THORLABS WFS Series User manual

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Instra

2012
Operation Manual
Optical Wavefront Sensors
(Shack-Hartmann Sensors)
WFS Series

Version:
Date:
3.5
March 27, 2012
© 2007-2012 Thorlabs GmbH
© 2007-2012 Thorlabs GmbH

© 2007-2012 Thorlabs GmbH
Table of Contents
Foreword 3
Part I General Information 4
................................................................................................................................... 41 Safety
................................................................................................................................... 52 Preconditions
................................................................................................................................... 53 System requirements
Part II Installation 5
................................................................................................................................... 51 General
................................................................................................................................... 92 Parts List
................................................................................................................................... 103 Getting Started
................................................................................................................................... 104 Installing Software
......................................................................................................................................................... 16Included Wavefront Sensor Instrument Drivers
................................................................................................................................... 175 Connection to the PC
................................................................................................................................... 226 Start the Application
Part III Description 23
................................................................................................................................... 261 Shack-Hartmann Functional Principle
................................................................................................................................... 282 Exchanging the Microlens Arrays
Part IV Operating Instruction 30
................................................................................................................................... 301 Measurement with the Wavefront Sensor
......................................................................................................................................................... 34WFS10 Highspeed Mode
......................................................................................................................................................... 38Coordinate Definitions
................................................................................................................................... 402 The Graphics User Interface (GUI)
......................................................................................................................................................... 40Start the GUI
......................................................................................................................................................... 42Operating the Wavefront Sensor Softw are
.................................................................................................................................................. 43Menu and Toolbar
.................................................................................................................................................. 50Lineview Panel
.................................................................................................................................................. 52Spotfield Panel
.................................................................................................................................................. 56Beam View Panel
.................................................................................................................................................. 58Wavefront Panel
.................................................................................................................................................. 63Zernike Coefficients Panel
......................................................................................................................................................... 65Wavefront Sensor Setup Panel
.................................................................................................................................................. 67Camera Settings Setup
.................................................................................................................................................. 76Pupil Definitions Setup
.................................................................................................................................................. 79Wavefront Setup
.................................................................................................................................................. 83Zernike Fit Setup
.................................................................................................................................................. 86Miscellaneous Setup
......................................................................................................................................................... 88Measurement Results
......................................................................................................................................................... 91Measurement Warnings and Errors
......................................................................................................................................................... 95User Calibration
......................................................................................................................................................... 100Save Measurement Data
......................................................................................................................................................... 103Save Centroid Data
......................................................................................................................................................... 106Save Pow er Distribution Data
......................................................................................................................................................... 108Version and other Program Information
......................................................................................................................................................... 108Save Instrument Settings

© 2007-2012 Thorlabs GmbH
......................................................................................................................................................... 109DataSocket for live data transfer
.................................................................................................................................................. 111Configuration Panel
.................................................................................................................................................. 112Available Data Items
.................................................................................................................................................. 115WFS Receiver Application sample
......................................................................................................................................................... 116Printing
Part V Service and Maintenance 117
................................................................................................................................... 1171 Service
................................................................................................................................... 1172 Troubleshooting
................................................................................................................................... 1203 Hot Pixel
Part VI Appendix 121
................................................................................................................................... 1211 Certifications and Compliances
................................................................................................................................... 1222 Warranty
................................................................................................................................... 1233 Technical Data
......................................................................................................................................................... 125Microlens Data
......................................................................................................................................................... 127Minimal Beam and Pupil Diameter
......................................................................................................................................................... 128Typical Wavelength Curves
......................................................................................................................................................... 130Trigger Input WFS
......................................................................................................................................................... 132Trigger Input WFS10
......................................................................................................................................................... 134Reference Position
......................................................................................................................................................... 135Mounting Adapter
......................................................................................................................................................... 137Zernike Fit and Zernike Modes
......................................................................................................................................................... 140Draw ing WFS150-5C
......................................................................................................................................................... 141Draw ing WFS150-7AR
......................................................................................................................................................... 142Drawing WFS300-14AR
......................................................................................................................................................... 143Draw ing WFS10-5C
......................................................................................................................................................... 144Draw ing WFS10-7AR
......................................................................................................................................................... 145Draw ing WFS10-14AR
................................................................................................................................... 1464 Thorlabs 'End of Life' Policy (WEEE)
......................................................................................................................................................... 146Waste treatment on your ow n responsibility
......................................................................................................................................................... 146Ecological background
................................................................................................................................... 1475 Listings
......................................................................................................................................................... 147List of Acronyms
......................................................................................................................................................... 148Addresses
Index 150

