Hubner Cobolt 04-01 Series User manual

OWNERS MANUAL | Cobolt 04-01 Series | D0105-I October 2022
Cobolt 04 –01 Series
Powerful | Single Frequency | CW Diode pumped lasers
457 nm
515 nm
594 nm
473 nm
532 nm
660 nm
491 nm
561 nm
1064 nm

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OWNERS MANUAL | Cobolt 04-01 Series | D0105-I October 2022
CONTENTS
Introduction 5
Safety 6
Beam Hazards 7
Safety features 8
Equipment Safety 9
Warning and Identification Labels 10
Overview 12
Model number 12
Configuration 13
Laser head 14
Controller 15
Controller Cable 15
Thermal Management 16
Power Supply Requirements 16
System Description 17
Specification 17
Mechanical Drawings 19
Remote Interlock Connector 21
Direct ON/OFF control 21
Pin assignment 22
Operating Instructions 23
Installation start-up operation 23
Shutdown procedure operation 23
Operating Modes 23
Operation via data port 24
Handshaking 24
RS232 communication 24
USB communication 24
Communication commands 25
Cobolt Monitor™Software 26
Installation 26
Software instructions 26
Troubleshooting 29
Warranty and Maintenance 29
Service 29
Compliance (CDRH models only) 30
Disclaimer 31

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Introduction
The Cobolt 04-01 Series lasers are continuous-wave diode-pumped laser (DPL) devices operating at a fixed
wavelength between 457 nm and 1064 nm. The lasers are built using proprietary HTCure™manufacturing technology
for ultra-robustness in a compact hermetically sealed package.
The lasers emit a very high quality laser beam with stable characteristics over a wide range of operating conditions.
Single frequency operation provides a narrow spectral bandwidth and long coherence length. The lasers are designed
and manufactured to ensure a high level of reliability.
The Cobolt 04-01 Series lasers are intended for stand-alone use in laboratory environments or for integration as an
OEM component in instruments for applications including fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, DNA
sequencing, HCA, Raman spectroscopy, interferometry, holography and particle analysis.
The Cobolt 04-01 Series of compact high performance single frequency diode pumped lasers can be supplied with
robust fiber delivery option. The fiber is permanently aligned and fixed inside the hermetically sealed package using
Cobolt’s proprietary HTCure™ Technology, providing stable output over a large temperature range and insensitive to
transport conditions. The design is suitable for OEM use and type of fiber, connector and lengths can be customized.
The coupling efficiency (into SM/PM fiber) is typically > 80 %, output power is specified as out of the fiber.

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OWNERS MANUAL | Cobolt 04-01 Series | D0105-I October 2022
Safety
All Cobolt 04-01 Series lasers are Class IIIB (CDRH), Class 3B (IEC) laser products that emit less than 500 mW of laser
radiation within the visible and near-infrared spectrum (NIR). Residual emissions from the pump diode are contained
within the laser head housing via filtering optics. The residual emission does not exceed Laser Class 1.
Eye and skin exposure to direct or reflected laser light is hazardous and may be extremely harmful. Always wear eye
protection appropriate to the beam wavelength and intensity. Class 3B lasers may pose a risk of igniting flammable
materials and in event of ignition gasses and fumes may be generated. All equipment used in close proximity to the
laser beam should be suitably fire resistant and the facility should be properly ventilated. It is advised to perform a
risk assessment for the facility and equipment prior to using the laser. In the case of integration into a larger system,
laser safety compliance must be evaluated in the end product.
The device must be handled by skilled personnel experienced with lasers, in a laboratory environment and with access
to adequate laser safety equipment. The laser head clearly displays a yellow warning label that shows the location of
the laser beam aperture. This label must be visible unless the laser beam is totally enclosed.
Symbols in the manual
WARNING –LASER RADIATION This symbol is used to call attention to important laser safety
information
WARNING –STATIC MAGNETIC FIELD This symbol is used to call attention to important
magnetic field safety information
CAUTION –GENERAL This symbol is used to call attention to important general operator and
equipment safety information
NOTICE –GENERAL This symbol is used to call attention to best practices when using the
equipment and does not indicate a hazard.

