THORLABS BLINK User manual

BLINK High-Speed Focuser
BLINK
High-Speed Focuser
User Guide

BLINK High-Speed Focuser
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Safety........................................................................................................................1
Chapter 2 Introduction.............................................................................................................2
2.1 General Information...........................................................................................................2
2.2 Safety Information .............................................................................................................2
Chapter 3 Setup ........................................................................................................................3
3.1 Unpacking...........................................................................................................................3
3.2 Mounting.............................................................................................................................3
3.3 Connecting the Air Bearing..............................................................................................3
3.4 Connecting the Servo Amplifier.......................................................................................3
3.4.1 Servo Amplifier Power Input ........................................................................................................................... 4
3.4.2 Servo Amplifier Command Input .................................................................................................................... 4
3.4.3 BLINK Motor Connection to Servo Amplifier................................................................................................. 4
3.4.4 BLINK Pressure Switch Connection to Servo Amplifier.............................................................................. 5
3.5 System Check ....................................................................................................................6
3.6 Mounting a Lens ................................................................................................................6
Chapter 4 Operation.................................................................................................................8
4.1 Driving the BLINK Focuser...............................................................................................8
4.1.1 Command Inputs .............................................................................................................................................. 8
4.1.2 Automatic Gain Control.................................................................................................................................... 8
4.2 Environmental Considerations ........................................................................................8
4.3 Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................8
Chapter 5 Specifications..........................................................................................................9
5.1 Unit Specifications.............................................................................................................9
5.2 Servo Amplifier Specifications.........................................................................................9
5.3 Dynamic Performance for a 1.0 mm Stroke Reference Move.....................................10
5.4 GPWR15 Power Supply Unit Specifications.................................................................11
Chapter 6 Mechanical Drawings...........................................................................................12
6.1 BLINK Focuser.................................................................................................................12
6.2 Servo Amplifier ................................................................................................................14
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................17
7.1 Check for Bad Command Signal....................................................................................17
7.2 Additional Troubleshooting............................................................................................17
Chapter 8 Warranty and RMA Information..........................................................................18
8.1 Return of Devices ............................................................................................................18

BLINK High-Speed Focuser
Chapter 9 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ............................................................................19

BLINK High-Speed Focuser Chapter 1: Safety
Rev. C, April 20, 2023 Page 1
Chapter 1 Safety
Warning: Laser Radiation
Although the unit does not emit radiation, it does redirect laser radiation emitted from other
devices. Operators must follow all safety precautions provided by the manufacturer of any
associated laser devices.

BLINK High-Speed Focuser Chapter 2: Introduction
Page 2 MSTN000928-D02
Chapter 2 Introduction
The BLINK High-Speed Focuser (US Patent 11,090,761) is designed to dynamically map a focal correction onto
the laser beam. When a focusing lens or reflective optic is mounted in the BLINK focuser, it translates linearly at
high frequency with high precision using the built-in optical position detector. In laser marking applications, the
focuser adjusts the effective focal point of a galvo scanning system as a function of the mirrors’ X and Y
positions. This allows the system to account for large scan angles, eliminating the need for an f-theta lens.
Alternatively, arbitrary 3-dimensional geometries can be scanned with a consistent spot size on the surface of
the object.
2.1 General Information
The following items are shipped with each BLINK focuser:
•High-Speed Focuser Module
•Class 0 Servo Amplifier
•50-0198-24 Cable Assembly
•50-0202-24 Pressure Switch Cable Assembly
•BLINK (base model) Only: Lens Change Tools
•BLINK-Y1 Only: Ø12.7 mm Lens Coated for Nd:YAG Lasers (Bonded Inside Lens Cell)
•BLINK-Y3 Only: Ø12.7 mm Lens Coated for 355 nm (Bonded Inside Lens Cell)
2.2 Safety Information
Please mind all safety information concerning the care, function, and operation of this product. This information
may be found in the relevant sections of the manual or in Chapter 1.

