MINISYSTEM Manual Version 1.5
Page 20
5.
Laser Operation
The laser system has undergone extensive testing to verify its conformance to the specifications
prior to delivery.
Once the laser system has been set up as outlined in the previous chapter, it is ready to operate.
Turn ON the Laser Power Supply. After approximately 5 minutes, the laser system is initialized
and ready for operator control.
NOTE: Laser harmonic crystals must warm up. This can take 10 minutes before stable output
energy can be realized.
Operation Guidelines
CAUTION: Below is a list of guidelines, which apply to all Quantum Composers’
laser systems. These guidelines should be followed whenever possible to avoid
laser damage.
Operate the laser in a dust-free environment and keep the Laser Optics Assembly covered
when not in use. This protects the output aperture against dust and particulate.
The Laser Optics Assembly is sealed with careful attention to use of low outgassing
materials. Silicone and similar sealing, bonding or insulating materials should not be used
in close proximity to the Laser Optics Assembly since these substances will outgas and
could contaminate the output window, causing laser damage.
Avoid back reflections. Back reflections of even a small percentage of the output energy
can promote damage to optical components in the Laser Head. For example, an uncoated
convex lens or a glass disk calorimeter will reflect about 4% of the incident energy. While
the reflection may seem harmless, it can perturb the resonator operation to the extent that
the near field beam intensity profile is degraded and may promote optical damage. In some
cases, even anti-reflection coated glass optics can reflect enough energy to promote
damage to laser optics. It is best to use only quality optics coated for the operating
wavelength.
CAUTION: To avoid laser damage, minimize back reflections of the output beam.
When reflections are unavoidable, direct them away from the optical axis of the
system by canting the optics off-axis. Failure to do so can cause laser damage
and void the warranty.
6.
System Operation
The system can be controlled by multiple methods, using provided software application, using the
SMART controller, or direct communication by using discrete commands.
