Ophir-Spiricon IBP-YAG Series User manual

Serial No_______________________
IBP - YAG
Users Guide
Version No. 1.0
Ophir-Spiricon Inc.
60 W. 1000 N. Main
Logan, UT 84321
For Sales, Service or Technical Support
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email [email protected]
Email [email protected]
©Copyright 2008, Ophir-Spiricon Inc., Logan, UT
Manual No 11117-001
Document No 11116-001 Rev B
IBP-YAG General Information A-1

A-2 General IBP-YAGInformation
Notice
© 2008 Ophir-Spiricon Inc. All Rights Reserved. Ophir-Spiricon Inc. reserves the right to
make improvements in the product described in this manual at any time and without notice.
All rights to the product and any accompanying operators manuals are reserved. While every
precaution has been taken in the preparation of this product, the publisher and author assume no
responsibility for errors, omissions, or any loss of data because of said errors or omissions.
Ultracal is a registered trademark of Ophir-Spiricon Inc.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 General Information___________________________ 1-1
1.1 How To Use This Manual______________________________________1-1
1.2 IBP System Components______________________________________1-1
1.3 Specifications_______________________________________________1-2
1.3.1 Operating Limits ______________________________________________ 1-2
1.3.2 Damage Limits _______________________________________________ 1-2
1.3.3 Environmental________________________________________________ 1-2
1.3.4 Electrical Requirements ________________________________________ 1-2
1.3.5 Facilities Requirements_________________________________________ 1-2
1.3.6 Physical Dimensions ___________________________________________ 1-3
1.4 Connections and Controls _____________________________________1-4
1.5 Safety_____________________________________________________1-6
1.5.1 Precautions for safe operation ___________________________________ 1-6
Chapter 2 Setup and Operation___________________________ 2-1
2.1 Unpacking the equipment _____________________________________2-1
2.1.1 Optional Cart system __________________________________________ 2-1
2.2 Setting up the IBP-YAG_______________________________________2-1
2.2.1 Frame Grabber and Software Setup_______________________________ 2-1
2.2.2 Connections _________________________________________________ 2-1
2.3 Frame Grabber Setup ________________________________________2-2
2.3.1 Refer to yourLBA-PC Operators Manual ___________________________ 2-2
2.3.2 Starting LBA-PC for the first time_________________________________ 2-2
2.3.3 Choose an initial Setup_________________________________________ 2-2
2.3.4 Verify that the system is operating._______________________________ 2-3
2.4 Prepare the laser for collecting data_____________________________2-3
2.5 Begin data collection _________________________________________2-5
2.5.1 Troubleshooting ______________________________________________ 2-5
2.6 Taking measurements________________________________________2-5
2.6.1 Software Settings _____________________________________________ 2-5
2.6.2 Calibration___________________________________________________ 2-6
Chapter 3 Maintenance and Storage_______________________ 3-1
3.1 Storing and transporting the IBP-YAG ___________________________3-1
3.2 Cleaning and Replacing Optics _________________________________3-1
3.2.1 Cleaning the sampling optics ____________________________________ 3-1
3.2.2 Removing and Replacing the sampling optics _______________________ 3-3
Appendix A Cooling Water Requirements ____________________ A-1
Appendix B Laser settings ________________________________ B-1
B.1 Maximum Power Settings ____________________________________ B-1
B.2 Initial IBP-YAG attenuation settings.____________________________ B-2
Appendix C Calibration Information ________________________ C-2
IBP-YAG General Information A-3

