Andor Technology Oxford Instruments Laser-Lock User manual

Laser-Lock
Class 4 Laser Product Interlock Combiner
Version 1.1 rev 16 January 2024
User Guide
andor.oxinst.com © Andor Technology Ltd. 2024

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Contents
Section 1: Introduction............................................................................................................................... 6
1.1 Technical Support ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.2 Disclaimer........................................................................................................................................................................8
1.3 Copyright and Protective Notices....................................................................................................................8
1.4 Trademarks and Patent Information .............................................................................................................8
1.5 Supplied Components.............................................................................................................................................9
Section 2: Product Overview ...............................................................................................................10
2.1 Interlock Safety System....................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2 Laser-Lock Functions ........................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.1 Laser-Lock Fascia Interface..................................................................................................................................................11
2.2.2 Laser-Lock Rear Panel Interface.......................................................................................................................................11
2.2.3 Laser-Lock Top Panel Interface .........................................................................................................................................12
2.3 Function of Controls and Indicators.............................................................................................................12
2.3.1 Key Switch............................................................................................................................................................................................12
2.3.2 Power LED ...........................................................................................................................................................................................12
2.3.3 Interlock Status LED ....................................................................................................................................................................12
2.3.4 Interlock Reset Button...............................................................................................................................................................12
Section 3: Installation............................................................................................................................... 13
3.1 Laser-Lock Installation ........................................................................................................................................13
3.1.1 Location and Mounting .............................................................................................................................................................13
3.1.2 Assembly..............................................................................................................................................................................................13
3.1.3 Power Connection...............................................................................................................................................................................13
3.2 Interlock Cable Installation................................................................................................................................14
3.2.1 Microscope Interlock Connector........................................................................................................................................14
3.2.2 Remote Interlock Connector .................................................................................................................................................15
3.2.3 Laser Device Connector ...........................................................................................................................................................15
3.3 Typical System Congurations ........................................................................................................................16

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Section 4: Operation ..................................................................................................................................17
4.1 Emergency Mains Disconnection...................................................................................................................17
4.2 Power Up .......................................................................................................................................................................17
4.2.1 Microscope Interlock Opened..............................................................................................................................................17
4.2.2 Remote Interlock Opened .......................................................................................................................................................17
4.3 Power Down .................................................................................................................................................................17
Section 5: Maintenance ......................................................................................................................... 18
5.1 Cleaning and Decontamination......................................................................................................................18
5.2 Regular Checks..........................................................................................................................................................18
5.3 Annual Electrical Safety Checks ....................................................................................................................18
Section 6: Troubleshooting................................................................................................................... 19
Appendix A: Technical Specications........................................................................................... 20
Appendix B: Mechanical Drawings.................................................................................................22
Appendix C: Other Information ..........................................................................................................23
Appendix D: China RoHS Hazardous Substances Declaration....................................24

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Revision History
Version Released Description
1.0 25 February 2022 Initial release.
1.1 16 January 2024 Updated laser-lock mechanical drawings and product images. Updated connection
diagram and interlock LED instructions. Updated Japan oce contact information.
Updates to the Manual
Changes are periodically made to the product and these will be incorporated into new editions of the manual.
Please check for new releases of the manual at: andor.oxinst.com/downloads. If you nd an issue in this manual
please contact your customer support representative (Section 1.1) with a description of the issue.

