THORLABS EXULUS-HD2 User manual

EXULUS-HD2,
EXULUS-HD2HP,
EXULUS-HD3,
EXULUS-HD3HP, &
EXULUS-HD4
Spatial Light Modulators
User Guide

EXULUS®Spatial Light Modulators
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions ...........................................1
Chapter 2 Safety.................................................................................2
2.1. Precautions...................................................................2
2.2. Product Care.................................................................3
2.3. Service..........................................................................3
2.4. Accessories and Customization ......................................4
Chapter 3 Introduction.......................................................................5
3.1. Overview ......................................................................5
3.2. Principle –Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS)......................5
3.3. Parts List –Accessories..................................................5
3.4. Operating Elements ......................................................9
3.4.1. Overview................................................................................... 9
3.4.2. Horizontal and Vertical Fine Adjusters (Standard SLMs)..........11
3.4.3. SLM Head (High-Power SLMs)................................................11
3.4.4. Trigger Output Connector (SMA)..............................................11
3.4.5. Holes for 30 mm Cage System (Standard SLMs).....................12
3.4.6. Post Mounting Holes................................................................12
3.4.7. Removable Dust Cover (Standard SLMs) ................................13
Chapter 4 Setup and Software Operation......................................14
4.1. Installing the SLM .......................................................14
4.1.1. Mounting Method Conversion of High-Power SLMs.................17
4.2. Hardware Requirements .............................................22
4.3. Installing the Software................................................22
4.4. Connect the SLM to the PC...........................................26

EXULUS®Spatial Light Modulators
4.5. Software GUI ..............................................................28
4.5.1. Main Menu...............................................................................29
4.5.2. Preview Window ......................................................................33
4.5.3. Operation Mode.......................................................................33
4.5.4. Display Mode...........................................................................34
4.5.5. Sequence Setting.....................................................................39
4.5.6. Status Bar................................................................................40
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting.............................................................41
Chapter 6 Specifications.................................................................42
Chapter 7 Mechanical Drawings.....................................................44
Chapter 8 CE/FCC Certification......................................................47
Chapter 9 Warranty..........................................................................51
Chapter 10 Regulatory.......................................................................52
Chapter 11 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts.......................................53

EXULUS®Spatial Light Modulators Chapter 1: Warning Symbol Definitions
Rev F, December 7, 2020 Page 1
Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions
Below is a list of warning symbols you may encounter in this manual or on your
device.
Symbol
Description
Direct Current
Alternating Current
Both Direct and Alternating Current
Earth Ground Terminal
Protective Conductor Terminal
Frame or Chassis Terminal
Equipotentiality
On (Supply)
Off (Supply)
In Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control
Out Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control
Caution: Risk of Electric Shock
Caution: Hot Surface
Caution: Risk of Danger
Warning: Laser Radiation
Caution: ESD Sensitive Components

EXULUS®Spatial Light Modulators Chapter 2: Safety
Page 2 CTN013676-D02
Chapter 2 Safety
2.1. Precautions
Please read the instruction manual carefully before operating your Spatial Light
Modulators. All statements regarding safety and technical specifications will only
apply when the unit is operated correctly.
Refer to this User’s Guide whenever the following symbols are encountered on the
Spatial Light Modulators.
DO NOT OPEN HOUSING
Thorlabs’ SLM has no user-serviceable parts. Service should only be performed
by trained service personnel.
SHOCK WARNING
High voltage inside. To avoid electrical shock, before powering up, make sure that
the ground pin of the power cord is correctly connected to the ground connector
in the power socket. Improper grounding can cause electric shock resulting in
severe injury or even death. Do not operate without the cover installed.
WARNING
This unit must not be operated in explosive environments. Do not operate in
wet/damp conditions. Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in the housing.
WARNING
Transportation and delivery may cause the SLM to be warm or cool upon receipt.
Please wait for the whole device to reach room temperature before attempting to
operate.

