M Squared SolsTiS User manual

M Squared Lasers Ltd
SolsTiS
Narrow Linewidth, Tunable CW Ti:Sapphire Laser
User Manual
v10.0
Tools to Help You Lead, Not Follow™

ii SolsTiS User Manual v10.0
Contents
APREFACE –PLEASE READ THIS FIRST....................................IV
BWARNING SYMBOLS....................................................................V
CRECEIVING AND UNPACKING YOUR LASER SYSTEM...........VI
C.1 Items Packed With Your System..............................................vi
DIMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.......................................VII
D.1 General Safety Precautions.....................................................vii
D.2 Laser Safety ..............................................................................vii
D.3 System Safety Features............................................................ix
D.4 Safety Labels –IEC/CE/CDRH Radiation Control Drawings xii
D.5 Safety Label Translations.......................................................xiv
D.6 Maintaining IEC/CE/CDRH Safety Compliance.....................xiv
D.7 Sources of Additional Safety Information..............................xv
EROHS/WEEE/CE COMPLIANCE STATEMENT..........................XV
E.1 RoHS Directive (2002/95/EC) ...................................................xv
E.2 WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) .................................................xvi
FCE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY.....................................XVII
GSTANDARD UNITS & ABBREVIATIONS.................................XVIII
HLIST OF FIGURES ......................................................................XIX
ICOPYRIGHT INFORMATION ......................................................XX
1INTRODUCTION..............................................................................1
2SYSTEM DESCRIPTION.................................................................2
2.1 System Overview........................................................................2
2.2 System Configuration ................................................................3
2.3 SolsTiS Models & Standard Specifications.............................3
2.4 Background –Principles of Operation.....................................4
3CONTROLS, INDICATORS & CONNECTORS..............................8
3.1 Pump Laser.................................................................................8
3.2 SolsTiS Laser Head....................................................................9
3.3 Pump Optics Module................................................................10
3.4 SolsTiS Wavelength Control Unit ...........................................11
3.5 Laptop and Software User Interface.......................................13

iii SolsTiS User Manual v10.0
3.6 Water Chiller (High Power Pump Lasers Only) .....................14
4INSTALLATION.............................................................................18
4.1 Unpacking Your System ..........................................................18
4.2 Installation –An Overview.......................................................18
4.3 Preparing for Installation.........................................................19
4.4 Installing the SolsTiS Wavelength Control Unit....................20
4.5 Ethernet Control - Installing & Using the Software UI ..........21
4.6 Initial Internal Optical Alignment ............................................23
5OPERATING THE LASER SYSTEM.............................................24
5.1 Initial Start Up –Activating the SolsTiS System...................24
5.2 Wavelength Tuning & Scanning..............................................29
5.3 Storing User Settings...............................................................34
5.4 Shutting Down the SolsTiS Laser System.............................34
5.5 Purging SolsTiS........................................................................34
6MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................35
6.1 Recommended Maintenance Schedule..................................35
6.2 Monitoring Intracavity Photodiodes and Voltages................36
6.3 Troubleshooting Tips...............................................................36
7CUSTOMER SERVICE..................................................................37
8WARRANTY ..................................................................................39
APPENDIX A: CLEANING LASER OPTICS –GENERAL
GUIDELINES............................................................................................40
APPENDIX B: PUMP LASERS ASSESSED FOR USE WITH
SOLSTIS...................................................................................................42
APPENDIX C: FINAL DATA AND TYPICAL PERFORMANCE DATA
FOR YOUR SOLSTIS SYSTEM...............................................................43
APPENDIX D: EXTERNAL REFERENCE CAVITY AND
RESONATOR INPUT CHARACTERISTICS............................................43
APPENDIX E: OPERATING THE LASER WITHOUT THE EXTERNAL
REFERENCE CAVITY..............................................................................45

