Newport PScout2 Series User manual

Pp
PulseScout2 Autocorrelator
Test
PScout2 Series User's Manual

Declaration of Conformity
We declare that the accompanying product, identied with the Cmark, complies with require-
ments of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive, 2004/108/EC dated December 15, 2004 and
the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC dated December 12, 2006.
Product name: PulseScout2
Product options: all options
Cmark afxed: Berlin, December 3, 2014
Type of Equipment: Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use in indus-
trial locations.
Manufacturer: A·P·E Angewandte Physik & Elektronik GmbH Berlin
Plauener Straÿe 163-165
13053 Berlin, Germany
Importer: Newport Corporation
1791 Deere Avenue
Irvine, CA 92606
United States of America
Standards Applied:
Compliance was demonstrated to the following standards to the extent applicable: BS EN 61010-1:2010,
"Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use"
EN 55011 radio interference voltage class A
DIN EN 61000-4-2:2009
DIN EN 61000-4-3:2011
DIN EN 61000-4-4:2010
DIN EN 61000-4-5:2007
DIN EN 61000-4-6:2009
DIN EN 61000-4-8:2010
DIN EN 61000-4-11:2005
Thomas Lindemann Mark Carroll
Technical Director Sr. Director, Instruments Business
A·P·E Angewandte Physik & Elektronik GmbH Newport Corporation
Plauener Straÿe 163-165 1791 Deere Ave, Irvine, CA 92606 USA
13053 Berlin, Germany
PulseScout2 Version 1.1 2 July 2015

Declaration of Conformity to EU RoHS
A·P·E Angewandte Physik & Elektronik GmbH
Plauener Str. 163  165 | Haus N
13053 Berlin
Germany
Declaration of Conformity to EU RoHS
Products listed below that are manufactured by A·P·E Angewandte Physik & Elektronik GmbH are
in compliance with Directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June
2011 on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic
equipment (also known as RoHS Recast). In addition, this declaration of conformity is issued
under the sole responsibility of A·P·E Angewandte Physik & Elektronik GmbH. Specically, products
manufactured do not contain the substances listed in the table below in concentrations greater
than the listed maximum value.
Substance Maximum Limit (ppm)
Lead (Pb) 1000
Cadmium (Cd) 100
Mercury (Hg) 1000
Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+) 1000
Poly Brominated Biphenyls (PBB) 1000
Poly Brominated Diphenyl ethers (PBDE) 1000
Product Identication:
Product
Autocorrelator PulseScout2 Base and detector modules
Signature:
Thomas Lindemann Mark Carroll
Technical Director Sr. Director, Instruments Business
A·P·E Angewandte Physik & Elektronik GmbH Newport Corporation
Plauener Straÿe 163-165 1791 Deere Ave, Irvine, CA 92606 USA
13053 Berlin, Germany
PulseScout2 Version 1.1 3 July 2015

IMPORTANT  READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USE  KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE This user manual
contains user information for the PulseScout2 . Read this manual carefully before operating
the PulseScout2 , particularly Section 1 on safety instructions. The PulseScout2 is only to be
used as described in this manual. Differing use may endanger safety and voids warranty.
CAUTION - USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE OF PROCEDURES OTHER
THAN THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION EXPOSURE
PulseScout2 Version 1.1 4 July 2015

Symbols Used in this Manual and on the Measuring System
This symbol is intended to emphasize the presence of important op-
erating instructions.
This symbol is intended to alert the operator to the danger of expo-
sure to hazardous visible or invisible laser radiation.
This symbol is intended to alert the operator to the presence of dan-
gerous voltage within the product's enclosure that may be of suf-
cient magnitude to constitute a risk of electrical shock and to indi-
cate possible risk of equipment damage.
Disposal
The PulseScout2 fullls the European Directive 2011/65/EU for reduction of hazardous substances
in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS).
All electrical and electronic products must be disposed separately from the standard municipal
waste system. Proper disposal of your old appliance prevents potential negative consequences for
the environment and human health.
PulseScout2 Version 1.1 5 July 2015