Information
Chapter 1 General Information
The IBP-YAG system is a precision instrument designed to measure critical parameters of High
Power Industrial type laser beams. As is indicated by the name it is optimized for 1064 nm YAG
lasers.
The IBP-YAG includes a measurement head for use on lasers of greater than 2 Watts and up to
4000 watts. The instrument is designed to measure collimated beams only, any focusing optics
must be removed before attempting any measurements.
There are three Models of IBP-YAG.
IBP-YAG for beam sizes from 1 to 4 millimeters.
IBP-YAG for beam sizes from 4 to 16 millimeters.
IBP-YAG for beam sizes from 8 to 30 millimeters.
The IBP-YAG measurement head is used in conjunction with the Spiricon Inc. software package
LBA-PC, which provides a complete, easy to use, highly graphical interface.
Each instrument is shipped with a serial number keyed setup file that contains specific calibration
information used by the software application.
Appendix C contains specific calibration information for your particular IBP-YAG unit.
1.1 How To Use This Manual
We suggest that you read this manual before setting up your IBP-YAG to become familiar with
the setup and use procedures. We also suggest that you read the software manual to become
familiar with the controls and the measurements provided.
Chapter 1 contains general Information and specifications of the IBP-YAG.
Chapter 2 contains setup and operating instructions.
Chapter 3 contains maintenance and storage information.
1.2 IBP System Components
The IBP-YAG system consists of the following components:
A measurement head that is placed in the laser beam’s path to attenuate the laser beam to a
measurable level and convert the laser’s energy profile into an electronic video signal. A water-
cooled beam dump absorbs the excess laser energy.
A Computer system with a Spiricon Inc. Frame Grabber Card and an LBA-PC software package
installed. The frame grabber card controls the Measurement head and digitizes the video signal.
An optional cart system with a built in heat exchanger and computer is available to make the
system more mobile.
If the system was purchased complete, the software and the frame grabber card will be installed in
the purchased computer. All files with specific hardware information will have been installed. The
IBP-YAG will have been connected and tested.
If the system was purchased to be used with an existing computer, the software and the frame
grabber card will need to be installed in the users computer before connecting the IPB-YAG.
IBP-YAG General 1-1

1-2 General IBP-YAGInformation
1.3 Specifications
1.3.1 Operating Limits
Beam Diameter: 1 to 4 mm model IBP-YAG 4mm
4 to 16 mm model IBP-YAG 16mm
8 to 30 mm model IBP-YAG 30mm
Beam Power: 4000 Watts Max
Pulse Rate: CW to 60Hz
Wavelength 1064 nm
1.3.2 Damage Limits
Optics: 100 kiloWatts/cm²
Beam Dump: 4000 Watts average power
Operating the measurement head with incorrect attenuation settings may damage the video sensor
even though the input beam is below the damage threshold of the optics
1.3.3 Environmental
Storage Temperature: -30oC to +65oC (-22°F to 150°F)
Storage Humidity: 95% max. (non-condensing)
Note: When storage temperature may drop below 5°C, all cooling water must be removed
from the unit to prevent damage due to freezing.
————————————————————————
Operating Temperature: 10oC to 50oC (50°F to 122°F)
Operating Humidity: 90% max. (non-condensing)
Note: In high humidity conditions where the cooling water may be chilled to below the dew
point, dry air purge must be provided to prevent condensation from occurring inside the
unit.
1.3.4 Electrical Requirements
Measurement Head: 12VDC @ 500 mA
This power is supplied from the computer, through the camera cable.
1.3.5 Facilities Requirements
Purge Gas: (Optional) 5 liters/min (.18 STD cubic feet/min) of nitrogen or oil free air
with a dew point 10°C lower than the cooling water temperature.
Cooling Water: 3 liters/min (.8 gallon/min), 200 kPa (30 psi) max. See
appendix A

1.3.6 Physical Dimensions
Weight: 12 kg (26 lb)
Dimensions: 24 x 50 x 32 cm (9.6” x 19.5” x 12.6”)
17.8cm
(7.0")
32.1cm
(12.6")
22.8cm
(9.0")
26.0cm
(10.2")
48.4cm (19.1")
24.3cm
(9.6")
19.7cm
(7.8")
45.7cm (18.0")
Figure 1-1 Overall Dimensions
IBP-YAG General Information 1-3

1.4 Connections and Controls
1
2
7
3
4
5
6
Figure 1-2 The IBP-YAG rear panel
1. Power
Power is supplied to the IBP-YAG from the computer via the LBA-7xx frame grabber card
and the supplied cable.
2. Video
A standard BNC cable to connect the IBP-YAG to the LBA-7xx frame grabber card.
3. Cooling Water Inlet
4. Cooling Water Outlet
These fittings are standard barbed hose connectors for 5/16” ID Hose.
Refer to appendix A for water flow and temperature requirements.
5. Attenuation – Coarse
6. Attenuation – Fine
These knobs will increase/decrease the attenuation of the sampled beam.
7. Purge Gas
Optional dry air / nitrogen purge.
1-4 General Information IBP-YAG

