THORLABS Kinesis PFM450E User manual

HA0358T
PFM450E
Piezo Focus Mount and
Controller
Kinesis User Guide
Original Instructions

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PFM450E Piezo Focus Mount and Controller
Contents
Chaper 1 Overview ..................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................ 1
1.2 Software Overview ............................................................................. 3
1.2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 3
1.2.2 Kinesis Server ......................................................................................... 3
1.2.3 Software Upgrades ................................................................................. 4
Chaper 2 Safety .......................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Safety Information ............................................................................. 5
2.2 General Warnings and Cautions ...................................................... 5
Chaper 3 Installation .................................................................................................. 6
3.1 Unpacking ........................................................................................... 6
3.2 Mounting ............................................................................................. 7
3.2.1 General ................................................................................................... 7
3.3 Installing the Focus Mount ............................................................... 7
3.4 Fitting/Changing the Objective ......................................................... 9
3.4.1 Angular Rotation ................................................................................... 10
3.5 Installing the Controller ................................................................... 11
3.5.1 Siting ..................................................................................................... 11
3.5.2 Environmental Conditions ..................................................................... 11
3.6 Installing the Software ..................................................................... 12
3.7 Electrical Connection ...................................................................... 12
3.7.1 Connecting To The Supply ................................................................... 12
3.7.2 Connecting The Hardware .................................................................... 13
3.7.3 Powering Down The Controller ............................................................. 14
3.7.4 Rear Panel Connections ....................................................................... 15
3.8 Front Panel Controls and Indicators ............................................. 17
3.9 Controller Schematic Diagram ....................................................... 18
Continued...

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Chaper 4 PC Operation - Tutorial ........................................................................... 20
4.1 Introduction ...................................................................................... 20
4.2 Using the Kinesis Software ............................................................. 20
4.3 Introduction to Open and Closed Loop Operation ........................ 22
4.4 Tuning ............................................................................................... 22
4.5 Limitations on the Displayed Position Values ............................... 23
4.6 Moving the Piezo Mount .................................................................. 24
4.6.1 Setting the Zero Position ...................................................................... 24
4.6.2 Entering the piezo position ................................................................... 24
4.6.3 Jogging the Piezos ............................................................................... 25
4.7 Using the Controller as a Piezo Amplifier ...................................... 26
4.8 Thermal Shutdown ........................................................................... 27
4.9 Using the MZF001 Joystick ............................................................. 27
4.10 Load Response ................................................................................. 28
Chaper 5 Software Reference .................................................................................. 29
5.1 GUI Panel .......................................................................................... 29
5.2 Settings Panel ................................................................................... 30
5.2.1 Persisting Settings to the Hardware ..................................................... 30
5.2.2 Advanced tab. ....................................................................................... 31
5.2.3 Filters tab. ............................................................................................. 33
Appendices
Appendix A Rear Panel Connector Pinout Detail ...................................... 39
Appendix A Preventive Maintenance ......................................................... 45
Appendix B Specifications and Associated Parts .................................... 46
Appendix C Piezo Operation - Background ............................................... 49
Appendix D Regulatory ............................................................................... 52
Appendix E Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ................................................ 55

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PFM450E Piezo Focus Mount and Controller
Chapter 1 Overview
1.1 Introduction
Thorlabs’ PFM450E Piezo-Driven Focus Mount System provides 600 µm of travel in
open loop and 450 µm in closed loop and is designed specifically for visualizing
specimens or samples in applications such as confocal microscopy and 3D imaging.
The PFM450 Objective Mount is sold as a matched pair with the PPC001 closed-loop,
precision piezo controller for controlled focussing and active location feedback.
The stage offers a monolithic flexure made from hardened tool steel. It houses a
precision geometry capacitive feedback sensor that uses ultra-stable electrode plates
(rigid substrates coated with precious metal alloy layers. These sensors give correct
positioning with submicron repeatability and resolution on the order of 1 nm in open
loop and 3 nm in closed loop, making this product ideal for applications that require
highly accurate positioning control.
The system also provides active feedback to compensate for thermal changes and
other factors that might lead to drift and is ideally suited for use in laser scanning
microscopy setups among others.
The supplied PPC001 controller is designed for use in critical alignment applications
where nanometer level motion control is required. These high power units deliver up
to 150V/150mA per channel.
The unit combines the latest highspeed digital signal processors (DSP) with low-noise
analog electronics and ActiveX® software technology for effortless single-axis
motion. Additional axes can be driven by connecting one or more benchtop units via
a standard USB hub.
Fig. 1.1 PFM450 Piezo Focus Mount

