Integrated Optics MatchBox Series User manual

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Version 2.5 October 2020
Wavelength Combiner

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MatchBox® series | User Manual
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INTRODUCTION
As the title hints, MatchBox® products are ultra-compact, single-unit laser
sources with overall dimensions comparable to a regular matchbox
(30x50x18 mm3), connector pins not included.
The MatchBox® series include a range of continuous wave laser sources,
featuring wide range of wavelength, output power, output type and line-
width options.
The series is composed of solid state (DPSS) lasers, passive Q-Switch
short-pulse lasers, multi-wavelength lasers based on classical dichroic
combining, as well as direct laser diode (LD) lasers. Despite the different
technical implementation, physical and electrical properties, usability and
connectivity are almost identical throughout the series, representing our
commitment to perfect user experience and faster time to market for our
customers.
Please take your time to read this instruction manual which provides
essential information about the usage of the continuous wave multi-
wavelength lasers. We have also included various hints and tips that will
help you to get the most out of a certain laser source.

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CONTENTS
1 SAFETY INFORMATION ............................................... ... 5
1.1 Labels...................................................................... ... 5
1.2 Electrical safety ....................................................... ... 6
1.3 Optical Safety .......................................................... ... 7
1.4 Laser Safety and Classification ............................... ... 9
2 DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS ....................... ... 11
2.1 Part Numbers .......................................................... ... 11
2.2 Description of Series ............................................... ... 12
2.3 Thermal Management ............................................. ... 12
2.4 Power Supply .......................................................... ... 14
2.5 Cables ..................................................................... ... 14
2.6 Power and Signal Connections ............................... ... 15
2.7 Specifications .......................................................... ... 16
2.8 Mechanical Design .................................................. ... 16
2.9 Laser Output Options .............................................. ... 18
2.10 Operating Environment............................................ ... 21
3 INSTALLATION.............................................................. ... 23
3.1 Preliminary Checks.................................................. ... 23
3.2 Heatsink Requirements ........................................... ... 24
3.3 Heatsink Installation ................................................ ... 25
3.4 Starting the laser ..................................................... ... 26
4 OPERATION .................................................................. ... 29
4.1 Operating Fiber Coupled Laser ............................... ... 29
4.2 Operating Free-space Output Laser........................ ... 30
4.3 UART bus ................................................................ ... 31

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4.4 Laser Control Software ............................................... 31
4.5 Changing Output Power........................................... ... 44
4.6 Communication Command Table ............................ ... 45
4.7 Communication with Multiple Lasers in a Bus ......... ... 46
4.8 TTL modulation ........................................................... 49
4.9 Attaching Control Interfaces........................................ 51
5 ACCESSORIES .............................................................. ... 53
6 TROUBLESHOOTING Q&A .............................................. 55
6.1 Frequently Asked Questions.................................... ... 55
7 GLOSSARY .................................................................... ... 61
8 WARRANTY ................................................................... ... 65
8.1 Limitations of Warranty ............................................ ... 66

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1. SAFETY INFORMATION
1.1: Labels
Along the text you will find icons designed to draw your attention to
different bits of safety or otherwise important information:
This icon is used to draw your attention to important information, related
to the usage of a laser.
This symbol is a warning sign. It marks safety precautions related to
optical laser radiation and alerts the operator to the danger of exposure
to hazardous visible or invisible laser radiation.
This symbol is a warning sign. It marks safety precautions related to
electrical safety and alerts the operator about the presence of dangerous
voltage, which might appear on certain conditions. Electric shocks
caused by such voltage may constitute risks to the operator and the
equipment used.
Figure 1-1. Labels on a side of the laser indicates product safety information.
MatchBox lasers belong to the class 3B or class 4.

