THORLABS WDM8 Series User manual

Operation Manual
Thorlabs Instrumentation
PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800
Optical Sources
WDM8xxxx
LS8xxxx
2010

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© 2010 Thorlabs
Version: 3.1
Date: 16.09.2010
Copyright©2010, Thorlabs

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© 2010 Thorlabs
Contents Page
1General description of the optical source modules 4
1.1 Safety 4
1.2 Properties 7
1.2.1 Protections for the laser diode 7
1.2.2 Features 8
1.3 Technical data 9
1.3.1 Common technical data for the WDM modules 9
1.3.2 Common technical data for the LS8xxxx modules 11
2Operating the PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 optical source modules 12
2.1 Operating elements on front panel 12
2.2 Connecting an optical fiber 13
2.3 Modulating the optical source modules 13
2.3.1 Synchronous TTL modulation 13
2.3.2 Internal low frequency modulation / Coherence control 13
2.3.3 Analog modulation by an external signal source (Option) 14
2.4 External electro-optical modulation (PM output recommended) 14
2.5 Operating a WDM8xxx module 15
2.5.1 Functions in the main menu 15
2.5.2 Error messages 17
2.5.3 Functions in the channel menu 18
2.6 Operating a LS8000 module 22
2.6.1 Functions in the main menu 22
2.6.2 Error messages 24
2.6.3 Functions in the channel menu 26
3Communication with a control computer 28
3.1 General notes on remote control 28
3.1.1 Nomenclature 28
3.1.2 Data format 28
3.2 Commands of the different optical source modules 29
3.2.1 Select the module slot 29
3.2.2 WDM Modules 29
3.2.3 LS modules 39
3.3 Status reporting 42
3.3.1 Standard event status register (ESR) 44
3.3.2 Standard event status enable register (ESE) 44
3.3.3 Status byte register (STB) 45

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3.3.4 Service request enable register (SRE) 45
3.3.5 Reading the STB by detecting SRQ 45
3.3.6 Reading the STB by *STB? command 45
3.3.7 Reading the STB by serial poll 45
3.3.8 Device error condition register (DEC) 46
3.3.9 Device error event register (DEE) 46
3.3.10 Device error event enable register (EDE) 46
3.4 IEEE error messages 47
4Service and Maintenance 48
4.1 Troubleshooting 48
4.2 Recalibration 49
5Appendix 50
5.1 Warranty 50
5.2 Thorlabs “End of Life” policy (WEEE) 51
5.2.1 Waste treatment on your own responsibility 51
5.2.2 Ecological background 52
5.3 List of acronyms and abbreviations 53
5.4 List of figures 54
5.5 Certifications and compliances 55
5.6 Copyright 56
5.7 Addresses 57

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© 2010 Thorlabs
We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application in the field
of optical measurement technique. To help us to live 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.
In the displays shown by the PRO8 you may find the name PROFILE.
PROFILE was the name of the manufacturer before it was acquired by Thorlabs
and renamed to Thorlabs.
Thorlabs
This part of the instruction manual contains all the specific information on how to
operate the optical source modules WDM8xxxx and LS8xxxx. A general description is
followed by explanations of how to operate the unit manually. You will also find
complete information about remote control via the IEEE 488 computer interface.
Attention
This manual contains “WARNINGS” and “ATTENTION” labels in this
form, to indicate personal danger or possible damage to equipment.
Please read these advises carefully!
NOTE
This manual also contains “NOTES” and “HINTS” written in this form.

4 Safety
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© 2010 Thorlabs
1 General description of the optical source modules
1.1 Safety
Attention 
The modules ‘WDM8xxxx’ are class 1M laser sources.
Emitted wavelength: 1 single wavelength in the range 1454 nm …
1625 nm, according to ordered wavelength.
Emitted optical power: up to 50 mW, according to ordered output
power! Numerical aperture of the beam 0.11.
CAUTION – The use of optical instruments with these products will
increase eye hazard!!
INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION
DO NOT VIEW DIRECTLY WITH
OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS!
CLASS 1M LASER PRODUCT

