THORLABS FSL1030X1 User manual

FSL1030X1
Ytterbium Femtosecond
Fiber Laser
User Guide

FSL1030X1 Ytterbium Femtosecond Fiber Laser
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Safety.........................................................................................................................1
1.4.1 Operation ............................................................................................................................................................ 5
1.4.2 Safety During Operation...................................................................................................................................... 5
Chapter 2 Description.................................................................................................................7
Chapter 3 Front and Rear Panels.................................................................................................9
Chapter 4 Setup..........................................................................................................................1
Chapter 5 Software Overview .....................................................................................................5
Chapter 6 System Operation.......................................................................................................7
Chapter 7 Specifications ...........................................................................................................13
Chapter 8 Mechanical Drawing .................................................................................................16
Chapter 9 Trouble Shooting ......................................................................................................18

FSL1030X1 Ytterbium Femtosecond Fiber Laser Chapter 1: Safety
Chapter 10 Configure Network Adapter ......................................................................................19
Chapter 11 Certifications and Compliance...................................................................................24
Chapter 12 Warranty and RMA Information................................................................................25
Chapter 13 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ...................................................................................26

FSL1030X1 Ytterbium Femtosecond Fiber Laser Chapter 1: Safety
Rev. A, June 10, 2022 Page 1
Chapter 1 Safety
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual will only apply when the
unit is operated correctly in accordance with this user manual.
Warning: Risk of Electrical Shock
High voltage inside. To avoid electrical shock, before powering the unit on, make sure that the
protective conductor of the 3-conductor power cord is correctly connected to the protective
earth contact of the socket outlet. Improper grounding can cause electric shock resulting in
severe injury or even death. Do not operate without cover installed.
Explosion Warning
This instrument must not be operated in an explosion endangered environment.
Laser Warning
The FSL1030X1 laser is a Class IV laser. Avoid Eye or Skin Exposure to Direct or Scattered
Radiation.
Laser Warning
Always wear appropriate laser safety eyewear during laser setup and operation.
Laser Warning
Disabling or removing interlocks may result in severe injury.
Caution
This instrument should be kept clear of environments where liquid spills or condensing
moisture are likely. It is not water resistant. To avoid damage to the instrument, do not expose
it to spray, liquids, or solvents.

FSL1030X1 Ytterbium Femtosecond Fiber Laser Chapter 1: Safety
Page 2 TTN286794-D02
Caution
Do not operate the laser unless the chiller is connected and running within nominal
parameters. Failure to follow these instructions can cause severe and permenant damage to
the laser.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Laser classification
Per 21 C.F.R. §1040.10 and IEC 60825-1:2014, the FSL1030X1 laser is classified as a Class IV or Class 4 laser. In
compliance with this standard, certain performance features and laser safety labels are provided on the product.
Class 4 lasers such as the FSL1030X1 laser may cause damage to the skin, and also to the eye, even from the
viewing of diffuse reflections. These hazards may also apply to indirect or non-specular reflections of the beam,
even from apparently matte surfaces. Great care must be taken when handling these lasers. They also represent
a fire risk, because they may ignite combustible material.
Safe practices and proper usage of safety equipment should be taken into consideration when operating lasers.
The eye is susceptible to injury, even from very low levels of laser light. Laser emission in the visible and near
infrared spectral ranges has the greatest potential for retinal injury, as the cornea and lens are transparent to
those wavelengths, and the lens can focus the laser energy onto the retina.
Follow all sa

Always use proper laser safety eyewear.
Avoid wearing watches, jewelry, or other objects that may reflect or scatter the laser beam.
Keep the laser beam paths above or below eye level for both sitting and standing positions.
Ensure that individuals do not look directly into a laser beam.
Eliminate all unnecessary reflective surfaces from the vicinity of the laser beam path.
Ensure that all individuals who operate Class 4 lasers are trained in laser safety and authorized to operate a laser.
Do not leave a running laser unattended if there is a chance that an unauthorized user may attempt to operate
the laser. A key switch should be used if untrained persons may gain access to the laser. A warning light or buzzer
should be used to indicate when the laser is operating.
Use low power settings, beam shutters, and laser output filters to reduce the beam power to less hazardous levels
when the full output power is not required.
Make sure that spectators are not exposed to hazardous conditions.

