THORLABS GVS001 User manual

HA0193T
GVS001 and GVS002
GVS101 and GVS102
GVS201 and GVS202
Small Beam Diameter
Scanning Galvo Systems
User Guide
Original Instructions

Single and Dual Axis Scanning Galvo Systems for Small Beam Diameters
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Safety Information .............................................................................................1
Chapter 2 Overview .............................................................................................................3
2.2.1 Introduction................................................................................................................................................. 3
2.2.2 The Galvanometer..................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2.3 The Mirror ................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.2.4 Servo Driver Board.................................................................................................................................... 5
Chapter 3 Installation and Initial Setup ............................................................................6
3.2.1 Motor Assembly Dimensions ................................................................................................................... 6
3.2.2 Mirror Dimensions ..................................................................................................................................... 6
3.2.3 Single Axis Mount Dimensions ................................................................................................................ 7
3.2.4 XY Mount Dimensions .............................................................................................................................. 8
3.2.5 Heatsink Dimensions ................................................................................................................................ 8
3.2.6 Servo Driver Board Baseplate Dimensions ........................................................................................... 9
3.3.1 Introduction................................................................................................................................................. 9
3.3.2 Fitting the Heatsinks................................................................................................................................ 10
3.3.3 Typical System Setup ............................................................................................................................. 11
3.4.1 Choosing a Power Supply...................................................................................................................... 12
3.4.2 Using the GPS011 Linear Power Supply ............................................................................................. 12
3.4.3 Electrical Connections ............................................................................................................................ 13
3.4.4 Diagnostic Signal Descriptions .............................................................................................................. 17
3.4.5 Setting the Volts/Degree Scaling Factor .............................................................................................. 17
Chapter 4 Operation ..........................................................................................................18
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................20
Chapter 6 Specifications and Associated Parts............................................................24

HA0193T
Chapter 7 Calculating the Power Dissipation................................................................26
7.1.1 Calculating the Required Thermal Conductivity .................................................................................. 26
Chapter 8 Reasons for Image Distortion........................................................................27
Chapter 9 Certifications and Compliance ......................................................................28
Chapter 10 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts .......................................................................29

Single and Dual Axis Scanning Galvo Systems for Small Beam Diameters Chapter 1: Safety Information
Rev. 25, July 17, 2023 Page 1
Chapter 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.
Warning: Risk of Electrical Shock
Given when there is a risk of electrical shock.
Warning
Given when there is a risk of injury to users.
Caution
Given when there is a possibility of damage to the product.
Note
Clarification of an instruction or additional information.
General Warnings and Cautions
Warning
If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the equipment might
malfunction. Excessive moisture may impair operation.
Spillage of fluid, such as sample solutions, should be avoided. If spillage does occur, clean up
immediately using absorbent tissue. Do not allow spilled fluid to enter the internal mechanism.
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.
Caution
When connecting the driver boards and motors use only the cables supplied. Do not extend
the cables. The driver boards and motors are calibrated with these cables. Using different
cables will affect the performance of the system.

Single and Dual Axis Scanning Galvo Systems for Small Beam Diameters Chapter 1: Safety Information
Page 2 ETN013002-D02
Caution
The driver circuit board is shipped calibrated and ready for use. The only adjustments
necessary are setting the Volts/Degree Scaling factor (see section 3.4.5 and if required, setting
the device for external enabling see section 4.2).
Do not attempt to make any other adjustments or remove/fit any other jumpers than those
explicitly described in the following sections as this could invalidate the warranty.
Warning
Please install the metal covers GCE001 to prevent any damage to the motors and PCBs as the
galvo boards contain electrostatic discharge-sensitive components.
EMC Compatibility and ESD Precautions
Caution
Galvos must be shielded from external interference, ground loops, and electrostatic discharge
because they are components and not finished goods. If the covers are not used, a 4kV ESD
can touch the PCB and harm it. Please install covers to shield the boards from ESD.
Note
The customer must adhere to EMC and ESD best practices when integrating any galvo parts
into their systems.
The customer should insulate the galvo and the PCB with shielding and/or ferrite beads if radiofrequency
signals are present in the system since motors can be susceptible to outside radio frequency radiation.
Motors can be sensitive to external radio frequency signals; the customer should protect the galvo and the
PCB with shielding and/or ferrite beads if radio frequency signal are present in the system.
For instance, a Würth Elektronik ferrite 742 711 31 S placed over the motor cable of the large galvo system
can improve immunity between 105 and 115MHz.