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Figure 1-2. Serial number is marked on the back of the laser body, right above
the pin connection.
1.2: Electrical safety
Do not disassemble the enclosure. All units are designed to be operated
as assembled. Warranty will be voided if the enclosure is opened.
Electric shocks from an unsuitable or poorly grounded power supply, can
cause extreme pain, severe burns, cardiac arrest and in some cases can
be even lethal, that is why the operator should always obey the safety
measures given below.
The laser body of MatchBox is connected to the ground, this means that
all internal electronics share the same ground of the laser body.
It is recommended to make sure that the power supply used with
MatchBox laser pin connection, is well grounded and that there are no
grounding interruptions with other devices. Otherwise it can be
dangerous for an operator and it can cause malfunction of the laser.

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1.3: Optical Safety
Light, emitted from a laser source, features hazardous properties, as
compared to conventional light sources, such as: luminescent bulbs, light
emitting diodes and etc. It is important for users or other persons
approaching to laser systems, to know the dangers involved. Only users,
who are familiar with laser safety should use laser systems, this way the
risks of laser radiation related accidents would be minimized.
MatchBox lasers are Class 3B laser products with rare exceptions of
Class 4. Different models are arranged to emit up to 500 mW of visible or
invisible (infrared) radiation.
The radiation is hazardous if the eye is exposed directly to the beam or to
it’s specular reflection. The risk of permanent eye damage or even
blindness increases due to longer exposure time.
Diffuse reflections as those from paper or other matte surfaces are
typically not harmful if observed at a distance of 1 m (3 ft) or larger.
The use of eye protection when operating a MatchBox laser is necessary
if at any circumstances the laser beam could be exposed to an eye
directly or through a specular reflection.
Eye protection in the form of spectacles or goggles is preferred to be with
appropriate wavelength filtering. For example, spectacles absorbing
waves of spectral region from 180 to 532 nm are suitable to work with e.g.
405 nm, 457 nm, 473 nm, 488 nm, 491 nm, 515 nm and 532 nm
MatchBox lasers. However, these spectacles shouldn’t be used to filter
561 nm, 593 nm waves or radiation in the red and infrared regions.
Protective eyewear provides another significant advantage - when
working in dark rooms, laser radiation could haze user’s eyes even if it is
observed from diffuse reflections. Properly chosen eyewear definitely
reduce or even eliminate such haze and extend productive hours.

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The beam emitted from Class 3B and Class 4 lasers can easily damage
photosensitive surfaces like those found in photodiodes, CCD cameras or
photomultipliers. It is important to make sure that an unattenuated beam
does not strike any of aforementioned devices directly. Calculation of
allowed fluency is necessary before using such devices with our lasers.
In addition to laser safety from the laser source alone, given safety
precautions must be followed:
• Experimental setup must ALWAYS be horizontal and below eye lev-
el;
• To avoid accidental exposure, never bend over or look down. If
something falls off of experimental setup, user must first turn off the laser
or close the mechanical shutter and only then pick up the fallen parts;
• Use protective shields or filters to get rid of unnecessary reflections
and scattering;
• User must never wear any kind of jewellery or watches while using
the laser system to avoid any laser beam reflections from those surfaces;
• The laser system must be used in a closed room, because high pow-
er and collimated laser beam can damage biological tissues even at long
distances;
• Extreme precautions must be taken while using volatile substances
in laser operational area;
• High level of ambient light in laser operating room should be main-
tained whenever it is possible, in order to keep the pupil of the eye as
small as possible and to prevent the risk of eye damage;
• Warning signs must be posted near the entrance to the laser opera-
tion area and inside of it;

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• Use of laser must be limited to users, who are completely familiar
with the rules above.
1.4: Laser Safety and Classification
The European requirements for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) are
specified in the EMC Directive (published in 2004/108/EC).
Conformance (EMC) is achieved through compliance with the
harmonized standards EN55011:2009 for emission and EN61000-6-
1:2007 for immunity.
The laser meets the emission requirements for Class 3B or Class 4 as
specified in EN55011:2009.
Compliance of lasers within the MatchBox series with the (EMC)
requirements is certified by the CE mark.
MatchBox lasers are OEM dedicated lasers and usually come without
necessary safety means. OEM type products are designed for installation
into Class 1 enclosures. However, by adding accessories like beam
shutter and key-switch, CDRH compliance is reached.
The CDRH Accession Number for the MatchBox series lasers and
wavelength combiners is: 1810832-000.
The MatchBox wavelength combiner alone has a simplified physical
interface of 10 pins. These pins are dedicated for power supply,
communication bus (UART), programmable pin and TTL modulation. This
interface is sufficient and convenient for OEM laser integration.
However, for quick laser installation into scientific setups a Break-out-Box
comes handy to provide interlock, USB control, modulation and fan power
supply connector, complying the CDRH requirements.

