Continuum Precision II Series User manual

i
Operation and Maintenance Manual
C
996-0255 rev. b
Operation and Maintenance Manual
for the
Precision II Series Lasers
996-0255
rev. b

Precision II Operation and Maintenance Manual C
ii 996-0255 rev. b
Copyright 1993, 1997, 2000 & 2001 by Continuum. All right reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
Except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced or
distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a data base or retrieval system without the prior written
permission of Continuum.

iii
Operation and Maintenance Manual
C
996-0255 rev. b
WARNING
Oscillator Burns Amplifier Burns
The voltage setting on the PU600C series power units at the time of installation, may NOT be exceeded
without consulting the Continuum Service office first. Exceeding the designated voltage can result in
free-running (see Section II), thermal focusing and optical damage. Failure to follow these precautions
will result in voiding the warranty (see Section VII).
Energy Spec.
Measured Energy Wavelength Voltage CB delays
Harmonic Burns Harmonic Burns
System Operation Data Sheet
Project #:
Date:
User:

Precision II Operation and Maintenance Manual C
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Operation and Maintenance Manual
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Table of Contents
Chapter I Laser Safety Precautions, rev. b
Government and industry regulations ...................................................................... 1-1
Laser safety precautions .............................................................................................. 1-1
Optical safety ................................................................................................................ 1-2
Electrical safety ............................................................................................................. 1-2
Laser emission classification ....................................................................................... 1-3
Protection while working with lasers ........................................................................ 1-3
Additional safety regulation references .................................................................... 1-3
Warnings and labels ......................................................................................... 1-4 thru 8
CE Declaration of conformity ..................................................................................... 1-9
Chapter II System Operation, rev. b
A. Startup procedure ................................................................................................... 2-1
B. Shutdown procedure ............................................................................................... 2-2
C. Programming the RB601 remote box .................................................................... 2-3
D. Options ...................................................................................................................... 2-4
Second Harmonic Generation ............................................................................. 2-4
Third Harmonic Generation ................................................................................ 2-6
Fourth Harmonic Generation .............................................................................. 2-8
LNE alignment ....................................................................................................... 2-9
E. External triggering of Precision series ................................................................ 2-11
1) Direct Access Triggering (DAT) ................................................................... 2-11
2) Stanford Research Pulse Generator setup ................................................... 2-13
3) Remote RS232 operation ................................................................................ 2-15
a) Command protocol.................................................................................. 2-15
b) RS232 specification/baud rate ............................................................... 2-17
c) RS232 signals ............................................................................................ 2-17
d) Host computer demo program.............................................................. 2-18
F. Installation ............................................................................................................... 2-22
Chapter III Subassemblies & Module Descriptions, rev. b
A. Laser bench optics ................................................................................................... 3-1
B. Laser bench electronics............................................................................................ 3-6
1) External controls ............................................................................................... 3-6
2) Top & bottom view of Precision II 8030 & 9050 laser benches ............ 3-7 & 8
3) Wiring diagrams ................................................................................... 3-15 to 21
C. Laser bench mechanics ......................................................................................... 3-22
D. Built-in rack electronics cabinet........................................................................... 3-23
E. Control Unit, CU601C ........................................................................................... 3-25
F. Power units, PU600C series .................................................................................. 2-45
G. CB600C series simmer capacitor banks .............................................................. 3-65
H. Cooling Group, CG604C ...................................................................................... 3-83
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Precision II Operation and Maintenance Manual C
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Chapter IV Maintenance, rev. b
A. Cleaning optics ........................................................................................................ 4-1
B. Flashlamp removal & replacement ....................................................................... 4-2
C. Rod replacement ...................................................................................................... 4-4
D. Replacing the DI water filter .................................................................................. 4-7
Bacterial growth .................................................................................................... 4-8
E. “O”ring replacement ............................................................................................... 4-9
Chapter V Troubleshooting, rev. b
Troubleshooting charts ....................................................................................... 5-1 to 5
A. Electronics rack troubleshooting ........................................................................... 5-6
B. Q-switch troubleshooting ....................................................................................... 5-8
C. Going to free-running ........................................................................................... 5-10
D. Oscillator alignment optimization ...................................................................... 5-12
E. Oscillator optimization (with an oscilloscope) .................................................. 5-14
F. Measuring oscillator stability in the free-running mode .................................. 5-15
G. Eliminating free-running ..................................................................................... 5-17
H. Dual inline amplifier alignment single rod head 811-09 ................................. 5-20
I. Dual amplifier IR alignment .................................................................................. 5-22
J. Quartz rotator alignment procedure .................................................................... 5-24
K. Amplifier Alignment Single Rod Heads for Precision II 8000 ........................ 5-24
L. Flashlamp voltage adjustment ............................................................................. 5-27
M. Cooling group contamination ............................................................................. 5-28
Chapter VI Parts Lists, rev. b
Precision II 8000 heads & part numbers.............................................................. 6-1 &2
Precision II 9000 heads & part numbers.............................................................. 6-3 &4
Electronics & supplies .................................................................................................. 6-6
Optics/Electro-optics ................................................................................................... 6-6
Chapter VII Appendix, rev. b
A. Express warranty ..................................................................................................... 7-1
B. Limitation of remedy ............................................................................................... 7-1
C. Disclaimer of implied warranty ............................................................................ 7-1
D. Returns, adjustments & servicing ......................................................................... 7-1
E. Service information .................................................................................................. 7-3
Domestic ................................................................................................................. 7-3
Foreign .................................................................................................................... 7-3
F. Lightwave™ Seeder Manual .................................................................................. 7-4
Chapter VIII Operator Notes, rev. b