We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application
in the field of optical measurement technique. To help us to come up
to your expectations and develop our products permanently we need
your ideas and suggestions. Therefore, please let us know about
possible criticism or ideas. We and our international partners are
looking forward to hearing from you.
Thorlabs GmbH
This part of the instruction manual contains every specific information on how
to handle and use the WFS series Wavefront Sensors.
© 2007-2012 Thorlabs GmbH
WARNING
Sections marked with this heading explain dangers that might result
in personal injury or death. Always read the associated information
carefully before performing the indicated procedure.
This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.
ATTENTION
Paragraphs preceeded by this symbol in the manual explain hazards
that could damage the instrument and connected equipment or may
cause loss of data.
NOTE

© 2007-2012 Thorlabs GmbH
4 WFS Series
1General Information
1.1 Safety
Attention
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this
instruction manual will only apply when the unit is operated correctly as it
was designed for.
All modules must only be operated with proper shielded connection cables.
Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single components
be carried out or components not supplied by Thorlabs be used.
This precision device is only serviceable if properly packed into the
complete original packaging including the plastic foam sleeves. If necessary,
ask for a replacement package.

© 2007-2012 Thorlabs GmbH
5General Information
1.2 Preconditions
Please install Wavefront Sensor application software and USB drivers (all in one
package) on your PC prior to connect the WFS series Wavefront Sensor with your
PC by using the USB2.0 cable delivered by Thorlabs.
As soon as the LED at the back of the Wavefront Sensor lights up green the
instrument is ready for operation and you can start the application program with its
Graphics User Interface (GUI).
Do not forget to remove the dust cover from the Wavefront Sensor.
1.3 System requirements
Hardware Requirements:
CPU: Pentium III, 900 MHz or higher
RAM: 256 MB
Graphic card with at least 128 MB memory, min. resolution 1024 x 768, 24 bit
True Color, Indexed color
Hard disc with at least 240 MB free storage space
free USB2.0 high speed port (a USB 1.1 full speed port is not usable!)
USB high speed cable according the USB 2.0 specification
Software compatibility:
Microsoft Windows XP® (32-bit),
Microsoft Windows Vista® (32-bit, 64-bit),
Microsoft Windows Windows 7® (32-bit, 64-bit)
2Installation
2.1 General
Thorlabs wavefront (Shack-Hartmann) sensors consists of a camera with a mounted
in front of the camera sensor microlens array (MLA).
There are 2 types of sensors differing in the type and performance of the camera.
WFS150/300 series, based on a CCD camera (higher resolution, but slower
performance)
WFS10 series, based on a lower resolution CMOS camera enabling
remarkably higher measurement speed at a somewhat reduced measurement
accuracy.
Both sensor types are available with three different types of microlens arrays.
As a special feature the WFS Wavefront Sensor series is equipped with an
interchangeable microlens array mounted into a precision patent pending magnetic
holder. The exchange of the microlens arrays allows economic switching to different

© 2007-2012 Thorlabs GmbH
6 WFS Series
applications requiring different WFS specifications in terms of spatial resolution
(lenslet pitch), focal length, wavefront sensitivity and dynamic range. See chapter
Microlens Data for a table of available MLAs.
Available wavefront sensor types (Order Codes)
WFS150-5C Wavefront Sensor, Chrome Apertures 300-1100 nm, pitch=150 µm
WFS150-7AR Wavefront Sensor, AR Coated 400-900 nm, pitch=150µm
WFS300-14AR Wavefront Sensor, AR Coated 400-900 nm, pitch=300 µm
WFS10-5C Fast Wavefront Sensor, Chrome Apertures 300-1100 nm,
pitch=150 µm
WFS10-7AR Fast Wavefront Sensor, AR Coated 400-900 nm, pitch=150µm
WFS10-14AR Fast Wavefront Sensor, AR Coated 400-900 nm, pitch=300 µm
All Thorlabs Wavefront Sensors are equipped with an easily exchangeable lenslet
array.
Available WFS kits with 2 MLA
You may order also a WFS Wavefront Sensor calibrated with two included microlens
arrays:
Type
Used camera
Included micro lens arrays
WFS-K1
WFS150 (CCD)
Chrome Mask 300-1100 nm, pitch=150 µm
AR Coated 400-900 nm, pitch=300 µm
WFS-K2
WFS150 (CCD)
AR Coated 400-900 nm, pitch=150µm
AR Coated 400-900 nm, pitch=300 µm
WFS10-K1
WFS10 (CMOS)
Chrome Mask 300-1100 nm, pitch=150 µm
AR Coated 400-900 nm, pitch=300 µm
WFS10-K2
WFS10 (CMOS)
AR Coated 400-900 nm, pitch=150µm
AR Coated 400-900 nm, pitch=300 µm
Wavefront Sensor types and kits as stated above are factory calibrated. For other
than above mentioned combinations, please contact your local Thorlabs office (see
Addresses )
Three Wavefront Sensor Models
There are three different versions available which differ in the type of implemented
microlens array (MLA, see data here Microlens Data ) and its distance to the
CCD camera sensor.
WFS150-5C / WFS10-5C uses a MLA with a chrome mask on it that prevents
light going in between the microlenses directly to the CCD detector. This
increases the image contrast of the detected spotfield and improves the
instrument accuracy, especially in case of strong wavefront deformations. The
wavelength range is not restricted by an AR coating and covers the full
sensitivity range of the Silicon CCD detector 300 - 1100 nm (with largely
reduced sensitivity at the edges). Take into account that such a chrome mask
125
148
125

