THORLABS BNT001/IR User manual

BNT001/IR
Benchtop NanoTrak®
Controller
User Guide
Original Instructions

-1 HA0114T Rev 10 May 2019
Contents
Chapter 1 Overview ........................................................................................ 1
1.1 Description ............................................................................................. 1
1.2 Software ................................................................................................. 1
1.3 PC Software Overview ........................................................................... 2
1.3.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 2
1.3.2 Kinesis Server .................................................................................................... 2
1.3.3 Software Upgrades ............................................................................................. 3
Chapter 2 Safety ............................................................................................. 4
2.1 Safety Information .................................................................................. 4
2.2 General Warnings .................................................................................. 4
Chapter 3 Set Up And Operation .................................................................. 5
3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 5
3.2 Front Panel Controls and Indicators ...................................................... 6
3.3 Rear Panel Connections ........................................................................ 6
3.4 Detector Heads and Cables ................................................................... 7
3.5 Installing the Software ............................................................................ 8
3.6 System Setup ......................................................................................... 8
3.6.1 Initial Setup ......................................................................................................... 8
3.7 Manual Operation - NanoTrak .............................................................. 10
3.7.1 Description of GUI Panel Controls ................................................................... 10
3.8 Circle Position Window ......................................................................... 14
3.9 Settings Panel ...................................................................................... 15
3.9.1 Tracking tab ...................................................................................................... 15
3.9.2 Input/Output tab ................................................................................................ 18
3.9.3 Display tab ........................................................................................................ 21
3.9.4 HV Settings Tab ............................................................................................... 23
3.10 Programmed Operation - NanoTrak ..................................................... 24
3.10.1 A Typical Alignment using the NanoTrak ......................................................... 24
3.10.2 Using an External Power Meter ........................................................................ 25
3.10.3 Using Two NanoTraks in the Same System ..................................................... 26
continued...

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NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller
Chapter 4 Installation and Maintenance .................................................... 28
4.1 Mechanical Installation ......................................................................... 28
4.1.1 Siting ................................................................................................................ 28
4.1.2 Environmental Conditions ................................................................................ 28
4.2 Electrical Installation ............................................................................. 29
4.2.1 Connecting To The Supply .............................................................................. 29
4.2.2 Bonding ............................................................................................................ 29
4.2.3 Electrical Connections ..................................................................................... 30
4.2.4 Fuses ............................................................................................................... 31
4.2.5 Rear Panel User I/O Connector ....................................................................... 32
4.2.6 .Rear Panel Piezo In Connector ...................................................................... 33
4.3 Preventive Maintenance ....................................................................... 34
4.3.1 Safety Testing .................................................................................................. 34
4.3.2 Cleaning ........................................................................................................... 34
Appendices
Appendix A Troubleshooting ...................................................................... 35
Appendix B Specifications and Associated Parts .................................... 36
Appendix C Principles of Operation ........................................................... 38
Appendix D Regulatory ............................................................................... 43
Appendix E Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ................................................ 45

1
Chapter 1 Overview
1.1 Description
The NanoTrak® Controller represents the latest developments in automated optical
alignment technology. Its space-saving design combines an active-feedback optical
alignment system and a two-channel piezoelectric controller in a single ergonomic
unit, allowing the user to align optical fibers and optimize the coupling of light into and
out of photonic devices.
Operator interaction is via an intuitive software interface and all connections are via
the rear panel, which improves cable management and reduces the risk of
entanglement or snagging.
1.2 Software
The controller is supplied with a full suite of software support tools. An intuitive
graphical instrument panel allows immediate control and visualization of the operation
of the NanoTrak controller, and any other controllers that are installed in the system.
See Section 1.3. for a full description of the software.
The unit operation is fully configurable (parameterized) with key settings exposed
through the associated graphical interface panel. Track or Latch operating modes can
be selected 'on the fly', and in both modes the display can be changed to show drive
voltage or position (in microns). In the closed loop operation mode, both the P & I
(proportional and integral) components of the feedback control loop can be altered to
adjust the servoloop response. For convenience and ease of use, adjustment of many
key parameters is possible through direct interaction with the graphical panel. Note
that all such settings and parameters are also accessible through the ActiveX
programmable interfaces which allow the user to build automated alignment routines.
See Section 1.3. for a full description of the Kinesis software.
The key innovation of the Thorlabs range of controllers and associated mechanical
products is the ease and speed with which complete automated alignment systems
can be engineered at both the hardware and software level. All controllers in the
range are equipped with USB connectivity. The 'multi-drop' USB bus allows multiple
units to be connected to a single controller PC using commerical USB hubs and
cables. When planning an alignment application, simply add up the number and type
of drive channels required and connect together the associated number of
controllers.

