Spectra-Physics InSight X3 User manual

InSight® X3TM Laser System
User’s Manual
Widely Tunable, Ultra-Fast, Solid-State Laser System
Spectra-Physics
3635 Peterson Way
Santa Clara, CA 95054
Part Number 90082563
August 2017
Revision A
This laser product with performance standards
of United States Code of Federal Regulations,
Title 21, Chapter 1 – Food and Drug
Administration, Department of Health and
Human Services, Subchapter J – Parts
1040.10 or 1040.11, as applicable.

© 2017 by Newport Corporation, Santa Clara, CA. All rights reserved. Nopart of thismanual may be reproduced
or copied without the prior written approval of Newport Corporation.
Spectra-Physics, Newport, InSight, X3, and the Spectra-Physics logo are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Newport Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
MKS, the MKS logo, MKS Instruments, Inc, and others are trade names, trademarks, and service marks of MKS
Instruments, Inc. and cannot be used without the permission of MKS Instruments.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
It is Newport’s policy tocomply with applicable export laws and regulations, including U.S. export laws. Products
manufactured by Newport, including technical information required for the use of such Products, are subject to
compliance with all U.S. export laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations
administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, and may not be exported
or re-exported in violation of such regulations.
Spectra-Physics makes no express or implied representations or warranties with respect to the contents or use
of this manual, and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose. In no event is Spectra-Physics liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential
damages resulting from any defects in this documentation.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. Spectra-Physics further
reserves the right to revise this manual and to make changes to its contents at any time, without obligation to
notify any person or entity of such revisions or changes.
If you encounter any difficulty with the content or style of this manual or encounter problems with the laser itself,
please let us know. “Report Form for Problems and Solutions” aids in bringing such issues to our attention.

iii
Preface
About this Guide
This manual contains information needed to safely operate your InSight® X3™laser
system.
This product has been tested and found to conform to the provisions of Directive
2006/95/EC governing product safety and to the provisions of Directive 2004/108/EM
governing electromagnetic compatibility. Refer to the “CE Declaration of Conformity”
in Chapter 2, “Laser Safety and Compliance,” for a complete list of directives to which
this system has been tested and found in compliance.
This product conforms to the requirements of 21 CFR 1040.10 CDRH. This equipment
has been designed and tested to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device
pursuant to 47 CFR Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. All
information in this document is subject to change without notice. Spectra-Physics
makes no representation or warranty, either express or implied, with respect to this
document. In no event is Spectra-Physics liable for any direct, indirect, special,
incidental, or consequential damages resulting from any defects in this documentation.
If you encounter any difficulty with the content or style of this manual, please let us
know. The last page is a form to aid in bringing any such problems to our attention.
Thank you for purchasing Spectra-Physics instruments.
Overview of this Guide
The InSight X3 User’s Manual includes the following sections:
Chapter 1, “Introduction,” contains a brief description of the InSight X3 laser
system, its power supply and chiller and the control devices. It concludes with
specifications and outline drawings.
Chapter 2, “Laser Safety and Compliance,” is an important chapter on laser safety.
The InSight X3 is a Class IV laser and, as such, emits laser radiation that can
permanently damage eyes and skin. This section contains information about these
hazards and offers suggestions on how to safeguard against them, as well as
maintenance that must be performed to keep the system in compliance with CDRH
regulations. To ensure that your system remains in compliance with CDRH
regulations and to minimize the risk of injury or expensive repairs, be sure to read
this chapter and follow the instructions.
Chapter 3, “Controls, Indicators, and Connections,” describes the InSight X3
system controls available to the user.

iv Preface
Chapter 4, “Receiving and Inspecting,” section contains information on how to
inspect your system upon receiving it to make sure that it sustained no damage
during shipment. It also describes what to do if there is damage. Do NOT unpack
your InSight X3 system! A Spectra-Physics service engineer unpacks and installs
your system as part of you purchase agreement.
Chapter 5, “Installation,” lists the site requirements for installation. Do NOT try to
install the InSight X3 system yourself. Doing so voids your warranty and agreement
with Spectra-Physics. A Spectra-Physics service engineer is the only person who
should install or move this system.
Chapter 6, “Operation” contains procedures for operating the laser and includes
descriptions of the Windows-based GUI interface provided with the system.
Chapter 7, “Maintenance and Diagnostics” provides maintenance instructions and
covers some diagnostics that can be used to troubleshoot possible system problems.
Chapter 8, “Customer Service,” includes warranty information and provides
directions for contacting Spectra-Physics in the event a problem should occur.
Should you experience any problems with any equipment purchased from
Spectra-Physics, or if you are in need of technical information or support, please
refer to the list of world-wide Spectra-Physics service centers at the end of this
chapter. Do NOT otherwise try to repair this system!
Appendix A, “Programming Guide,” explains the command/query structure
required for writing your own control program and lists all the commands and
queries that can be used to control the InSight X3 system.
Appendix B, “Status Codes” lists the status codes.
Appendix C, “Mode Locking and GVD Compensation,” describes mode locking,
ultra-short pulse propagation, and dispersion (GVD) compensation.
Appendix D, “Nalco MSDS,” contains the Material Safety Data Sheets.
“Report Form for Problems and Solutions” is our feedback form, which you can use
to report problems with our instruments or documentation, submit comments,
suggest new features, or request more information.
“Log/Notes” provides space to keep track of the service history for your InSight X3
laser.

