detection

Methods for detecting continuous wave components in pulsed output.

Appendix C: Line Voltage Switch Adjustment

Overview of Voltage Selector

Description of the voltage selector card and its function.

Setup Procedure for Voltage Setting

Step-by-step instructions to change the voltage setting.

Controls Description for Voltage Selector

Explanation of the controls and indicators for voltage selection.

Appendix D: Lok-to-Clock LabView Interface

LabView Interface Overview

Description of the LabView software for controlling the Model 3930.

LabView Interface Setup

Steps for connecting and configuring the LabView interface.

LabView Controls Description

Explanation of the controls and indicators within the LabView panel.

Appendix E: Material Safety Data Sheets

Filter Element Material Safety Information

MSDS for chemicals and compounds used in the Model 3910 filter/purge unit.

Spectra-Physics Tsunami Specifications

General IconGeneral
Laser TypeTi:Sapphire
Repetition Rate80 MHz
PolarizationHorizontal
Tuning Range690 nm - 1080 nm
Beam Divergence< 1.5 mrad
Power Stability<1% RMS
Wavelength Range690 nm - 1080 nm