Figure 1-3 The IBP-YAG top panel
8. Beam Input Aperture
Slide the knob toward the back as indicated to open the shutter. Leave the shutter closed
except when the laser is directed into this opening.
9. Shutter Release
Lift up on the top handle to close the shutter.
10. Bubble Level
11. Leveling Adjusters
Use the leveling adjusters to level the instrument as indicated by the bubble level.
Figure 1-4 IBP-YAG leveling adjustments
IBP-YAG General Information 1-5

1-6 General IBP-YAGInformation
1.5 Safety
The IBP-YAG is intended for use with high power YAG lasers. Precautions must be taken to
prevent accidental exposure to reflected and scattered beams. The safe use of high power lasers
requires that everyone near a laser be aware of the dangers involved.
1.5.1 Precautions for safe operation
•Keep the open beam path as short as possible. When practical, enclose the entire beam
path or set up shields to block reflections.
•Wear the appropriate protective eyewear when operating the laser.
•Do not set up the IBP-YAG or any optical components at eye level.
•Do not wear reflective jewelry or watches while operating this equipment to reduce the
possibility of causing accidental reflections.
•Establish a controlled area around the laser while in operation. Post prominent signs near
the laser operation area and limit access to individuals who are trained in laser safety.
•Use an IR detector or energy detector to verify that the laser is off before working on or
moving the equipment
•Keep the ambient light levels around the laser as high as practical. This will cause eye
pupils to constrict and reduce the possibility of hazardous eye exposure.

Setup and Operation
Chapter 2 Setup and Operation
2.1 Unpacking the equipment
The IBP-YAG has been carefully packed for shipment. If the container arrives damaged in any way,
please contact the shipper. Inspect each item as it is unpacked, looking for dents, scratches or other
damage. If damage is evident , immediately file a claim against the carrier and notify Spiricon.
2.1.1 Optional Cart system
If ordered, the cart system will be shipped separately and will include separate unpacking and setup
instructions.
2.2 Setting up the IBP-YAG
2.2.1 Frame Grabber and Software Setup
The IBP-YAG operates in conjunction with Spiricon’s LBA-PC software program and LBA-7xx frame
grabber. If the IBP-YAG was ordered with a computer system, the software and frame grabber card will
already be installed in the computer. If you are installing the frame grabber yourself, please refer to the
LBA-PC Operator’s Manual for instructions.
2.2.2 Connections
Figure 2-1
IBP-YAG 2-1

2-2 IBP-YAGSetup and Operation
2.2.2.1 Cooling Water connection
See Figures 1-2 and 2-1
The IBP-YAG requires a reliable source of cooling water for proper operation. This can be a re-circulating
heat exchanger, chilled facilities cooling water, city water, etc.
Connect the “Cooling Water In” fitting to the cooling water source. Connect the “cooling water out” to a
return or a drain depending on your system. These fittings are standard barbed hose connectors for
5/16” ID Hose.
A set of cooling hoses are included with the IBP-YAG. If extension or replacement of the cooling hoses is
required, replace with the same type.
Refer to appendix A for cooling water requirements and flow rates.
2.2.2.2 Purge Gas connection
See Figures 1-2 and 2-1
A purge gas connection is available on the IBP-YAG. The use of purge gas will help keep the optics
cleaner and increase the effective lifetime of the primary sampling optics. If the IBP-YAG will be
operated in high humidity conditions or where the cooling water will be near the Dew point of the
ambient air, The Purge gas is required to prevent condensation on the optics and subsequent damage.
To make this connection, remove the plug from the back of the instrument and replace it with an 1/8”
NPT hose fitting. Connect to a supply of clean dry nitrogen or air at about 5 psi.
2.2.2.3 Power and Video connection
See Figures 1-2 and 2-1
Connect the supplied cables between the Frame Grabber Card in the computer and the IBP-YAG.
2.3 Frame Grabber Setup
2.3.1 Refer to you LBA-PC Operators Manual
Follow the equipment setup section, Chapter 2, in the supplied LBA-PC Operator’s Manual. This will
instruct you on how to install the LBA frame grabber card that came with you IBP system. When you’ve
completed Step 3, which installs LBA-PC software, return here to this manual to start operating with the
IBP head.
2.3.2 Starting LBA-PC for the first time
Before running LBA-PC application, you may want to take a few moments to examine the LBA-PC
operators manual and the contents of the Readme.txt file included with the software. This will inform
you of any last minute changes or errata to LBA-PC application.
From the Windows Start menu,
Select: Start | Programs | Spiricon | LBA-PC | Run LBA-PC.
2.3.3 Choose an initial Setup
The first time you start LBA-PC, it will open in a default configuration. To make it operate
correctly with your IBP hardware you will need to select a configuration (.cfg) setup file that
matches the model of your IBP optical system.