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OWNERS MANUAL | Cobolt 04-01 Series | D0105-I October 2022
Beam Hazards
Eye and skin exposure to direct or reflected laser light is hazardous and may be extremely harmful. Always wear eye
protection appropriate to the beam wavelength and intensity. Lasers may pose a risk of igniting flammable materials
and in event of ignition gasses and fumes may be generated. All equipment used in close proximity to the laser beam
should be suitably fire resistant and the facility should be properly ventilated. It is advised to perform a risk
assessment for the facility and equipment prior to using the laser. In the case of integration into a larger system, laser
safety compliance must be evaluated in the end product.
WARNING Remove all watches, rings, and other reflective jewelry before working with lasers.
Always wear the appropriate eye protection from the wavelengths integrated into the system.
Verify the accessible emission wavelength and power before operating. Never look directly into
a laser beam.
The device must be handled by skilled personnel experienced with lasers, in a laboratory environment and with access
to adequate laser safety equipment. The laser head clearly displays a yellow warning label that shows the location of
the laser beam aperture. This label must be visible unless the laser beam is totally enclosed. If the laser does not
function, do not attempt to open any part of the device, or the warranty will be voided. Call or e-mail your local Cobolt
representative for consultancy and to request an RMA number (see back cover for contact information).
Laser radiation may ignite flammable materials and combustible gasses in the beam path and, in event of ignition,
fumes may be generated. All equipment used in close proximity to the laser beam should be suitably fire resistant and
the facility should be properly ventilated.
CAUTION Use of controls or adjustments or performance of any procedures other than those
specified herein may result in exposure to hazardous radiation.
The equations below describe how to use the nominal output power (mW) and beam area to calculate the irradiance
(W/cm2) and how to use the Warning label (Max) power (mW) and the Accessible Emission Limit (AEL) (mW) per laser
safety standard IEC 60825-1:2014 to calculated the required optical density (OD) for eye protection per wavelength.
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The table below describes the irradiance in W/cm2and appropriate level of eye protection in terms of optical density
(OD) for each product line.
Product
Wavelength (nm)
Max. Nominal
Output Power (mW
Irradiance
(W/cm2)*
Eye protection
Requirement**
Twist™
457 nm
50
17
> OD 4
Blues™
473 nm
50
17
> OD 4
Calypso™
491 nm
100
33
> OD 4
Fandango™
514.4 nm
150
50
> OD 4
Samba™
532 nm
400
132
> OD 4
Jive™
561 nm
200
66
> OD 4
Mambo™
594 nm
100
33
> OD 4
Flamenco™
660 nm
150
50
> OD 4
Rumba™
1064 nm
400
62
> OD 3
WARNING Always wear the appropriate eye protection for all of the specified emitted wavelengths.
Verify the accessible emission wavelengths and power levels on the warning label before operating.
Fiber Pigtailed Option
All safety recommendations in section 2 are also valid for the Cobolt 04-01 Fiber pigtailed laser heads. Additionally,
heat generated from absorption of laser radiation by particles on the fiber end may increase the probability of ignition
hazards in certain environments. Always clean the fiber end before turning on the laser. In systems where the beam
is exposed, fiber end must be mounted <2m from the emission warning LED. It is advised to perform a risk assessment
for the facility and equipment prior to using the laser. In the case of integration into a larger system, laser safety
compliance must be evaluated in the end product.
Safety features
The laser is equipped with all required safety features as described in the laser safety standard 60825-1.
Remote Interlock Connector
The remote interlock connector is a connector which permits the connection of external controls placed apart from
other components of the laser product. When the terminals of the connector are open-circuited, emission is
interrupted and no radiation will be accessible. The remote interlock connector permits easy addition of an external
interlock in laser installation. See section 4.3 for a detailed description of the remote interlock circuit and operation.

