Foster + Freeman ECCO2 User manual

i
ECCO2™
Laser Induced Breakdown
Spectrometer
User Manual
(Hardware)
(0142-0-02)
May 2013

ii
Head Office & UK Sales Office
Foster + Freeman Ltd
Vale Business Park
Evesham
Worcestershire
WR11 1TD
UK
+ 44 (0) 1386 768050
+ 44 (0) 1386 765351
[email protected]
www.fosterfreeman.com
US Sales Office
Foster + Freeman USA Inc
46030 Manekin Plaza
Sterling
Virginia 20166
USA
[phone]
[phone]
[email protected]
www.fosterfreeman.com
Sales Support and Feedback
Foster + Freeman welcome feedback from Customers regarding this product. Please contact one of our
offices if you would like to pass on your comments.
Foster + Freeman are pleased to offer advice, installation, training and on-site maintenance worldwide for
all of their products.
Specification
Foster + Freeman reserve the right to alter the specification of this product, accessories and consumables
without prior notice.
Copyright
This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright.
All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the
prior, written permission of Foster + Freeman Ltd.
Copyright © Foster + Freeman Ltd
(0000-001-16) Copyright © Foster + Freeman Ltd
ii zzz ii

PLEASE REFER TO THE WELCOME SECTION BEFORE USING THE EQUIPMENT FOR THE FIRST TIME
ECCO2™: Laser Induced Breakdown Spectrometer (User Manual) iii
C ONTENTS
Page
Welcome ................................................................................................................................. v
Safety information ................................................................................................................... vii
Quick Start Guides
Unpacking ............................................................................................................................... 01-1
Getting started ......................................................................................................................... 02-1
Hardware Guides
Main unit .................................................................................................................................. 11-1
Power supply unit .................................................................................................................... 12-1
Mains power adaptor ............................................................................................................... 19-1

iv ECCO2™: Laser Induced Breakdown Spectrometer (User Manual)
(0142-002-04) Copyright © Foster + Freeman Ltd
iv z iv

PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION BEFORE USING THE EQUIPMENT FOR THE FIRST TIME
Welcome v
W ELCOME
ECCO
2
™: Laser Induced Breakdown Spectrometer
Welcome to the Foster + Freeman ECCO2™ Laser Induced Breakdown Spectrometer.
This equipment allows you to generate and compare laser induced breakdown spectra obtained from
items of forensic value.
About this manual
Text Text formats are used as follows:
Important operating information
Additional notes and advice
Good practice. Information on recommended procedures.
Bad practice. Information on procedures to avoid.
CONTROL FEATURES
Illustrations
Illustrations are for explanatory purposes only. The appearance of the product, its components,
accessories and consumables may differ from that shown.
Safety and Warning Markers
PROHIBITED Red markers prohibit certain actions or procedures. Disregard of these warnings may
pose a health or safety risk to the user or cause damage to the equipment.
CAUTION Yellow markers warn of a hazard. The user should be aware of the associated risk and
take appropriate precautions.
MANDATORY Blue markers advise of mandatory health and safety procedures. Disregard of the advice
may increase an associated risk.
Before using the equipment for the first time, please read the safety information on the following pages.
About this product
Compliance
When correctly employed by appropriately trained personnel, this equipment is fully compliant with the
relevant standards laid down by the UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE).
Hazard protection
When correctly employed, this equipment provides the user with the necessary level of protection from
operating hazards.
Protection provided by the equipment may be impaired if the equipment is used in a manner not specified in the
operating instructions.
Certificate of conformity
A certificate of conformity for this product is available from Foster + Freeman Ltd

PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION BEFORE USING THE EQUIPMENT FOR THE FIRST TIME
vi ECCO2™: Laser Induced Breakdown Spectrometer (Hardware Manual)
This equipment is manufactured in conformity with the requirements of the relevant directives of the
European Community through compliance with a number of harmonised standards.
Calibration and adjustment
In the event of query, contact Foster + Freeman Technical Support: [e-mail]
This equipment is correctly calibrated and adjusted at the time of manufacture.
See: Software Manual (Calibrating the equipment).
(0142-003-02) Copyright © Foster + Freeman Ltd
v z v