2
1.3 PC Software Overview
1.3.1 Introduction
The BNT001 NanoTrak controllers feature USB connectivity (allowing multiple units
to be used together on a single PC), fully featured Graphical User Interface (GUI)
panels, and extensive software function libraries for custom application development.
The Kinesis software suite provides a flexible and powerful PC based control system
both for users of the equipment, and software programmers aiming to automate its
operation.
The User Interface allows full control of all settings and operating modes enabling
complete ‘out-of-box’ operation without the need to develop any further custom
software. It provides all of the necessary system software services such as generation
of GUI panels, communications handling for multiple USB units, and logging of all
system activity to assist in hardware trouble shooting. The Kinesis server is also used
by software developers to allow the creation of advanced automated positioning
applications very rapidly and with great ease. The server is described in more detail
in the following section.
1.3.2 Kinesis Server
With the Kinesis system, .Net Controls are deployed to allow direct control over (and
also reflect the status of) the range of electronic controller units, including the Piezo
controller. Software applications that use .Net Controls are often referred to as 'client
applications'. A .Net Control is a language independent software component.
Consequently the controls can be incorporated into a wide range of software
development environments for use by client application developers. Development
environments supported include Visual Basic, Labview, Visual C++, C++ Builder,
HPVEE, Matlab, VB.NET, C#.NET and, via VBA, Microsoft Office applications such as
Excel and Word.
Consider the control supplied for the BNT001 controller.

3 HA0114T Rev 10 May 2019
Chapter 1
This Control provides a complete user graphical instrument panel to allow the
NanoTrak unit to be manually operated, as well as a complete set of software
functions to allow all parameters to be set and NanoTrak operations to be automated
by a client application. The instrument panel reflects the current operating state of the
controller unit to which it is associated (e.g. such as relative power). Updates to the
panel take place automatically when a user (client) application is making software
calls into the same Control. For example, if a client application instructs the
associated NanoTrak Control to track the position of optimum power, progress is
monitored automatically by changing position of the circle on the graphical interface,
without the need for further programming intervention.
The Kinesis Controls collection provides a rich set of graphical user panels and
programmable interfaces allowing users and client application developers to interact
seamlessly with the Kinesis hardware. Each of the Kinesis controllers has an
associated .Net Control and these are described fully in the handbooks associated
with the controllers.
Fig. 1.1 System Architecture Diagram
Refer to the main Kinesis Software online help file, for a complete programmers
guide. This is available either by pressing the F1 key when running the Kinesis server,
or via the Start menu, Start\Programs\Thorlabs\Kinesis\Kinesis Help.
1.3.3 Software Upgrades
Thorlabs operate a policy of continuous product development and may issue software
upgrades as necessary.

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NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller
Chapter 2 Safety
2.1 Safety Information
For the continuing safety of the operators of this equipment, and the protection of the
equipment itself, the operator should take note of the Warnings, Cautions, and
Notes throughout this handbook and, where visible, on the product itself.
The following safety symbols may be used throughout the handbook and on the
equipment itself.
2.2 General Warnings
Warning: Risk of Electrical Shock
Given when there is a risk of injury from electrical shock.
Warning
Given when there is a risk of injury to users.
Caution
Given when there is a risk of damage to the product.
Note
Clarification of an instruction or additional information.
Warning
If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the
protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. In particular, excessive
moisture may impair operation.
Spillage of fluid, such as sample solutions, should be avoided. If spillage does
occur, clean up immediately using absorbant tissue. Do not allow spilled fluid
to enter the internal mechanism.
Caution
If your PC becomes unresponsive (e.g due to an operating system problem,
entering a sleep state condition, or screen saver operation) for a prolonged
period, this will interrupt communication between the Kinesis Software and the
hardware, and a communications error may be generated. To minimize the
possibility of this happening it is strongly recommended that any such modes
that result in prolonged unresponsiveness be disabled before the software is
run. Please consult your system administrator or contact Thorlabs technical
support for more details.

