MKS Spectra-Physics Ascend User manual

©Newport Corporation MKS Spectra-Physics Confidential 1of 12
Pre-Installation Guide
for
Ascend
Spectra-Physics, Inc.
3635 Peterson Way
Santa Clara, CA 95054
May 2020

©Newport Corporation MKS Spectra-Physics Confidential 2of 12
Table of Contents
Introduction _________________________________________________________________ 3
Pre-Installation Checklist _______________________________________________________ 4
Physical Location: __________________________________________________________________ 4
When the system Arrives _______________________________________________________ 4
Inspection ________________________________________________________________________ 4
When the system Arrives (Continued)_____________________________________________ 5
Review Instruction Manuals__________________________________________________________ 5
Laser Safety Considerations __________________________________________________________ 5
Diagnostics _______________________________________________________________________ 5
Pre-Installation Considerations __________________________________________________ 6
Location and Environment ___________________________________________________________ 6
System Components________________________________________________________________ 6
Pre-Installation Considerations (Continued)________________________________________ 7
System Weights ___________________________________________________________________ 7
Cable and Hose Descriptions _________________________________________________________ 7
Pre-Installation Considerations (Continued)________________________________________ 8
Pre-Installation Considerations (Continued)________________________________________ 9
. Environmental Specifications________________________________________________________ 9
Utility Requirements________________________________________________________________ 9
RoutineMaintenance _______________________________________________________________ 9
Pre-Installation Considerations (Continued)_______________________________________ 10
Cleaning the Output Window _______________________________________________________ 10
Pre-Installation Considerations (Continued)_______________________________________ 11
Power Supply Air Filter Replacement _________________________________________________ 11
Coolant Maintenance ______________________________________________________________ 11
Pre-Installation Considerations (Continued)_______________________________________ 12
Chiller Fluid ______________________________________________________________________ 12
General Procedures________________________________________________________________ 12

©Newport Corporation MKS Spectra-Physics Confidential 3of 12
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a Spectra-Physics system. This guide describes pre-
installation information for your laser system.
Some preliminary planning is essential to avoid unnecessary delays during installation and to
ensure easy operation and access to your system. You are requested to carefully consider your
operating environment prior to installation. Proper water/coolant, power and room
temperature are required for each system.
A checklist of pre-installation considerations is provided in this guide. You are responsible for
meeting these requirements prior to installation, with due consideration given to all applicable
building and safety codes.
We at Spectra-Physics intend to provide you with responsive support so that you can derive great
satisfaction and value in using our systems for your applications. We are available to you at 1-
800-456-2552.

©Newport Corporation MKS Spectra-Physics Confidential 4of 12
Pre-Installation Checklist
Physical Location:
A location with adequate clearance around system to conduct service and accessible by Spectra-
Physics personnel.
A temperature controlled room.
Utility services have been installed.
Local building and safety codes are in compliance and have been verified.
When the system Arrives
Inspection
When the system arrives, any sign of damage to the shipping crates should be brought to the
attention of the delivering freight company. A claim must be filed with that commercial carrier
(usually within 30 days). Notify the originating Spectra-Physics office of any shipping damage.
Shipping damage is not covered by Spectra-Physics.
Your packing list will show all items that you have ordered. Open all the packages and check each
item for possible damage during shipping. Check the items against your packing list. Some items
may have been installed at the factory.
Each system comes with a manual; verify that you have received this item.
Please report any missing or damaged items to Spectra-Physics, or you may contact your Spectra-
Physics’ Sales Engineer.
Before the arrival of your Spectra-Physics’ Service Engineer please review the
following pre-installation requirements. When all the requirements have been met,
initial the boxes and fax a signed copy to the Spectra-Physics Service department at
[phone].