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Operation and Maintenance Manual
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List of Figures
Precision II warning labels ...................................................................................... 1-4
Label location diagrams, A, B, C & D .............................................................. 1-5 to 8
Optical layouts of Precision II 8000 ............................................................. facing 2-1
RB601 keypad .......................................................................................................... 2-1
Harmonic stage assembly. ....................................................................................... 2-4
Second harmonic position & THG window & dichroic stage .................................. 2-5
Connecting harmonic to face plate ........................................................................... 2-6
Third harmonic position........................................................................................... 2-6
Fourth harmonic position......................................................................................... 2-9
Precision series chronograph .................................................................................. 2-12
External Trigger Panel (ETP) .................................................................... 2-14 & 3-6
Physical dimensions Precision II series.................................................................. 2-25
Optical layouts of Precision II 9000 ............................................................. facing 3-1
Flashlamp details ...................................................................................................... 3-2
Exploded head drawings ................................................................................... 3-3 & 4
Top & underside view of Precision II 9050 & 8030 benches ............................ 3-7 & 8
Seeder panel on side of bench ................................................................................... 3-9
Cavity closed no lasing & Cavity open and lasing. ............................................... 3-11
Schematic 750V P.S. board .................................................................................... 3-12
Schematic dwg. sync panel .................................................................................... 3-13
Schematic Marx bank............................................................................................. 3-14
Precision II wiring diagrams ........................................................................ 3-15 to 21
Assy. HP71 ............................................................................................................ 3-22
Built-in rack electronics ......................................................................................... 3-23
CU601C with interface box connections. .............................................................. 3-24
RB601 keyboard ..................................................................................................... 3-27

Precision II Operation and Maintenance Manual C
viii 996-0255 rev. b
PCB references for rear panel connections ............................................................. 3-28
CU601C schematics ...................................................................................... 3-38 to 44
PU630C front & rear panels. ................................................................................ 3-46
Reactance-limiting inductor L. .............................................................................. 3-47
PU600C series schematics & drawings ....................................................... 3-50 to 63
CB634C front & rear panels ................................................................................. 3-66
CB600C series schematics & drawings ........................................................ 3-70 to 81
CG604C front & rear panels. ................................................................................ 3-83
Cooling requirements 10 & 30Hz .......................................................................... 3-86
Cooling System, CG604C ...................................................................................... 3-87
CG604C Wiring Diagram Assy ............................................................................ 3-88
Waterflow diagram ................................................................................................ 3-89
Cooling requirements 50Hz ................................................................................... 3-90
System maintenance schedule ....................................................................... facing 4-1
Troubleshooting guide for Precision II series. ......................................................... 5-1
Electronic rack troubleshooting flow chart. ............................................................. 5-2
Optical troubleshooting chart. .......................................................................... 5-3 & 4
Precision II series chronograph. ............................................................................... 5-5
Burn pattern diagram. ............................................................................................. 5-9
Image as seen through rod. .................................................................................... 5-13
Free-running drawings ................................................................................. 5-18 & 19
Alignment aperture positions ............................................................................... 5-20
Alignment adjustment screws. ............................................................................ 5-21
Amplifier alignment burn patterns. ...................................................................... 5-23
Beam block position ................................................................................................ 5-26