Safety 5
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© 2010 Thorlabs
LASER RADI ATIO N
IS EMITTED FROM
THIS APERTURE
AVOID EXPOSUR E
A
VOI D EXPOSU RE
LA SER RADI ATIO N IS EMI TTED
FROM THI S APERTURE
Attention 
The laser modules supplied by Thorlabs are class 1M laser systems.
However, if you collimate or focus the laser beam you will create a
class 3R or class 3B laser system!
In that case additional safety measures have to be observed!
For the individual wavelength and output power see the certificate of
calibration supplied with the module!
Never switch on the output with no fiber connected and switch off
the output before disconnecting the fiber!
NOTE
The products are classified and labeled according to
IEC 60825-1/Am2 (2001).
If you need an additional aperture label according to CFR § 1040.10.g (5)
please use the adhesive labels delivered with the PRO8000 (-4) / 800 and
place them clearly visible for any possible user on your laser set-up!.
Two possible places for laser modules without and with modulation input
are shown below.
Without modulation input
(label 30 x 15 mm)
With modulation input
(label 20 x 15 mm)

6 Safety
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© 2010 Thorlabs
Attention 
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in
this instruction manual will only apply when the unit is operated
correctly.
Before applying power to your PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 system, make
sure that the protective conductor of the 3 conductor mains power
cord is correctly connected to the protective earth contact of the
socket outlet!
Improper grounding can cause electric shock with damages to your
health or even death!
Modules may only be installed or removed with the mainframe
switched off.
All modules must be fixed with all screws provided for this purpose.
Modules of the 8000 series must only be operated in the mainframe
PRO8000, PRO8000-4 or PRO800.
All modules must only be operated with duly 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 dispatchable if duly packed into the
complete original packaging including the plastic form parts. If
necessary, ask for a replacement package.
Attention 
Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters are
not to be used within the range of three meters of this unit since the
electromagnetic field intensity may then exceed the maximum
allowed disturbance values according to IEC 61326-1.
The PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 must not be operated in explosion
endangered environments.

Properties 7
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1.2 Properties
1.2.1 Protections for the laser diode
To protect the laser in the WDM8xxxx and LS8xxxx modules the PRO8000 (-4) /
PRO800 are equipped with the following protection circuits:
•Fixed current limit
A fixed limit set in factory protects the laser diode against operating errors.
•Electronic short-circuit switch for the laser diode
When the PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 is switched on or off an electronic switch will
short-circuit the laser diode.
•Separate on/off function for each module
After turning on the PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 mainframe the WDM and LS
modules are in OFF mode. They must be switched on explicitly and individually.
•Error detection
Should errors occur (for example the laser current limit set in factory has been
reached, the laser temperature is out of the allowed tolerance window), the LED
“ERR” of the module will light up. Furthermore, in case of certain errors (like
opened interlock) the output is switched off automatically.
•Over-temperature protection
Each module is protected against overheating of the output stage by an automatic
shutdown. The LED "ERR" indicates that the module is switched off. After a
decline in temperature of about 10 °C the LED "ERR" extinguishes and the output
can be reactivated.
•Mains filter
Protection against line disturbances (transients).
•Mains failure protection
In case of line failure/line damage the optical source modules are switched off
automatically and must explicitly be switched on anew.
•Key-operated power switch
Protection against unauthorized or accidental use.
•LabVIEW®-and LabWindows/CVI®drivers
For the PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 Thorlabs supplies LabVIEW®and LabWin-
dows/CVI®-drivers for MS Windows 32.
Please refer to our homepage for the latest driver updates.
http://www.thorlabs.com

8 Properties
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1.2.2 Features
The laser fibers are connected via FC/APC connectors at the front of the module.
(Other connectors optional).
Each module is protected against overheating of the output stage by an automatic
shutdown. The LED "ERR" indicates that the module is switched off. After a decline
in temperature of about 10 °C the LED "ERR" extinguishes and the output can be
reactivated
The laser wavelength of the WDM modules is directly adjustable, whereas the rated
center wavelength of the LS8xxxx module is adjusted by operating the laser diode at
a certain user controllable temperature. The user can change the temperature (thus
the wavelength) by selecting a positive or negative temperature difference δT.
The PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 contains a forced air cooling system with built-in fans.
Depending on the temperature the air flow of the fans is adapted automatically.
All settings can be changed with the operating elements of the mainframe or via
remote control from a PC.
The mains filter installed in the mainframe and the careful shielding of the
transformer, the microprocessor as well as the module itself provide an excellent
suppression of noise and ripple.
On request, all PRO8000 (-4) / PRO800 Optical Source Modules can be supplied in a
variety of versions, e.g. with different powers or wavelengths or modulation options.
(refer to chapter 1.3, “Technical data” starting on page 9)