BLINK High-Speed Focuser Chapter 3: Setup
Rev. C, April 20, 2023 Page 3
Chapter 3 Setup
The instructions below serve as a quick guide. Before connecting the servo drives, please read Chapter 1 for
safety precautions and refer to the servo driver manual for additional information and instructions.
3.1 Unpacking
The air bearing ships with a nylon screw securing the voice coil in place against a rubber stop. This screw needs
to be removed before operation and should be re-installed any time the device is shipped.
3.2 Mounting
The BLINK should be mounted using all four of the provided M3 threaded mounting points. Mounting by only
the motor body or only the position detector bracket may result in reduced performance. Refer to the outline
drawing for mounting feature locations and details. The mounting surface should be reasonably flat (.001” per
inch of surface area) to prevent distortion of the motor body or position detector bracket.
The servo amplifier is attached to a black mounting bracket. This bracket is insufficient for normal operation.
The servo drive must be attached with at least two screws to a larger, thermally conductive surface, such as an
aluminum plate. The use of thermal paste is recommended.
The position detector shield should not be clamped for mounting, as this can cause distortion of the unit.
The mounting orientation of the system does not have a noticeable effect on performance.
3.3 Connecting the Air Bearing
The air bearing operates at an ~10 µm air gap, so reasonable precautions need to be taken to prevent foreign
debris from entering the bearing surface. Use a commercially available filter that meets the following standards:
•Cleanliness Standard: ISO 8573-1:2010 [3:3:3], Class 3 or Better
•Operating Pressure: 70 - 80 psi
•Air Hoses: Non-Lubricated or Oil-Free
Steps:
1. Connect the air supply to the 1/8” hose barb on the BLINK focuser.
2. Open the valve on the air line.
3. Listen for any leaks within the unit. A small amount of air escaping is normal and necessary for the air
bearing to move freely. If the air escaping sounds excessive, check the flow rate. The flow must be
below 3.5 liters per minute.
3.4 Connecting the Servo Amplifier
Note: Make sure the power supply is turned off while connecting or disconnecting any cables.
The servo amplifier is designed to accept ±15 VDC. Power supply requirements may vary somewhat depending
on the application. Typically, a supply of 3 A is sufficient. The maximum operating voltage is ±18 VDC.
Thorlabs offers the CBLS2F cable kit, which includes power and command cables for easy connection to the
servo amplifier. For a customer wishing to make their own cable configuration, the BLINK ships with a set of the
connectors required for interfacing with the amplifier.

BLINK High-Speed Focuser Chapter 3: Setup
Page 4 MSTN000928-D02
3.4.1 Servo Amplifier Power Input
The J3 connector on the servo amplifier (see outline drawing for connectors) is the power input connector.
J3 Pins
1
Common (GND)
2
Common (GND)
3
Negative Supply
4
Positive Supply
3.4.2 Servo Amplifier Command Input
The J1 connector on the servo amplifier is for command signals. Apply a differential waveform signal to this
connector within the specified range of ±5 V. The input impedance is 100 kΩ. If a single-ended command is used,
either Pin 1 or Pin 2 may be grounded.
The scale factor for these commands is 1.3 mm/V.
J1 Pins
1
Command (-)
2
Command (+)
3.4.3 BLINK Motor Connection to Servo Amplifier
Note: Amplifiers are individually tuned to specific units. Look for a label indicating the matching serial number
on the bottom of the amplifier.
Figure 1 Locations of Serial Numbers on BLINK Focuser and Servo Amplifier
J2 Pins
Pin
Function
Pin
Function
1
Ground
6
Motor (+)
2
Ground (Shield)
7
Motor (-)
3
AGC Return
8
Ground (Shield)
4
Diode COM
9
AGC Out
5
IA
10
IB

BLINK High-Speed Focuser Chapter 3: Setup
Rev. C, April 20, 2023 Page 5
The included 50-0198-24 cable assembly is labeled at each end either “MOTOR” or “AMP”. The “MOTOR” side
connects to the BLINK focuser, while the “AMP” side connects to the J2 connector on the servo amplifier.
Figure 2 Illustration of 50-0198-24 Cable Connection
3.4.4 BLINK Pressure Switch Connection to Servo Amplifier
The included 50-0202-24 pressure switch cable assembly connects to the J4 connector on the servo amplifier
board. This connector is not keyed, so it is important to note the orientation of the wires, as detailed in the
image below. The wires connect to pins 3 and 8.
It is also important to verify that the pins are aligned, and no pins are uncovered.
CORRECT
All Pins are Covered
Black Wire Connects to Pin 3
Red Wire Connects to Pin 8