FSL1030X1 Ytterbium Femtosecond Fiber Laser Chapter 1: Safety
Rev. A, June 10, 2022 Page 3
Operate the laser only in a well-controlled area (for example, within a closed room with covered or filtered
windows and controlled access).
Label the laser and the room with appropriate Class 4 laser warning signs.
Mount the laser on a firm support to ensure that the beam travels along the intended path.
Because of its weight (see specifications), the FSL1030X1 Laser Head should always be lifted by two people using
proper lifting technique. Refer to appropriate regulations, standards, and/or workplace resources for instructions
on proper technique.
The unit is supplied with a region-specific power cord. If using your own power cord, make sure it is IEC 320
compatible.
Make sure that the line voltage rating marked on the rear panel agrees with your local supply and that the
appropriate fuses are installed.
Do not operate in wet or damp conditions. Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in the housing.
This device can only be returned when packed into the complete original packaging, including all foam packing
inserts.
All statements regarding operational safety and technical data in this manual will only apply when the unit is
operated correctly.
Laser safety labels
Figure 1 Laser Safety Label per IEC 60825-1:2014 §7
Figure 2 Laser Aperture Label per 21 C.F.R §1040.10(g)(5)(i) and (g)(8) and IEC 60825-1:2014 §7
The American National Standards Institute publishes a laser safety standard for users, entitled American
National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers (ANSI Z136.1). Copies may be obtained from:

FSL1030X1 Ytterbium Femtosecond Fiber Laser Chapter 1: Safety
Page 4 TTN286794-D02
A.N.S.I. Washington, DC. Headquarters
1819 L Street, NW (between 18th and 19th Streets), 6th floor
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.ansi.org
Laser Institute of America
13501 Ingenuity Drive, Suite 128
Orlando, FL 32826
Toll Free: [phone]
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.laserinstitute.org
System Power Requirements
The unit can operate from any single-phase AC power source that supplies 120, 230, or 100VAC at a frequency
range of 50 to 60Hz. It draws 10A maximum. The maximum power consumption is dependent on the operating
parameters of the laser system, with a peak power draw of less than 400W and a typical operational power
draw of 100W. The FSL1030X1 chiller requires 100/240VAC, 50/60Hz, 5A max.
Laser Output Parameters
The output parameters for the laser system are outlined in the table below, followed by classification warning
labels, shown in Figure 3. For further information, please refer to the specification tables for laser classifications
specified by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), a division of the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA).
Output Parameter
FSL1030X1 Output
Wavelength
1020 - 1080 nm
Laser Classification
Class IV
Max Output Power
25 W
Beam Diameter
2.0 2.5 mm
(TEM00, 1/e2points)

FSL1030X1 Ytterbium Femtosecond Fiber Laser Chapter 1: Safety
Rev. A, June 10, 2022 Page 5
Figure 3 Laser Safety Warning Labels
1.4.1 Operation
Prior to initializing and operating your FSL1030X1, please consult the following list to ensure that the unit can be
safely operated.

Inspect the unit for any signs of damage.
Install the unit as described in Chapter 3.
Ensure that both the unit and any connected devices are properly grounded.
Install the laser in an enclosed area with access restricted to trained personnel. Clearly label the area and mark
the entrance with the class of laser (Class IV).
1.4.2 Safety During Operation
While operating your FSL1030X1 laser, it is highly recommended that you follow the precautions listed below to
ensure safety for all personnel.
Regions of the laser output from this device are not possible to see with the unaided eye. Use optical aids such
as IR cards or IR viewers to view the laser output.
Eye and skin exposure to direct or scattered laser radiation is hazardous and is considered potentially extremely
harmful. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as laser safety glasses and lab coats. OD 5+ at
950 - 1120 nm laser safety glasses are recommended.
Never leave the laser on without proper notification posted.
The laser has a key switch on the power supply front panel. The key must be inserted and turned to enable the
laser to operate. The key is captive in the operational position. Cycling the key On-Off-On is required to initialize
the laser on start-up and to recover after a Remote Interlock fault. Remove the key from the laser when not in use
or unattended. Store the key in a safe place.
Limit access to the laser to personnel who are familiar with the equipment. Ensure that the laser is not assembled,
operated, or repaired by inexperienced or untrained personnel.
Ensure that all mirrors and optics used to steer the laser beam are securely positioned and fixed to prevent
movement. Control all stray reflections or transmissions of the laser beam, as these may also be Class IV beams.
Do not allow reflective objects to be placed in the laser beam. Laser light scattered from a reflective surface can
be as damaging as the original beam.