Contents
Contents
1. Safety Instructions ..................................... 8
1.1. Optical Safety ..................................... 8
1.2. Electrical Safety ................................... 9
1.3. Electromagnetic Compatibility ............................ 10
2. Description and Specications ............................... 11
2.1. Description and Intended Use ............................ 11
2.2. Specications ..................................... 12
2.2.1. Optical Parameters .............................. 12
2.3. Requirements to the Control Computer ....................... 14
3. Installation ......................................... 16
3.1. Contents of Delivery ................................. 16
3.2. Inspection on Receiving ............................... 16
3.3. System Controls and Indicators ............................ 17
3.4. Installation of the scoutLink Control Software .................... 18
3.5. Installation of the Optical Head ........................... 19
3.5.1. Mounting / Exchange of the SHG Crystal ................... 19
3.5.2. Exchange of the Detector Unit ........................ 20
3.6. Cable Connection ................................... 21
4. Alignment and Measurement ............................... 22
4.1. Communication Setup ................................ 22
4.2. Starting a Measurement ............................... 23
4.2.1. Alignment of the Input Beam ......................... 23
4.2.2. Finding the Autocorrelation Trace ...................... 25
4.2.3. Crystal Angle Tuning and Phase-matching .................. 26
4.2.4. Zero Scan Range ................................ 27
4.2.5. Further Alignment Optimization: Beam Shutters ............... 27
4.2.6. Background-Free (Non-Collinear) Autocorrelation .............. 28
4.3. Measurement and Display Conguration in Detail .................. 29
4.3.1. "FILE" Submenu ................................ 29
4.3.2. "VIEW" Submenu ................................ 30
4.3.3. "TRIGGER" Submenu .............................. 31
4.3.4. "SETUP" Submenu ............................... 32
4.3.5. Additional Software Controls and Options .................. 33
4.3.6. "Help" Submenu ................................ 34
4.4. Triggered Measurement ............................... 34
4.5. TCP/IP ......................................... 35
4.6. Error Sources of an Autocorrelation Measurement ................. 36
4.6.1. Scan Range too small or too wide ....................... 36
4.6.2. Clipping of the ACF or Overload ....................... 38
4.6.3. Non-centered ACF ............................... 40
5. Additional Hints ...................................... 41
5.1. "Zero" Scan ...................................... 41
5.2. Low Pass Filter .................................... 41
5.3. Change of Wavelength Range (Crystal and Detector Exchange) ........... 41
5.4. Signal Level ...................................... 42
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Contents
5.5. Rotation of Plane of Polarization ........................... 42
6. Troubleshooting and Maintenance ............................. 43
6.1. Troubleshooting ................................... 43
6.1.1. Known Issues ................................. 44
6.2. Maintenance ..................................... 45
6.2.1. Cleaning .................................... 45
6.2.2. Storage of SHG Crystal ............................ 45
6.3. Technical Support .................................. 45
6.3.1. Service .................................... 46
6.3.2. Obtaining Service ............................... 46
6.3.3. Warranty .................................... 46
6.3.4. Service Form ................................. 47
A. Fitting Functions ...................................... 48
A.1. Gaussian ....................................... 48
A.2. Lorentzian ...................................... 49
A.3. sech2......................................... 49
B. TCP/IP Command Set .................................... 51
PulseScout2 Version 1.1 7 July 2015

1. Safety Instructions
1. Safety Instructions
The European Community requirements for product safety are specied in the "Low Voltage Direc-
tive" (2006/95/EC). The "Low Voltage Directive" requires that electronic products comply with the
standard EN 61010-1:2010 "Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control
and Laboratory Use". Compliance of this product is certied by the CE mark (see Appendix for CE
Certicate).
1.1. Optical Safety
Since the PulseScout2 is intended to measure the duration of laser
pulses all safety instructions relevant to the class of your laser
have to be observed!
Laser light, because of its special properties, poses safety hazards not associated with light from
conventional sources. The safe use of lasers requires that all laser users, and everyone near the
laser system, are aware of the dangers involved. The safe use of the laser depends upon the user
being familiar with the instrument and the properties of coherent, intense beams of light.
The greatest concern when using a laser is eye safety. In addition to the main beam, there are
often many smaller beams present at various angles near the laser system. These beams are
formed by specular reections of the main beam at polished surfaces such as lenses or beam
splitters. Although weaker than the main beam, such beams may still be sufciently intense to
cause eye damage.
Direct eye contact with the output beam from the laser can cause
serious damage and possible blindness.
Laser beams can be powerful enough to burn skin, clothing or paint. They can ignite volatile
substances such as alcohol, gasoline, ether and other solvents, and can damage light-sensitive ele-
ments in video cameras, photomultipliers and photodiodes. The laser beam can ignite substances
in its path, even at some distance. For these reasons and others, the user is advised to follow the
precautions below:
1. Observe all safety precautions given by the manufacturer of your laser.
2. All alignment procedures described herein shall only be done by qualied users who are
familiar with laser safety practices and who are aware of the dangers involved.
PulseScout2 Version 1.1 8 July 2015

