8 kHz Galvo-Resonant Scanner and Controller
Chapter 3: Description
Rev B, May 20, 2019
Page 3
Chapter 3 Description
3.1. Overview
Thorl
abs’ Galvo-Resonant Scanner and Controller (LSK-GR08(/M)) is a key
component in building a customized laser scanning microscopy system. The LSK-
GR08(/M) consists of a scan head and a controller. The controller has a high
performance driver package, which consists of a power supply and driver for each
mirror. The scan head has a precision-aligned galvo mirror and a resonant mirror.
Each scan mirror has a protected silver coating that provides high reflectance in
the visible and NIR. A shielded DB-25 connector cable connects the scan head to
the controller. The removable NIR coated window on the input port of the scanner
reduces audible noise from the resonant mirror.
3.2. Connector Choices
A National Instruments (NI) 68-pin connector or a BNC cable can be used to control
and monitor the position of the galvo mirror. In addition, the NI connector can
monitor the galvo velocity, current, and error status. The LSK-GR Control software
(via USB cable) or a BNC cable can be used to control the scan range of the
resonant mirror. The software can also adjust the TTL clock synchronization. The
beam can be steered by supplying a DC signal to the resonant mirror and DC/sine
wave drive signals to the galvo mirror. This scanner is also compatible with Vidrio’s
ScanImage software.
The mounting features of the scan head are
compatible with Thorlabs’
optomechanical product lines. The input face of the scan head has four 6 mm bores
for cage rods. Use a spanner wrench to remove the window holder and NIR
window on the input face to access the internal SM1 (1.035"- 40) and internal
SM05 (0.535"-40) threads. The output face has internal SM1 threads and four
4-
40 tapped holes for our 30 mm cage system. Thorlabs’ Cage Plate Adapter can
be used to convert these ports to a 60 mm cage system that is capable of holding
a scan lens. Four 1/4"-20 tapped holes (M6 for metric) are located at the bottom of
the scan head.
The Galvo-Resonant Scan Head is ideal for high speed imaging. Add other
components, such as a scan lens, tube lens, and lasers, to build a customized
laser scanning path for confocal and multiphoton imaging.
