MesaPhotonics VideoFROG FROGscan, User Manual

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Chapter 1. Overview
09/07/2018 Vs 003 FROGSCAN USER’S MANUAL Page 1
Chapter 1. Overview
1.1 General Information
FROGscan is a high-performance ultrashort laser pulse measurement system that runs under
VideoFROGscan (VFS) laser pulse measurement software. It uses a unique combination of a high
performance servo delay line and a high performance, compact spectrometer. This combination provides
real-time performance and high dynamic range. FROGscan has the following features:

High speed, high accuracy servo delay line

Easy to align optical platform

USB interface

Compact spectrometer that is field replaceable

Small footprint

High performance VideoFROGscan software that fully controls the hardware and provides real-time
ultrafast laser pulse measurement.
Note: PC operating systems, software and hardware are constantly updating and changing. Every effort is
made to enable VideoFROGscan software to run well on a variety of computers and operating systems,
but even previously installed data acquisition devices may sometimes conflict with the frame grabbers
used in this product. Unfortunately, Mesa Photonics, LLC cannot guarantee that any particular brand or
model of Personal Computer will be compatible with any or all of the features or hardware contained in
the VideoFROGscan application, either now or in the future.
Windows , Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
Core Duo , i3 , i5 and i7 are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
LabView is a registered trademark of National Instruments Corporation.
MATLAB is a registered trademark of MathWorks, Inc.
1.2 Safety Considerations
Optical radiation hazards
FROGscan does not present the operator with many safety hazards; however, this
instrument is intended for use with LASER systems. While the beam is well-contained
when FROGscan is properly aligned, use of this instrument may require the operator to
work in the optical path of the LASER itself where exposure to hazards may be sufficient
to warrant the use of protective equipment. Exposure hazards include reflected
radiation, for example, when the crystal is tuned for different wavelengths, as well as
radiation from the direct beam that may cause damage to the eyes and skin. When
working in an open beam path, it is advisable to operate the laser at eye-safe power
levels and to wear protective eye shields and clothing.
Electrical hazards
FROGscan utilizes only low voltages, derived from the USB bus in the host PC and the servo power
supply (+/- 15V); therefore, it poses little risk of electrical shock. FROGscan should always be operated
with its covers in place and in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The computer
connected to FROGscan should always be properly grounded. Additionally, ensure the power supply is
plugged into a grounded AC outlet with the supplied AC power cord. Failure to properly ground the power
supply may result in poor performance and is unsafe.