iv SolsTiS User Manual v10.0
APreface –Please Read This First
This manual is a guide to your SolsTiS® CW narrow linewidth, widely
tuneable Ti:S laser system. It contains important information that you will
need for unpacking, installing, operating, maintaining and servicing your
SolsTiS system correctly and safely.
It is strongly advised that you read this manual thoroughly before
attempting to unpack or use your laser system, in order to avoid
actions that may damage your laser system or cause safety
hazards.
This manual describes the use of a SolsTiS laser with an
IEC/CE/CDRH-certified pump laser from a third-party pump laser
manufacturer, such as those listed in Appendix B. Your pump laser may
or may not have been purchased with your SolsTiS laser system, and
may or may not be compatible with integration on a common baseplate
with SolsTiS. Furthermore, your pump laser may or may not be listed in
Appendix B, and installation of your system may or may not be included
in your purchase, but in all these cases, the use of your designated
pump laser with SolsTiS should have been discussed and agreed to by
M Squared Lasers at the time of your SolsTiS purchase. If this was not
the case, please do not attempt to install or operate your SolsTiS system
before you have contacted M Squared Lasers to confirm suitability of
your pump laser.
If installation is included as part of your purchase, please contact
M Squared Lasers to schedule installation by an authorized service
engineer. If your purchase does not appear to include installation,
please contact M Squared Lasers to confirm this is indeed the case and
receive further instruction from M Squared Lasers, before attempting to
install and operate your system yourself. If M Squared Lasers has
approved self-installation of your system, but your pump laser is not
listed in Appendix B, please do not attempt to use SolsTiS with your
pump laser before you have contacted M Squared Lasers.
If, after reading this manual, you are unsure about any aspect of your
system, please contact M Squared Lasers Ltd, or your authorized
representative, via the contact information listed in Chapter 7 -
Customer Service.

vSolsTiS User Manual v10.0
BWarning Symbols
The following symbols are used in this manual to highlight procedures or
situations that require extra attention:
Danger! Laser radiation is present.
Danger! Condition or action may present an electrical
hazard to the user.
Warning! Condition or action may cause equipment
damage, safety hazard, or poor performance.
Caution! Exercise particular care and/or refer to the
manual before proceeding.
Note! Text noting special circumstances or tips.

vi SolsTiS User Manual v10.0
CReceiving and Unpacking Your Laser System
When you receive your system, please inspect the shipping containers
immediately. If you discover any damage (holes or dents in the
containers or crushing, for example) please notify the carrier
immediately, and insist that a representative of the carrier be present to
document the damage with you. If your system includes installation,
please do not remove laser components from their protective packaging
before installation –leave this task to an authorized M Squared Lasers
service engineer. Please also be sure to inspect each system
component carefully for damage as it is removed from its protective
packaging. If you find any damage to system components (dents or
scratches in covers, for instance), document this damage, and notify the
carrier and M Squared Lasers (or your distributor) immediately.
C.1 Items Packed With Your System
Item
Quantity
SolsTiS laser head or SolsTiS laser head mounted on
baseplate
1
SolsTiS ICE-BLOC® control module
1
SolsTiS ‘netbook’ control computer
1
Power supply, SolsTiS ‘netbook’ control computer
1
Pump laser system (if applicable)
Pump Integration Kit (PIK), manual pump steering mirror.
1
Automated Pump Alignment Module (APAM, if applicable)
Cable (IEC AC mains, control computer)
1
Cable (IEC AC mains, SolsTiS control module)
1
Cable (IEC AC mains, other)
Cable (Ethernet, 2m, SolsTiS controller to netbook)
1
Cable (BNC –MCX)
3
Cable (SolsTiS umbilical, connects SolsTiS to controller)
1
Jack Plug (MCX)
1
Remote interlock override device (shorting plug)
1
Plastic tubing and connectors (High Power Pump Cooling
Kit, if applicable)
Water chiller (High Power Cooling Kit, if applicable)
Tool –Allen key (2mm)
1
Tool –pin (star drive)
1
Tool –pin (hex drive)
1
L-clamps (to bolt SolsTiS to optical table)
6
Bolts (metric, for L-clamps)
6
Bolts (Imperial/ English, for L-clamps)
6
Manuals (e.g., SolsTiS, netbook computer, pump laser)
3
System final test sheet (see Appendix in manual)
1
Dry AnalR methanol bottle (UK only)
Stainless steel tweezers (UK only)
Note! Please keep all shipping containers. You may need
these containers in the event that you need to provide
evidence of shipping damage, or if you need to return the
system for service or upgrade at some later date.

vii SolsTiS User Manual v10.0
DImportant Safety Information
D.1 General Safety Precautions
Caution! Use of controls or adjustments or performance
of procedures other than those specified herein, or in
associated system manuals, may result in hazardous
radiation exposure.
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICE TO
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL.
REMOVAL OF COVERS IS PROHIBITED AND VOIDS
WARRANTY.
MOUNT SYSTEM ON FLAT, THERMALLY CONDUCTIVE
(HEATSINK) SURFACE.
SYSTEM MUST BE EARTHED.
IF FUSED, DISCONNECT AC CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE.
PRIOR TO SYSTEM USE, REVIEW, REFER TO AND USE ALL
INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS LISTED IN ALL
MANUALS PROVIDED WITH THIS SYSTEM.
D.2 Laser Safety
Danger! When used with a pump laser, the SolsTiS laser
system is a Class IV, high power laser whose beam, by
definition, is a safety and fire hazard. Take precautions to
prevent exposure to direct and reflected beams. Diffuse as
well as specular reflections can cause severe skin or eye
damage. This damage can be instantaneous and/or
permanent.
Figure 1 Examples of IEC/CE and CDRH laser safety warning
labels that would be appropriate as laser area entry
warning signs (per EN 60825-1 and ANSI Z136.1
respectively).