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Safety and Warning Information
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION FIRST
CAUTION – USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE OF PROCEDURES
OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION EXPO-
SURE.
1. If the equipment is used in a manner not specied by Andor, the protection provided by the equipment
may be impaired.
2. Do not position this product so that it is dicult to operate the mains disconnecting device. See “4.1
Emergency Mains Disconnection” on page 17.
3. Before using the system, please follow and adhere to all warnings, and safety, manual handling, and
operating instructions located either on the product, or in this manual.
4. If used in combination with a HLE, ILE, Dragony, or other laser product, also refer to the respective
hardware guide(s)
5. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.
6. Users must be authorised and trained personnel only; otherwise, this may result in personal injury, and/
or equipment damage and impaired system performance.
7. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the product and the enclosure must not be opened. Only
authorised service personnel may service this equipment.
8. IEC Technical Document IEC TR 60825-14 recommends the presence of a Laser Safety Ocer (LSO);
however, national guidelines should be referred to.
9. Do not attempt to bypass any safety interlocks. They are provided to comply with the safety
requirements of various regulatory agencies and must be employed to protect the operator.
10. Protective earth is an integral part of the protection against electric shock in this product and is provided
via the earth pin of the external power supply. Ensure that this is plugged into the building earth system
via the mains socket. Do not tamper with any of the earthing measures.
11. Any AC/DC Power Supply used with this product must meet the requirements specied in “Electrical
Power Specications” on page 21.
12. No parts should be replaced by the customer, except for the mains cables, which must be of the same
type and rating as that supplied (and as specied in “Electrical Power Specications” on page 21)
and certied in accordance with your region’s safety regulations.
13. Make sure all cables are located so that they will not be subject to damage, especially the mains cable..
14. While running an experiment, keep room temperature as stable as possible.
15. Performance of the system may be adversely aected by rapidly changing environmental conditions or
operation outside of the operating conditions specied in “Appendix A: Technical Specications” on page
20.
16. Ensure that adequate ventilation is provided as specied in ”Appendix A: Technical Specications” on
page 20
17. This product is designed to be used in an indoor environment. If the customer chooses to use this
outside, then it is their responsibility to provide adequate protection. Andor assumes no liability
for damage or obligation to repair under warranty relating to use outside of the environmental
requirements specied in “Appendix A: Technical Specications”.
18. Medical Diagnosis: This equipment has not been designed and manufactured for the medical diagnosis
of patients.

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19. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) – Caution: This product was designed for and tested using the
IEC/EN 61326-1 EMC standard for Class A emissions and a Basic immunity environment. Class A
means that it is not designed for a domestic or residential environment, and Basic immunity refers to
the fact that it is not designed for a typical industrial environment. This equipment is not intended for
use in residential environments and may not provide adequate protection to radio reception in such
environments.
20. Electromagnetic Compatibility: As required by IEC/EN 61326-1, we must inform you that
electromagnetic emissions in excess of that required by that EMC standard for the emissions class of
this product can in theory occur due to its connection to other equipment.
21. Electromagnetic Compatibility: This product has been designed and tested to perform successfully in
a normal (basic) electromagnetic environment, e.g. a typical life science test laboratory, as per the EU
EMC Directive. It is not designed to operate in a harsh electromagnetic environment, e.g. close to the
following equipment: EMI/RFI generators, electrostatic eld generators, electromagnetic or radioactive
devices, plasma sources, arc welders, x-ray instruments, intense pulsed sources, or other similar
sources of high energy elds whose emissions are not within the normal range expected under the EU
EMC Directive.
22. Ionising Radiation: Please note that this product is not designed to provide protection from ionising
radiation. Any customer using this product in such an application should provide their own protection.
23. This product is a precision scientic instrument containing fragile components. Always handle it with
care.
24. Do not wet or spill liquids on the product, and do not store or place liquids on the product.
25. If spillage occurs on the product, switch o power immediately, and wipe o with a dry, lint-free cloth.
26. If any ingress of liquids has occurred or is suspected, unplug the mains cables and do not use. Contact
customer support.
27. See “5.1 Cleaning and Decontamination” on page 18.
28. Do not expose the product to open ames.
29. Do not allow objects to fall on the product.
Label Symbols
Laser Radiation Hazard
EU CE Mark by which we indicate that this product meets the
requirements all the relevant EU Product Directives that require
this mark, including the Low Voltage Directive for safety (as this
product is manufactured in Northern Ireland, it does not require the
UKCA Mark)
EU WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Mark which
indicates that this should not be disposed of in domestic waste but
at a suitable recycling site
China EPUP (Environmental Protection Use Period) Mark that
indicates that this product is expected to last for 20 years
approximately before ending-up in the waste and recycling system
D.C. Voltage Symbol