1. Safety Instructions
3. Never look directly into the laser light source or at scattered laser light from any reective
surface. Never sight down the beam into the source.
4. Maintain experimental setups at low heights to prevent inadvertent beam-eye encounter at
eye level.
5. As a precaution against accidental exposure to the laser beam or its reection, those using
the system have to wear laser safety glasses as required by the wavelength being generated.
Laser safety glasses can present a hazard as well as a benet; while
they protect the eye from potentially damaging exposure, they
block light at the laser wavelengths, which prevents the operator
from seeing the beam. Therefore, use extreme caution even when
using safety glasses.
6. Avoid direct exposure to the laser light. The intensity of the beam can possibly cause esh
burns or ignite clothing.
7. Extreme care must be taken during alignment procedures with the free laser beam. Always
start alignment with a beam attenuated to a level that allows for save handling.
Caution! When opening the optical head top cover a laser beam
might emerge in upward direction if the input beam to the unit is
not properly blocked nor the laser switched OFF.
1.2. Electrical Safety
The PulseScout2 uses DC voltages in the controller and in the optical head. All units are designed
to be operated with protective covers in place.
The device complies with protection Class III / EN 61140:2007, degree of ingress protection IP20,
according to EN 60529:2010.
For the connection of the controller and the optical head only
the delivered cable may be used. It is only allowed to run the
PulseScout2 with the delivered power supply.
Use only the PulseScout2 controller and the optical head that have
been delivered together. The units are electronically tted to one
another. Connection of other units might cause damage of the
delay drive and electronic components.
Users are not recommended to open the PulseScout2 controller
housing. Opening the housing is only allowed for trained service
personnel. In case it is necessary to open the housing for service
purposes the device has to be disconnected from the power sup-
ply.
PulseScout2 Version 1.1 9 July 2015

1. Safety Instructions
It is only allowed for the user to open the top cover of the optical
head housing as described in the Paragraph 3.5.2 on page 20 to
exchange the detector unit. In this case, the device has to be
switched OFF and disconnected from the power supply.
Caution! High voltages can occur at the photomultiplier detector
unit and its power supply.
1.3. Electromagnetic Compatibility
The European requirements for Electromagnetic Compliance (EMC) are specied in the EMC Di-
rective (published in 2004/108/EC). Conformance (EMC) is achieved through compliance with the
harmonized standards EN 61000. Compliance of the PulseScout2 autocorrelator system with the
(EMC) requirements are certied by the CE mark (see Appendix for CE Certicate).
PulseScout2 Version 1.1 10 July 2015

2. Description and Specications
2. Description and Specications
2.1. Description and Intended Use
The PulseScout2 autocorrelator is a exible device used to measure the pulse duration of a variety
of laser systems emitting trains of femtosecond (fs) and picosecond (ps) pulses. It is designed for
operation under laboratory conditions, that is, in closed, dry, and low-dust rooms installed on an
optical table or a similar stable vibration-free base.
The autocorrelator PulseScout2 is based on the principle of intensity autocorrelation. It consists
of three components:
1. PulseScout2 optical head
2. scoutLink controller
3. Control Software
Figure 2.1.: PulseScout2 optical head (left) and scoutLink Controller Unit (right)
The Control Software is operated on a computer with Microsoft Windows operating system (the
computer is not included in the delivery).
The Controller Unit comprises the necessary drivers, ampliers and power supply for the optical
head. The Controller Unit itself is powered by an external power supply and acts as interlink
between the optical head and a computer. Figure 2.1 shows the PulseScout2 optical head and the
scoutLink Unit. User interaction and control of the system is performed at the computer through
the scoutLink Software.
PulseScout2 Version 1.1 11 July 2015