viii SolsTiS User Manual v10.0
Precautions for Safe Operation of Class IV-High Power Lasers:
The following precautions should be observed when working with any
Class IV-high power laser system:
Wear protective eyewear at all times; correct selection depends on
the wavelength(s) and intensity of the laser radiation, the conditions
of its use, and the visual function required. Protective eyewear
vendors may be found online and are also listed in the buyer’s
guides published by industry journals such as Laser Focus World
(http://www.laserfocusworld.com), or Photonics Spectra
(http://www.photonics.com).
Establish a controlled access area for laser operation that blocks
laser emission beyond its perimeter, with appropriate automatic
safety interlocks that gate laser operation if tripped. Limit access to
those trained in laser safety and operation of the laser system.
Maintain a high ambient light level in the area in which the laser is
being operated. This keeps the eye’s pupil constricted, reducing the
possibility of eye damage.
Post prominent warning signs near the laser operation area (see
Figure 1 for examples).
Avoid looking toward or at the laser output beam, as even diffuse or
scattered reflections can be hazardous.
Avoid wearing jewellery or other objects, such as watches, that may
reflect or scatter the laser output beam.
Avoid blocking the output beam or its reflection with any part of the
body or flammable material.
Expand the beam whenever possible to reduce its optical power
density.
Operate the laser at the lowest possible output beam intensity
commensurate with the application.
Set up the laser so that its beam path is either above or below eye
level.
Provide enclosures for beam paths whenever possible.
Set up beam stops and shields capable of safely absorbing the
beam and any reflections, thus preventing any unnecessary
reflections, scattering or stray beams.
At all times during the operation, maintenance, or service of your
laser, follow the instructions in all manuals included with your system
to ensure its safe operation, and avoid unnecessary exposure to
laser or collateral radiation1that exceeds the accessible emission
limits as stated in Performance Standard for Light Emitting Products
United States Code of Federal Regulations, 21 CFR 1040.10(d).
1Collateral radiation is any electronic product radiation, except laser
radiation, emitted by a laser product as a result of, or necessary for, the
operation of a laser incorporated into that product.

ix SolsTiS User Manual v10.0
D.3 System Safety Features
Warning! The SolsTiS laser system meets regulatory
design & safety standards declared within this manual
only when used with a compatible, IEC/CE/CDRH-
certified pump laser configured for SolsTiS per
instructions in this manual.
Caution! To ensure a full understanding of the safety
features, labeling and operation of your SolsTiS + pump
laser system, please refer to all manuals associated
with the system. If, after consulting your manual(s),
anything remains unclear, please consult M Squared
Lasers or an authorized representative before
attempting to operate your system.
Applicable standards
The SolsTiS is designed to and complies with:
IEC60825-1, 2007-03; Safety of laser products –Part 1:
Equipment classifications and requirements
IEC61010-1, 2001-02; Safety requirements for electrical
equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use –Part
1: General requirements
When configured with an IEC/CE/CDRH-certified, compatible pump
laser per the instructions in this manual, the SolsTiS and its pump laser
collectively provide the following safety features:
Protective Housing
Danger! There are no user-serviceable parts inside the
SolsTiS and pump laser head, control units, or
interconnecting Pump Integration Kit (PIK) and
associated Pump Optics Module (POM). Operating with
any cover removed—including the covered beam path
between your pump laser and POM, and between POM
and SolsTiS—is prohibited, voids your warranty, risks
contamination of optical surfaces, and may expose
people to high voltages and/or laser radiation hazards.
Neither the SolsTiS and pump laser head, nor their controllers, nor
interconnecting Pump Integration Kit with associated Pump Optics
Module (POM), contain user-serviceable parts and must never be
opened by the user. (All SolsTiS system components have covers that
are secured using tamper-proof screws and sealed with Warranty Void
stickers.) Cover safety interlocks are therefore neither required nor
provided for SolsTiS when used with a sealed, compatible,
IEC/CE/CDRH certified pump laser. SolsTiS is also supplied with
protective opaque covers to provide a light tight covered and sealed
beam path between your pump laser and the POM, and between the
POM and your SolsTiS. These beam covers should never be removed
while the pump laser is operating, as this will expose the user to a Class
IV laser safety hazard. Warning labels indicating non-interlocked
protective housings are affixed to SolsTiS system components as shown
in Figure 4 and Figure 5. For the location of pump laser safety warning
labels, please refer to the manual that accompanied your pump laser.

