MIRcat OPERATION
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This will trigger a startup sequence as follows:
1. Booting application
2. Reading laser data from module EEPROMs (e.g., laser serial number)
3. Power on self-test
After 15 seconds, run the Control Panel GUI to connect to the MIRcat Laser. Note that the laser light
itself is not yet turned on, as this requires an explicit command from the Control Panel GUI or an
external system.
Power the system off:
Turning the MIRcat Laser main power OFF is accomplished via the On/Off switch on the lower right
corner of the Control Panel GUI and then the Power push button on the back panel. Pressing and
holding the Power button will also cycle the laser off.
NOTE:
On power down, the system will save the last programmed values in the EEPROM. The
next time the system is powered up, these values will be automatically loaded into the MIRcat
Laser, bringing the system on-line with the last values used.
6. Turn the Laser Output On/Off
Prior to making precision measurements with the laser on, it is recommended that the user allow the
MIRcat laser head to reach temperature stabilization. This will minimize any potential drifting of the
wavelength once it has been set. Temperature stabilization usually occurs within 15 minutes of initial
“Armed” and will enable the laser’s output beam to be fully wavelength and power stabilized.
CAUTION:
As described in
Section I-5.2,
CW operation of MIRcat requires water cooling. Setting
the chiller to a temperature lower than the recommended MIRcat set point (see the final test
sheet shipped with your system) may cause a self-test failure in the Control Panel on power up. If
you get an error upon power up, allow the laser to come to room temperature and check the
chiller set point before powering up the MIRcat laser again.
To comply with FDA rules for Class IIIB lasers (and Class IV lasers, if applicable), a delay is required
between a request for laser arming, and any actual lasing. The user will therefore encounter a five second
delay after clicking on the ARM LASER button on the Control Panel GUI before the laser is in the “Armed”
mode.
Turning the laser on:
Before turning the laser on, the PC must already be connected to the MIRcat Laser via the USB cable. It
is also recommended that the MIRcat Laser be turned on and allowed to reach temperature
stabilization prior to any critical measurements.
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Make sure Safety Interlock is connected on the back panel of the MIRcat.
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Turn MIRcat Laser on by pressing the POWER ON button on the back panel.
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Wait 30-45 seconds for the audio beep and start the Control Panel GUI.