©Newport Corporation MKS Spectra-Physics Confidential 5of 12
When the system Arrives (Continued)
Review Instruction Manuals
Please read the manual to get vital information about your system. Familiarize yourself with the
system. You are encouraged to spend as much time as possible reviewing the system
components before your Spectra-Physics’ Service Engineer arrives for the installation and
training.
Laser Safety Considerations
In addition to reviewing the sections in the manual regarding laser safety; be sure to have the
proper safety glasses available for ALL lab personnel present during the installation and testing
of your system. For more information, please call Spectra- Physics at 1-800-456-2552.
Diagnostics
During the course of installation, power measurements will be demonstrated on all of the
appropriate wavelengths. Your Service Engineer can identify which specifications will be
demonstrated and the equipment necessary to conduct such tests. A non- standard system will
require special consideration.
To have other published specifications demonstrated, consult with your Service Engineer to
determine whether additional diagnostic equipment will be required.
Before the arrival of your Spectra-Physics Service Engineer please review the following
pre- installation requirements. When all the requirements have been met, initial the
boxes and fax a signed copy to the Spectra-Physics Service department at
[phone].

©Newport Corporation MKS Spectra-Physics Confidential 6of 12
Pre-Installation Considerations
Location and Environment
The location of the system and environment of your lab should have the following features:
A safe location that meets all applicable building codes.
Easy access with adequate clearance around the instrument.
An optical table that will meet the space requirement of the instruments to be installed.
Proper air conditioning could be critical for the performance of the laser.
For certain applications ambient room temperature changes may be an important factor for the
laser system’s performance. Air ducts should not blow directly on laser or optical path.
To ensure stable day-to-day operation, the recommended minimum and maximum operating
room temperatures are 20 - 25°C. Room temperature should ideally be 22°C and should not
fluctuate ±1°C during any two-hour period.
See specifications in Table 1-1 and table 1-3 in the User’s Manual.
In some applications vibration isolation may be required for your system. Structural integrity of
the flooring could play an important role.
Please note that the laser head is very heavy and requires a sturdy and stable optical table.
Consider room requirements for future maintenance and upgrades by your Spectra-Physics Field
Service Engineer.
System Components
The Ascend laser system is comprised of four basic components:
1. Ascend laser head
2. Model APS-160 power supply
3. Ascend control software installed on a system computer
4. Refrigerated Chiller

©Newport Corporation MKS Spectra-Physics Confidential 7of 12
Pre-Installation Considerations (Continued)
System Weights
Cable and Hose Descriptions
Cable
Length
Power
supply, power cable with a NEMA 5-15P plug and IEC 60320 C19
Connector
99”
(251 cm)
Power
supply, power cable, European with a CEE 7/7 plug and IEC 60320
C19
connector
96”
(244 cm)
USB
cable
117”
(3 meters)
Power
supply to laser head signal cable
109”
(2.8 meters)
Power
supply to laser head power cable
109”
(2.8 meters)
2x TNC
50Ω, RF cables
109”
(2.8 meters)
2x
Coolant Hoses
117”
(3 meters) with quick connect
fittings
Component
Weight
Specifications
Weight
Laser
head (OEM)
Power
supply Chiller
(dry,
typical)
47
lb. (21 kg)
35
lb. (16 kg)
122
lb. (55 kg)

©Newport Corporation MKS Spectra-Physics Confidential 8of 12
Pre-Installation Considerations (Continued)
OutlineDrawings
Figure 14. Laser head Beauty Cover outline drawing

©Newport Corporation MKS Spectra-Physics Confidential 9of 12
Pre-Installation Considerations (Continued)
. Environmental Specifications
The environmental conditions under which the laser system will function are listed below.
These specifications reflect indoor use conditions.
Feature
Specification
Altitude
Up
to 3000 m
Temperatures
18
°C to 28°C
Maximum
relative humidity
85%
at 18°C, decreasing to 45% at 28°C to maintain a non-condensing humidity
on
the 20º cooling loop.
Mains
supply voltage
Do
not exceed ± 10% of the nominal voltage
Utility Requirements
Component
Maximum
Current / Power
Laser
Power Supply
100
– 240 V / 50 – 60 Hz
15A
/ 1100VA
Chiller
100
to 130Vac, 60Hz
15A
208
to 220Vac, 60 Hz
10A
200
to 240Vac, 50 Hz
10A
RoutineMaintenance
The Ascend laser system was designed for minimal maintenance. Follow the routine procedures
described in this chapter to keep the system in good working condition for the life of the laser.
For further information, contact your Spectra-Physics service representative.