EXULUS®Spatial Light Modulators Chapter 2: Safety
Rev F, December 7, 2020 Page 3
2.2. Product Care
Handle the complete system with care during transportation and unpacking.
Banging or dropping the system can damage the unit or lower the system
performance. If this occurs, the complete system will need to be sent back for
recalibration. Please contact Thorlabs Technical Support for more information.
•Do not store or operate in a damp, closed environment.
•Do not store or operate on surfaces that are susceptible to vibrations.
•Do not expose to direct sunlight.
•Do not use the solvents on or near the equipment.
•Mobile telephones, cellular phones, or other radio transmitters should not
be used with a range of 3 m of this unit since the electromagnetic field
intensity may exceed the maximum allowable disturbance values,
according to EN50082-1.
•Keep away from dust, dirt, and air-borne pollutants (including cigarette
smoke). The system is not designed for outdoor use. Protect the
equipment from rain, snow, and humidity.
•Do not expose to mechanical and thermal extremes. Protect the
equipment from rapid variations in temperature.
•Handle all connectors with care. Do not use unnecessary force, as this
may damage the connectors.
•Handle the mainframe with care. Mishandling may cause the body injury.
•Clean the protective window by using a soft, lint free cloth. Use of
isopropyl alcohol is permitted; however, do not immerse in any liquid or
solvent.
•Clean any accessible optical surfaces with an appropriate optics grade
tissue or cloth.
2.3. Service
CAUTION
Except for the main fuse, which is accessible from the outside of the housing, the
EXULUS®SLM has no user-serviceable parts. Service should only be performed
by trained service personnel.
Only trained and approved Thorlabs’ personnel should service the system. Please
contact Thorlabs Technical Support at [e-mail] and a member
of our team will be happy to assist you.

EXULUS®Spatial Light Modulators Chapter 2: Safety
Page 4 CTN013676-D02
2.4. Accessories and Customization
Although the system is easily adapted for custom interfaces, to achieve the listed
specifications, this system should only be used with accessories provided by
Thorlabs. Any modification or servicing by unqualified personnel renders the
warranty null and void, leaving Thorlabs free of liability.
Custom version with panel and controller in separate units available, please
contact Tech Support for questions on customization.

EXULUS®Spatial Light Modulators Chapter 3: Introduction
Rev F, December 7, 2020 Page 5
Chapter 3 Introduction
This manual provides instruction on how to install and operate a Thorlabs
EXULUS-HD2, EXULUS-HD2HP, EXULUS-HD3, EXULUS-HD3HP, or EXULUS-
HD4 2D Spatial Light Modulator (SLM). To ensure correct usage, read this manual
carefully before operating your EXULUS®.
3.1. Overview
Thorlabs’ EXULUS®SLM is a reflective SLM based on Liquid Crystal on Silicon
(LCoS) technology. It offers individually addressable pixels of phase shift or
retardance and provides large phase stroke and excellent phase stability.
Therefore, the EXULUS®SLM is ideal for many beam manipulation applications
including optical trapping, beam steering and shaping, femtosecond pulse
shaping, adaptive optics, imaging applications, holography, interferometry, laser
processing, lithography, and others.
3.2. Principle –Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS)
The Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) technology is a reflective retarder panel
utilizing a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a top transparent and
conductive ITO layer, and the reflective electrode layer on the bottom. On the
bottom layer, pixels are arranged as individual addressable aluminum electrodes.
Together with the ITO layer on top, an electric field is built by applying a voltage
between the two layers. The liquid crystal modules align according to the direction
and strength of the electric field. Since liquid crystal is a birefringent material, the
alignment of the liquid crystal modules in turn determines the retardance or phase
shift of each pixel.
Figure 1 Schematic of Liquid Crystal on Silicon
3.3. Parts List –Accessories
The EXULUS®SLM is thoroughly tested and carefully packed at the factory. The
complete package varies according to the EXULUS model. Standard SLMs
(EXULUS-HD2, HD3, and HD4) consist of a main unit with a built-in SLM panel
and relevant accessories. The High-Power SLMs (EXULUS-HD2HP and HD3HP)
contains a main unit, an adapter board, an SLM head, and additional accessories.
The adapter board and SLM head are pre-installed on the main unit.