v
Environmental Specifications
CE Electrical Equipment Requirements
For information regarding the equipment needed to provide the electrical service listed
under “Mechanical/Electrical Requirements” at the end of Chapter 1, refer to
specification IEC 60309, “Plug, Outlet and Socket Couplers for Industrial Uses,” listed
in the official Journal of the European Communities.
Environmental Specifications
The environmental conditions under which the laser system functions are listed below.
These specifications reflect indoor use conditions.
FCC Regulations
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, can cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the
user is required to correct the interference at their own expense.
Table 1-1 Laser head environmental specifications
Feature Specification
Altitude Up to 2000 m
Temperature, operating 20°C to 25°C
Relative humidity, operating Maximum 75% noncondensing up to 25°C
Temperature, storage 15°C to 30°C
Relative humidity, storage <65% for 15°C to 35°C
Cooled water temperature in closed-loop chiller 21°C typical 1
1. Avoid obstructing the air exhaust grills which will result in the recirculation of hot exhaust air. Cooling air
enters through the front panel and exits through the rear fan apertures.

vi Environmental Specifications
CDRH Regulations
This product conforms to the requirements of 21 CFR 1040.10 CDRH.
Modifications to the laser system not expressly approved by
Spectra-Physics could void your right to operate the
equipment.

vii
Warning Conventions
Warning Symbols
The following symbols are used throughout this manual to draw your attention to
situations or procedures that require extra attention. They warn of hazards to your
health, damage to equipment, sensitive procedures, and exceptional circumstances. All
messages are set apart by a thin line above and below the text as shown here.
Laser radiation is present.
Condition or action may present a hazard to personal safety.
Condition or action may present an electrical hazard to
personal safety.
Condition or action may cause damage to equipment.
Action may cause electrostatic discharge and cause damage
to equipment.
Condition or action may cause poor performance or
error.
Text describes exceptional circumstances or makes a special
reference.

viii Warning Conventions
Do not touch.
Appropriate laser safety eyewear should be worn during this
operation.
Refer to the manual before operating or using this device.
Serviceable only by Spectra-Physics factory trained personnel.
Factory Trained

ix
Standard Abbreviations
The following units, prefixes, and abbreviations are used in this Spectra-Physics
manual.
Unit Abbreviations
Quantity Unit Abbreviation
mass kilogram kg
length meter m
time second s
frequency hertz Hz
force newton N
energy joule J
power watt W
electric current ampere A
electric charge coulomb C
electric potential volt V
resistance ohm Ω
inductance henry H
magnetic flux weber Wb
magnetic flux density tesla T
luminous intensity candela cd
temperature Celsius C
pressure pascal Pa
capacitance farad F
angle radian rad

xStandard Abbreviations
Prefixes
Abbreviations and Acronyms
Prefix Power Abbreviation Prefix Power Abbreviation
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
deci (10-1) d femto (10-15) f
centi (10-2) c atto (10-18) a
Abbreviation Description
AC alternating current
AR antireflection
CDRH Center for Devices and Radiological Health
DC direct current
FWHM full width half max (pulse measurement)
fs femtosecond or 10-15 second
GVD group velocity dispersion
IR infrared
ps picosecond or 10-12 second
RF radio frequency
SCFH standard cubic feet per hour
TEM transverse electromagnetic mode
VAC volts, alternating current
VDC volts, direct current
λwavelength
WEEE waste electrical and electronic equipment

xi
Table of Contents
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii
Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Warning Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Standard Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ix
List of Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xv
List of Tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xvii
Chapter 1: Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
InSight X3 Laser System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
IPS-300 Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
ThermoRack 401 Chiller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Control Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Patents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Typical Tuning Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
Outline Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
Laser Head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7
Chapter 2: Laser Safety and Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
Important Safety Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
Safety Precautions for Class IV High Power Lasers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
Safety Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Emission Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Emission Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Shutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Cover Safety Interlocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Interlock Keyswitch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
On/Off AC Power Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
Interlock Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
CDRH Requirements for Operating the Laser System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
Maintenance for CDRH Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
CE/CDRH Radiation Control Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7

