MIRcat OPERATION
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5. Operating Conditions
MIRcat lasers are designed to operate in an indoor laboratory environment. A normal operating
environment is defined as: within a temperature range of 15°C to 30°C; Relative Humidity in the range 10%
- 80% (non-condensing), and altitude from sea level up to 6500 ft (2000m). MIRcat lasers must be operated
in a well-ventilated area that allows airflow around the unit. Do not position MIRcat lasers such that the
Laser On/Off button is not easily accessible, or the back panel is not easily accessible.
CAUTION:
If the operation of this laser system is in a manner not specified by the manufacturer,
the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. Do not operate this laser system if its
panels are removed or if any of the interior circuitry is exposed.
CAUTION:
Do not operate this laser system in wet or damp conditions, or in an explosive
environment.
CAUTION:
Back reflections can cause damage to the quantum cascade gain media and could void
your warranty. Care must be taken to minimize all back reflections into the laser cavity. Ensure
that no optical surface is normal to the propagating beam. Linear or non-linear amplification
systems or parametric frequency conversion devices (for example ‘OPOs’ or ‘OPAs’) can cause
intense back reflections. These amplified back reflections can cause immediate and irreparable
damage to the ECqcL™ and should scrupulously be prevented from reentering the ECqcL™ cavity.
5.1 Power Requirements
MIRcat lasers are rated to operate with 90VAC to 264VAC single-phase AC input power. The input AC
frequency must be in the range from 47Hz to 63Hz. Plug the unit into an earth grounded receptacle.
Verification of proper grounding is recommended. A power cord with the proper configuration from the
wall to the power supply input may be substituted for the supplied cable.
CAUTION:
Operate this laser system only within the specified voltage range and with proper
grounding. Electrical shock hazard can occur if the equipment is not properly grounded.
5.2 Cooling Requirements for CW or High-Duty-Cycle Pulsed
Operation
When operating a MIRcat in CW or high duty cycle (>10%) pulsed mode, water cooling of the laser head is
required to remove the higher heat load produced by these modes. A water chiller with a cooling capacity
of up to 150W should be used. Suitable compact, closed-loop chillers are available from Daylight Solutions –
please inquire. The chiller should be connected to the MIRcat laser head via cooling lines (clear vinyl tubing
with 3/8” OD and ¼” ID) connected to the two quick-disconnect coolant ports located at the rear of the
MIRcat laser head. MIRcat-QT uses 2 male quick-disconnect plugs with 7/16” OD, such as McMaster-Carr
part# 51545K69. MIRcat 1xxx uses 5/16” OD plugs, such as McMaster-Carr part# 51545K68. Refer to
chiller manufacturer manual for coolant specification. Normally, only distilled water should be required as
the coolant for short period of time. The chiller should be set to keep the temperature of the MIRcat laser
housing at either 20°C, or the temperature stated in the final test report that shipped with your MIRcat.