EXULUS®Spatial Light Modulators Chapter 3: Introduction
Page 6 CTN013676-D02
Accessories of standard SLM:
•Power Supply (Item # DS12)
•USB Cable
•HDMI Cable
•DP-to-HDMI Cable
•USB Drive with Software and Manual
•Hex Key Thumbscrew (Item # HKTS-5/64)
Accessories of High-Power SLMs:
•Power Supply (Item # DS12)
•USB Cable
•HDMI Cable
•DP-to-HDMI Cable
•USB Drive with Software and Manual
•2 mm Balldriver
•Ø2” Dust-Proof Tape
•Tubing Clip
•2.5 mm Stereo Cable for Thermistor Connection to Liquid Cooling System
(Item # LK220)
•CPC®Valved Quick-Connection Fittings for 4.3 mm (0.17”) Inner
Diameter Hose
•CPC®Valved Quick-Connection Fittings for 6.0 mm (0.24”) Inner
Diameter Hose
Figure 2 Standard SLM, with Main Unit and Removable Dust Cover Installed

EXULUS®Spatial Light Modulators Chapter 3: Introduction
Rev F, December 7, 2020 Page 7
Figure 3 High-Power SLM, Main Unit with Adapter Board and SLM Head Pre-
mounted
Figure 4 Power Supply
(Item # DS12)
Figure 5 USB Cable
Figure 6 HDMI Cable
Figure 7 DP-HDMI Cable
Figure 8 USB Drive with Software
and Manual
Figure 9 Hex Key Thumbscrew
(Item # HKTS-5/64)

EXULUS®Spatial Light Modulators Chapter 3: Introduction
Page 8 CTN013676-D02
Figure 10 CPC®Valved Quick-
Connection Fittings for 6.0 mm
(0.24”) Inner Diameter Hose, 2 pcs
Figure 11 CPC® Valved Quick-
Connection Fittings for 4.3 mm
(0.17”) Inner Diameter Hose, 2 pcs
Figure 12 2.5 mm Stereo Cable for
Thermistor Connection with Liquid
Cooling System (Item # LK220)
Figure 13 2 mm Balldriver
(Item # BD-2M)
Figure 14 Tubing Clip, 4 pcs
Figure 15 Ø2” Protective Tape for SLM
Head, 4 pcs

EXULUS®Spatial Light Modulators Chapter 3: Introduction
Rev F, December 7, 2020 Page 9
3.4. Operating Elements
3.4.1. Overview
Figure 16 Front View of Standard SLMs
Callout
Description
1
Horizontal & Vertical Fine Adjusters
2
Power Input
3
HDMI Connector
4
Mini-B USB 2.0 Connector
5
Trigger Output Connector (SMA)
6
Power Switch
7
30 mm Cage System Mounting Holes (4-40 Tap, 4 Places)
8
SLM Panel
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

EXULUS®Spatial Light Modulators Chapter 3: Introduction
Page 10 CTN013676-D02
Figure 17 Front View of High-Power SLMs
Callout
Description
1
CPC®Valved Quick-Connection Fittings for 4.3 mm (0.17”)
Inner Diameter Hose
2
Power Input
3
HDMI Connector
4
Mini-B USB 2.0 Connector
5
Trigger Output Connector (SMA)
6
Power Switch
7
Adapter Board
8
SLM Panel
9
SLM Head
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
9

EXULUS®Spatial Light Modulators Chapter 3: Introduction
Rev F, December 7, 2020 Page 11
3.4.2. Horizontal and Vertical Fine Adjusters (Standard SLMs)
Adjust the horizontal and vertical tilt of the Liquid Crystal panel. The designed
adjustment range is ±3.2° for both horizontal and vertical.
3.4.3. SLM Head (High-Power SLMs)
The SLM head integrates a built-in liquid cooling module and an NTC thermistor.
The NTC thermistor temperature can be read out by Thorlabs’ LK220 liquid chiller
or TSP01 temperature logger, as well as any third-party temperature logger
compatible with the thermistor pin assignment once connected to a 2.5 mm stereo
jack (see below).
Figure 18 Pin Diagram for Connecting to the Thermistor
The SLM head is compatible with 30 mm cage system, as well as the Polaris 1"
mirror mount (Item # POLARIS-K1) for additional panel tip/tilt adjustments. Two
valved coupling inserts for 1/4" diameter hose are pre-installed for easy connection
to Thorlabs’cooling system (Item # LK220), which is the recommended cooling
system for EXULUS-HD3HP. For more information, please refer to Chapter 4.1.
3.4.4. Trigger Output Connector (SMA)
The trigger output connector (female SMA) on the SLM generates an output signal
which can be used to synchronize external devices with the SLM.
The output signal is 5 V TTL with a pulse width of 54 μs. The frequency follows the
refresh rate of the SLM panel.
Figure 19 Trigger Timing Graph