Single and Dual Axis Scanning Galvo Systems for Small Beam Diameters Chapter 2: Overview
Rev. 25, July 17, 2023 Page 3
Chapter 2 Overview
Introduction
The GVS series scanning galvo systems are board level, mirror positioning systems, designed for integration
into OEM or custom laser beam steering applications. The single axis systems consist of a motor and mirror
assembly, a mounting bracket, a tuned driver card and a heat sink. The dual axis systems comprise two mirror
and motor assemblies, an X-Y mounting bracket, two driver cards and two heat sinks. The driver cards feature
a small footprint, fixings for easy mounting to a heatsink and a simple analog command signal interface.
A choice of mirror coating is available as follows:
GVS001 and GVS002: Single- and Dual-Axis Systems with Protected Silver Mirrors
GVS101 and GVS102: Single- and Dual-Axis Systems with Protected Gold Mirrors
GVS201 and GVS202: Single- and Dual-Axis Systems with 400-750 nm Broadband Dielectric Mirrors
Typical applications include laser scanning, laser microscopy, and laser marking.
Figure 1 GVS002 2-Axis Galvo System (Post Adapter and Post Not Included)
System Description
2.2.1 Introduction
Galvo Scanners are widely used in applications such as laser etching, confocal microscopy, and laser imaging.
A galvanometer is a precision motor with a limited travel, usually much less than 360 degrees, whose
acceleration is directly proportional to the current applied to the motor coils. When current is applied, the
motor shaft rotates through an arc. Motion is stopped by applying a current of reverse polarity. If the current
is removed, the motor comes to rest under friction.
Typically, the term 'Galvo' refers only to the motor assembly, whereas a 'Galvo Scanner' would include the
motor, together with a mirror, mirror mount and driver electronics.
A description of each component in the system is contained in the following sections.
2.2.2 The Galvanometer
The galvanometer consists of two main components: a motor that moves the mirror and a detector that feeds
back mirror position information to the system.

Single and Dual Axis Scanning Galvo Systems for Small Beam Diameters Chapter 2: Overview
Page 4 ETN013002-D02
Figure 2 GVS002 Dual Axis Galvo/Mirror Assembly
Our galvo motor features a moving magnet, which means that the magnet is part of the rotor and the coil is
part of the stator. This configuration provides faster response and higher system-resonant frequencies when
compared to moving coil configurations.
Mirror position information is provided by an optical position detector, which consists of two pairs of
photodiodes and a light source. As the galvo and mirrors are moved, differing amounts of light are detected
by the photodiodes and the current produced is relative to the galvo actuator position.
2.2.3 The Mirror
The mirror assembly is attached to the end of the actuator and deflects the light beam over the angular range
of the motor shaft. Scanning galvo applications demand high speed and frequencies of the shaft rotation, and
so the inertia of the actuator and mirror assembly can have a profound effect on the performance of the
system. High resonant frequencies and enhanced stiffness in the mirror assembly also add to system
performance by increasing bandwidth and response times.
Wavelength ranges and damage threshold of the different mirror coatings are detailed below:
Table 1 Wavelength Ranges and Damage Threshold
Part Number Coating Wavelength Damage Threshold
GVS00x
Silver
500 nm - 2.0 µm
3 J/cm2at 1064 nm, 10 ns pulse
GVS10x
Gold
800 nm - 20.0 µm
2 J/cm2at 1064 nm, 10 ns pulse
GVS20x
E02
400 nm - 750 nm
0.25 J/cm2 at 532 nm, 10 ns
pulse

Single and Dual Axis Scanning Galvo Systems for Small Beam Diameters Chapter 2: Overview
Rev. 25, July 17, 2023 Page 5
Figure 3 Mirror Assembly Detail
2.2.4 Servo Driver Board
The servo circuit interprets the signals from the position detector, then uses positional error, speed and
integral of current terms to output control voltages to drive the actuator to the demanded position.
The scanner uses a non-integrating, Class 0 servo, which enables higher system speeds compared to
integrating servo systems and is ideal for use in applications that require vector positioning (e.g., laser
marking) or raster positioning (printing or scanning laser microscopy). It can also be used in some step and
hold applications.
Furthermore, the proportional derivative circuit gives excellent dynamic performance and includes an
additional current term to ensure stability at high accelerations. The diagram below shows the architecture of
the driver in more detail.
Figure 4 Servo Driver Board Schematic Diagram
Figure 5 Servo Driver Circuit Board

Single and Dual Axis Scanning Galvo Systems for Small Beam Diameters Chapter 3: Installation and Initial Setup
Page 6 ETN013002-D02
Chapter 3 Installation and Initial Setup
Environmental Conditions
Warning
Operation outside the following environmental limits may adversely affect operator safety.
The unit is designed for indoor use only.
To ensure reliable operation, the unit should not be exposed to corrosive agents or excessive moisture, heat,
or dust.
The unit is not designed to be used in explosive environments.
If the unit has been stored at a low temperature or in an environment of high humidity, it must be allowed to
reach ambient conditions before being powered up.
Dimensions
3.2.1 Motor Assembly Dimensions
Figure 6 Motor Dimensions
3.2.2 Mirror Dimensions
Figure 7 Mirror Dimensions

Single and Dual Axis Scanning Galvo Systems for Small Beam Diameters Chapter 3: Installation and Initial Setup
Rev. 25, July 17, 2023 Page 7
3.2.3 Single Axis Mount Dimensions
Figure 8 Single Axis Mounting Bracket Dimensions