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Chapter 3
Chapter 3 Set Up And Operation
3.1 Introduction
The functionality required for a client application to control a number of NanoTrak
units is provided by the NanoTrak Control Object within the APT server, with manual
operation being facilitated via a GUI panel (see Section 3.7.1.). Instances of this
ActiveX control can be dragged from the toolbox in the development software.
Alternatively, the APT User utility allows multiple graphical instrument panels to be
displayed so that multiple APT units can be controlled. All basic operating parameters
can be set through this program, and all basic operations (such as setting circle
diameter) can be initiated.
The APT Software Server System has been designed to allow custom
nanopositioning applications to be developed in a Microsoft Windows environment.
The use of ActiveX interfacing technology means that programming of the unit can be
achieved in any compatible language (LabVIEW, Visual Basic etc.) without the need
for an extensive library of language-specific functions.
Using the methods and properties described in the APTServer helpfile, the APT
NanoTrak controller can be programmed as part of an automated alignment
application.
Note
Before using the NanoTrak, ensure that the fibers can be aligned manually using the
actuators on the positioning stage, and that the expected level of power can be
transmitted between them. Set the NanoTrak to Latch and the range control to Auto,
and observe the bar graphs on the front panel for an indication of power.
If the positioning stage incorporates stepper motor actuators, ensure that the motors
are disabled via the stepper motor controller GUI panel before performing any
manual adjustment.

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NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller
3.2 Front Panel Controls and Indicators
Fig. 3.1 Front panel controls and indicators
Power LED – Indicates that power is applied to the unit.
Channel 1 and Channel 2 buttons – Used to enable/disable channel functionality.
The associated LED is lit when the channel is enabled. Disabling channels on
NanoTrak controllers sends their respective HV outputs to zero volts.
3.3 Rear Panel Connections
Fig. 3.2 Rear panel connections
Power
CHANNEL ENABLE
1
2
apt NanoTrak Controller
SIG INSIG OUT
OPTICAL/PIN I/P
PIEZO IN PIEZO IN
HV OUT HV OUT
USB
VERTICALHORIZONTAL
USER I/O
bonding point
LV OUT EXT IN LV OUT EXT IN TRIG. OUT TRIG. IN
POWER
100 - 240 VAC, 47 - 63 Hz, 250 VA
FUSES F1 and F2: T 3.15A, ANTISURGE CERAMIC
!

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OPTICAL/PIN I/P - SMB connector – used to receive a signal from a PIN diode, as
incorporated in external detector heads.
FC/PC connector – for use with detectors NTA007 and
NTA009. Incorporates an internal detector and accepts a
connectorized fiber.
SIG IN (BNC connector) – 0 to 10V, 100k load. Used to receive a signal of optical
power from an external power meter. Can be set to ±1V, ±2V, ±5V or ±10V full scale
in the Settings panel (see Section 3.9.2.).
SIG OUT (BNC connector) – 0 to 10V, 2mA. Can be connected to an oscilloscope to
monitor the power signal received on the OPTICAL IN connection. Also used in dual
NanoTrak operation (see Section 3.10.3.).
HORIZONTAL Drive Channel
HV OUT (SMC connector) – 0 to 75V, 0 to 250mA. Provides the drive signal to the
piezo actuator.
EXT IN (+) and EXT IN (-) (BNC connector) – Used to control the position of the piezo
actuator from an external source. 0 to ±10V 100kload. Polarity is selected in the
Settings panel (see Section 3.9.2.) or in software by calling the appropriate function
(see Kinesis API helpfile). The difference between the two signals is amplified
internally before being routed to the HV OUT connector.
PIEZO IN – receives the signal from the position sensor (strain gauge) of the piezo
actuator to provide the feedback for the control loop - see Section 4.2.6.
VERTICAL Drive Channel – as Horizontal Drive Channel.
CONTROL I/O
LV CH1/TRIG. OUT and LV CH2/TRIG. IN (BNC connector) – 0 to +10V. These
outputs mirror the associated HV OUT, 10V being equivalent to 75V on the HV
outputs, and can be connected to an oscilloscope to enable the drive signal of the
piezo actuator to be monitored.
USER I/O- For use with digital, programmable I/O and serial ports - see Section 4.2.5.
COMMS – USB port for system communications.
Bonding point – used to electrically bond multiple units to eliminate circulating earth
(ground) currents. Do not connect to the main power supply ground.
3.4 Detector Heads and Cables
The OPTICAL/PIN I/P connector on the rear panel of the NanoTrak controller has
been designed to increase the interchangability of the optical input source. A range of
connectors are available which simply plug into the connector on the rear panel.
The BNT001/IR NanoTrak is supplied with an Infra Red InGaAs photodiode, and a
standard SMB connector for use with external detector heads which incorporate a PIN
(p-type/intrinsic/n-type) diode.
A visible spectrum Si photodiode (NTA009) is available separately.