ECCO2™: Laser Induced Breakdown Spectrometer (Safety information 0142-004-03) vii
Page of vii
SAFETY INFORMATION
(0142-004-03) May 2013
ECCO
2
™: L ASER I NDUCED B REAKDOWN S PECTROMETER
General safety
In the event of query, contact Foster + Freeman Technical Support: [e-mail]
Read this manual Employ safe work practices Do not tamper with interlocks
Use the equipment only for the intended purpose.
Use the equipment only in accordance with the operating instructions.
Use only with equipment specified by Foster + Freeman.
Use only with spares, accessories and consumables supplied by Foster + Freeman.
Do not use damaged equipment.
Dispose of the equipment only in a responsible manner.
Do not remove any access covers except during authorised maintenance.
Do not operate the equipment with any access cover removed.
Do not attempt to defeat the safety interlocks.
Location
Indoor use only
Do not operate the equipment outdoors.
Disposal
Do not discard with normal commercial or
domestic waste
Comply with all relevant
legislation
This equipment falls within the scope of the European Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical & Electronic
Equipment (WEEE).
Dispose of the equipment only where appropriate disposal or recycling facilities exist.
Electrical safety
Indoor use only Equipment must be earthed
Do not open
DANGER
Risk of electric shock
Operate the equipment only from a compatible electrical power source specified by Foster + Freeman.
Do not operate the equipment without a reliable earth connection.
Do not operate the equipment with damaged electrical connection cables.
Do not replace electrical spares without first disconnecting the equipment from its power supply.
Do not replace electrical spares except with those of the correct and specified rating.

Mechanical safety
viii ECCO2™: Laser Induced Breakdown Spectrometer (Safety information 0142-004-03)
ECCO
2
™: Electrical safety (Main unit)
Rear view
Mechanical safety
CAUTION
Heavy
WITH CARE
Fragile Lift correctly
Use safe lifting and handling procedures.
Optical safety
Do not attempt to defeat the safety interlocks.
Laser Safety
CAUTION
USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE OF PROCEDURES OTHER THAN
THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION EXPOSURE
The ECCO
2
™ incorporates a pulsed, actively Q-switched flashlamp-pumped Nd:YAG laser. The laser emits an intense
pulse of infrared radiation: Wavelength = 1064 nm. The laser beam is enclosed by protective covers which are securely
fastened. The protective covers do not need to be removed for the normal operation of the instrument.
Do not remove the protective covers.
Ensure that the optical shield surrounding the document platen is complete and undamaged.
Ensure that the viewing filter in the optical shield is present and undamaged.
ECCO
2
™: Laser Safety (Main unit)
1 Optical shield
2 Access door
3 Viewing filter
Compliance
Classified to EN 60825-1:2007: “Safety of Laser Products Part 1: Equipment classification and user’s
guide”.
Complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 except for deviations pursuant to Laser Notice No. 50.
See: Laser safety labels (p. ix).
Product Class
The accessible laser beam pulse energy does not exceed 2 x 10-6 joules.
1
2
1
2
3

Thermal safety
ECCO2™: Laser Induced Breakdown Spectrometer (Safety information 0142-004-03) ix
The ECCO2™ is classified as Class 1. See: Laser safety labels (p. ix).
The ECCO2™ complies with all safety requirements for this class of laser product.
Embedded laser
The embedded laser is classified as Class 4:
ECCO
2
™: Embedded laser
Laser class Class 4
Pulse energy (Max) 60 mJ (millijoule)
Wavelength 1064 nm (nanometre)
Beam divergence < 2.5 mrad (milliradian)
Pulse repetition rate 0.5 Hz (hertz)
Pulse duration 4 – 6 ns (nanosecond)
Laser safety labels
ECCO
2
™: Laser Safety (Main unit)
Front view
CLASSIFIED TO
EN 60825-1:2007
ECCO
2
™: Laser Safety (Main unit)
Rear view
Thermal safety
Do not obstruct ventilation
CAUTION
Hot surfaces
The equipment generates heat that is removed by fan-assisted ventilation.
Do not obstruct the ventilation ports or the air flow around them.
3

x ECCO2™: Laser Induced Breakdown Spectrometer (Safety information 0142-004-03)
(0142-004-03) Copyright © Foster + Freeman Ltd
x z x