©Newport Corporation MKS Spectra-Physics Confidential 10 of 12
Pre-Installation Considerations (Continued)
Cleaning the Output Window
The Ascend cavity is sealed to keep the internal optics clean. The optical cavity should never be
opened. Depending on the cleanliness of the operating environment it is possible that dust or
debris can accumulate on the output window external surface, which might affect the output
power of the laser.
If the output window is contaminated, a spray of very clean, dry air or nitrogen can help remove
it. The pressure should not be more than 10 psi to avoid damaging the window.
Never try to clean the output window while the laser is operating. Such an action could result in
serious physical injury. Always make sure the laser is off and the AC power is disconnected before
attempting to clean the window.
The output window is antireflection coated to minimize power loss and back reflections. It can
be damaged by incorrect contact cleaning. The window can be cleaned with lens tissue
dampened with methanol, but it is difficult to accurately reach the optical surface. It is
recommended that you contact your Spectra-Physics service representative for additional
window cleaning techniques, if needed.
Do not remove the optical cavity cover or the window seal for any reason, or you will void your
warranty and may damage your laser.

©Newport Corporation MKS Spectra-Physics Confidential 11 of 12
Pre-Installation Considerations (Continued)
Power Supply Air Filter Replacement
The power supply requires a steady supply of clean, cool air for proper operation. It is equipped
with several fans that pull in room air and circulate it across the RF drivers and other electronics
for cooling. The air intake is equipped with a removable particle filter to prevent dust or other
foreign material from entering the power supply. The power supply air intakes should be kept
clean. The exterior metallic filters should be periodically cleaned with a vacuum from the
outside of the power supply, when the power supply is turned off. Do not remove the metallic
filter or open the power supply for cleaning. Vacuum any debris that is on the exterior of the
filter.
The air intake on the power supply front panel has a removable particle filter that sits behind
the front grill of the power supply. If this filter becomes contaminated, it can be removed and
replaced with the spare filter that is included in the laser accessory kit.
To replace the filter, turn off the laser and power supply and disconnect the power supply from
the power source. Loosen the 4 captive screws on the grill with a number 1 flat blade
screwdriver. Remove the grill with the filter mesh attached from the supply. Remove the old
filter mesh from the grill by pulling it off the hook and loop fastener strips holding it to the grill.
A new filter can then be stuck to the hook and loop fastener and the grill replaced in the reverse
order of disassembly.
Coolant Maintenance
To prevent metal corrosion and growth of algae in the Ascend closed-loop cooling system, Nalco
corrosion inhibitor is required. This coolant prevents galvanic corrosion from dissimilar metals,
prevents oxidation of ferrous metals and acts as an algaecide.
Nalco coolant must be used regardless of the chiller used, and it should be changed once a year
If the laser is not going to be used for an extended period of time, turn off the laser and drain
the water or cooling solution.
Regularly inspect filter on the power supply for any buildup of dust. If dirty, remove the filter and
wash it in clean water. The rate at which the filter becomes more restrictive is mainly dependent
on the cleanliness of the environment.
*NOTE: to restrict the growth of algae in the reservoir, it is recommended that the reservoir
cover be kept in place and that all circulation lines be opaque. This will eliminate the entrance
of light that is required for the growth of most common algae.

©Newport Corporation MKS Spectra-Physics Confidential 12 of 12
Pre-Installation Considerations (Continued)
Chiller Fluid
The chiller fluid level should be appropriate for the model laser and must meet Spectra-Physics
specification requirements. Insufficient cooling could result in a decrease of performance or
damage to the laser system.
General Procedures
The chiller operation of the laser system should be checked once a week. The power output and
the mode-locking of the system should also be checked once a week by verifying the output
values.
If any of the output characteristics have changed, please call Spectra-Physics Technical Support
at 1-800-456-2552.
Customer Signature Date
Phone Number Fax Number
E-Mail Sales Order Number