xSolsTiS User Manual v10.0
Remote Interlock Circuit
Your pump laser should incorporate a safety interlock circuit and
connector. If not, please contact M Squared Lasers before attempting to
operate your system. This interlock circuit enables pump laser (and
hence SolsTiS) laser emission when the circuit is closed (the connector
is shorted). Similarly, laser emission ceases should the circuit open
(become broken).
Figure 2 Example wiring diagram for Laser Quantum Ltd
‘Finesse’ pump laser safety interlock. (Other pump
lasers may vary –please see your pump laser manual.)
This circuit allows users to set up a perimeter safety switch (attached to
an access door or workstation cover, for example) that will shut down
the laser system in the event of unauthorized or inadvertent access to
the laser operating area. This prevents unaware personnel from being
exposed to hazardous laser radiation. Should the circuit be tripped,
completing the circuit again should allow the laser to be re-started.
An example of how this circuit may be implemented in your pump laser
is show in Figure 2. The interlock circuit connector is typically located on
the rear panel of the pump laser control unit (please refer to your pump
laser manual for detailed instructions).
Note! In order for the SolsTiS + pump laser system to turn
on, the safety-interlock contacts on the pump laser control
unit must be either wired to a safety switch supplied by the
user, or shorted together.
The pump laser should be shipped with a shorting plug connected to the
interlock connector. To wire an external safety switch to the interlock
circuit, either re-wire the supplied connector, or use a similar connector.
Wire the safety switch across the connector terminals as normally
closed, so that when the door or other perimeter safety device is
opened, the switch opens and trips the interlock circuit.
Emission Indicator
A laser emission-warning indicator (typically a high visibility white LED)
should be located on the pump laser head. If not, please contact
M Squared Lasers before attempting to operate your system. An
example of a laser head emission-warning indicator is shown in Figure
3, but please refer to your pump laser manual for details. Depending on
your pump laser, a duplicate emission indicator may also be found on
the pump laser controller. The emission indicator(s) should illuminate
immediately upon pressing the pump laser ‘Enable’ or ‘Start’ button on
your pump laser controller. This warns of impending laser emission from
the pump laser, and hence from SolsTiS. For safety, there should be a
delay of at least 5s between activating the laser and laser emission.
Laser
emission
Shutter
open
10
3
7
9
Shutter
open/
close
6
14
Enable/
reset
5
13
Safety
interlock
4
12
Key
switch

xi SolsTiS User Manual v10.0
Warning! The SolsTiS + pump laser system meets
regulatory design & safety standards declared within this
manual only if configured as described in this manual.
Separating the SolsTiS and pump laser heads or placing
any controller >2m from the laser heads is prohibited, may
lead to safety hazards, and will void your warranty.
Figure 3 Example location of laser emission warning indicator
on pump laser head (refer to your pump laser manual
for details.)
Internal Shutter
The pump laser should include an electro-mechanical shutter (typically
mounted inside the pump laser housing but typically outside its optical
cavity) that, if closed, blocks laser emission from the pump laser and
hence terminates SolsTiS laser emission immediately. If your pump
laser does not include this, please do not attempt to operate your system
before you have contacted M Squared Lasers. The shutter is controlled
solely via the pump laser power supply/ control unit. The shutter’s
interlock fault and fail-safe mode should be the closed position.
Key Switch
The pump laser should include a key switch to prevent use of the system
by unauthorized personnel. If your pump laser does not include this,
please do not attempt to operate your system before you have contacted
M Squared Lasers. It should not be possible to activate the pump laser,
and hence SolsTiS, unless the key switch is turned to the On position. In
addition, for additional safety, it should not be possible to remove the
key in the On position.
Manual system reset
In the event of an AC power interruption or a safety interlock circuit
being tripped, pump laser emission—and hence SolsTiS laser
emission—should cease immediately. If it does not, please do not
attempt to use your system before you have contacted M Squared
Lasers. Once tripped, AC power will need to be restored, and/or the
interlock fault corrected, before the system can be reactivated. To
prevent a laser safety hazard that would otherwise arise from an
automatic restart under these conditions, the laser must be reactivated
manually by following the start-up procedure described in your pump
laser manual.

