Hubner Cobolt Tor Series User manual

OWNERS MANUAL | Cobolt Tor™Series | D0137-G MARCH 2023
Cobolt Tor™
High Performance | Q-switched laser
355 nm
532 nm
1064 nm

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CONTENTS
Introduction 4
Safety 5
General 5
Safety features 6
Equipment Safety 6
Warning and Identification Labels 7
Overview 8
Model number 8
Configuration 8
Laser Head 9
Controller 9
Controller Cable 10
Thermal Management 10
Power Supply Requirements 11
System Description 12
Specification 12
Mechanical Drawings 14
Remote Interlock Connector 16
Direct ON/OFF control 16
Pin assignment 17
Operating Instructions 18
Installation start-up operation 18
Shutdown procedure operation 18
Operating modes 19
Operation via data port 20
Remote Interface Configuration 20
Establishing serial port communication 20
Communication commands 21
Installation of the USB driver 22
Cobolt Monitor™Software 25
Installation 25
Software instructions 25
Troubleshooting 29
Warranty and Maintenance 29
Service 29
Compliance (CDRH models only) 30
Disclaimer 31

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Introduction
The Cobolt Tor™Series lasers are high performance Q-switched diode pumped lasers. The sophisticated cavity
design of these lasers provides a unique combination of compact size and performance (short ns-pulses, high pulse
repetition rates, exceptional pulse-to-pulse stability in a high-quality beam).
The Cobolt Tor™lasers are equipped with a pulse-count feed-back loop to ensure minimum drift in output power and
active repetition rate measurement and provide a trigger output signal for convenient synchronization with other
equipment.
The Cobolt lasers are manufactured in Sweden by Cobolt AB, a part of HÜBNER Photonics. Using proprietary
HTCure™technology the lasers are packaged into a sealed laser head, offering an outstanding level of robustness
and reliability, and making these lasers highly suitable for OEM integration into demanding environments.
The combination of compact size, high level of robustness, and outstanding performance make the Cobolt Tor™
Series lasers are ideal light sources for a large variety of industrial and scientific applications, including LIBS, LIDAR,
marking, photo-acoustics, micro-dissection, MALDI-TOF, range-finding, and micro-machining.

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Safety
General
Cobolt Tor™lasers are Class IIIB (3B) and Class IV (4) laser products that emit laser radiation within the ultra-violet
(UV), visible and Near Infrared (NIR) spectrum. 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(s) and intensity and never look directly into a laser beam. 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. 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 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 of the units, or the warranty will be voided. Contact your local sales
representative for consultancy and to request an RMA number (see back cover for contact information).
The table below describes the maximum energy density in J/cm2used for safety calculations and the appropriate
level of eye protection in terms of optical density (OD) for each product line.
Product
Laser
Class
Warning Label
Power (mW)
Max Pulse
(µJ)*
Max Energy
Density (mJ/cm2)**
Eye Protection
Requirement***
Cobolt Tor™355 nm
3B / IIIB
350
50
18
> OD 4 / I,R L5
Cobolt Tor™532 nm
4 / IV
1500
214
43
> OD 5 / I,R L6
Cobolt Tor™1064 nm
4 / IV
2000
286
45
> OD 4 / I,R L6
* Max Pulse (µJ) = Warning Label Power (W) Repetition Rate at bottom tolerance (Hz)
** Max Energy Density (mJ/cm2) = Warning Label Pulse (mJ) Beam Area at bottom tolerance (cm2)
*** Eye protection (OD) = Log10( 60825-1 Emission Limit : Class 1 (µJ) Max Pulse (µJ) ) , rounded up to the next integer/See EN 207
CAUTION Use of controls or adjustments or performance of any procedures other than those
specified herein may result in exposure to hazardous radiation.

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Safety features
The laser is equipped with all required safety features as described in the laser safety standard IEC 60825-1. If any part
of the delivered equipment is replaced with a part not supplied by the manufacturer or if the equipment is not properly
grounded system may not conform to CE / CDRH compliance standards listed in Section 12. Disabling any of the safety
features nullifies the CE marking and violates the laser safety standard.
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.
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, the open and close positions of the shutter are indicated on the top
surface of the laser head.
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 laser 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 all power supplies used in the laser system to properly grounded power outlets. 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).