FSL1030X1 Ytterbium Femtosecond Fiber Laser Chapter 1: Safety
Page 6 TTN286794-D02
Terminate the laser beam path (or paths) with a suitable power meter or non-reflecting beam stop. Enclose beam
with be              
operating manual for proper usage.
Suitable eye protection must be worn at all times when laser output is possible.
Connect the power cord only to a power outlet or extension cord equipped with a protective earth contact.
Never remove covers or panels from the units.


FSL1030X1 Ytterbium Femtosecond Fiber Laser Chapter 2: Description
Rev. A, June 10, 2022 Page 7
Chapter 2 Description
Introduction
The Thorlabs FSL1030X1 Femtosecond Fiber Laser is a high power (Class IV) femtosecond fiber laser consisting of
a femtosecond oscillator, pulse picker, fiber amplifier, and tunable compression for amplifying femtosecond
pulses up to 3.0 µJ.
Ytterbia FSL1030X1 laser emits <250 fs pulses (<220 fs typical) with a center wavelength of 1035 nm at
a user selectable repetition rate between 1 - 11 MHz. This fiber laser is based upon an oscillator, pulse picker, and
a chirped pulse amplifier, yielding reliable turn-key operation and exceptional long-term reliability. The FSL1030X1
has a collimated free-space output with a 2.0 2.5 mm mode field diameter (1/e2intensity diameter). The laser
is controlled through agraphical user interface (GUI).The laser is used in applications where high peak and average
power are required. The product is intended to be used in an indoor laboratory environment.
The pulse picking system is based on frequency division of the femtosecond oscillator, which operates at 56 MHz.
Only integer multiples of the 56 MHz are attainable. For example, a frequency divisor of 56 produces an amplified
pulse train at 1 MHz, where 1 pulse out of every 56 is passed through the pulse picker and on to the amplifier. For
smaller divisors however, the spacing between accessible repetition rates becomes more coarse. Consider divisors
of 7 and 6, the resultant amplified pulse train repetition rates are 8 and 9.3 MHz. The available repetition rates, 1
11 MHz, for which the laser is qualified are populated in a drop-down menu in the GUI.
A unique feature of the Ytterbia FSL1030X1 laser is the pulse energy as a function of repetition rate, which is nearly
constant across tuning range. From 1 5 MHz, the pulse energy is 3.0 µJ, so the average power increases linearly
depending on the user selected repetition rate. Above 5 MHz, the laser power trends towards its maximum of
approximately 20 W, with the pulse energy at the maximum repetition rate of 11 MHz being 2 µJ.
An enable key switch must be  put the laser into a Ready state on startup, where
the Ready state simply means the user can turn on the laser through the GUI. Keep in mind, this usually will mean
cycling the key fr

e, which
energizes the oscillator. This is effectively a Simmer state, and the laser can remain in this condition safely for
prolonged periods of time. LED indicators displays the current state of the unit. When the Seeder Power radio
toggle is engaged, there is a 3 second delay before the seeder turns on, and the user is warned by the blinking
LEDs. In the Simmer state the user can change the repetition rate of the pulse picker.
Before turning on the main amplifier, the user should determine if they want the full power or an alignment (low)
power. For power sufficient to align with, the Diode Current can be set to 1 - 1.5 A. Otherwise, the GUI will default
to the recommended current to achieve full performance of the laser, where the current is set to this default
when the repetition rate is changed. Before turning on the main amplifier, the user should ensure the output
beam path is safe or the shutter is closed. To turn on the main amplifier, the user selects the 
toggle to turn it to energize the pump diodes.
The laser pulse intensity is NOT invariant with pulse energy, i.e. Diode Current setting. The laser is designed for
optimal performance at the full power allowed at each repetition rate, and the pulse characteristics are only
qualified at the full power/energy. If an experiment requires less power, then they need to either ensure the
pulses at lower Current and power/energy are suitable for their experiment through their own characterization
OR to use a waveplate polarizer to attenuate the laser while it runs at its specified Diode Current per the set
repetition rate.
A manual aperture shutter allows blocking the output beam even when the laser emission is on.