xii SolsTiS User Manual v10.0
D.4 Safety Labels –IEC/CE/CDRH Radiation Control
Drawings
Figure 4 IEC/CE/CDRH radiation control drawing showing
locations of SolsTiS safety labels (see Figure 7).
Example shown –SolsTiS-SRX with Coherent ‘Verdi’.
View from output end. (For location and explanation of
pump laser safety labels, please consult your pump
laser manual.)
Figure 5 IEC/CE/CDRH radiation control drawing showing
locations of SolsTiS safety labels (see Figure 7 ).
Example shown –SolsTiS-SRX with Coherent ‘Verdi’.
View from pump input end. (For location and
explanation of pump laser safety labels, please consult
your pump laser manual.)

xiii SolsTiS User Manual v10.0
Figure 6 IEC/CE/CDRH radiation control drawing –SolsTiS
control unit. Two models shown –exact location
of labels, shown in Figure 7, may vary by model.
Figure 7 SolsTiS IEC/CE/CDRH safety labels (numbers refer to
the locations of labels shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5).

xiv SolsTiS User Manual v10.0
D.5 Safety Label Translations
For the safety of non-English speaking personnel, translations of
standard word messages on safety labels are provided below:
Label
Spanish
French
German
Dutch
Danger
Label
(3)
Peligro! Radiación
láser visible e invisible;
evite los ojos o la piel a
la exposición directa o
la láser radiación
dispersa. Producto
láser clase IV.
Potencia, longitud de
onda y anchura de
pulse dependen de las
opciones de bombeo y
de la configuración del
láser.
Attention!
Rayonnement laser
visible et invisible;
éviter la peau ou de
l'oeil à l'exposition a
la laser
rayonnement directe
ou diffus. Laser de
Classe IV.
Puissance,
longueurs d’onde et
de largeur
d'impulsions
dependant de la
configuration et
options de pompe.
Gefahr! Sichtbare und
unsichtbare
Laserstrahlung!
Bestrahlung von Auge
oder Haut durch
direkte oder
Streustrahlung
vermeiden.
Laserklasse IV.
Leistung, Wellenlänge
und pulsebreite sind
abhangig von
Pumpquelle und
Laserkonfiguration.
Gevaar! Zichtbare en
onzichtbare
laserstraling! Vermijd
blootstelling van oog
of huid aan directe of
verstrooide straling!
Klas IV laser produkt.
Vermogen, golflengte
en pulsduur
afhankelijk van pomp
opties en laser
configuratie.
Aperture
Label
(1)
A partir de esta
abertura se emite
radiación láser visible e
invisible; evite a la
exposición directa o la
láser radiación
dispersa.
Rayonnement laser
visible et invisible
est émis par cette
ouverture; éviter
l'exposition a la laser
rayonnement directe
ou diffus
Austritt von sichtbare
und unsichtbarer
Laserstrahlung!
Bestrahlung direkte
oder Streustrahlung
vermeiden.
Vanuit dit apertur
wordt zichtbare en
onzichtbare
laserstraling
uitgestoten. Vermijd
blootstelling.
Non-
interlocked
Protective
Housing Label
(2)
Peligro! Visibles e
invisibles láser radation
cuando sean abiertos;
evite los ojos o la piel a
la exposición directa o
la radiación dispersa.
Attention!
Rayonnement laser
visible et invisible en
cas d’ouverture;
éviter la peau ou de
l'oeil à l'exposition a
la laser
rayonnement directe
ou diffus.
Vorsicht! Beim öffnen
Austritt von sichtbare
und unsichtbarer
Laserstrahlung;
Bestrahlung von Auge
oder Haut durch
direkte oder
Streustrahlung
vermeiden.
Gevaar! Zichtbare en
onzichtbare
laserstraling wanneer
geopend; vermijd
blootstelling aan huid
of oog aan directe of
verstrooide straling.
Table 1 Laser safety label translations.
D.6 Maintaining IEC/CE/CDRH Safety Compliance
To keep the laser system in compliance with applicable safety
regulations, once a year, or whenever the system has been subjected to
adverse environmental conditions (e.g. fire, excess moisture,
mechanical shock, spilled solvent, etc.), check to ensure that all safety
features of the system described in Section D.3 are still functional. Make
sure that all warning labels are still firmly attached to all laser heads, that
all covers are still correctly sealed and light tight, and then perform the
following safety checks:
Verify that removing the safety interlock connector on the pump
laser prevents laser operation.
Verify that the laser system can be turned on only when the key
switch on the pump laser is in the On position, and that the key
cannot be removed in the On position.
Verify that the pump laser emission indicator is visible when the
laser emits accessible laser radiation exceeding Class I limits1.
Verify the time delay between the turn-on of the emission indicator
and laser emission is long enough (at least 5 seconds) to allow
users to avoid exposure to laser radiation.
Verify that the pump laser internal shutter operates correctly and
blocks access to laser radiation, and that the shutter closes when
the pump laser controller is disconnected, or the key switch is turned
off.
If you find that your laser system fails any of these safety checks, please
stop the use of your laser system immediately, prevent others from using
it, and contact M Squared Lasers or an authorized representative to
correct the problem.
10.39µW for continuous-wave (CW) operation where output is limited to wavelengths in
the 400nm to 1400nm range.