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Operation and Maintenance Manual
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Preface
This manual describes how to operate and maintain the Continuum
Precision II series Laser.
Conventions Used in this Manual
LASER RADIATION!
This symbol alerts you to laser radiation hazards during
operation or maintenance procedures.
WARNING!
This symbol warns of other possible risks not related to
laser radiation or electrical hazards.
CAUTION!
This symbol alerts you to a process or procedure that, if not
properly done or followed exactly, will damage the laser or
irrevocably change operating software.
This symbol draws your attention to important or extra infor-
mation that relates to the current subject matter.
Manual Organization
Chapter 1, Safety, provides all the appropriate safety procedures and
warning labels. These instructions must be followed to ensure safe
operation of the laser equipment.
Chapter 2 describes operating instructions for the Precision II series
lasers. A brief installation description is given at the end of the chapter.
Installation of this laser may only be performed by a Continuum cus-
tomer engineer.
Chapter 3 describes the electronic modules and how they work in detail.
These descriptions are enhanced with schematics and drawings.
Chapter 4 describes the routine maintenance procedures to keep the
equipment operating properly. Only those procedures listed may be
performed by the operator.

Precision II Operation and Maintenance Manual C
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Chapter 5 describes troubleshooting procedures to use should the equip-
ment malfunction.
The manual includes parts lists of commonly used components. The
Appendix gives our warranty and phone numbers. An Index is provided
at the end of the manual.
Related Documents
Continuum Documents:
Operator’s Manual for the Continuum NY80 Series Pump Laser, COM
996-0155.
Operator’s Manual for the Continuum NY60 Series Pump Laser, COM
996-0156.
Operator’s Manual for the Continuum Surelite Series, COM 996-0176 &
996-0177.
Laser Safety:
American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers, 1986.
Laser Safety Guide, Laser Institute of America, 1977.
Sylvania Safety Rules, Frank S. Canario, Safety Engineer, 1967.
A guide for Control of Laser Hazards, American Conference of Governmen-
tal Industrial Hygienists, 1976.

Chapter I Laser Safety Precautions Contents
Government and industry regulations.................................................... 1-1
Laser safety precautions........................................................................ 1-1
Optical safety ..................................................................................... 1-2
Electrical safety.................................................................................. 1-2
Laser emission classification ................................................................. 1-3
Protection while working with lasers ...................................................... 1-3
Additional safety regulation references.................................................. 1-3
Warnings and labels ....................................................................... 1-4 to 8
Precision II warning labels ................................................................. 1-4
Label Location Diagram A.................................................................. 1-5
Label Location Diagram B.................................................................. 1-6
Label Location Diagram C ................................................................. 1-7
Label Location Diagram D ................................................................. 1-8
CE Declaration of conformity ............................................................. 1-9
996-0255 rev. b

996-0255 rev. b

Chapter I –Laser Safety Precautions
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1-1996-0255 rev. b
Chapter I Laser Safety Precautions
Government and industry regulations
Continuum’s user information is in compliance with section 1040.10 of 21
CFR Chapter I, Subchapter J concerning Radiological Health published
by U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Center for Devices &
Radiological Health, 1988 and EN 60825-1, safety of lasers.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a member of the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Interna-
tional Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), has published a booklet on
laser safety standards. Continuum strongly suggests that all its customers
purchase a copy of the American National Standard for the Safe Use of
Lasers in order to read and implement necessary precautions. Write or
call the publisher listed below for information on obtaining a copy of
ANSI Z136.1-1993.
Publisher: Laser Institute of America
13501 Ingenuity Drive
Suite 128
Orlando, FL 32826
Telephone [phone]
FAX: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
Web(Internet): http:/www.laserinstitute.org
CAUTION
Only operators experienced in working with lasers and
trained by a Continuum service engineer should use and
service the Powerlite Precision 9000 Laser, or the warranty
will be voided.
Laser safety precautions
The following is a summary of general safety precautions which are to be
observed by anyone working with the laser. For a complete listing of
safety standards see the ANSI booklet listed above.
1) This laser equipment must be located in a locked area with
access only to authorized personnel. The area must be marked
by well-defined warning signs, and off limits to unauthorized
personnel.
2) This laser equipment may only be operated by qualified person-
nel, who have also been trained by a Continuum customer
service engineer.