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Section 1: Introduction
The Laser-Lock is an important component of your laser microscopy system; designed to prevent accidental
exposure to laser radiation, it serves as the main interface between interlock devices. When used as part of
a laser product, the Laser-Lock unit provides compliance with IEC 60825-1 and CDRH regulations requiring
manual reset functionality for Class 4 laser systems.
The Laser-Lock is not a replacement for, nor a reason to disregard standard laser safety principles.
This manual contains useful information and advice to ensure that you know how the system works, and how to
use it eectively. The manual should be read in conjunction with those provided for other relevant parts of your
laser microscopy system. Some of the interlock components described in this manual may not be present in the
system you have purchased.
If you have any questions regarding your Laser-Lock unit, please feel free to contact Andor directly, or via your
local representative or supplier.

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1.1 Technical Support
If you have any questions regarding the use of this equipment, please contact the representative* from whom
your system was purchased, or:
Europe USA
Andor Technology Ltd.
7 Millennium Way
Springvale Business Park
Belfast
BT12 7AL
Northern Ireland
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
Andor Technology
300 Baker Avenue
Suite # 150
Concord
MA 01742
USA
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
Asia-Pacic China
Andor Technology (Japan)
5 Sumitomo Fudosan Osaki Twin Building East
5-1-18 Kita-Shinagawa,
Shinagawa-ku,
Tokyo 141-0001
Japan
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Andor Technology (China)
Haitong Times Business Center,
Building B2 West,
No.11 West Third Ring North Road,
Haidian District,
Beijing,
100089
China
Tel: [phone]
Fax. [phone]
* The latest contact details for your local representative can be found on the Contact and Support page of our website.

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1.2 Disclaimer
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY,
CONDITION OR REPRESENTATION OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED,
STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY, NON-INFRINGEMENT OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL ANDOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE, WHETHER DIRECT,
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHERWISE HOWSOEVER
CAUSED WHETHER ARISING IN CONTRACT TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR
IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN.
1.3 Copyright and Protective Notices
The copyright in this document and the associated drawings are the property of Andor Technology and all
rights are reserved. This document and the associated drawings are issued on condition that they are not
copied, reprinted or reproduced, nor their contents disclosed.
The publication of information in this documentation does not imply freedom from any patent or proprietary
right of Andor Technology or any third party.
1.4 Trademarks and Patent Information
Andor and the Andor logo and are trademarks of Andor Technology Ltd. Andor Technology Ltd is an Oxford
Instruments company. All other marks are property of their owners.
Manufacturers Information
Andor Technology Ltd., Belfast, BT12 7AL, UK.

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1.5 Supplied Components
The Laser-Lock box is provided as part of an installed system, connection cables and interlock ttings appropriate
for your order will be provided and installed by our installation engineers.
Description Quantity
Laser-Lock box 1
External AC/DC power
supply with region-specic
mains plugs
1User guide
(in electronic format) 1
USB cable 1