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Chapter 1 Overview
The piezo 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 piezo controller, and any other controllers that are installed in the system. See
Section 1.2. for a full description of the system software.
The piezo unit operation is fully configurable (parameterized) with key settings
exposed through the associated graphical interface panel. Open or closed loop
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, the P I D (proportional, integral and derivative) components of the feedback
control loop can be altered to adjust the servo loop response. A notch filter can also
be adjusted for fine tuning. For convenience and ease of use, adjustment of many key
parameters is possible through direct interaction with the graphical panel. For
example, the output drive voltage or position can be adjusted by entering a value in
the display window (see the tutorial in Chapter 4 for further details). Note that all such
settings and parameters are also accessible through the programmable interfaces.
See Section 1.2. for a full description of the system software.
The key innovation of the 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 Kinesis 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. In the
remainder of this handbook, the Tutorial section (Chapter 4) provides a good initial
understanding on using the unit, and the reference section (Chapter 5) covers all
operating modes and parameters in detail.
Fig. 1.2 Single Channel Precision Piezo Controller (PPC001)

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PFM450E Piezo Focus Mount and Controller
1.2 Software Overview
1.2.1 Introduction
The PPC001 piezo controller features 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.
1.2.2 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 PPC001 controller.
The system provides a separate control for each piezo drive channel to allow the
piezo unit to be manually operated, as well as a complete set of software functions to
allow all parameters to be set and operations to be automated by a client application.
The instrument panel reflects the current operating state of the driver unit to which it
is associated (e.g. such as piezo drive voltage). Updates to the panel take place
automatically when a user (client) application is making software calls into the same

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Chapter 1 Overview
Control. For example, if a client application instructs the associated Piezo Control to
move an actuator, the progress of that move is reflected automatically by changing
position readouts 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. 1.3 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.
1.2.3 Software Upgrades
Thorlabs operate a policy of continuous product development and may issue software
upgrades as necessary.

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PFM450E Piezo Focus Mount and 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 and Cautions
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.
The equipment is for indoor use only.
The equipment is not designed for use in an explosive atmosphere.
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 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 Installation
Chapter 3 Installation
3.1 Unpacking
PFM450 Box Contents
Fig. 3.1 PFM450 Contents
Caution
Once removed from its packaging, the stage can be easily damaged by
mishandling. The unit should only be handled by its base, not by any
attachments to the moving part.
The equipment contains no user servicable parts. Do not remove any screws
securing the covers or attempt any repairs or adjustments as this will affect the
calibration and invalidate the warranty. Adjustments are confined to loosening
and tightening of the clamping screws - see Fig. 3.2 and Fig. 3.3.
Note
Retain the packing for use in future transportation.
Flat Spanner
for tightening
mounting adapters
Hex Key and
Spare Screws for
Mounting Clamps
PFM450 Piezo Mount,
Cable and Connector
Cutouts for Storing
PFMA Series Adapters

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PFM450E Piezo Focus Mount and Controller
3.2 Mounting
3.2.1 General
3.3 Installing the Focus Mount
The PFM450 can be mounted to most inverted or upright microscopes from major
manufacturers, or independently in "home built microscopes or set ups. A mounting
adapter is first fitted to the microscope. The piezo objective mount is then fitted to the
adapter and secured by a clamping ring as shown in Fig. 3.2.
A range of microscope adapters are available separately as detailed below.
Caution
The controller and objective mount are calibrated at the factory and are sold as
a matched pair. The matched pair can be identified by the serial number label
that appears on both units.
Unsatisfactory performance is likely to result if the objective mount is driven by
a different controller, or if the controller is used to drive other objective mounts.
Caution
When mounting the focus mount on the microscope, ensure that the travel is
not obstructed. If the mount is driven against a solid object, damage to the
internal mechanism could occur.
The range of travel is 450 µm in closed loop but can be up to 600 µm in open
loop.
Ensure that the cable is not under vibration as this can effect the stability of
positioning by pulling the moving world away from the fixed world - see Fig. 3.2.
When considering movement in the proximity of other objects or equipment,
ensure that movement of cables connected to the focus mount is not impeded.
Note
This handbook has been compiled to support the PFM450E piezo mount and
controller as a standalone system. For assistance with integration into third part
microscopes and systems, please contact tech support.
Description Part Number
Microscope Adapter, External M32 x 0.75 Thread PFMA01
Microscope Adapter Extended, External M32 x 0.75 Thread PFMA01E
Microscope Adapter, External M32 x 0.75 Thread PFMA03
Microscope Adapter, External M25 x 0.75 Thread PFMA05
Microscope Adapter, External RMS (0.800"-36) Thread PFMA07
Microscope Adapter, External SM1 (1.035"-40) Thread PFMA09
Microscope Adapter, External M26 x 0.706 Thread PFMA11