xv SolsTiS User Manual v10.0
D.7 Sources of Additional Safety Information
For a full description of laser safety standards, procedures and safety
equipment, please refer to or contact:
Laser Safety Standards and Procedures
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard
known as IEC 60825 (previously IEC 825) Safety of laser products -
Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements.
Web: http://www.iec.ch
The Journal of the European Communities, standard EN 60825-1
Safety of Laser Products - Part 1: Equipment classification,
requirements and user guide (and harmonized British standard BS
EN 60825-1).
Web: http://eur-lex.europa.eu
The FDA Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, Subchapter C –
Electronic Product Radiation Control (formerly the Radiation Control
for Health and Safety Act of 1968), and CDRH 21 CFR parts
1040.10 and 1040.11.
Web: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/radhealth/
American National Standards for Safe Use of Lasers (ANSI Z136.1:
2007)
Web: http://www.ansi.org
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Guidelines
for Laser Safety and Hazard Assessment, STD 01-05-001 (formerly
known as Publication 8.1-7)
Web: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/laserhazards/standards.html
Laser Safety Equipment and Training
Laser Institute of America
13501 Ingenuity Drive, Suite 128
Orlando, FL 32826
Toll Free: 1.800.345.2737
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web: http://www.laserinstitute.org
Laser Focus World Buyer’s Guide
Web: http://www.laserfocusworld.com
Photonics Spectra Buyer’s Guide
Web: http://www.photonics.com
ERoHS/WEEE/CE Compliance Statement
M Squared Lasers is committed to minimizing the environmental impact
of our products and operations, and to complying with related relevant
legislation and directives. M Squared Lasers’ products are subject to the
European Union (E.U.) Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive
(RoHS) that became effective July 1 2006, and also to the PRC
Management Methods for Controlling Pollution by Electronic products
(more commonly known as China RoHS) effective March 1 2007.
E.1 RoHS Directive (2002/95/EC)
The RoHS Directive affects manufacturers, sellers, distributors and
recyclers of electrical and electronic equipment containing lead,
cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chrome, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB)
and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE). From July 1, 2006 the use
of these materials has been severely restricted in most electrical and
electronic products sold in Europe.
All of M Squared’s products sold in Europe after July 1, 2006 are fully
RoHS compliant, and a full Declaration of RoHS Compliance is available
upon request. If you have questions regarding the RoHS compliance of
M Squared products, please contact us, or your distributor, using the
information listed in Chapter 7 –Customer Service.

xvi SolsTiS User Manual v10.0
E.2 WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC)
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE)
applies to companies that manufacture, sell, and distribute electrical and
electronic equipment in the E.U. It covers a wide range of large and
small electrical and electronic appliances, tools and instruments. This
Directive aims to reduce the waste arising from electrical and electronic
equipment, and to improve the environmental performance of everything
involved in the life cycle of electrical and electronic equipment. This
translates into the following requirements for producers (manufacturers
or importers) of electrical and electronic equipment: a) register in their
countries; b) achieve a series of demanding recycling and recovery
targets; c) mark any products that must NOT be thrown into general
waste with a crossed out, wheeled bin icon.
Figure 8 The E.U. WEEE symbol used to mark products that
must not be thrown into general waste, and must be
recycled or disposed of according to local regulations.
The symbol shown in Figure 8 indicates WEEE material, and anything
carrying this mark should be collected separately and processed
according to local regulations. M Squared products subject to the WEEE
directive
e are marked with this symbol. In order to prevent WEEE, the Directive
encourages re-use, recycling and other forms of recovery over disposal.
Arrangements for the separate collection of WEEE varies in each
member E.U. country. If disposal is necessary then this should only be
undertaken by an approved authorised treatment facility (AATF).
As needed, M Squared will work with end users and/or distributors, to
aid in the correct handling of an M Squared product that has reached the
end of its useful life. This may include, as appropriate, return shipment of
the product free of charge to M Squared Lasers Ltd for re-cycling (only
after prior agreement and issue of an RMA number by M Squared
Lasers Ltd). A copy of M Squared’s full WEEE Compliance Policy
Statement is available upon request. For more information, please
contact M Squared Lasers Ltd, or your distributor, using the information
listed in Chapter 7- Customer Service.