Precision II Operation and Maintenance Manual C
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4) Always wear laser goggles appropriate for the wavelength
generated and the beam intensity.
5) The laser equipment area must be brightly lit so the pupils of the
operator’s eyes are normally constricted.
6) A fire-resistant background should be placed behind target
areas.
7) Surrounding work areas should be coated with a material that
absorbs scattered radiation.
8) Operators should not wear or use any object that may reflect
laser light such as a watch, ring, pen, etc.
9) Tracking individuals, vehicular traffic, aircraft, or any airborne
object using laser radiation is prohibited.
Optical safety
1) Be sure that the light from the flashlamps is obscured from the
eye as it is damaging if viewed directly.
2) Eye safety is the greatest concern. Be aware at all times that this
is a Class IV laser, the highest and most dangerous classification.
Specular reflections from the main beam off a polished surface
can cause severe eye damage.
3) Be sure that there are no volatile substances in the lab which the
laser could ignite.
4) Mark the lab well with warning signs when the laser is operat-
ing and provide interlocks for all doors.
Electrical safety
1) To prevent accidents due to electrical shock, care should be
taken to be sure the capacitors are completely discharged and
the power turned off before any maintenance or repairs are
made to the system. Electric shock and burns resulting from
input power or capacitor discharge can cause serious injury or
death.
2) Be aware that high voltages are present in the laser heads once
ac power is toggled on.
3) This laser equipment must be turned off when not in use.

Chapter I –Laser Safety Precautions
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1-3996-0255 rev. b
Laser emission classification
The Precision II is a Class IV Laser.
Protection while working with lasers
When the laser beam is active, there are shutters that cut the beam off, or
reduce the intensity of the beam at the Precision II output.
1) A shutter at the output of the Precision II series pump laser cuts
off the laser beam.
2) The Precision II has a safety cover over the laser beam area. This
cover must be in place during normal operation, and should
only be removed while the laser is operating for special proce-
dures only.
3) The Precision II has a safety interlock that turns off power to all
units if the top cover is raised. This cover switch can be defeated
using the interlock defeat bracket. This should only be done by a
fully trained operator.
Additional safety regulation references
•American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers, Laser
Institute of America, 1993.
•Laser Safety Guide. Laser Institute of America, (9th Edition).
•Electronic Product Radiation Control, Guidance on Electronic
Products which Emit Radiation, Center for Device Radiation and
Health (CDRH).
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/radhlth/indexhtml
•Guidlines for Laser Safety and Hazard Assessment, PUB 8-1.7,
OSHA Directives, 1991
Warnings and labels
Page 1-4 shows some of the warning labels used on the Precision II Laser.
Label location diagrams A through D give the location of these labels on
the unit.

Precision II Operation and Maintenance Manual C
1-4 996-0255 rev. b
Item 2
P/N 310-0169
Item 4
P/N 310-0187
Precision II warning labels.
Item 3
P/N 310-0025 REV B
Item 5
P/N 310-0192
Found inside power units on heat sinks,
capacitors & 24V power supplies. Also, on rear
panels of control units and cooling groups.
Item 1
P/N 310-0029
Found on top surface of bench, internal
covers & on pan under the bench.
Item 6
P/N 310-0022
Found on the covers of the control
and power units, and capacitor banks.
Electro - Optics, Inc.
Continuum
3150 Central Expressway, Santa Clara CA 95051
MODEL
DATE S/N
This laser product complies with 21 CFR Chapter 1,
Subchapter J, and EN-60825-1.
PART NUMBER 310-0025 REV B MADE IN USA
DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE
Access limited to
authorized Continuum
Service personnel only.
Visible and/or invisible laser
radiation when open.
AVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE TO
DIRECT OR SCATTERED RADIATION.
310-0029 REV C
AVOID EXPOSURE
VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE
LASER RADIATION IS EMMITTED
FROM THIS APERTURE
310-0169 REV C
CAUTION
VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION
WHEN OPEN AND INTERLOCKS DEFEATED.
AVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE TO DIRECT
OR SCATTERED RADIATION.
CLASS 4 LASER
ENERGY: 2J MAX
PULSEWIDTH: 2-40 ns
WAVELENGTH: 1064, 5 2,
55, 266 nm
EN60825 1: 1998
10-0187 REV C