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Section 2: Product Overview
2.1 Interlock Safety System
The Interlock System comprises of a set of switches which are used to detect the state and conguration of the
Microscopy System including the Microscope Eyepiece prism, the transmitted light arm on inverted microscopes
and the presence of a stage cover if one is installed. Interlocks may also be tted on laser products, such as on
the optical head of the Mosaic 3 unit.
An additional connector section is available for the connection of a Remote Interlock, e.g. the door of a restricted
access laboratory.
This is designed to prevent the user from being accidentally exposed to potentially hazardous laser radiation
emitted by the laser product into the microscopy system.
2.2 Laser-Lock Functions
The Laser-Lock enables the interlock switches on a laser microscopy system to control multiple laser source
interlock inputs at the same time, and also provides the following functions for the combined system, as
required by IEC 60825-1 and CDRH regulations:
• Secure access key switch for Class 3B/4 laser system for laser products that don’t already have them
• Remote interlock connector for Class 3B/4 laser system
• Manual reset for Class 4 laser system
If a switch detects that the microscopy system is in a position such that the user may be exposed to a high laser
radiation level (e.g. if the eyepiece prism is not at the camera position), the laser products will be disengaged
until the switches detect that the system is in a proper position once more.
If a remote interlock switch, connected into the remote interlock connector, detects a condition such as a lab
door being opened, the laser products will disengage until the condition is rectied and the interlock system
has been reset to permit laser radiation.
CAUTION - THE LASER-LOCK CONTAINS NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS AND NO DISAS-
SEMBLY OF THE SYSTEM OR THE ENCLOSURE SHOULD BE ATTEMPTED BY THE USER.
DISASSEMBLY IS ONLY TO BE PERFORMED BY TRAINED AND CERTIFIED ANDOR SERVICE
PERSONNEL.
Use of the Laser-Lock is not a replacement for, nor a reason to disregard, standard laser safety principles.

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2.2.1 Laser-Lock Fascia Interface
Figure 1: Front of the Laser-Lock Box, has the power LED and the key switch.
2.2.2 Laser-Lock Rear Panel Interface
Figure 2: Image of connection plate of Laser-Lock Box, from left to right, USB power connector, remote interlock, microscope inter-
lock, 4x product interlock connectors.

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2.2.3 Laser-Lock Top Panel Interface
Figure 3: Laser lock box top panel view with solid blue LED indicating Ready (LED on).
2.3 Function of Controls and Indicators
2.3.1 Key Switch
The system can only be powered on with the use of the Key Switch. The mechanism of the Key Switch is such
that the key cannot be removed from the switch when it is in the ON position. The Key Switch is used to restrict
access to authorised/trained users only. This feature is present to provide one key for multiple products and/or to
make up for the deciency of some laser products that do not conform to the requirements of IEC 60285-1 and
the CDRH Regulations for Class 3B and Class 4 products to have a key control.
2.3.2 Power LED
The Power LED gives an indication of a successful power ON condition and illuminates (green) when power is
supplied to the unit and the Key Switch is in the ON position.
2.3.3 Interlock Status LED
The Interlock Status LED illuminates (blue) when all interlocks are closed. The LED will be o if the Microscope
Interlock is opened, and ashes if the Remote Interlock is opened.
2.3.4 Interlock Reset Button
If the remote interlock is opened, the system must be reset before laser emission will be restarted. This is achieved
by pressing the reset button on the top of the device. Both IEC 60285-1 and the CDRH Regulations require this
Manual Reset after a Remote Interlock is opened.

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Section 3: Installation
This product is supplied as part of a system, and must be installed by an Andor Installation Technician or a
trained Andor Systems distributor. The following is only provided to augment this.
3.1 Laser-Lock Installation
3.1.1 Location and Mounting
The Laser-Lock must be placed where it can be easily seen and accessed by the user. Power and interlock
cables should be routed in such a way as to prevent accidents, and to prevent damage to the cables.
3.1.2 Assembly
This product itself requires no assembly. Cable connections are covered in the following sections.
3.1.3 Power Connection
• Power the unit using either the USB Micro-B external power supply or from your PC via the USB Micro-B cable
provided.
• If either of these need replaced, then standard replacements can be used; however, the external power
supply should be approved by a suitable certication body.