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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, the power supply
voltage and the current, is located on the laser head. Lasers shipped to customers in the USA also contain a label of
CDRH compliance.
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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Overview
Cobolt Tor™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 lasers are sold in two configurations: OEM and CDRH, described in Section 3.2. The model numbers are
composed as described below.
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 radiation 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
•15 V/ 6 A power supply unit
Wavelength Indicator
Laser Head
Model
Pulse
Energy
Configuration, communication:
500 = CE / CDRH compliant, RS-232
600 = OEM, RS-232
700 = CE / CDRH compliant, USB
800 = OEM, USB
xxx = OEM customization
XXXX –05 –71 –XXXX –XXX

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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 radiation will start automatically
as soon as power is supplied and internal temperatures are stabilized.
The OEM model consists of:
•Laser head
•Controller
•Controller Cable
•15 V/ 6 A power supply unit
Laser Head
The laser head contains a passively Q-switched diode-pumped solid state nanosecond pulsed laser cavity and
thermoelectric coolers (TEC). The laser head also contains a pulse monitoring feed-back loop that measures the
repetition rate and ensures minimum drift in output power. The laser beam is not collimated.
The Cobolt Tor™laser head (back side)
The laser head receives electrical power and control signals from the controller via a 26-pin cable. The laser head has
a manual shutter as well as a laser hazard label and a laser classification label (see Section 2.4). In addition, the laser
head features an SMA connector for direct monitoring of pulse parameters and delivering a trigger-out analog signal
from the measured laser pulse (see Section 4.1.3)
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.

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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
communication (see Section 7 for further details). RS-232 controllers may also be delivered with a RS-232 to USB
adapter.
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.
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 a thermal resistance of <0.2 K/W. This value is the difference between the maximum allowed
Laser Head base plate temperature (50 ºC) and the maximum specified ambient temperature at the air-heatsink
interface (40 ºC), divided by the maximum power dissipated from the laser (~50 W for the highest power models at
high ambient temperatures). 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-04 Laser Head Heatsink with fans’ meets these requirements, see hubner-photonics.com
for more information on heat sinks.
For assistance in thermal management and system integration, please contact Hübner Photonics’ technical support.
Heat Sink Requirements and typical maximum heat dissipation for Cobolt Tor™Series.

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Power Supply Requirements
An appropriate power supply Unit (PSU) is supplied by the manufacturer with the laser and must be plugged into a
properly grounded standard power outlet. The output from this PSU is 15 VDC/ 6 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; full performance is only guaranteed at 15 VDC/ 6 A.

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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. Specifications are guaranteed at
100% of nominal energy/ power.
Specification
Optical Specifications
Centre wavelength1 (nm)
354.8.1± 0.3
532.1± 0.3
1064.2 ± 0.6
Pulse energy (µJ)
18 ± 3
60 ± 5
160 ± 15
Peak power2(kW)
> 3
> 11
> 29
Repetition rate (kHz)
> 7
Pulse-to-Pulse Jitter (µs)
< 1
Pulse duration (ns)
4 ± 1
Long-term repetition rate stability (8 hours, (±3 ºC))
< 3%
Spatial mode
TEM00, M2 <1.3
Divergence, full angle (mrad)
5 ± 2
8 ± 1
10 ± 1
Beam Diameter at aperture (mm)
0.9 ± 0.3
1.0 ± 0.2
1.2 ± 0.2
Beam symmetry at aperture
> 0.65 : 1
> 0.85 : 1
> 0.90 : 1
Beam angle accuracy (mrad)
< 5
Beam position accuracy (mm)
< 1.0
Polarization ratio (linear, vertical)
> 100:1
Residual emission
< Class 1
1. The wavelength is specified in air.
2. Assuming a top hat profile, Peak Power (kW) = Pulse Energy (µJ) at bottom tolerance ÷ Pulse width (ns) at top tolerance
Operation and Environmental Specifications –Laser Head
Power supply
15 VDC, 6 A. (11-28 VDC accepted)
Power consumption, total system (Laser Head + Controller)
< 63 W (typical ~30 W)
Maximum heat dissipation of Laser Head
< 50 W (typical ~20 W)
Maximum Laser Head baseplate temperature
50ºC
Warm-up time, from OFF
< 5 min
Ambient temperature, operation
10 –40 ºC
Ambient temperature, storage
-10°C to +60 ºC
Humidity
0-60 % RH non-condensing
Ambient Air pressure
950-1050 mbar
Heat sink thermal resistance, Laser Head
< 0.2 K/W