ECCO2™: Unpacking (Quick Start Guide 0142-01-02) 01-1
Page of 1
QUICK START GUIDE
(0142-01-02) April 2013
ECCO
2
™: U NPACKING
The ECCO2™ main unit is supplied in suitable transit packing.
1. Lift the unopened cardboard box onto a laboratory worktop.
2. Ensure that there is adequate clear space next to the box to accommodate the ECCO2™ main unit.
3. Cut the restraining straps on the packing box.
4. Lift off the box lid.
5. Carefully lift away the sides of the box to reveal the ECCO2™ main unit.
6. Use a sharp blade to cut the two corners at the front edge of the cardboard base that remains.
7. Fold down the front edge of the cardboard base.
8. Carefully slide the ECCO2™ main unit out of the cardboard base onto the worktop.
9. Carefully unpack all items.
10. Check the items supplied against your original purchase order and packing list.
11. Report any discrepancy to your nearest Foster + Freeman Sales Office immediately.
12. Account for all items before discarding any packing material.
CAUTION
Heavy
WITH CARE
Fragile Lift correctly
Use safe lifting and handling procedures: Weight = 24 kg
ECCO
2
™: Lift correctly
Side view (Left) Front view Side view (Right)
Lifting points

01-2 ECCO2™: Unpacking (Quick Start Guide 0142-01-02)
(0142-01-02) Copyright © Foster + Freeman Ltd
2 z 2

ECCO2™: Getting started (Quick Start Guide 0142-02-06) 02-1
Page of 1
QUICK START GUIDE
(0142-02-06) May 2013
ECCO
2
™: G ETTING STARTED
Refer to the relevant User Manual for full details. Use safe lifting and handling procedures.
Carefully unpack all items. Check the items supplied against your original purchase order and packing
list. Report any discrepancy to your nearest Foster + Freeman Sales Office immediately. Account for all
items before discarding any packing material.
Installation
The equipment should be located in a clean, well-ventilated, dust free environment, away from sources of
heat, air currents and risk of contamination. For best results, locate the equipment away from areas of
high ambient lighting, direct sunshine or unscreened windows. The equipment should be used on a flat,
level working surface of adequate strength and of convenient height for the operator, within reach of a
mains power outlet with an earth connection.
Do not obstruct the ventilation ports or the air flow around them.
ECCO
2
™: Main unit
PC system
ECCO
2
™ software
CD-ROM
Desktop icon
Mains power ¨
85 −264 V AC 50/60 Hz; 0.4 A (Max)
ECCO™: Power supply unit
Front view
ECCO™: Power supply unit
Rear view
DC power ¨
5 V DC; 2 A (Max)
ECCO
2
™: Main unit
Rear view
Mains power ¨
100 – 240 V AC 50/60; Hz
0.4 A (Max)
ECCO
2
™: Mains power adaptor
DC power ¨
5 V DC; 2 A
(Max)
ECCO
2
™: Main unit
Rear view
PC system
Specification and appearance may vary according to user requirements. For full details, refer to the relevant Operating
Manual supplied by the Manufacturer.
A suitable PC system is supplied for use with the ECCO2™ main unit.

Connecting the hardware
02-2 ECCO2™: Getting started (Quick Start Guide 0142-02-06)
ECCO2™ software
ECCO2™ software is a custom product supplied by Foster + Freeman on one or more CD-ROM.
Software will normally have been installed on the PC.
Connecting the hardware
1. Interconnect the hardware with the cables provided. See: Connection diagram (p. 02-2).
2. Connect the mains power.
Do not connect any unit to an incompatible mains electricity supply.
Switching on
3. Switch on the PC system. Wait for the Windows desktop to be displayed.
4. Switch on the power supply. The ECCO2™ main unit will emit an audible “beep”. The target stage
will be illuminated.
5.  (Windows desktop): Start the ECCO2™ software.
6. The equipment is now ready for use.
Refer to the relevant User Manual for full details.
Connection diagram
ECCO
2
™: Connection diagram
1 Main unit (Rear view) 8 Video connection
2 Power supply unit (Front view) 9 Control connection
3 Power supply unit (Rear view) 10 UV sensor
4 PC (Rear view) 11 DC input (UV sensor)
5 Monitor 12 Mains power adaptor
6 Keyboard 13 Mains power
7 Mouse
(0142-02-06) Copyright © Foster + Freeman Ltd
2 z 2
1
2
4
5
6
3
7
8
9
13
13
13
12 11
10