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Manual Shutter (Beam Stop)
The laser head is equipped with a manual shutter, which functions as the beam stop, capable of preventing human
access to laser radiation. The aperture location and the open and close positions of the shutter are indicated on the
top surface of the laser head. For fiber pigtailed option, the fiber end cap is considered the ‘manual shutter’
Key Control
The CDRH compliant model comes with a key-switch on the Controller which must be connected for the laser to
operate. When the key is in the OFF position, the diode is prevented from emitting. The key must be actively turned
to the ON position each time the laser is powered on. When the key is removed from the system laser radiation is not
accessible.
Laser Radiation Emission Warning
The Controller incorporates information LEDs which display whether power is connected, the laser is on, or a fault has
occurred. The “ON” LED is illuminated whenever the device is emitting or could emit light. See section 3.4 for details
on the controller. The emission warning indicators are also visible in the Cobolt Monitor™software, see section 8 for
details on the control software
Equipment Safety
Always install the laser system to a properly grounded power outlet. The laser head and controller must be mounted
on a common ground plane, such as an optical table. Cobolt lasers contain a laser diode which is sensitive to
electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Laser light reflected directly back into the laser head can be damaging to the laser. Choose Cobolt 04-51 lasers where
higher immunity to back reflections is required.
It is important to always make sure the fiber end-face is clean before turning the laser on and before connecting the
fiber connector in physical contact with another connector. Failure to do so may lead to irreparable damage of the
fiber end-face. Do not clean the fiber when the laser is on. We recommend using appropriate equipment for fiber
cleaning and inspection.

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Warning and Identification Labels
The upper face of the laser head contains a yellow label with laser safety warning and classification information, the
wavelength and maximum power of the unit. It also shows the location of the laser beam from the aperture and
indicates the open and close positions of the manual shutter. This label must be visible unless the laser beam is totally
enclosed. A silver label showing information about the laser model, manufacturer date and location, and the power
supply voltage and current, is located on the laser head. Lasers shipped to customers in the USA also contain a label
of CDRH compliance.
Free beam Laser head 04-01 and 04-51
Laser Notice No. 56 Label
CDRH models shipped to USA
CE marking for CDRH models only
OEM Label
Aperture Warning Labels
Manufacturer Identification Labels

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Fiber Pigtailed Laser head 04-03
CE marking for CDRH models only
OEM Label
Aperture Warning Labels
Manufacturer Identification Labels
Laser Notice No. 56 Label
CDRH models shipped to USA

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OWNERS MANUAL | Cobolt 04-01 Series | D0105-I October 2022
Overview
Cobolt 04-01 Series laser systems consist of four main parts: the laser head, the Controller, the Cable and the Power
Supply (not shown). The cable provided should always be used to connect the laser head with the Controller. Always
install the laser system to a properly grounded power outlet.
Model number
Cobolt 04-01 Series lasers are sold in two configurations: CDRH and OEM, described in section 3.2. The model
numbers are composed as described below.
Laser Head
Controller
Cable
Wavelength Indicator
Laser Head
Model
Power
Configuration, communication:
300 = Gen 4, CE / CDRH compliant, RS-232
400 = Gen 4, OEM, RS-232
500 = Gen 5b, CE / CDRH compliant, RS-232
600 = Gen 5b, OEM, RS-232
700 = Gen 5b, CE / CDRH compliant, USB
800 = Gen 5b, OEM, USB
XXXX –04 –XX –XXXX –XXX