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3.2 Interlock Cable Installation
• Do not pull cables by the sheath but use the connector body.
• Most of the interlock cables will be installed by trained Andor support sta, but the following information is
provided to familiarise the user with all of the connections.
3.2.1 Microscope Interlock Connector
• The microscope interlock connector connects the Laser-Lock to the interlock cable loop that contains all
of the microscope interlock switches or other interlock switches that need to turn o ALL of the attached
laser products.
• Closure of the interlock loop connected to this connector does not require the Manual Reset button to be
pressed to re-activate the lasers.
• Any switch or cable connected to this connector must be capable of handling 5 V 80 mA DC.

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3.2.2 Remote Interlock Connector
• The Remote Interlock Connector is a requirement of IEC 60285-1 and the CDRH Regulations for Class 3B
and Class 4 laser products.
• Remote interlocks are remote from the laser products as opposed to being local to the products themselves,
e.g. microscope interlocks are local to the system, but lab door interlocks are further away.
• Remote interlocks in a Class 4 laser product require that after closure of the interlock loop connected to this
connector the Manual Reset button MUST be pressed to re-activate the lasers.
• This inconvenience was thought necessary by the standards authors because due to the increased hazard
of a Class 4 laser they thought there was a greater danger to personnel who triggered a remote interlock
in, for example, a lab door who may not be aware of what is going on in the lab.
• The Manual Reset function has been provided for the HLE as an external box for easier access by users, and
for some other Class 4 scenarios.
• If remote interlock switches are not required, this unit is provided with a Remote Interlock defeat that plugs
into this connector to disable this function.
• A short, unterminated remote interlock cable is also provided to allow you to attach via soldering or some
other means your own remote interlock switch cable assembly. The switches in such an assembly must
close when you want the laser to be activated, and open when you want to stop lasers from emitting, and
must be in series.
• Any switch or cable connected to this connector must be capable of handling 5 V 20 mA DC.
3.2.3 Laser Device Connector
• Each laser device connector is provided to connect the unit to the interlock connector of each separate
laser source in the system, and to interlock switches that you only want to interlock that individual laser
source, e.g. certain Andor products may have dye cells or beam splitters that contain safety interlocks you
only want to de-activate the one laser source related to these.
• In other circumstances where a product may allow the use of several laser sources, the safety interlocks
would have to be connected into the Microscope Interlock Connector loop to allow them to turn-o ALL of
the laser sources at once.

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3.3 Typical System Congurations

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Section 4: Operation
4.1 Emergency Mains Disconnection
In case of emergency, the disconnect as follows:
SWITCH OFF THE POWER AT THE MAINS SOCKET AND
REMOVE THE MAINS LEAD FROM THE EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY
4.2 Power Up
1. Turn the key clockwise until the green power LED illuminates.
2. Ensure interlocks are closed.
3. Press the ashing blue reset button.
4. Laser products will activate.
4.2.1 Microscope Interlock Opened
(Blue interlock open LED is o)
1. Close microscope interlock(s).
2. Laser products will re-activate
4.2.2 Remote Interlock Opened
(Blue interlock open LED is ashing)
1. Close remote interlock(s).
2. Press the ashing blue reset button.
3. Laser products will re-activate
4.3 Power Down
1. Turn the key anti-clockwise until the key is in a vertical position.

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Section 5: Maintenance
Important: The system should be powered down prior to performing any maintenance checks.
5.1 Cleaning and Decontamination
To clean the product, only use a damp lint-free cloth. Do not wet the connectors. Do not use solvents, cleaning
agents, or aerosols.
5.2 Regular Checks
The state of the product should be checked regularly, especially the integrity of the enclosure and the power
cable.
DO NOT USE EQUIPMENT THAT IS DAMAGED.
5.3 Annual Electrical Safety Checks
It is advisable to check the integrity of the insulation on an annual basis, e.g. U.K. PAT testing.
DO NOT USE EQUIPMENT THAT IS DAMAGED.

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Section 6: Troubleshooting
If the Laser-Lock box is provided as part of system with a HLE, ILE, Dragony, or other laser product, please
refer to the troubleshooting sections of their respective user guides, available at andor.oxinst.com/downloads.