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Electrical Interfaces - Controller
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 & Analog
signals
Molex 90130-3206
Analog input 5 –12 V => Laser ON
Analog input <2.7 V => Laser OFF
Optical pulse monitor
SMA connector
Analog signal (1-1.5 V), impedance 50 Ohm
Mechanical Interfaces
Dimensions:
Laser Head
Controller
PSU dimensions
125 x 70 x 45 mm (4.9 x 2.8 x 1.8 inches)
190 x 72 x 28 mm (7.5 x 2.8 x 1.1 inches)
115 x 50 x 35 mm (4.6 x 2 x 1.4 inches)
Fixation holes, Laser Head
= 4 x 4.5 mm (M4) ; 115 mm x 55 mm
Fixation holes, Controller
= 4 x 6.4 mm (M6); 178 mm x 51 mm
Cable (Laser Head –Controller)
1 m length, >8 cm bending radius
Laser Head weight
<0.6 kg

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Mechanical Drawings
Laser Head
Laser head mechanical outline. Dimensions in mm [inches].
Connector location Laser Head
Controller Cable
Trigger Output

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Laser Controller
Controller mechanical outline. Dimensions in mm [inches].
Connector location Controller
Power
connector
Data
connector
Analog & remote
interlock connector

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Remote Interlock Connector
The remote interlock connector is located at pin 1 and 2 of the Molex connector on the controller (see Section 4.5).
The connector can be short-circuited with an interlock jumper (included at delivery) for operation of the laser. To use
the remote interlock connector with an external switch, connect a pin 1 and 2 on a Molex plug. After the remote
interlock connector has been opened the laser will need to be reset by disconnecting from and then reconnecting to
the power supply in order to start again. Alternatively, it can be re-started using a special sequence of commands, see
Section 7.3 for further details. The signal level is between 0 V and +5 V with a pull up resistor, and the current required
to ground the remote interlock connector is 5 mA. The time delay in the hardware is < 1ms, but after filtering by the
firmware the reaction time is extended to < 20ms.
Direct ON/OFF control
The Direct On/Off Control feature enables turning the laser ON/OFF using a 5-12 VDC signal. After having configured
the Controller for Direct Control operation, the laser can only start-up when 5-12V VDC (max 12.5 VDC) is applied to
pin 3 on the analog connector with 0 VDC on pin 2 as reference. Shifting the signal to 0 VDC on pin 3 will turn the laser
off and put the laser in stand-by mode (status LED:s is POW and not flashing).
This function is not available for CDRH compliant models.
!Note:This input only controls the on/off state of the laser and cannot be used to modulate the laser output.

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Pin assignment
Analog connector & Remote interlock connector
Manufacturer Molex 90130-3206, mates with 90143-0006.
Pin
Function
1
Remote Interlock (connect to pin 2 for enable)
2
0 V - GND
3
Remote On/Off (+5 V Input)
4
TST (Internal Cobolt use only)
5
LED “Laser on” (5 V)
6
LED “Error” (5 V)
Power connector
Kycon KPJX-4S, mates with Kycon KPPX-4P. Grounded shield.
Pin
Function
1
0 V
2
+11-28 VDC
3
0 V
4
+11-28 VDC
Data connector
Connector USB-type, manufacturer Hsuan Mao C8320-05BFDSB0, mates with connector mini-B.
Pin
Function
1
+5 V
2
D-
3
D+
4
Not connected
5
0 V (GND)