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2. DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS
2.1: Part Numbers
The part number is composed as follows for the MatchBox series
wavelength combiners:
Figure 2-1. Understanding part numbers of the MatchBox wavelength
combiners.
The part number of MatchBox wavelength combiners is composed of
seven sections:
• The first four sections describe wavelengths and detector/emitter
types;
• The fifth section describes platform and output type;
• The sixth section describes modulation type;
• The last, seventh section is for fiber termination.

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2.2: Description of Series
The MatchBox wavelength combiner is configurable turnkey emitter/
detector system for life sciences, sorting and particle analysis
applications. It has a MatchBox footprint and is compatible with most
MatchBox accessories.
The MatchBox laser combiner includes up to 4 laser diode drivers and
digital control electronics, which allows smart control and a TEC controller
diagnostics of the complete module. To operate this module an external
PD (Power Delivery - in the latest generation of Break-out-Boxes) power
supply and interface cables are needed as well. The system can be
mounted on a heatsink and a 'Break-out-Box' can be used for converting
UART communication to USB.
The MatchBox laser system provides power, consistency and great
performance in one of the smallest packages at one of the most attractive
price levels available in the market.
2.3: Thermal Management
Multi-wavelength diode lasers tend to generate more excessive heat than
the single-wave diode lasers, especially if diodes are operated
simultaneously.
The MatchBox series wavelength combiners have a single thermo -
electric cooler (TEC) equipped inside enclosure for thermal management
of up to 4 laser diodes and associated optics. Thermal stabilization of all
critical components is very important for low-noise and efficient operation
of the complete laser.
Depending on laser configuration, heat dissipation of 5 W to 15 W may be
required in a form of conduction-cooled (AM-H8/AM-H3) or water-cooled
heatsink (AM-H4), attachable to the bottom side of the laser.

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Also, depending on a laser model, a suitable heatsink must have low
thermal resistance. For multiwavelength lasers <0.8 °C/W is sufficient.
This requirement is usually met by a larger passive copper heatsink or an
actively cooled aluminium heat sink. The most popular and suitable
cooling option for wavelength combiners is forced air heatsink (AM-H8/
AM-H3).
In case of specific applications, where better power and central
wavelength stability is required, the internal TEC of these lasers might not
provide sufficient thermal stability. For these applications Integrated
Optics, UAB released a number of TEC based coolers and adapter (AM-
H10/AM-H11), which provide the extra stability needed. Furthermore,
these heatsinks provide higher thermal handling capacity and/or extend
operational temperature range.
Additionally, Integrated Optics, UAB offers adapter plates, which help to
accommodate the MatchBox laser in place of previously installed laser of
other brands. However, adapter plates need to be attached to heatsinks,
having sufficiently low thermal resistance.
Attaching a multiwavelength laser to a stainless steel breadboard through
M6 optical breadboard adapter will not provide sufficient heat dissipation
and the laser will most likely overheat. Steel is a very poor heat conductor.
For efficient cooling, make sure that there are no other heat radiating
devices, such as heat exchangers, heaters or computers in the proximity
of the laser. Also, make sure that the laser is not covered with or
obstructed by any obstacles, which could prevent air circulation around
the laser.
All MatchBox lasers are equipped with internal thermal protection feature.
If the internal temperature reaches 45 °C, the laser shuts down or starts
to blink, turn off the laser and ensure better heat dissipation by decreasing
the heatsink temperature and increasing the heat dissipation capabilities
thereof.