2. Description and Specications
2.2. Specications
2.2.1. Optical Parameters
Base unit PSCOUT2-BASE
Wavelength range 420 - 1600 nm
PSCOUT2-BLUE-PD PSCOUT2-RED-PD PSCOUT2-NIR-PD PSCOUT2-IR-PD
Wavelength range 420 - 550 nm 520 - 750 nm 700 - 1100 nm 1100 - 1600 nm
PSCOUT2-BLUE-PMT PSCOUT2-RED-PMT PSCOUT2-NIR-PMT PSCOUT2-IR-PMT
Wavelength range 420 - 550 nm 520 - 750 nm 700 - 1100 nm 1100 - 1600 nm
Suggested detector type Depending on laser repetition rate:
PD < 1 MHz and PMT > 1 MHz repetition rate
Scan range 150 fs - 15 ps
(150 fs, 500 fs, 1.5 ps, 5 ps, 15 ps)
Measureable pulse width 20 - 3500 fs (selectable ranges)
For all detector types
Min. input power > 2 mW
Max. input power < 250 mW or < 1 µJ(which ever results in the lower average power)
Repetition rate 300 Hz to 10 GHz,
of input laser PMT detector suggested above 1 MHz
Linearity 1 % of actual scan range
Polarization Linear / horizontal
Beam characteristics diameter > 2 mm 1/e2
PC interface USB 2.0
Remote control TCP/IP (SCPI Standard) via Control Software
Trigger Input level 0.1 ... 5 Vrms 50 Ω
0.1 ... 8 Vpp 1 kΩ
impedance 50 Ω/ 1 kΩ
repetition rate 300 Hz ... 50 kHz
width > 50 ns
Dimensions see Figures 2.2 & 2.3
Table 2.1.: Specications
PulseScout2 Version 1.1 12 July 2015

2. Description and Specications
Figure 2.2.: Optical head outline drawing, front and top view in mm [inch]
PulseScout2 Version 1.1 13 July 2015

2. Description and Specications
Figure 2.3.: Controller outline drawing, front and top view in mm [inch]
2.3. Requirements to the Control Computer
Minimum system requirements:
ˆWindows 7 1
ˆ500 MB hard disc space
ˆPentium IV or equivalent processor
ˆ2 GB of RAM
ˆUSB port
ˆScreen resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels
1Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
PulseScout2 Version 1.1 14 July 2015

2. Description and Specications
The PulseScout2 is intended for indoor operation, in dry and dust
reduced rooms. It has to be rmly installed on an optical table or
on a similar solid, vibration-free board.
Ambient conditions must be observed during transportation, storage, installation and operation.
Ensure reasonable transport conditions, free of major shocks, jolt or fall; protect against frost.
Use original packing material for relocation. Allow at least six hours for acclimatization of all
components before operating the device.
Ambient temperature during transportation: - 30 ... + 50 ◦C
Relative humidity during transportation: 10 % ... 80 %, no condensation
Ambient temperature during operation: + 18 ... + 27 ◦C
Relative humidity during operation: < 60 %, no condensation
PulseScout2 Version 1.1 15 July 2015

3. Installation
3. Installation
3.1. Contents of Delivery
PulseScout2 base unit - consisting of:
ˆscoutLink controller
ˆPulseScout2 optical head
ˆ25-pin D-Sub connection cable for the optical head
ˆUSB cable type "A-B"
ˆTrigger input cable
ˆAlignment base
ˆFoot clamps (3x)
ˆM6 screw
ˆNylon washer
ˆ12-V DC power supply (US)
ˆDetector ansh (mounted)
ˆM4 screw (mounted)
ˆPulseScout2 user manual
ˆCerticate of Calibration
ˆUSB Flash Drive, including installation software
ˆFinal Test Protocol
PulseScout2 detector module incl. crystal (packed separately)
3.2. Inspection on Receiving
On receipt of the PulseScout2 autocorrelator system:
1. Inspect the packing material for signs of rough handling or damage directly at arrival.
If you discover any irregularities:
ˆTake photographs of the condition of the package, the labels and the inside of the box,
if necessary.
ˆInform your PulseScout2 vendor immediately.
2. Use safe lifting practices.
3. Allow at least six hours for acclimatization of all components before unpacking and operating
the device.
4. Unpack the PulseScout2 system.
5. It is suggested to retain the packaging for future use.
PulseScout2 Version 1.1 16 July 2015

3. Installation
3.3. System Controls and Indicators
Figure 3.1.: PulseScout2 optical head - beam distance screw and detector module (left), focus
position screw (middle), shutter buttons S1, S2 and crystal mount cover (right)
1 POWER power switch
2 AUX auxiliary connector (not used)
3 TRIGGER IN trigger input
4 DC IN DC power connector (connect to 12-V DC power adapter)
5 USB USB connector (connect to PC)
6 Status LED
7 OPTICS 25-pin D-Sub connector (connect to optical head)
Figure 3.2.: scoutLink controls and connectors
The scoutLink has a status LED that indicates its condition as listed in the table below:
PulseScout2 Version 1.1 17 July 2015