Two setup files have been provided with each IBP-YAG measurement head. The setup files
contain calibration information and are unique to each IBP-YAG head. The setup files are
associated with the serial number of the IBP-YAG hardware in the form:
~YAG<Serial number>_CW.cfg or
~YAG<Serial number>_PULSED.cfg
For the initial checkout, select the ‘CW’ setup file. If you have more than one measurement
head, make sure that you select the file with the serial number matching the IBP hardware.
To select the configuration file click: File, Restore Config…, and the …CW.cfg file shown.
2.3.4 Verify that the system is operating.
Click Start! If everything is working correctly LBA-PC will automatically start collecting data from
the detector and displaying it on the screen. Since we aren’t using a laser yet, the Beam display
window will be dark.
The first indications you will have that frames are being accepted from the detector are
the displayed results on the left side of the screen and the frame counter in the bottom
right hand corner of the screen. If the numbers in the results are changing and the
frame counter is incrementing, then LBA-PC is accepting frames from the detector, even
though no beam is shown on the display.
If the software does not appear to be collecting frames, verify that LBA-PC is operating in
CW mode. Click Stop!. Open the Options, Capture… dialog box and under Method
select the Continuous option. Then click OK.
If there still is no indication of operation, verify in the lower status bar that the Video “V”
enunciator is illuminated Green. If this indicator is red, it is an indication that the frame
grabber is not seeing an operating camera. In this case, refer to the troubleshooting
sections of the software manual or contact the Spiricon Service Dept.
2.4 Prepare the laser for collecting data
Follow these steps to prepare the laser for taking measurements.
•Verify that the operating settings for the laser will cause the power levels and beam size to fall
within the ranges indicated in Appendix B. You may want to use a lower output power while
aligning the IBP-YAG to the laser
•Remove any focusing optics from the delivery system of the laser.
The IBP-YAG is designed to operate with collimated lasers
only. Using a focused Laser beam with the IBP-YAG will
damage the instrument.
•If the laser is equipped with assist gas, temporarily disable the gas delivery.
•The computer system must be set up close enough to the laser so that the cables will reach to
the IBP-YAG. Place the IBP-YAG on the work surface with the input aperture under the beam
delivery tube. Route the hoses and cables out of the way. Make sure that the controls on the
back of the IBP-YAG are accessible.
•Level the IBP-YAG using the leveling adjusters and bubble level. Center the input aperture of the
IBP-YAG in the beam path. If the laser is equipped with a visible aiming beam, use it on the
IBP-YAG Setup and Operation 2-3

alignment target on the shutter to center the beam. Note: The alignment beam can not be
viewed by the instrument.
•Take any safety measures necessary to avoid exposing personnel to the laser beam. Refer to
section 1.5 for safety recommendations.
•Make sure that the purge air and cooling water are running. In high humidity conditions or when
using chilled cooling water, run the purge air for 10 min before starting the cooling water.
•Set fine attenuation knob to the minimum position by turning the knob clockwise until it stops.
The attenuation knobs each have 5 positions separated by 180° (1/2 Turn). A detent will be felt
as you turn the knob to the correct position. Set the coarse attenuation knob to the position
indicated by the table of attenuation settings in appendix B for the anticipated beam diameter
and power.
2-4 Setup and Operation IBP-YAG