BLINK High-Speed Focuser Chapter 3: Setup
Page 6 MSTN000928-D02
INCORRECT
Not All Pins are Covered
INCORRECT
Wires Connect to Wrong Pins
Figure 3 Correct and Incorrect J4 Connection
J4 Pins
Pin
Function
Note
1
Velocity Output
Analog
2
Position Output
Analog (1 V/A)
3
Ground
-
4
Error Output
Analog (1 V/A)
5
Current Output
Analog (1 V/A)
6
AGC Output
Analog (DC)
7
Ready Output
TTL Compatible
8
Remote Shutdown Input
TTL Compatible
3.5 System Check
After following all the above steps:
1. Turn on the power supply.
2. Wait 5 - 10 seconds for the amplifier to warm up. The green light should be on to indicate that the
system is powered and stable.
3. The presence of an illuminated red light on the servo amplifier is an indication of a fault in the system.
Caution: Risk of Damage
Attempting to operate the BLINK focuser without a suitable air supply may damage the bearing
surfaces and result in degraded performance or a seized bearing assembly. The pressure switch
should not be bypassed to ensure the unit is not operated in a dry, pneumatic state.
3.6 Mounting a Lens
BLINK units without a bonded optic have a Ø12.7 mm lens cell to accommodate an optic with a thickness of
1.00 - 3.35 mm. A non-bonded lens will have a clear aperture of Ø11 mm. The unit includes an SPB05 spanner bit
required to change lenses.

BLINK High-Speed Focuser Chapter 3: Setup
Rev. C, April 20, 2023 Page 7
Caution: Risk of Damage
Failure to use the supplied stabilizer wrench when changing an optic may result in inadvertently
twisting the stator and damaging the flex circuits. The stator should always be stabilized prior to
adjusting an optic.

BLINK High-Speed Focuser Chapter 4: Operation
Page 8 MSTN000928-D02
Chapter 4 Operation
4.1 Driving the BLINK Focuser
The BLINK is an analog system that can be driven off any analog function generator or DAC that can generate
commands within the required range. When integrated with other components, corrections and lookup tables
will need to be generated. These tables are derived based on the lens mounted in the BLINK focuser, the
objective lens it is matched with, and the desired movement of the focal point, as opposed to the pure
translation of the lens.
4.1.1 Command Inputs
•The unit accepts commands within the range of ±5 V and has a rated excursion of 13 mm, resulting in a
scale factor of 1.3 mm/V. The nominal position with no input or 0 V command is the center of the total
travel range.
•With a 2 V peak-to-peak sine wave, the unit can operate up to approximately 95 Hz before falling out of
sync with the commands being issued. Beyond this point, the motor can no longer accurately keep up
with the waveform and will not be able to reach the commanded peaks before the command signal tells
it to change direction.
4.1.2 Automatic Gain Control
The position detector incorporates an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) circuit. The expected AGC range for the
BLINK is 6.3 V to 7.5 V at room temperatures. It will vary a bit outside of this as temperatures drift and the unit
ages. Excessive AGC is 9 V and will cause the unit to enter a fault mode, as indicated by a red light on the servo
amplifier.
4.2 Environmental Considerations
•The air-bearing is precision machined to allow for the smoothest motion possible, the result of this is a
nominal air gap in the bearing surface no greater than 17 µm. If the air supply has a blockage or there is
turbulence in the air line, this could result unequal distribution of airflow causing unwelcome off-axis
motion.
•The moving mass of the BLINK focuser is approximately 26 g.
•The stop plate and standoffs should not be removed. This keeps the flex circuits from overextending,
which can damage them.
4.3 Troubleshooting
See Chapter 7 for tips on troubleshooting issues that may arise during operation.

BLINK High-Speed Focuser Chapter 5: Specifications
Rev. C, April 20, 2023 Page 9
Chapter 5 Specifications
5.1 Unit Specifications
Item #
BLINK
BLINK-Y1
BLINK-Y3
Included Lens
Coating Type
N/A
Nd:YAG
355 nm
Wavelength Range
N/A
1000 - 1550 nm
245 - 400 nm
Effective Focal Length
N/A
-75 mm
Size
N/A
Ø12.7 mm
Mass
N/A
2 g
Scanner
Travel Range
13 mm
Servo Bandwidth
>500 Hz
Force Constant (K)
6.1 N/Amp
Coil Resistance
4.5 Ω
Position Detector Resolution
0.2 nm
System Resolution
200 nm
System Repeatability
800 nm
Environmental
Unit Mass
540 g
Air Supply Cleanliness
Class 3 or Better
Air Supply Pressure
60 - 90 psi
Air Supply Flow Rate
<2.5 LPM @ 80 psi
5.2 Servo Amplifier Specifications
Servo Amplifier Specifications
Inputs
Command Input Range
±5 V
Position Input Scale Factor
0.77 V/mm
Command Input Impedance
400 kΩ ± 1% (Differential)
200 kΩ ± 1% (Single Ended)
Position Offset Range
±0.25 V
Diagnostic Outputs
Servo Ready
TTL
Position
0.77 V/mm
Position Error
0.77 V/mm
Velocity
Analog (Reference Only)