ECCO2™: Main unit (Hardware Guide 0142-11-02) 11-1
Page of 1
HARDWARE GUIDE
(0142-11-02) April 2013
ECCO
2
™: M AIN UNIT
ECCO
2
™: Main unit
1 Sample chamber
2 Access door
3 Viewing window
4 Target stage
5 Sample stalk
6 XYZ stage
ECCO
2
™: Main unit
PC system
ECCO™ software
CD-ROM
Desktop icon
The ECCO2™ is a powerful spectrometric system for the elemental analysis of inorganic materials of
forensic value, e.g. Glass, Inks, Toners. The ECCO2™ main unit is controlled by the PC system and
ECCO™ software.
Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
ECCO
2
™: Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
1 Excitation laser
2 Target material
3 Laser induced plasma
4 Optical emission
5 Spectrometer
6 Spectral graph
▬▬▬▬▬▬
████████████████████████████
Laser induced breakdown generates a plasma which emits light with a spectrum that is characteristic of the elemental
composition of the surface.
The ECCO2™ employs the well-established technique of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
(LIBS). In practice, the material to be analysed is mounted within the sample chamber and a target area
selected. The target area is then subjected to a very high power laser pulse causing a microscopic amount
1
4
5
3
6
2
1
2
3
4
5
6

Optical specification
11-2 ECCO2™: Main unit (Hardware Guide 0142-11-02)
of material to be ejected from the sample surface as a high temperature plasma. The brief flash of light
from this plasma is analysed in the ECCO2™ spectrometer and presented to the user as an ECCO2™
spectrum.
The ECCO2™ spectrum shows prominent peaks that are characteristic of the elemental composition of
the material.
ECCO
2
™: Spectral graph
Wavelength (nm)
Typical ECCO
2
™ spectrum showing emission peaks at wavelengths which are characteristic of the elemental
composition of the target material
Optical specification
Excitation laser
ECCO
2
™: Optical specification (Excitation laser)
Laser type Nd:YAG (Q-switched)
Wavelength 1064 nm
Laser pulse
Optical energy 60 mJ
Duration 7 ns
Optical power ~ 10 MW
Target area
ECCO
2
™: Optical specification (Target area)
Diameter ~ 80 µm
Plasma temperature ~ 15,000 K
Spectrometer
The ECCO2™ spectrometer consists of four distinct parts, each equipped with an optical sensor suitable
for detecting radiation within the required wavelength range. The spectrometer is calibrated against a
calibration spectrum produced from a standard material.
ECCO
2
™: Spectrometer (Optical sensors)
225 385 540 700 930
▼▼▼▼▼
Sensor 0 Sensor 1 Sensor 2 Sensor 3
▲▲
400 700
Wavelength (nm)

Electrical specification
ECCO2™: Main unit (Hardware Guide 0142-11-02) 11-3
ECCO
2
™: Spectrometer (Optical sensors)
Sensor Colour Wavelength (nm)
0 UV 225 – 385
1 UV – Green 385 – 540
2 Green – Red 540 – 700
3 IR 700 – 930
Electrical specification
The ECCO2™ can be operated from a compatible power source specified by Foster + Freeman. See:
Quick Start Guide (Getting started); User Guide (Power Supply Unit).
Sample chamber
The sample chamber completely encloses the target stage during the analysis procedure so protecting the
operator from potentially hazardous radiation. The access door in the sample chamber contains a viewing
window fitted with an optical filter, allowing the sample to be safely viewed during the course of the
analysis.
Safety interlocks
Do not attempt to defeat the safety interlocks.
The access door is interlocked to the ECCO2™ control system and must be closed before the laser can be
fired.
Target stage
ECCO
2
™: Main unit (Target stage)
Large sample Sample stalk + Small sample
The target stage supports the evidential material during the analysis procedure. Large samples rest
directly on the target stage whilst smaller samples are mounted on a sample stalk.
XYZ stage
ECCO
2
™: Main unit (XYZ stage)
X
34
Y
34
Z
34
The target stage is supported on an XYZ stage which can be moved in its own plane, i.e. in both X (left-
right) and Y (forward-backward) directions, as well as the Z (up-down) directions. Movement in the XY-
plane allows the desired target area to be placed in the optical path of the laser. Movement in the Z-
direction places the target area at the focal point of the beam so as to maximise the laser induced
emission.
X
Z
Y
Y
Z
X