xvii SolsTiS User Manual v10.0
FCE Declaration of Conformity
Note! The attention of the specifier, purchaser, installer,
or user is drawn to special measures and limitations to
use of this equipment, which must be observed when
these products are taken into service to maintain
compliance with the above directives. Details of these
special measures and limitations to use are available on
request, and are also contained in this manual.
The Manufacturer of the Products covered by this Declaration is:
M Squared Lasers Ltd.
The address of the head office is:
1 Kelvin Campus,
West of Scotland Science Park,
Maryhill Road,
Glasgow,
G20 0SP,
UK
The product covered by this declaration is:
SolsTiS, narrow linewidth, tunable CW Ti:Sapphire laser.
The above mentioned product complies with the essential requirements,
which are specified in the directives 2004/108/EC and 2006/95/EC on
the approximation of the Member States relating to electromagnetic
compatibility and electrical safety.
The product of the declaration above has been designed and
manufactured to be in compliance with the requirements of the following
standards and the results of testing and assessment are included in the
Technical Documentation:
EN 60825-1 Edition 2.0 2007-03 Safety of Laser Products
EN 61010-1 Edition 2.0 2001-02 Safety requirements for electrical
equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use
EN 61326-1:2006 (Emissions only) Electrical equipment for
measurement, control and laboratory use. EMC Requirements. General
Requirements.
EN 55011:2007 (Conducted and radiated emissions to Class B)
Equipment electromagnetic disturbance characteristics. Limits and
methods of measurement.
EN 55022:2006 (Conducted emissions) Information technology
equipment. Radio disturbance characteristics. Limits and methods of
measurements
The technical documentation required to demonstrate that the product
meets the essential requirements of the above directives has been
complied and is available for inspection by the relevant enforcement
authorities.
The CE mark was first applied in September 2009.
Signed:
Name: Bill Miller
Authority: Director of Systems Engineering

xviii SolsTiS User Manual v10.0
GStandard Units & Abbreviations
The following is a list of units, prefixes, and abbreviations that may be
found in this manual:
AC Alternating current
AOM Acousto-optic modulator
APAM Automated Pump Alignment Module
AR Anti-reflection
BRF Birefringent filter
CDRH Centre for Devices and Radiological Health
CW Continuous wave
DC Direct current
DPSS Diode-pumped solid-state
DSP Digital Signal Processing
EO(M) Electro-optic (modulator)
fs femtosecond (10-15 second)
FSR Free Spectral Range
GVD Group velocity dispersion
(G)UI (Graphical) User Interface
HR High reflector
ICE Instrument Control by Ethernet
IR Infrared
ns nanosecond (10-9 second)
OC Output coupler
OPO Optical parametric oscillator
PC Personal Computer
ps picosecond (10-12 second)
PIK Pump Integration Kit
POM (SolsTiS) Pump Optics Module
PSU power supply unit
PZT piezo-electric transducer
RF Radio frequency
SLM Single longitudinal (frequency) mode
TEM Transverse electromagnetic (spatial) mode
Ti:S Titanium-doped sapphire
THz Terahertz
(D)UV (Deep) Ultraviolet
Prefixes
Tera
1012
T
Milli
10-3
m
Giga
109
G
Micro
10-6
µ
Mega
106
M
Nano
10-9
n
Kilo
103
k
Pico
10-12
p
Centi
10-2
c
Femto
10-15
f
Physical Quantity
Unit
Symbol
Mass
kilogram
kg
Length
metre
m
Time
second
s
Frequency
hertz
Hz
Power
watt
W
Energy
joule
J
Temperature
degrees Celsius
C
Pressure
pascal
Pa
Electric Current
ampere
A
Electric Potential
volt
V
Resistance
ohm