EXULUS®Spatial Light Modulators Chapter 3: Introduction
Page 12 CTN013676-D02
3.4.5. Holes for 30 mm Cage System (Standard SLMs)
These 4-40 mounting holes provide compatibility with the Thorlabs 30 mm cage
system.
Figure 20 SLM with Attached 30 mm Cage System
3.4.6. Post Mounting Holes
The mounting holes shown below in Figure 21 and Figure 22 are designed for
Thorlabs’ optical posts. Note that these are universal tapped holes which accept
both 8-32 and M4 threaded screws. Therefore, either imperial or metric posts are
compatible (e.g.: Item # TR2 or TR50/M).
Figure 21 Two Mounting Holes on Bottom, Standard SLMs

EXULUS®Spatial Light Modulators Chapter 3: Introduction
Rev F, December 7, 2020 Page 13
Figure 22 Two Mounting Holes on Bottom, High-Power SLMs
3.4.7. Removable Dust Cover (Standard SLMs)
Prior to shipping, a magnetically coupled dust cover is installed on the front face
of the Liquid Crystal panel. Remove it before using your SLM. While using the
SLM, the dust cover can be mounted on the back panel of the SLM main unit, as
illustrated in Figure 23.
Figure 23 Two Mounting Holes on the Side and Cover Plate Storage on the Back
(Standard SLMs)

EXULUS®Spatial Light Modulators Chapter 4: Setup and Software Operation
Page 14 CTN013676-D02
Chapter 4 Setup and Software Operation
4.1. Installing the SLM
SHOCK WARNING
High voltage inside. To avoid electrical shock, before powering up, make sure
that the ground pin of the power cord is correctly connected to the ground
connector in the power socket. Improper grounding can cause electric shock
resulting in severe injury or even death. Do not operate without the cover
installed.
WARNING
This unit must not be operated in explosive environments.
WARNING
Transportation and delivery may cause the SLM to be warm or cool
upon receipt. Please wait for the whole device to reach room
temperature before attempting to operate.
WARNING
Do not operate in wet/damp conditions. Do not obstruct the air
ventilation slots in the housing!
To operate your SLM properly, place it on your lab table. For standard SLMs, two
tapped holes are available for mounting on either the side or the bottom, as shown
in Figure 24.

EXULUS®Spatial Light Modulators Chapter 4: Setup and Software Operation
Rev F, December 7, 2020 Page 15
Figure 24 Post Mounting the standard SLM with Thorlabs’ Ø1/2” Posts
For High-Power SLMs, the following two mounting methods are available:
•All-in-One Mode, two tapped holes are available for mounting on the
bottom.
Figure 25 Post Mounting the High-Power SLM, All-in-One Mode

EXULUS®Spatial Light Modulators Chapter 4: Setup and Software Operation
Page 16 CTN013676-D02
•Separate-Panel Mode, two additional tapped holes on the adapter board
and SLM head are available for mounting on the bottom.
Figure 26 Post Mounting the High-Power SLM, Separate-Panel Mode
Here the SLM head is compatible with the POLARIS-K1 Ø1" Kinematic Mirror
Mount for additional panel tip/tilt adjustments.
Figure 27 SLM Head Mounted with the Polaris-K1 Ø1" Kinematic Mirror Mount
Note:
Always use the recommended Ø1" Polaris Kinematic Mirror Mount (Item #
POLARIS-K1) or other kinematic mirror mounts with flat, front-face plates to mount
the SLM head.

EXULUS®Spatial Light Modulators Chapter 4: Setup and Software Operation
Rev F, December 7, 2020 Page 17
4.1.1. Mounting Method Conversion of High-Power SLMs
For the High-Power SLMs, the All-in-One mounting method supports height
adjustment only. To enable extra panel tip/tilt adjustments and a more flexible
panel mounting configuration, convert the All-in-One mode to Separate-Panel
mode.
To convert your SLM to Separate-Panel Mode, please always follow the steps as
described below:
•Step 1: Wear anti-electrostatic band and talc-free gloves before any
operations. DO NOT touch any electrodes on the PCBA that are
integrated in the adaptor board.
•Step 2: Disconnect the FPCs.
Open the lid of the Adapter Board by removing the two locking screws (marked
with red in Figure 28) with the included 2 mm balldriver.
Figure 28 Front View of a High-Power SLM Unit
Lift the FPC connector lid of the Board side (see Figure 29) up and disconnect the
FPC carefully. Repeat the same procedure to disconnect the FPC on the Panel
side, see Figure 30.