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Configuration
CDRH Compliant
The CDRH compliant system is supplied with a key switch on the Controller, which must be connected, along with a
remote interlock connector. Once power is supplied, laser emission starts when the key is turned from the OFF
position to the ON position. The status of operation can be monitored via LEDs on the Controller. Setting the key to
its OFF position puts the laser in stand-by mode. The CDRH model is CE compliant.
The standard CDRH model consists of:
•Laser head
•Controller with key switch
•Keys
•1(m) Controller Cable
•12V power supply unit
•Remote interlock jumper (for short circuiting the remote interlock connector)
•Data communication cable
OEM
The OEM system is supplied without a key switch on the controller. Connecting the power supply to the controller
initiates an automatic start-up sequence. If the remote interlock is connected, laser emission will start automatically
as soon as power is supplied and internal temperatures are stabilized.
The OEM model consists of:
•Laser head
•Controller
•Controller Cable
•12V power supply unit
•Remote interlock jumper (for short circuiting the remote interlock connector)
•Data communication cable

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Laser head
The laser head contains pump diode, laser cavity, beam shaping optics and thermoelectric coolers (TEC) for
temperature control of the cavity and pump diode. The laser head contains an optical feed-back loop which ensures
long-term power stability of the emitted visual beam. The laser head features a manual mechanical shutter as well as
a laser hazard label and a laser classification label. The laser head gets electrical power and control signals from the
Controller via a 26-pin HD Sub-D cable. All versions covered in this manual are available with all CDRH and OEM
controller configurations. See section 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 for available power levels.
Versions
Free Beam Laser Head 04-01
The standard Cobolt version 04-01 free beam lasers, Twist™457nm, Blues™473nm, Fandango™515nm, Samba™
532nm, and Jive™561nm.
Free Beam Laser Head 04-02
The standard Cobolt version 04-02 free beam lasers with and external temperature control available for all
wavelengths but are standard for Calypso™491nm and Mambo™594nm.
Free Beam Laser Head 04-51
Cobolt version 04-51 are free-beam lasers, are compact versions of the 05-01 series and has a higher immunity to back
reflections compared to the 04-01 laser head. Currently Cobolt Samba™532 nm, Jive™561nm, Flamenco™660nm
and Rumba™1064nm are available in version 04-51.
Free Beam Laser Head 04-11
Cobolt version 04-11 are free-beam lasers with integrated optical isolators to provide high immunity to back
reflections. Currently only Cobolt Samba™532 nm lasers, up to 320 mW, are available in version 04-11. These lasers
are only available in OEM configuration (-4/6/800); the laser head does not include a mechanical shutter, so it is not
compliant with the CE or CDRH laser safety standards and is intended for OEM integration only.
Fiber Pigtailed Laser Head 04-03
Cobolt version 04-03 lasers are delivered with a permanently aligned fiber pigtail. The fiber is equipped with a
removable dust cap for protection of the fiber end-face. The fiber dust cap serves as the mechanical shutter of the
laser system. Cobolt Twist™457 nm, Cobolt Blues™473nm, Calypso™491nm, Fandango™515nm, Samba™532nm,
Jive™561nm, and Mambo™594nm are available in version 04-03.
Free Beam Laser Head 04-53
Cobolt version 04-53 lasers are delivered with a permanently aligned fiber pigtail. The fiber is equipped with a
removable dust cap for protection of the fiber end-face. The fiber dust cap serves as the mechanical shutter of the
laser system. Currently Cobolt Samba™532 nm ≥150 mW, Jive™561nm, Flamenco™660nm and Rumba™1064nm
are available in version 04-53.

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Controller
The Controller supplies driving current and control signals to the laser head. All laser heads are delivered with a
controller. The operation set points are specific to each Laser Head and have been fixed during manufacturing. The
operation set points are stored in the laser head so the controller can be interchanged or replaced.
The status of the laser operation is given via LED indicators:
POW (green light) Power is supplied.
ON (orange light) Laser light is on in constant current mode.
LOCK (orange light) Laser light is on and the output power has been locked to set point.
The laser is operating according to specifications.
ERR (red light) An error has occurred. No laser light.
When power is supplied to the Controller, regardless of on/off state, the temperature control elements are operating
to reach set point values. The Controller includes a remote interlock connector, pin 1-2 according to Section 4.3. The
operation of the laser can be controlled and monitored via the data port that supports either USB or RS-232
commands. See Section 7.4 for further details. RS-232 controllers may also be delivered with a RS-232 to USB adaptor.
Controller Cable
The controller cable connects the laser head to the Controller. The standard (CE compliant) cable length is 1(m) long.
The cable has a minimum bending radius 8 cm. When connected care should be taken not to bend or break any of the
26 pins.

