Synrad Firestar f series User Manual

technical reference
33
Synrad Firestar f-Series operator’s manual
Technical overview
On f100 and f200 lasers, a small telescope just before the output coupler corrects a slight ellipticity in the
beam generated by the resonator. The output beam, roughly square as it exits the telescope, transitions to
Gaussian-like in mid and far elds three meters and beyond. The internal structure and optics of the reso-
nator combine to produce a Gaussian-like mode quality (M
2
factor) of 1.2 ±0.1. As shown in Figure 3-1,
f100/f200 beam diameter (beam waist) is 3.5 mm at the output aperture and full angle divergence due to
diraction is 4 milliradians (a 4 mrad full angle divergence means that beam diameter increases 4 mm over
every one meter distance traveled).
Figure 3-1 f100/f200 beam characteristics
On f201 and f400 lasers, the beam waist is located one meter before the output aperture due to the addi-
tion of internal beam conditioning optics that improve beam quality and strip any side lobes present to
produce a Gaussian-like mode quality (M
2
factor) of 1.2 ±0.1. Beam diameter at the output aperture is 4.5
mm with a full angle divergence of 4 milliradians.
Internal RF power supply
The compact, self-contained RF power supply converts 96 VDC input power into a high-power radio
frequency (RF) signal. The 40.68 MHz RF output from the RF power supply is then routed to the electrode
structure in the laser tube where it excites carbon dioxide (CO
2
) gas in the tube to produce lasing.
Control circuit
Switches and sensors built into the f-Series control board monitor the laser for various conditions like un-
der/over voltage, over temperature, and VSWR faults that pose a risk of damage to the laser. Additionally,
laser operation is controlled by the following: a manual Shutter Switch; a Keyswitch (on Keyswitch-equipped
lasers); the Shutter Open Request input; the Remote Interlock input; and the Remote Reset/Start
Request input.
Caution
possible
equipment
damage
Because of their smaller beam diameter, Firestar lasers have signi-
cantly higher power densities than previous SYNRAD lasers. This
means that any contamination on the laser’s output coupler (or on
any beam delivery optic) can absorb enough energy to damage one or
more optics in the beam path. Periodically inspect the laser’s output
coupler and all other beam delivery optics for signs of contaminants
and then carefully clean as required. In dirty environments, purge
laser optics using ltered air or nitrogen to prevent vapor and debris
from accumulating on optical surfaces.
Beam Diameter 3.5 mm
at Output Aperture
Full Angle Div
ergence 4 mrad
Ø
Firestar f100 shown

Synrad Firestar f series Specifications

General

Brand	Synrad
Model	Firestar f series
Category	Measuring Instruments
Language	English