2.5 Begin data collection
•If the program is not already running, start the LBA-PC software on the computer by Clicking on
the Windows ‘Start’ button, then ‘Programs’, ‘Spiricon’, ‘LBA-PC’, and ‘run LBA-PC’. When
the program starts, verify that the correct configuration file is being used… the name of the
configuration file in the title bar should match the serial number of the IBP-YAG head.
Click Start! and the LBA software will begin capturing video frames from the IBP-YAG
immediately. If your laser is pulsed, the image may be flashing on and off in the display. This is
normal when the software is in Continuous Capture Method mode.
•Open the Shutter on the IBP-YAG by sliding the knob on the input aperture towards the back of
the instrument.
Never attempt to block the laser beam by closing the IBP-
YAG shutter. The IBP-YAG shutter is not designed to
handle high energy beams and doing so will damage the
instrument.
•Start the Laser
•The LBA-PC should immediately change to display the laser beam hitting the detector. If the
alignment of the IBP-YAG and the attenuation settings were close, you should see the image of
the laser beam on the display
•Adjust the attenuation: Decrease or increase the coarse attenuation until the beam is just
saturated (portions of the displayed beam will turn white when saturated). Increase the fine
attenuation until beam is just below saturation.
•Center the Beam image in the display by adjusting the leveling adjusters and/or moving the
instrument to center the beam in the input aperture.
2.5.1 Troubleshooting
If the beam image is not visible when the laser is started, the instrument may be too severely misaligned
for the laser energy to reach the detector, or the attenuation may be set too high.
•Verify the alignment of the instrument. Use an IR detector to verify that the laser beam enters
the center of the IBP-YAG input aperture. If the laser beam is not vertical when it exits the
delivery system, you may need to adjust the orientation of the instrument to match.
•Verify the attenuation settings. Verify that both of the attenuation knobs are in detent positions.
Verify that the coarse attenuation knob is not in the highest (fully clockwise) position. Check the
actual output of the laser with a power meter.
2.6 Taking measurements
This section contains the basic procedures to obtain accurate results from the IBP-YAG. See the software
manual for more information.
2.6.1 Software Settings
Select the Computations dialog box and select the calculations that you wish the software to perform. In
addition to the calculation settings, make sure that ‘Laser Type’ matches your laser; CW or Pulsed. Refer
IBP-YAG Setup and Operation 2-5

2-6 IBP-YAGSetup and Operation
to the software manual for more information on the calculation and monitoring capabilities of the
software.
2.6.2 Calibration
Before attempting to take accurate measurements with the IBP-YAG, the instrument must be
calibrated with no energy on the detector. The following steps will calibrate the sensor for maximum
accuracy.
1. If the software is collecting data Click on the Stop! menu item.
2. Block the laser energy from reaching the detector by turning the coarse attenuation knob
counterclockwise until it stops, by closing the laser’s shutter, or by turning the laser off.
Never attempt to block the laser beam by closing the IBP-
YAG shutter. The IBP-YAG shutter is not designed to
handle high energy beams and doing so will damage the
instrument.
3. Click on the ‘Ultracal’ menu item. The software will perform a calibration cycle to compensate
for background energy and shading in the detector. This process may take up to 30 seconds.
4. After the Ultracal process is finished, click Start! to begin collecting data. If you turned the laser
off, turn it back on. If you closed the laser’s shutter, open it now. Turn the coarse attenuation
knob back to it’s previous position. After a calibration cycle, you may need to make a minor
adjustment to the attenuation to return the sensor to below saturation levels.