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Thermal Management
To ensure operation within given specifications and for the warranty to be valid, the laser head must be attached to a
heat sink providing adequate thermal resistance. The required thermal resistance for low power models is <0.6 K/W
and <0.4 K/W for high power models (i.e Calypso 100 mW, Samba 300 mW, Samba 400mW, Jive 200mW, Mambo
100mW, Flamenco 100 mW, and Rumba 400 mW). This value is the difference between the maximum allowed laser
head base plate temperature (50ºC) and the maximum specified ambient temperature at the air-heatsink interface
(40ºC), divided by the maximum power dissipated from the (15W or 25W depending on laser model, see specification
below). The mounting surface should be flat within 0.05 mm over mounting surface. It is recommended to use a
thermal heat compound between the laser head and the heat sink to provide good thermal contact. The Cobolt ‘HS-
03 Laser Head Heatsink’ meets these requirements, see www.cobolt.se for more information on heat sinks. For
assistance in thermal management and system integration, please contact Cobolt technical support.
Heat Sink Requirements and typical maximum heat dissipation for Cobolt 04-01 Series. *High power applies to the following models
only: Calypso 100 mW, Samba 300 mW, Samba 400 mW, Jive 200 mW, Mambo 100mW, Flamenco 100 mW, and Rumba 400 mW
Power Supply Requirements
An appropriate Power Supply Unit (PSU) is supplied by Cobolt with the laser and must be plugged into a properly
grounded standard power outlet. The output from this PSU is 12 VDC/5 A. The power supply accepts 100 –240 V AC
and 50-60 Hz. Ripple and noise 1% peak-peak max, 20 MHz bandwidth. The accepted voltage range is 11 V - 28 VDC.

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System Description
The information presented here is believed to be accurate and is subject to change without notice. The specifications
contained herein cannot be guaranteed outside of normal operational conditions. The output power can be adjusted
using control commands, see Section 7.4. Specifications are guaranteed at 100% of nominal power.
Specification
Optical Specifications Free Beam Laser head version 04-01 and 04-51
Centre wavelength (nm)*
Output power (mW)
Twist™
457.0 ± 0.3
25, 50
Blues™
473.0 ± 0.3
25, 50
Calypso™
491.5 ± 0.3
50, 75
Fandango™
514.4 ± 0.3
50, 100, 150
Samba™
532.1 ± 0.3
50, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400
Jive™
561.2 ± 0.3
50, 75, 100, 150, 200
Mambo™
593.6 ± 0.3
50, 100
Flamenco™
659.6 ± 0.3
100
Rumba™
1064.2 ± 0.6
400
* The wavelength is fixed with this accuracy, while drift is defined as Wavelength stability. The wavelength is specified in air.
Product Wavelength (nominal)
457
473
491
514
532
561
594
660
1064
Noise 20 Hz –20 MHz (pk-pk)
<2%
<3%
<2%
<3%
<1%
Noise 20 Hz –20 MHz (rms)
<0.25%
<0.3%
<0.25%
<0.3%
<0.1%
Long-term power stability (8 hours)
<2%
<3%
<2%
<3%
<2%
Beam divergence (mrad, full angle, 1/e2)
1.2
1.3
1.5
1.6
Spatial mode
TEM00, M2 <1.1
<1.2
Spectral linewidth
<1 MHz
Coherence length
>100 m
Beam diameter at Aperture (µm, 1/e2)
700 ± 50
1000 ± 50
Wavelength stability (after warm-up)
1 pm over ± 2 ºC and 8 hrs
Beam symmetry at aperture
>0.95 : 1
Polarization ratio (linear, vertical)
>100:1
Beam pointing stability (after warm-up)
<10 µrad/ºC (over 10-40ºC)
Beam waist location (from exit window)
20 cm
Beam angle accuracy
<5 mrad
Beam position accuracy
<0.25 mm
Residual IR emission
< Class 1