BLINK High-Speed Focuser Chapter 5: Specifications
Page 10 MSTN000928-D02
AGC Voltage
Analog (DC)
Coil Current
1 V/A
Analog Output Impedance
Unbuffered
Power Supply (Not Included)
Input Voltage
±15 VDC
Ripple
<100 mV Ripple
Noise
<0.5% DC to 30 MHz
Maximum Drive Current Limit
Peak: 10 A per Leg
RMS: 3.0 A per Leg (Dependent on Power
Supply, Load, and Heat Sink)
Quiescent Current
220 mA per Leg (Servo Enabled, Galvo Resting)
Gain Drift
Up to 20 ppm/°C
Environmental
Operating Temperature
0 to 45 °C (With Appropriate Cooling)
Storage Temperature
-10 to 60 °C
Dimensions
2.38" x 2.22" x 1.06"
(60.5 mm x 56.4 mm x 27.0 mm)
Mass (Weight)
49 g (1.7 oz)
5.3 Dynamic Performance for a 1.0 mm Stroke Reference Move
Frequency
Peak Acceleration
Peak Current
Average Power
Bonded Lens
100 Hz
197 m/s2(20g)
1.0 A
2.3 W
125 Hz
308 m/s2(31g)
1.4 A
4.4 W
141 Hz
392 m/s2(40g)
1.8 A
7.3 W
157 Hz
487 m/s2(50g)
2.2 A
11.1 W
Removable Lens
100 Hz
197 m/s2(20g)
1.1 A
2.7 W
125 Hz
308 m/s2(31g)
1.5 A
5.2 W
141 Hz
392 m/s2(40g)
2.0 A
8.6 W
157 Hz
487 m/s2(50g)
2.4 A
13.2 W

BLINK High-Speed Focuser Chapter 5: Specifications
Rev. C, April 20, 2023 Page 11
5.4 GPWR15 Power Supply Unit Specifications
Parameter
Value
Input
100 - 200 VAC or 220 - 240 VAC
Output
±15 V at 5 A (150 W Max Power)
Operating Temperature
0 to 50 °C
Dimensions
14.0" x 4.9" x 3.5"
(356 mm x 124 mm x 90 mm)

BLINK High-Speed Focuser Chapter 6: Mechanical Drawings
Page 12 MSTN000928-D02
Chapter 6 Mechanical Drawings
6.1 BLINK Focuser
Figure 4 BLINK Mechanical Drawing

BLINK High-Speed Focuser Chapter 6: Mechanical Drawings
Rev. C, April 20, 2023 Page 13
Figure 5 BLINK Mechanical Drawing Continued

BLINK High-Speed Focuser Chapter 6: Mechanical Drawings
Page 14 MSTN000928-D02
6.2 Servo Amplifier
Figure 6 QD-2000 Servo Amplifier Mechanical Drawing

BLINK High-Speed Focuser Chapter 6: Mechanical Drawings
Rev. C, April 20, 2023 Page 15
Figure 7 QD-2000 Servo Amplifier Jumpers, Potentiometers, Test Points, and LEDs (Shown with Notch
Filter Removed
1
)
Test Points
Potentiometers
TP1
Raw Position
R23
Low Frequency Damping (LFD)
TP2
Ground
R24
Servo Gain (SG)
TP4
Power Amp Out
R66
Input Scale Adjust (IS)
TP5
AGC Out
R57
Bandwidth Adjust (BW)
TP6
Filtered Command
R73
High Frequency Damping (HFD)
TP7
Notch Filter Output
R139
Position Offset (PO)
R42
Slew Rate Limit (SRL)
R11
Position Scale Factor (PS)
R22
Position Linearity Adjust (LIN)
1
The notch filter should not be removed by the user. It is missing from this illustration for clarity only.

BLINK High-Speed Focuser Chapter 6: Mechanical Drawings
Page 16 MSTN000928-D02
Figure 8 QD-2000 Servo Amplifier Connectors
Connectors
J1
Command
J2
Motor
J3
Power
J4
Diagnostic
J6
Ground