xii Table of Contents
CE/CDRH Warning Labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
Label Translations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
WEEE Recycling Label. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11
CE Declaration of Conformity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12
Sources for Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13
Laser Safety Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13
Equipment and Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14
Chapter 3: Controls, Indicators, and Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
Laser Head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
IPS-300 Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Connector Interface Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7
RS-232 Port Connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7
Emission Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7
Safety Interlock Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
Chiller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9
Chapter 4: Receiving and Inspecting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
Inspecting the Shipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
Exterior Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
Packaging Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
If Damage to the Box(es) is Apparent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
Packing the Laser System for Transportation or Return to Spectra-Physics . . . . . . .4-6
Chapter 5: Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
System Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
Site Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
System Installation Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
Chiller Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
Installing the Control Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
Installing the USB Driver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
Installing the GUI Control Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5
Chapter 6: Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1
DeepSee Component. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1

Table of Contents xiii
Objective Tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2
Using the Chiller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3
Operating the System Using the GUI Control Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4
The Left Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5
The Right Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
Turning On the System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
Turning Off the System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-9
Main Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-10
Objectives Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-12
Diagnostics Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-17
About Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-20
Chapter 7: Maintenance and Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1
Chiller Maintenance Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2
Chiller Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2
Chiller Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-5
Preliminary Verification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-5
Troubleshooting Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-5
Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-7
Chapter 8: Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-1
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-1
Instrument Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-2
Service Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-2
Appendix A: Programming Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Command/Query/Response Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-1
Typical Command Usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-2
Commands and Queries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-2
Quick Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-2
Full Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-3
DeepSee Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-9
Using the RS-232 and USB Serial Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-11
Pinout/Wiring for RS-232 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-11
Communications Parameters for RS-232. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-11
Using the USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-12
Appendix B: Status Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Status Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-1

xiv Table of Contents
Appendix C: Mode Locking and GVD Compensation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Mode Locking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Group Velocity Dispersion (GVD). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2
Appendix D: Nalco MSDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
Log/Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Notes-1
Report Form for Problems and Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Form-1
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index-1

xv
List of Figures
Figure 1-1: InSight X3 mode-locked laser system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
Figure 1-2: Typical tuning curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
Figure 1-3: Outline drawing, laser head top view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
Figure 1-4: Outline drawing, laser head, side view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
Figure 1-5: Outline drawing, laser head, front view. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7
Figure 1-6: Outline drawing, laser head, rear view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7
Figure 1-7: Outline drawing, power supply, front view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7
Figure 1-8: Outline drawing, power supply, side (left) and rear (right) views . . . . . . . . . . .1-8
Figure 1-9: Outline drawing, power supply and chiller rack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-8
Figure 2-1: Safety warning labels (EN 60825-1: 2007, ANSI Z136.1 Section 4.7) . . . . . . .2-2
Figure 2-2: Beam block. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Figure 2-3: Laser head emission indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Figure 2-4: EMISSION connector schematic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Figure 2-5: Laser head safety devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Figure 2-6: Power supply safety devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
Figure 2-7: Interlock jumper plug. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
Figure 2-8: CE/CDRH radiation control drawing, laser head, front/top view. . . . . . . . . . . .2-7
Figure 2-9: CE/CDRH radiation control drawing, laser head, rear view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
Figure 2-10: CE/CDRH radiation control drawing, IPS-300 power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9
Figure 2-11: CE/CDRH warning labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
Figure 3-1: Laser head rear panel controls, indicators, and connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
Figure 3-2: Mating interlock connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Figure 3-3: Mating emission connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
Figure 3-4: Typical waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
Figure 3-5: Power supply front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
Figure 3-6: Power supply rear panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Figure 3-7: 9-pin RS-232 port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7
Figure 3-8: Laser head emission connector and circuit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
Figure 3-9: Laser head interlock connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
Figure 4-1: Tilt and shock watches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
Figure 4-2: Crate with latches unfastened. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
Figure 4-3: Open crate showing laser head (top layer) and its cover (middle layer). . . . . .4-3
Figure 4-4: Power supply, chiller, and rack crate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Figure 4-5: Cover removed from the power supply, chiller, and rack crate. . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Figure 4-6: Power supply box shown open with center foam piece removed. . . . . . . . . . .4-5
Figure 4-7: Power supply box shown with inner bag opened . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
Figure 4-8: Chiller box opened with foam pieces removed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6
Figure 5-1: Electrical plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
Figure 5-2: Install screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
Figure 5-3: Installation Successful message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
Figure 5-4: Found New Hardware message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4