Video camera
11-4 ECCO2™: Main unit (Hardware Guide 0142-11-02)
Video camera
A video camera and LED lighting are used to present the operator with a live image of the target surface.
The image allows the target area to be correctly positioned using the XYZ stage before the laser is fired.
Service, Care and Maintenance
Servicing
The equipment contains no user-serviceable parts. The equipment contains no user-replaceable parts other
than the spares provided. Do not use spares, accessories and consumables other than those supplied by Foster
+ Freeman. Refer all servicing to qualified Foster + Freeman personnel. Unauthorised servicing may void the
warranty on this product.
Care
The product contains optical and other glass components. Protect the equipment from damage and
contamination. When not required for use, store the equipment under its protective cover. Handle with care.
Do not subject the equipment to mechanical shock. Do not drop.
Cleaning
Do not use abrasive cleaning materials or those containing strong acids or alkalis. Do not allow the ingress of
liquids or other contaminants. Do not immerse.
Remove dust and deposits from external surfaces using a soft dry cloth or paper tissue. When necessary,
use a soft cloth or paper tissue dampened with a mild cleaning solution. Allow all surfaces to dry
thoroughly before resuming use.
Water-based solutions should contain only a little liquid soap, detergent or mild bleach. Alcohol-based
cleaning agents may eventually degrade the surface of some types of plastic and should be used sparingly
on such materials.
Maintenance
Access covers
Do not remove any access covers except during authorised maintenance. Do not operate the equipment with
any access cover removed.
(0142-11-02) Copyright © Foster + Freeman Ltd
4 z 4

ECCO™: Power Supply Unit (Hardware Guide 0140-12-03) 12-1
Page of 1
HARDWARE GUIDE
(0140-12-03) May 2013
ECCO™: P OWER S UPPLY U NIT
ECCO™: Power Supply Unit
ECCO™: Power Supply Unit
Product code
Manufacturer Foster + Freeman Ltd
Electrical input 85 −264 V AC, 50/60 Hz;
0.4 A (Max)
Electrical output 5 V DC; 2.5 A (Max)
Dimensions 320 x 235 x 160 mm
Weight 6.6 kg
Appearance and specification may vary
The ECCO™ Power Supply Unit is designed to power compatible types of ECCO™ Laser Induced
Breakdown Spectrometer.
Using the equipment
Refer to the relevant Quick Start Guide for further details
Switch off all units before making any interconnections. Do not operate the equipment with an incompatible
mains electricity supply.
Power Supply Unit
ECCO™: Power Supply Unit (Mains power)
Mains power ¨
85 −264 V AC 50/60 Hz; 0.4 A (Max)
ECCO™: Power Supply Unit (DC power)
§DC power
5 V DC; 2 A (Max)
ECCO™: Main unit
ECCO™: Main unit (Spectrometer)
DC power ¨
5 V DC; 2 A (Max)

Control features
12-2 ECCO™: Power Supply Unit (Hardware Guide 0140-12-03)
Control features
ECCO™: Power Supply Unit (Control features)
Front view Rear view
1 On/off switch
Mains power
7 Indicator light Emission
2 Electrical input 8 Electrical output Spectrometer power
3 Fuse (Live) 9 Fuse
4 Fuse (Neutral) 10 Electrical output Q-switch
5 Control connection Q switch sync 11 Laser power
6 RS232
Mains power: On/off switch
Switch off when not required for use.
ECCO™: Power Supply Unit (Mains power)
Switch on
Switch off
Replacing the fuses
Switch off and disconnect the equipment from the mains electricity supply before replacing fuses. For
continued protection against fire, use replacement fuses of only the correct size and rating.
ECCO™: Power Supply Unit (Replacing the fuses)
Live 0.5 A
Neutral 0.5 A
The mains power fuses are located in the IEC power input socket. Release each fuse by inserting the flat
blade of a suitable screwdriver into the slotted recess in the fuse holder and gently turning it anti-
clockwise.
Safety information
General safety
Read the information supplied Indoor use only
Use the equipment only for the intended purpose. Use the equipment only in accordance with the operating
instructions. Use only with equipment specified by Foster + Freeman. Use only with spares, accessories and
consumables supplied by Foster + Freeman. Do not use damaged equipment. The equipment contains no
user-adjustable controls. Dispose of the equipment only in a responsible manner.
Disposal
Do not discard with normal commercial or
domestic waste
Comply with all relevant
legislation
28
1110
5 6 7
9
1
3
4