Maintenance and Storage
Chapter 3 Maintenance and Storage
3-1
3.1 Storing and transporting the IBP-YAG
If the IBP-YAG will be stored for an extended time, transported, or will be exposed to freezing
temperatures, the cooling water must be drained to avoid damage.
Disconnect the electrical and signal cables from the IBP-YAG. Disconnect the Cooling water
lines and drain the water into a collection basin. To completely drain the water from the
instrument, it will be necessary to invert the instrument so that the water outlet is lower than
the inlet.
3.2 Cleaning and Replacing Optics
The Primary sampling mirror must be kept clean and dust free to avoid damaging the coating. Any
contamination will increase the absorption of laser energy and lower the damage threshold when
exposed to a high power beam
To reduce the risk of damage to the IBP-YAG optics
and minimize the amount of cleaning required, keep
the shutter closed whenever not actually taking
measurements. Using Purge Air in the IBP-YAG can
also reduce the amount of dust that collects on the
sampling optics.
3.2.1 Cleaning the sampling optics
To remove small amounts of dust from the primary sampling mirror, open the shutter and use
photographic type canned air and lens brushes to carefully clean the sampling mirror. Use care to
avoid transferring dust deeper into the instrument. Using purge air during this procedure will
greatly reduce the possibility of transferring dust to other optical elements.
Avoid using shop air to clean optics because it often
contains water and/or oil. These can create
absorbing films on the optics and destroy the
coatings.
If this procedure does not remove the debris, the unit will need to be partially disassembled to
remove and clean the optics. Follow the procedure in the next section to disassemble and remove
the primary optics for cleaning.
Great Care should be taken when handling optics. Observe the following precautions to reduce the
chance of damage:
•Wear powder free rubber/latex gloves or finger cots when handling optics. Skin oils can
contaminate the coatings and may cause permanent damage.
•Always place optics on lens tissues for protection.
•never place optics on hard or rough surfaces. The coatings are easily scratched.
•Use high quality lens tissues. The use of reagent grade acetone and isopropanol is
recommended.
IBP-YAG

Cleaning procedure:
1. Blow off the surface of the optic with an air bulb or photographic type canned air. Blow as
close to parallel to the optic as possible to push the contaminates off the glass. This step
should remove any large particles from the surface. If the surfaces are still contaminated,
continue to step 2
Figure 3-1
2. Lay a piece of lens tissue flat on the optic. Using an eyedropper, squeeze a few drops of
acetone or isopropanol onto the lens tissue, wetting the entire surface of the optic.
Without lifting the lens tissue, drag the tissue across the optic just fast enough so that the
solvent evaporates behind the tissue. Discard the lens tissue after one use. Reusing the
tissue will just transfer the contaminants back onto the optic.
3. Inspect the optic. If the surface is not clean, repeat Step 2. If a contaminate is not
removed in two or three attempts, it is possible that the surface has been permanently
damaged. If it is necessary to repeat step 2, always drag in the same direction.
3-2 IBP-YAGMaintenance and Storage

3.2.2 Removing and Replacing the sampling optics
Replacement of the sampling optics involves partial disassembly of the IBP-YAG. The following
procedure will allow access to the sampling optics for cleaning or replacement.
Remove the Leveling Plate to allow access to the bottom of the instrument. The Leveling Plate
may be removed by carefully prying down on the plate next to each of the leveling feet The studs
of the leveling feet will pop out of the pads attached to the plate.
Remove the screws in the cover and remove the cover by sliding back and up.
Figure 3-2
IBP-YAG Maintenance and Storage 3-3

Remove the indicated screws to release the front panel. Remove the thumbscrew and spacer from
the shutter.
Figure 3-3
Slide the front panel and shutter away from the instrument. The shutter is attached to the front
panel with 2 springs. Do not let the shutter or springs touch the sampling mirror.
Figure 3-4
The Mirrors may be removed by removing 3 screws and clamps. After cleaning the mirrors replace
them on the mirror holders and secure with the original screws and clamps. The mirrors must be
3-4 Maintenance and Storage IBP-YAG

replaced with the mirrored side UP. The mirrored side is not always easy to identify, it is indicated
with an arrow mark on the edge of the mirror.
Figure 3-5
Before reassembly make sure that all mechanical and optical surfaces are clean and free of dust.
Reassemble the instrument by following the steps in reverse order.
IBP-YAG 3-5Maintenance and Storage