FSL1030X1 Ytterbium Femtosecond Fiber Laser Chapter 2: Description
Page 8 TTN286794-D02
For added safety, there is a Remote interlock connector located on the rear panel that must be shorted in order
for the output to be enabled. This can easily be configured to be triggered by doors or an emergency push button
to disable the fiber amplifier in unsafe conditions.
Figure 4 FSL1030X1 Laser Head

FSL1030X1 Ytterbium Femtosecond Fiber Laser Chapter 3: Front and Rear Panels
Rev. A, June 10, 2022 Page 9
Chapter 3 Front and Rear Panels
Figure 5 FSL1030X1 Laser Front Panel
Front Front Panel
Callout
Description
1
Laser Output Aperture
2
Emission Indicator
3
Manual Aperture Wheel to Open/Close Shutter
4
Aperture Shutter Position Indicator
5
Mounting Location for Removable Handles (4 Places)
6
Included CL5A Clamp Location (2 Places)
Figure 6 FSL1030X1 Laser Front Panel
Back Laser Panel
Callout
Description
1
Water In
2
Water Out
3
Fixed Optical Umbilical
4
Mounting Location for Removable Handles (4 Places)
5
USB 2.0 Type-B Connector
6
For Manufacturer Only (2 Places)
7
Sub-D 25 Pin Umbilical to Controller
8
Included CL5A Clamp Location
5
6
1
2
3
4
3
7
1
2
4
5
6
8

Figure 7 FSL1030X1 Laser Controller Front Panel
Laser Controller Front Panel
Callout
Description
1
Emission Indicator
2
Laser Enable Switch
3
Laser Synchronization Signal (BNC Female, TTL)
4
Remote Interlock (BNC Female, Open/Closed)
Figure 8 FSL1030X1 Laser Controller Back Panel
Laser Controller Back Panel
Callout
Description
1
AC Power On/Off Switch
2
Fuse Tray
3
AC Power Cord Connector
4
USB 2.0 Type A Connector to Laser
5
Ethernet Port to Computer
6

7
Sub-D 25 Umbilical to Laser
8
Fixed Optical Umbilical to Laser
9
Fixed Water Lines (2 Places)
3
4
1
2
2
3
1
8
9
7
6
5
4

FSL1030X1 Ytterbium Femtosecond Fiber Laser Chapter 4: Setup
Rev. A, June 10, 2022 Page 1
Chapter 4 Setup
The FSL1030X1 laser system is designed for ease of use. Installation is straightforward, but all steps should be
followed carefully to ensure the best FSL1030X1 laser performance.
Unpacking
Please exercise caution when unpacking the FSL1030X1 laser crate as it contains sensitive electronic and optical
components. A simple shipping inventory should be performed when unpacking in order to ensure all parts are
present and accounted for before beginning the installation process.
The FSL1030X1 laser system includes:
Laser Head and Electronics Unit (Connected via Non-Detachable Umbilical, 2.5 m)
Air-to-Water Chiller and Water Lines, with Valved Quick-Disconnect Fittings, 2.5 m in length
Pre-Mixed Anti-Corrosion Fluid for the Chiller, Thorlabs Item # CDTX
2x Electronic Power Cords, Region-Specific, 6
1x 2.5 m Ethernet cable, 1x 2.5 m USB 2.0 cable, and 1x Ethernet to USB converter.
3x CL5A Table Clamps for Mounting
Laser Head Mounting
Once you have verified that all components of your FSL1030X1 system are present, transport the system into
the installation location.
Place the FSL1030X1 laser head (Figure 9) in the desired position on the optical table.
Figure 9 FSL1030X1 Laser Head, Front (Left) and Back (Right)
Secure the laser head on the optical table through the three mounting locations shown with blue circles in Figure
9, using the included CL5A clamps.
Electronics Setup
Once the FSL1030X1 laser head has been properly secured to the table, it is advised that you take time to route
the electric cables and components in order to ensure easy operation of the unit without introducing unnecessary

FSL1030X1 Ytterbium Femtosecond Fiber Laser Chapter 4: Setup
Page 2 TTN286794-D02
hazards to the system. The stainless steel optical umbilical has a minimum bend radius of 140 mm and should be
routed carefully. This section will describe the proper installation of the additional system components.
Place the electronics box (Figure 10) and chiller (Figure 11) in their desired locations.
Figure 10 Electronics Unit
Figure 11 Chiller
Connect the water lines from the chiller unit to the optical head/electronics box. The
water lines will be labeled for the correct orientation.
Fill the chiller with the provided coolant and turn on the chiller. Once circulating, verify
there are no leaks from the water line connections. Refill the chiller reservoir if
necessary once the coolant has circulated for 2 minutes.
Connect all the appropriately cables from the Laser Head to the back of the electronics
unit (Figure 12 and Figure 13). And unlabeled connections on the electronics unit are
for technician diagnostics only.