3. Installation
LED status scoutLink condition / status
OFF scoutLink off
RED Hardware selftest after powering on (approx. 1...2 sec)
RED (blinking) Optical head not connected or wrong optical head
YELLOW scoutLink is performing a selftest, connection with Control Software not
(yet) established
GREEN Optical head detected and connection with Control Software established
CYAN Service only: Bootloader activated (approx. 1 sec)
1 Crystal mount cover
2 Beam shutter S1
3 Beam shutter S2
Figure 3.3.: PulseScout2 optical head - beam shutters and crystal mount cover
3.4. Installation of the scoutLink Control Software
Important: Before connecting and turning on the scoutLink please
follow the instructions below to install the software rst.
The PulseScout2 is controlled via the scoutLink Controller Unit. Hence the rst step before
using the PulseScout2 autocorrelator is to install the included scoutLink Control Software on your
system. For requirements to the computer refer to Section 2.3 on page 14.
Proceed as follows:
PulseScout2 Version 1.1 18 July 2015

3. Installation
1. Insert the USB Flash Drive that was included with your PulseScout2 into the USB port of your
computer.
2. Navigate to the Flash Drive and start the "setup.exe" via the Windows Explorer.
3. Follow the instructions during installation of the software. Note: After installation of the
Control Software is automatically prompted to install the appropriate font.
3.5. Installation of the Optical Head
You will need at least one detector module incl. crystal to use the PulseScout2 for autocorrela-
tion measurements. If you have purchased more than one detector module make sure that the
one tting your laser wavelength range is mounted. If the suitable detector module is not al-
ready mounted, install the desired detector module as described below in the Paragraphs 3.5.1
"Mounting / Exchange of the SHG Crystal" and 3.5.2 "Exchange of the Detector Unit". Upon delivery
the SHG crystal is packed separately and must be installed in any case before starting the rst
measurement.
3.5.1. Mounting / Exchange of the SHG Crystal
Upon delivery there is no crystal installed in the optical head of the PulseScout2 . It comes in a
separate box to protect it from damage and has to be installed before using the PulseScout2 for
the rst time. Please note that you will need to order at least one detector module in addition to
the base unit in order for the PulseScout2 to work. As the measurable wavelength range depends
on the choice of crystal it may also be necessary to exchange the crystal module at a later time in
order to adapt the measurement range to your needs.
To install or exchange the crystal module proceed as follows:
Caution! A laser beam may emerge in an upward direction when
opening the optical head top cover, if the unit is not properly
blocked nor the laser switched off.
1. Block or switch off the laser beam.
2. Switch off controller.
3. Remove the thumb screw and pull open the lid (see Figure 3.4 on page 19).
4. In order to exchange the crystal module, pull it out (as the crystal module is delivered in a
separate box, this is not necessary if the crystal module is mounted for the rst time).
5. Insert new crystal module (see Figure 3.5 on page 20).
6. Close crystal lid.
7. Turn on controller.
Figure 3.4.: Base unit without top cover. With mounted crystal (left) and without crystal (right)
PulseScout2 Version 1.1 19 July 2015

3. Installation
Figure 3.5.: Crystal module
3.5.2. Exchange of the Detector Unit
Please note that you will need at least one detector module additionally to the PulseScout2 base
unit in order to make successful measurements. The detector module is not mounted upon delivery
and must thus be installed before using the PulseScout2 autocorrelator. In order to do so, please
remove all packaging and follow the instructions below.
If you have purchased more than one detector module, make sure that the correct detector unit
is installed. It must match the laser repetition rate. If in doubt, check with the list of available
detector modules (See also Table 2.1 on page 12). Change the detector unit, if necessary, according
to the instructions in this paragraph.
Caution! Do not expose the PMT of the detector module to intense
light!
Caution! High voltages can occur at the PMT detector module and
its power supply if electrical power is not properly switched OFF.
1. Switch OFF the laser or block the incident laser beam.
2. Switch OFF the scoutLink controller and disconnect it from the power supply.
3. Detach the 25-pin D-Sub cable from the optical head
4. Remove the detector unit by loosening the two thumb screws (see Figure 3.6 on page 21).
5. Insert the new detector into the autocorrelator and fasten both thumb screws.
6. Reconnect the power supply and turn on the controller.
PulseScout2 Version 1.1 20 July 2015