© 2007-2012 Thorlabs GmbH
7Installation
that cannot be anti-reflection coated may reflect up to 25% of the input light
back to your measurement setup. It can be helpful to tilt the sensor a bit or
insert an attenuator in order to reduce the amount of light reflected back into
your measurement setup.
WFS150-7AR / WFS10-7AR uses an anti-reflection (AR) coated MLA that
reduces the reflection from the array to below 1% within the wavelength
range 400 - 900 nm. Note, that the total reflection from the entire instrument
can be higher due to reflection from the CCD cover glass and chip itself.
This model is well suited for applications that do not tolerate back-
reflections back into the measurement setup, for instance because it contains
a laser without an isolator but parallel beam and long coherence length. Use
this model if other ways for preventing back-reflection line tilting the Wavefront
Sensor with respect to the input beam are not feasible.
WFS300-14AR / WFS10-14AR uses an anti-reflection (AR) coated MLA that
reduces the reflection from the array to below 1% within the wavelength
range 400 - 900 nm. Note, that the total reflection from the entire instrument
can be higher due to reflection from the CCD cover glass and chip itself.
Due to the increased focal length this sensor features an increased sensitivity
and accuracy ( /50 instead of /15). On the other side, this advantage comes
along with reduced spatial resolution (300 µm pitch instead of 150 µm) and
dynamic range.
NOTE
The specified reflectivity of the AR coated MLA is valid only within the stated
wavelength range. Outside of this wavelength range, the reflectivity may increase
remarkably. Please see also Microlens Data .
125

© 2007-2012 Thorlabs GmbH
8 WFS Series
How to order additional microlens arrays
Due to the fact, that each MLA shows individual optical characteristics (geometry,
lens pitch and lens allocation accuracy), it is necessary to calibrate each individual
MLA with the appropriate camera. This calibration is carried out at factory,
calibration data are saved to the camera's internal memory (EEPROM).
So if you have purchased a WFS with a single MLA and want to order an additional
MLA, your existing WFS must be returned to Thorlabs. In our factory, your sensor will
be calibrated with the additional MLA, calibration data will be added to the sensor's
memory and the WFS will be returned to you with both MLA.
Adding an additional microlens array is an upgrade of the existing WFS with a single
MLA to one of the a.m. WFS kits with 2 MLA.
Please contact your local Thorlabs office for return instructions.
NOTE
If the desired MLA combination is not stated in above list, please contact your
local Thorlabs office for support.
The WFS software accepts only different MLA types. By other words, it is
impossible to calibrate the same sensor for two microlens arrays of the same
type.
Example:
To an existing WFS10-14AR should be added an additional microlens array
with chrome mask and 150µm lens pitch.
Contact your local Thorlabs office for a return of your WFS10-
14AR in order to convert it to WFS10-K1 (WFS10 with two MLA)
Upon receipt of your WFS10-14AR, the additional MLA will be
calibrated with your sensor.
Thorlabs will return to you a WFS10-K1 (WFS10 with 2 MLA)
Exchange Program for Old Style Wavefront Sensors
Our Wavefront Sensor Exchange Program offers to customers who purchased either
a WFS150 or WFS150C wavefront sensor (with fixed MLA) an upgrade to a
WFS150/WFS300 wavefront sensor (or to a WFS-K1 / WFS-K2 kit) with
exchangeable lenslet array. Please contact your local Thorlabs office for
more details.
148
148
148