FSL1030X1 Ytterbium Femtosecond Fiber Laser Chapter 4: Setup
Rev. A, June 10, 2022 Page 3
Figure 12 Laser Head (Back) –User Connections are a Sub-D 25 and a USB 2.0 Type B Connector
Figure 13 Electronics Unit (Back) –User Connections are sub-D 25, USB 2.0 Type A, and Ethernet
Turn on the FSL1030X1 Controller via the power switch next to the AC plug on the back of the electronics box
(Figure 13). Note it takes ~1.5 minutes for the system to initialize after receiving AC power.
Figure 14 Electronics Unit (Front)
Install the key switch and ensure the BNC shorting cap is installed on the Remote interlock (Figure 14). Turn the
key switch to the enabled location.
Connect a laptop/desktop to the controller using the Ethernet cable. If the user's computer does not have an
Ethernet port, they can use the Ethernet to USB adapter included with the laser. The instructions to configure the
network adapter to the static IP address necessary to communicate with the controller are in 9.5.

FSL1030X1 Ytterbium Femtosecond Fiber Laser Chapter 4: Setup
Page 4 TTN286794-D02
Launch the FSL1030X1 software (downloaded from the Thorlabs website) on the computer and connect to the
device.
Pulse Train MonitorLaser SynchronizationFigure 13 and Figure 14,
respectively) as desired:
Pulse Train Monitor This BNC output is a fast diagnostic output of the ~56 MHz oscillator pulse train. Connect

Laser Synchronization The BNC output is a TTL signal synchronized with 


FSL1030X1 Ytterbium Femtosecond Fiber Laser Chapter 5: Software Overview
Rev. A, June 10, 2022 Page 5
Chapter 5 Software Overview
This section covers only the options and controls accessible through the FSL1030X1 software. Please consult
Chapter 6 for actual system operation instruction.
FSL1030X1 Laser Control
Figure 15 FSL1030X1 Laser Control
The FSL1030X1 software gives the user control of the laser while providing system feedback on the amplifier
seed spectrum, system power levels, temperatures and other diagnostics built into the laser system which will
be described in detail below.
Seeder
Figure 16 Seeder ON

FSL1030X1 Ytterbium Femtosecond Fiber Laser Chapter 5: Software Overview
Page 6 TTN286794-D02
Seeder Power –This toggle button will turn the seeder on or off. The seeder must be turned on before the

yellow.
Repetition Rate –In this section the user may select the desired repetition rate.
Reference Spectrum –The seeder reference spectrum will be displayed in red. When the seeder is on, the live
spectrum will be displayed in white. A reference spectrum can be saved through the section indicated by a
yellow rectangle on the right side of the window in Figure 16.
Laser Amplifier
This section allows the user to turn on the amplifier and provides information on the amplifier power and
energy.
Figure 17 Laser Amplifier
Laser Power –This toggle button will turn the laser amplifier on or off. The amplifier is on when the slide bar is

Diode Current –This section sets the current applied to the amplifier diodes and changes the output power. The
value may be set to anything within the allowable range.
Dispersion Offset This section allows the user to adjust the laser dispersion. The factory setting will be an
offset of zero.
Output Power Displays the amplified 1035 nm output power. Adjusting the diode current will change the
output power.
Output Energy Displays the amplified 1035 nm output energy. Adjusting the diode current will change the
output energy.
Repetition Rate Displays the repetition rate of the amplified 1035 nm pulses.

FSL1030X1 Ytterbium Femtosecond Fiber Laser Chapter 6: System Operation
Rev. A, June 10, 2022 Page 7
Chapter 6 System Operation
This section details the typical day-to-day operation of the FSL1030X1 laser. The system is controlled primarily
through the software loaded onto the provided computer. If you have questions regarding safe operation of the
laser, please contact Thorlabs.
Initial Laser Startup
To turn on your laser for daily operation:
Unlockposition to put the laser into the Ready
State. After an AC power cycle, the key switch must go 
to access the laser Ready State.
Verify the remote interlock (BNC connection) is either shorted externally (e.g. into a door interlock) or shorted via
the provided BNC cap.
Start the FSL1030X1 control software by double-clicking the desktop link. The following window will appear. Make
sure the Ethernet cable is properly connected to the laptop.
Click on the Connect button on the menu bar to find the FSL1030X1 Laser.
Figure 18 Start-Up Window
The search window will appear. Select the FSL1030X1 laser and press ok.