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2.4: Power Supply
The MatchBox series include a variety of lasers featuring different power
ratings, thus requiring different power supply parameters. Power supply
requirements are provided below.
The wavelength combiner can be operated with power supplies of 9-12 V
at 1.5-3 A. At lower voltages, the 405 nm, 450 nm, 488 nm, 520 nm
wavelength combiner might not turn on or operate properly.
For wavelength combiners the optimal power supply that Integrated
Optics, UAB offers is the 18 W USB type C PD (Power Delivery) power
supply (AM-P7), suitable with wavelength combiner dedicated Break-out-
Box (AM-C9).
Free space lasers are pre-set to start instantaneously when power is
applied.Once the power is applied, all laser combiner wavelengths start
emmiting the laser beam. Fiber coupled lasers must be turned on via
MatchBox laser control software.
2.5: Cables
The MatchBox wavelength combiner features an OEM design, where
integrators implement their own physical interface to connect directly to
the pins of the laser. This is the reason why it is sold without any cables
in its standard configuration. However, standard cables are handy for
end-user setups, and therefore MatchBox accessories come with
compatible cables - power supplies are shipped with USB-C to USB-C
type cables for power delivery and Break-out-Boxes are shipped with
USB-A to USB-micro cable for data communication.
Please contact Integrated Optics, UAB for a customized physical
interface for data and power.

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2.6: Power and Signal Connections
Different from the CW (continuous-wave) and pulsed lasers, the
MatchBox wavelength combiner has a physical interface of 10 pins. The
pins are 0.7 mm diameter with 2.54 mm spacing, which provide full
access to complete functionality of the laser.
The pinout of MatchBox Combiner is an expanded version of standard
MatchBox pinout. The lower row of pins is the same as for single-
wavelength lasers, while the second (upper) row is added for individual
TTL modulation of each laser diode installed in the wavelength combiner.
Figure 2-2. Wavelength combiner pinout on the back side of the laser.
Wavelength combiner pin-out explanation:
• L1: on/off diode TTL modulation, up to 10 MHz, 3.3-5 V tolerant;
• L2: on/off diode TTL modulation, up to 10 MHz, 3.3-5 V tolerant;
• GND: ground, connected to the laser body;
• L3: on/off diode TTL modulation, up to 10 MHz, 3.3-5 V tolerant;
• L4: on/off diode TTL modulation, up to 10 MHz, 3.3-5 V tolerant;

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• GND: ground, connected to the laser body;
• Prog.pin: pre-programmed to supply heatsinks’ fan with up to 5 V
PWM signal, depending on laser body temperature;
• Rx: UART communication, 3.3-5 V tolerant;
• Tx: UART communication, 3.3-5 V tolerant;
• Vcc:+9 or +12 VDC at 1.5-3 A.
Empty slots are used as a key, ensuring that the female pinhead
connector will not be polarizing in a wrong orientation or position.
2.7: Specifications
The MatchBox series includes a variety of lasers featuring different
wavelength and power ratings. The actual specifications of a laser are
provided in a test report accompanying a laser, which is sold to the
customer. General specifications for all laser models can be found at
www.integratedoptics.com , you can scan the QR code below for a quick
access to our website:
2.8: Mechanical Design
Laser sources within the MatchBox series employ a single-box design,
which means that all optics, power electronics and thermal management
components are arranged inside a single enclosure.
The overall dimensions of wavelength combiners are 30 x 50 x 18 mm3
(Width x Depth x Height), not taking into account the pins, which are used

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for connecting the laser to a power source and control interface. Pins
extend approx. 10 mm from the back of the laser. Different output options,
such as free-space output with or without a mechanical shutter,
permanently fixed fibers, have different arrangements on the front facet
of the laser.
Figure 2-3. Top and side view drawing of wavelength combiner free-space
laser.

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Figure 2-4. Top and side view drawing of the fiber coupled MatchBox
wavelength combiner fiber laser.
2.9: Laser Output Options
MatchBox wavelength combiners are offered in two main configurations
regarding to the type of the output.