Chapter I –Laser Safety Precautions
C
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Label location diagram A.
(Required by the Office of Compliance
Center for Devices & Radiological Health)
Visible and/or invisible laser
radiation when open.
AVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE TO
DIRECT OR SCATTERED RADIATION.
310-0029 REV C
CAUTION HIGH VOLTAGE
BEFORE WORKING ON THIS UNIT
SWITCH OFF POWER SUPPLY
DISCONNECT ALL PLUGS
10-0028 REV B
LASER BEAM
DO NOT REMOVE
310-0099 REV D
Caution
High Voltage
310-002 REV C
This product is made
under one or more of
these U.S. patents:
4,490,021
4,918,704
310-0059 REV B
COVER
COVER
COVER
COVER
On Marx Bank cover
With the cover open, the
interlock defeat bracket can be
installed over the security
switches.
DANGER
Visible and invisible laser radiation
when open and interlock defeated.
AVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE
TO DIRECT OR SCATTERED
RADIATION.
310-0030 REV B

Precision II Operation and Maintenance Manual C
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rear
front
OSCILLATOR
310-0051 REV A
AMPLIFIER
310-0052 REV A
CAUTION
VISIBLE AND INVISIBLELASER RADIATION HEN OPEN
AND INTERLOCKS DEFEATED. AVOID EYE OR SKIN
EXPOSURE TO DIRECT OR SCATTERED RADIATION.
310-0070 REV C
Label location diagram B.
(required by the Office of Compliance Center
for Devices & Radiological Health)
AVOID EXPOSURE
Invisible and/or Visible
laser radiation is emitted
from this aperture.
310-0040 REV C
CAUTION
VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION
WHEN OPEN AND INTERLOCKS DEFEATED.
AVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE TO DIRECT
OR SCATTERED RADIATION.
CLASS 4 LASER
ENERGY: 2J MAX
PULSEWIDTH: 2-40 ns
WAVELENGTH: 1064, 5 2,
55, 266 nm
EN60825 1: 1998
10-0187 REV C
Electro - Optics, Inc.
Continuum
3150 Central Expressway, Santa Clara CA 95051
MODEL
DATE S/N
This laser product complies with 21 CFR Chapter 1,
Subchapter J, and EN-60825-1.
PART NUMBER 310-0025 REV B MADE IN USA

Chapter I –Laser Safety Precautions
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Label location diagram C.
(required by the Office of Compliance Center
for Devices & Radiological Health)
811 head.
ITEM 3
ITEM 6
Electro - Optics, Inc.
Continuum
3150 Central Expressway, Santa Clara CA 95051
MODEL
DATE S/N
This laser product complies with 21 CFR Chapter 1,
Subchapter J, and EN-60825-1.
PART NUMBER 310-0025 REV B MADE IN USA
CAUTION HIGH VOLTAGE
BEFORE WORKING ON THIS UNIT
SWITCH OFF POWER SUPPLY
DISCONNECT ALL PLUGS
10-0028 REV B

Precision II Operation and Maintenance Manual C
1-8 996-0255 rev. b
(required by the Office of Compliance Center
for Devices & Radiological Health)
Label location diagram C.
DANGER
Visible and/or invisible laser radiation
when open and interlock defeated.
AVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE
TO DIRECT OR SCATTERED
RADIATION. 310-0030 REV B
Interlock Defeat Bracket
hinged cover
With the cover open, the
interlock defeat bracket can
be installed over the security
switches.
item 1 on surface
of laser bench.
light
Security interlock location diagram
external cover.
security
interlocks
Continuum
light
D.