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Optical Specifications Fiber Pigtailed Laser head version 04-03 and 04-53
Product Wavelength
457
473
514
532
561
594
660
1064
Maximum Power out of Fiber (mW)
25
25
35
25
50
100
25
50
100
150*
200*
25
50
75
100*
25
50
75
50*
200*
Fiber end-cap
Yes
No
Yes
No
Power stability (8 hrs ± 3°C)
< 3 %
Mode Field Diameter (µm)*
3.5
4.0
4.5
6.6
Fiber Output
FC/APC, 8°, non-collimated
Fiber Type
SM/PM
Polarization
PER > 100:1, ± 2°
Standard Fiber Length
1 m
Jacketing
Ø 3mm, Stainless Steel
Available configuration
OEM or CE/CDRH
* Wavelength and power level only available as model 04-53.
** MFD is measured at the nominal wavelength for the fiber (400 nm, 480 nm, 630 nm and 980 nm respectively). The tolerance on the MFD is ± 0.5 µm
Operation and Environmental Specifications
Power supply
12 VDC, 5 A (11-28 VDC accepted)
System power consumption (Laser Head + Controller)
<25 W (typical ~15 W) , < 35 W (typical ~25 W) *
Maximum heat dissipation of Laser Head
<15 W (typical ~10 W), < 25 W (typical ~15 W) *
Maximum Laser Head baseplate temperature
50ºC
Warm-up time, from OFF
<2 min
Ambient temperature, operation
10 - 40ºC
Ambient temperature, storage
-10 -> +60ºC
Humidity
0-90% RH non-condensing
Ambient Air pressure
950-1050 mbar
Heat sink thermal resistance, Laser Head
<0.6 K/W
<0.4 K/W *
* Applies to high power models: Samba 300 mW, Samba 400mW, Jive 200 mW, Mambo 100mW, Flamenco 100 mW, Rumba 400 mW
Electrical Interfaces
Interfaces
Connector
Function
Input power
Kycon KPJX-45, 4-pin
Power supply to Controller
Laser Head to Controller
HD-sub 26-pin, male
Connection to Laser Head
Controller to Laser Head
HD-sub 26-pin, female
Connection to Controller
Data port
USB-type mini B
Control and monitoring via control commands
Remote interlock &
Molex 90130-3206
Analog input 5 –12 V => Laser ON

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Analog signals
Analog input <2.7 V => Laser OFF
Warm-up time
2 min
Mechanical Interfaces
Dimensions:
Laser Head 04-01/04-51
Laser Head 04-03
Controller
12V PSU
102x60x40 mm (4.0x2.4x1.8 inches)
117x60x45 mm (4.6x2.4x1.8 inches)
190x72x28 mm (7.5x2.8x1.1 inches)
132x58x30 mm (5.2x2.3x1.2 inches)
Fixation holes, Laser Head
= 4x 4.5mm (M4) ; 115mm x 55mm
Fixation holes, Controller
= 4x 6.4mm (M6); 178mm x 51mm
Cable (Laser Head –Controller)
1 m length, >8 cm bending radius
Laser head weight
< 0.5 kg
Mechanical Drawings
Laser Head 04-01 and 04-51
Free Beam Laser head mechanical outline. Dimensions in mm [inches].

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Laser Head 04-11 (OEM Only)
Laser Head 04-01 and 04-51
Fiber Pigtailed Laser head mechanical outline. Dimensions in mm [inches].