© 2007-2012 Thorlabs GmbH
9Installation
2.2 Parts List
A complete wavefront analyzing system consist of a WFS series sensor, a USB2.0
cable and an PC or laptop. You don't have to install an additional card into your PC
and you don't need external power supply.
The shipping package contains:
Wavefront Sensor instrument as an external measurement head with dust cover
Mounting adapter plate and 4 mounting screws M3x6 (WFS)
Mounting adapter plate and 2 mounting screws M3x6 plus 1 screw M2x6
(WFS10)
USB2.0 high speed cable USB A to Mini USB B, 2,0 m
CD-ROM with the required driver and application software included
Wavefront Sensor operating manual
Exchangeable Microlens Arrays
As a special feature the WFS series Wavefront Sensors are equipped with an
interchangeable microlens array mounted into a precision patent pending magnetic
holder.
The exchange of the microlens arrays allows economic switching to different
applications requiring different WFS specifications in terms of spatial resolution
(lenslet pitch), focal length, wavefront sensitivity and dynamic range. See chapter
Microlens Data for a table of available MLAs.
Mounting Adapter Plate
A mounting adapter is added to the camera housing of the Wavefront Sensor in
order to supply standard threads M4 and UNC8-32 which are compatible to the
palette of Thorlabs' mounts and posts holders.
Mount this adapter plate on the bottom side of the Wavefront Sensor using the 4
screws M3x6 (WFS) and 2x M3x6 + 1x M2x6 (WFS10) if you want to use one of the
mounting threads M4 or UNC8-32. Otherwise, this adapter can be omitted. See
Appendix Mounting Adapter for a drawing of this adapter plate.
Optional C-Mount Adapter
The C-Mount threading on the face of the Wavefront Sensor allows with the help of
an adapter (Thorlabs SM1A9) for the convenient mounting of components utilizing
SM1 thread. These are for instance Neutral density (ND) filters, to help prevent
device saturation or lens tubes to reduce scattered light and to allow for the mounting
of additional optical components.
Trigger Cable (optional)
An optional trigger cable CAB-DCU-T2 for WFS and CAB-WFS10-T1 for WFS10
series instruments can be ordered separately for supplying an electrical trigger
signal to the WFS series instruments. See chapter Trigger Input for details.
125
135
130

© 2007-2012 Thorlabs GmbH
10 WFS Series
2.3 Getting Started
Don't connect the wavefront sensor prior to install the software.
For description of software installation, please see next section in this manual.
2.4 Installing Software
Insert the "Thorlabs Wavefront Sensor CD 3.5" (or higher) CD-ROM, included with
your WFS Series Wavefront Sensor package. It automatically starts up and displays
the installation start screen.
In case this 'auto start' feature is disabled on your computer please execute the
'Autorun.exe' file within the folder 'Autorun' on the CD.
The following screen will appear:
There is only one software components selectable.
Install
Wavefront
Sensor
Installs the application software to operate a WFS series
Wavefront Sensors as well as the required camera USB
drivers. In addition, this software installs the Wavefront
Sensor instrument drivers for usage with C, LabView or
other compilers.
Browse
Manuals
Opens an explorer window and shows the provided
Wavefront Sensor manual.
Note: An Adobe Acrobat® viewer is required to view the
PDF file.
NOTE
It is recommended to close all other programs on your computer prior to start the

© 2007-2012 Thorlabs GmbH
11Installation
installation process.
Installing the Wavefront Sensor Application Software
Click on 'Install Wavefront Sensor Application Software' to start the installation
procedure. First of all, an update of the Windows© installer may be required. Follow
the instructions on the screen.
The Wavefront Sensor software installation starts with the following opening screen:

© 2007-2012 Thorlabs GmbH
12 WFS Series
You may change the target installation folders but it is recommended to leave the
default path names.
Click 'Next' to proceed.
Read the License Agreement carefully. Mark 'I accept the License Agreement' and
click 'Next' to proceed.
Read also this NI License Agreement carefully. Mark 'I accept the License
Agreement' and click 'Next' to proceed.

© 2007-2012 Thorlabs GmbH
13Installation
You will be informed about items that are going to be installed. Click 'Next' to
proceed.
The installation process will take a minute.
After completion of this installation process the Readme.rtf file coming with each
software release appears. It informs you about newly added features or removed
bugs.