xvi List of Figures
Figure 6-1: User interface overview, showing Main tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4
Figure 6-2: GUI shutdown choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5
Figure 6-3: Left panel: standard system showing a fault (left), IR option system (right) . . .6-6
Figure 6-4: Right panel, Main tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
Figure 6-5: Main tab display showing laser on and shutter open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-9
Figure 6-6: Emission on (left); emission off and shutter closed (right). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-10
Figure 6-7: Main tab display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-11
Figure 6-8: Objectives tab display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-13
Figure 6-9: Upper section of the Objectives tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-14
Figure 6-10: Default lower section display of Objectives tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-15
Figure 6-11: New Objective panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-15
Figure 6-12: Upper section of Objectives tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-17
Figure 6-13: Diagnostics tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-18
Figure 6-14: About tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-21
Figure 7-1: Hose with filter attached . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3
Figure 7-2: Unscrew filter assembly bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-4
Figure 7-3: Replace filter in assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-4
Figure 7-4: Plug hose back into chiller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-5
Figure C-1: Amplitude and frequency of longitudinal modes in mode-locked laser . . . . . . C-1
Figure C-2: Typical output of mode-locked laser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2
Figure C-3: Typical wavelength dependence of refractive index of material . . . . . . . . . . . C-2
Figure C-4: Typical pulse spreading due to GVD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3
Figure C-5: System with precompensation providing shortest pulse at sample. . . . . . . . . C-3

List of Tables xvii
List of Tables
Table 1-1: Laser head environmental specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-v
Table 1-1: Optical specifications ,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
Table 1-2: Mechanical/electrical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Table 1-3: Laser head environmental specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Table 2-1: Label translations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
Table 3-1: RS-232 port connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7
Table 3-2: Emission connector pin descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
Table 3-3: Interlock connector pin descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
Table 7-1: Maintenance task intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2
Table 7-2: Troubleshooting issues and corrective actions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-6
Table 7-3: Field replaceable units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-7
Table 8-1: Service centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-2
Table A-1: Status byte (*STB) details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-8
Table A-2: State definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-9
Table A-3: RS-232 pin assignments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-11
Table B-1: Status codes reported by the READ:AHIS? command. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-1

xviii List of Tables

1-1
CHAPTER 1: Introduction
InSight X3 Laser System
InSight® X3™laser system represents a revolution in ultra-fast,solid-state lasers that can
generate ultra-short pulses over a gap-free range from 680 to 1300 nm.
The InSight X3 laser system is a pulsed, solid-state laser combined with dispersion
compensation. The latter corrects for the dispersion caused by the user’s optical system,
thus allowing the system to deliver the shortest pulse possible to the sample without the
need for complex external compensation. Control is automatic to ensure reliable
operation over the entire tuning range. This allows the user to focus on experiments,
rather than on laser adjustments.
An InSight X3 laser system comprises four main elements:
InSight X3 mode-locked laser head
Rackmountable IPS-300 power supply
Rackmountable ThermoRack 401 chiller
Rack for the power supply and chiller
Optional Windows-based notebook computer with control software preinstalled
Figure 1-1 shows a typical standard InSight X3 laser system. In the figure, InSight X3
laser head is on the left. The IPS-300 power supply and ThermoRack chiller are shown
in the rack on the right.
Figure 1-1 InSight X3 mode-locked laser system
The InSight X3 laser is capable of hands-free, dropout-free wavelength tuning, enabling
speedy collection of excitation profiles, all with a click of a mouse.

1-2 Introduction
Patents
IPS-300 Power Supply
The IPS-300 power supply provides high DC current to the laser head to drive the laser
diode and control electronics. It also provides clean, dry air to the laser head to keep the
laser cavity free of contaminants.
ThermoRack 401 Chiller
Athermo-electric cooler(TEC) ThermoRack 401chiller is providedwith the InSight X3
laser system to supply chilled coolant to the laser head for cooling the laser diode.
Control Software
Special graphical user interface (GUI) controlsoftware is provided by Spectra-Physics
for controlling the InSight X3 system. This software comes preinstalled on a notebook
computer optionally provided with the system. It is also provided on a USB flash drive
(located in the accessory kit supplied with the laser) for installation on your own
Windows-based computer.
The InSight X3 laser system can also be automatically controlled using your own
software program. A command line interface allows control of the laser system through
the RS-232 or USB serial connection on the laser head. The command language is
described in Appendix A, “Programming Guide.”
Patents
For patent information, please see www.newport.com/patents.
Specifications
Table 1-1 lists the optical performance specifications for the InSight X3 laser system,
Table 1-2 lists mechanical specifications, and Table 1-3 lists environmental
specifications.
In order to comply with CDRH safety requirements,
during laser operation, run only the GUI software on a
dedicated computer system. Do NOT run other
software simultaneously on the computer that is
operating the laser system.