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Operating Instructions
As standard, all lasers are delivered with the Controller set in Auto-start mode. As soon as power is supplied to the
Controller the temperature control elements are operating to reach set-point values and the laser emission will start,
unless the key-switch is enabled (CDRH model).
Installation start-up operation
1. Mount the laser head on a suitable heat sink (see Section 3.6).
2. Ensure that the remote interlock jumper is connected.
3. Connect the laser head to the controller with the cable and fasten screws at both ends.
4. Connect the 15 VDC power supply to the mains outlet and then to the controller.
5. The laser now goes through the following auto-start sequence:
•Temperature stabilization (1-2 min). Status LEDs: POW flashing, then POW goes on.
•Turn key switch to start the laser. Status LEDs: ON goes on (CDRH model only)
•The laser starts (light is emitted) in a constant warm-up current constant for 60 sec.
Status LEDs: ON goes on.
•The laser locks to pre-set output power (<2 min) and operates according to specifications.
Status LEDs: LOCK goes on.
! Note: If the power does not match the power as stated on the test sheet see Section 11: Service for more
information.
Shutdown procedure operation
1. Turn the key switch to OFF first (CDRH models only).
2. Disconnect PSU from mains outlet.
3. Disconnect Controller from PSU.

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Operating modes
Cobolt Tor™series lasers are delivered in constant current mode. CDRH/CE compliant models may be used in
constant current and burst mode only.
Constant current
The pump laser diode delivers a constant current. The constant repetition rate loop is inactive when this mode is
selected. The actual repetition rate will still be displayed in the Cobolt Monitor™software (see Section 8.2)
Burst mode
In burst mode, the laser diode current is modulated which allows in bursts of pulses to be emitted repeatedly. The
“On-Time” sets the time (in ms) where the laser diode current is set to “I-High”, and the “Off-time” sets the time (in
ms) where the laser diode current is set to “I-Low”. Please, refer to Section 8.2 for the Cobolt Monitor software
interface.
The burst mode can be used in numerous ways, but a typical use would be to set the “I-Low” just below the laser
threshold and the “I-High” at a laser diode current giving desired output power. The result would be an on/off
modulation of the laser set by the On/Off-times where a burst of pulses is emitted during the On-time. The pulse
repetition rate is dependent on the laser diode current and consequently the number of pulses emitted in the On-
state is dependent on both the “On-time” and “I-High”.
As an example, if the pulse repetition rate at the set “I-High” is 7 kHz and the On-time is 7 ms, then there will be a
burst of approximately 49 pulses during the On-time.
Constant repetition rate (OEM only)
The pulse repetition rate is monitored internally, and a feed-back loop assures that a constant repetition rate is
delivered by making small adjustments of laser diode current. Using the lasers in constant repetition rate mode is not
compliant with the EMC/EMI 61326 standard for immunity to radiated electromagnetic fields according to IEC 61000-
4-3 and thereby negates the CE compliance.

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Operation via data port
Communication between the Cobolt TorTM laser and a PC can be established via data port communication. Once
communication is established, the device can be controlled and monitored using the Cobolt MonitorTM software or
using custom made software using the commands listed in Section 7.3. The laser controller can be configured for
either USB or RS-232 communication upon manufacturing. Please contact your sales representative for more support.
Remote Interface Configuration
RS-232 configured controllers
To communicate with a laser, a PC needs to have a serial port. Alternatively, a RS-232-to-USB converter can be used.
The serial port settings are listed in Section 7.2.
USB configured controllers
When using Cobolt Monitor™with Windows 10, the USB device is automatically detected. When using Windows
8 or earlier (e.g Windows 7, Vista, XP) it is necessary to install the Cobolt signed USB driver, please refer to
Section 7.4. The computer will recognize the device as a virtual serial port and assign it a COM port.
Establishing serial port communication
Serial communication can be established with the laser using the following configuration:
• Baud rate: 115200
• No parity
• Termination for commands: CR
• Termination for answers: CR
• Byte size: 8 bits
• 1 stop bit
Commands to operate the lasers are listed in Section 7.3. All commands are case sensitive and command
arguments must be delimited by a single space character (ASCII 32). Under no circumstances does the system
initiate communication; it only transmits a response to each command, either a numerical value, a string or the
acknowledgment string “OK”. In the event that the system receives a command that it cannot interpret, it
responds: “Syntax error: illegal command”.
To get started using a Cobolt laser with a program written C++ or Python, please refer to our example codes at
the Hübner Photonics GitHub: https://github.com/cobolt-lasers.