© 2007-2012 Thorlabs GmbH
14 WFS Series
Click 'Next' to proceed.
Now, a command prompt window opens temporarily which is required to install the
camera USB drivers on the operating system.
The following warning may appear:

© 2007-2012 Thorlabs GmbH
15Installation
Please ignore this warning '…has not passed Windows Logo testing…' and click on
'Continue Anyway'.
Depending on your operating system it may be required to restart your computer.
Click 'Restart' to reboot your system.

© 2007-2012 Thorlabs GmbH
16 WFS Series
2.4.1 Included Wavefront Sensor Instrument Drivers
When installing software from CD, at the same time the Wavefront Sensor Instrument
Driver was installed to your computer. This Instrument Driver package contains the
following files for operating the WFS series instrument under control of LabView, C
or DotNet.
[Program Files]\Microsoft.NET\Primary Interop Assemblies
Thorlabs.WFS.dll - DotNet DLL
Thorlabs.WFS.XML - DotNet help file
[System]
WFS_Drv.dll - driver dynamic link library
[LabVIEW]\user.lib\WFS_Drv
WFS.llb - LabVIEW WFS Library and Example file
dir.mnu - LabVIEW menu file
dir - Action Status Functions.mnu - LabVIEW menu file
dir - Calibration Functions.mnu - LabVIEW menu file
dir - ConfigFunctions.mnu - LabVIEW menu file
dir - Data Functions.mnu - LabVIEW menu file
dir - Utility Functions.mnu - LabVIEW menu file
[VXI PnP OS]\bin
WFS_Drv.dll - driver dynamic link library
[VXI PnP OS]\include
WFS_Drv.h - driver include file
[VXI PnP OS]\lib\msc
WFS_Drv.lib - library import file for Microsoft compiler
[VXI PnP OS]\Thorlabs WFS
Readme.rtf - this file
WFS_Drv.fp - LabWindows/CVI function panel file
WFS_Drv.lib - library import file
[VXI PnP OS]\Thorlabs WFS\Examples\C
sample.exe - Command line sample application
sample.c - Source code of sample application
[VXI PnP OS]\Thorlabs WFS\License
License.rtf - License file
[VXI PnP OS]\Thorlabs WFS\Manual
WFS_Drv.txt - programmers reference file
WFS_Drv.html - driver online help
[VXI PnP OS]\Thorlabs WFS\Typelib
WFS_Drv.def - Export definition file
WFS_Drv.odl - Interface definition language file
NOTE
LabView driver files are copied to a location which is pre-defined by previous

© 2007-2012 Thorlabs GmbH
17Installation
installations of National Instruments LabView software, for instance:
C:\Program Files\National Instruments\LabVIEW\user.lib\WFS_Drv.
Other compiler support and help files can be found here:
C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\Thorlabs WFS
Please note that there are short sample application files with supplied source
code for C and LabView which should help you to understand the driver usage.
For a full documentation of the driver functions open WFS_Drv.html file or see text
file WFS_Drv.txt.
2.5 Connection to the PC
Connect the Wavefront Sensor to a USB 2.0 high speed port of your computer.
Use only the cable that comes with the Wavefront Sensor or a cable qualified
for high speed USB2.0 standard.
Attention
The Wavefront Sensor will not work on a full speed USB1.1 port!
Be sure to connect it to a high speed USB2.0 port.
Do not use cables which are not explicitly suited for
high speed USB data transfer, this can cause
transmission errors and improper instrument operation!
After connection of the instrument Microsoft Windows® will load the appropriate
drivers for the Wavefront Sensor.
Models WFS150* and WFS300*
For models WFS150* and WFS300*, the Wavefront Sensor represents a modified
Thorlabs DCU camera, the driver software is basically the same for both
instruments. Below are some comments and screenshots if the connected wavefront
sensor is of WFS150-5C, WFS150-7AR or WFS300-7AR type.
Attention
Don't worry about that a 'Thorlabs DCU camera' is displayed in the device
manager. This is because the Thorlabs Wavefront Sensor consists basically of
a Thorlabs DCU camera which is also available separately from Thorlabs.
Since both instruments, the DCU camera and the Wavefront Sensor use the
same driver software, they are not distinguishable in the device manager, both
instruments are displayed as 'Thorlabs DCU camera'.
A differentiation takes place only inside the Wavefront Sensor
application program wfs.exe that accepts only WFS150-5C,
WFS150-7AR and WFS300-14AR devices for operation.
Depending on your Microsoft Windows® settings the 'Found new Hardware Wizard'
appears optionally. It will lead you through this process.
NOTE
You may also be prompted to confirm the driver installation.