Capacitance
farad
F
Inductance
henry
H
Angle
degree (radian)
deg (rad)
Magnetic Flux Density
tesla
T
Force
newton
N

xix SolsTiS User Manual v10.0
HList of Figures
Figure 1 Examples of IEC/CE and CDRH laser safety warning labels
that would be appropriate as laser area entry warning signs (per EN
60825-1 and ANSI Z136.1 respectively).........................................vii
Figure 2 Example wiring diagram for Laser Quantum Ltd ‘Finesse’
pump laser safety interlock. (Other pump lasers may vary –please
see your pump laser manual.)...........................................................x
Figure 3 Example location of laser emission warning indicator on
pump laser head (refer to your pump laser manual for details.)......xi
Figure 4 IEC/CE/CDRH radiation control drawing showing locations of
SolsTiS safety labels (see Figure 7). Example shown –SolsTiS-
SRX with Coherent ‘Verdi’. View from output end. (For location and
explanation of pump laser safety labels, please consult your pump
laser manual.)..................................................................................xii
Figure 5 IEC/CE/CDRH radiation control drawing showing locations of
SolsTiS safety labels (see Figure 7 ). Example shown –SolsTiS-
SRX with Coherent ‘Verdi’. View from pump input end. (For location
and explanation of pump laser safety labels, please consult your
pump laser manual.) .......................................................................xii
Figure 6 IEC/CE/CDRH radiation control drawing –SolsTiS control
unit. Two models shown –exact location of labels, shown in Figure
7, may vary by model..................................................................... xiii
Figure 7 SolsTiS IEC/CE/CDRH safety labels (numbers refer to the
locations of labels shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5)....................... xiii
Table 1 Laser safety label translations.............................................xiv
Figure 8 The E.U. WEEE symbol used to mark products that must not
be thrown into general waste, and must be recycled or disposed of
according to local regulations.........................................................xvi
Figure 9 SolsTiS laser head with optional third-party pump laser.
(SolsTiS model shown - SolsTiS-SRX with integrated reference
cavity.)...............................................................................................2
Table 2 SolsTiS product family and linewidth options.........................3
Figure 10 Simplified diagram of the longitudinal frequency modes of
a laser cavity. (L = half round-trip cavity length; c = speed of light.).4
Figure 11 Schematic illustration of SolsTiS intracavity layout and
reference cavity (SolsTiS model -SRX)............................................5
Figure 12 Illustration of the ICE-BLOC control concept. ....................7
Figure 13 Schematic of SolsTiS system, showing SolsTiS laser head,
Pump Optics Module, and enclosed pump and SolsTiS beam paths.
(Reference cavity –model SolsTiS-SRX only.)................................9
Figure 14 Electrical connections to SolsTiS laser head: A) ‘LASER
HEAD TOP’ (RED), ‘LASER HEAD BOTTOM’ (BLUE); B) Earth
connection. NOTE: cable clamp not shown in picture to allow cable
location to be seen clearly................................................................9
Figure 15 Electrical connections to the SolsTiS reference cavity
(model SolsTiS–SRX only). NOTE: cable clamp not shown in
picture to allow cable location to be seen clearly. ..........................10
11
Figure 16 SolsTiS wavelength control unit - front and rear views....11
Figure 17 SolsTiS wavelength control unit –rear connections........11
Figure 18 SolsTiS wavelength control module –description of rear
connections. Red connectors = SolsTiS umbilical connectors. Blue
connectors = monitor outputs, user configurable via SolsTiS
software UI......................................................................................12
Figure 19 SolsTiS UI –home page. .................................................13
Figure 20 SolsTiS UI –system configuration page..........................15
Figure 21 SolsTiS UI –Ethernet (network) settings page................15
Figure 22 SolsTiS UI –clock set page.............................................15
Figure 23 SolsTiS UI –user accounts setup page...........................15
Figure 24 SolsTiS software UI –firmware update page...................16
Figure 25 SolsTiS software UI –APAM accessory setup page.......16
Figure 26 SolsTiS software UI –saved file management page.......16
Figure 27 SolsTiS UI –étalon (custom) dither frequency. ...............16
Figure 28 SolsTiS UI –laser control page........................................17
Figure 29 Pump beam path through the POM. EXAMPLE ONLY –
your optimum pump beam path may differ.....................................26

xx SolsTiS User Manual v10.0
ICopyright Information
Copyright © 2010 M Squared Lasers Ltd. First edition: July 2007.
M Squared Lasers Ltd,
1 Kelvin Campus,
West of Scotland Science Park,
Maryhill Road,
Glasgow,
G20 0SP,
UK
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without
the prior written permission of the publisher.
ICE-BLOC controllers, SolsTiS and the M Squared logo are UK-
registered trademarks of M Squared Lasers Ltd. M Squared Ltd
disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other
than its own.
Windows and Internet Explorer are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and other countries.
The information in this manual is provided for information use only, is
subject to change without notice, and should not be construed as a
commitment by M Squared Lasers Ltd. M Squared Lasers Ltd assumes
no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may
appear in this manual.