THORLABS INT-COM-1300 User manual

Operation Manual
Thorlabs Instrumentation
INT-COM-1300
Common Path OCT Interferometer

V
ersion: 1.0
Date: 30-11-2007
Copyright
©
2007, Thorlabs GmbH

Contents Page
1Overview 1
1.1 Ordering Codes and Customization 1
1.2 Safety 2
2Getting Started Quickly 3
2.1 Unpacking 3
2.2 Setup 3
2.3 First Operation 4
3Detailed Description 5
3.1 General Principle of Operation 5
3.2 Optical Input and Output, Fiber Network 6
3.3 Electrical Output 9
3.4 Detector Responsivity 11
3.5 Mounting the INT-COM-1300 12
3.6 Basic Measurement Setup 13
3.7 Recommendations 15
4Maintenance and Repair 16
4.1 General Care 16
4.2 Cleaning 16
4.3 Repair 17
5Appendix 18
5.1 Technical Data 18
5.2 Mechanical Drawing 19
5.3 Warranty 20
5.4 Certifications and Compliances 21
5.5 Thorlabs “End of Life” Policy (WEEE) 22
5.5.1 Waste treatment on your own responsibility 22
5.5.2 Ecological background 23
5.6 List of Figures 24
5.7 List of Acronyms 24
5.8 Addresses 25

We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application in the
field of optical measurement technique. To help us to come up to your
expectations and develop our products permanently we need your ideas and
suggestions. Therefore, please let us know about possible criticism or ideas.
We and our international partners are looking forward to hear from you.
Thorlabs GmbH
This part of the instruction manual contains every specific information on how to
handle and use the INT-COM-1300 Common Path OCT Interferometer. A general
description is followed by explanations of how to operate the unit.
Attention
This manual contains “WARNINGS” and “ATTENTION” label in this form, to
indicate danger for persons or possible damage of equipment.
Please read these advises carefully!
NOTE
This manual also contains “NOTES” and “HINTS” written in this form.

1Overview
1 Overview
The Thorlabs INT-COM-1300 Common Path OCT Interferometer is a subassembly to
be used in swept source Fourier domain OCT systems and other applications. It
contains a fusion coupler network to operate with an external Common Path
interferometer probe. The generated interference fringes are detected by an
integrated balanced detector. The used fusion couplers are optimized for flat
wavelength response and very low PDCR (polarization dependant coupling ratio
change) to make the signal nearly independent of input polarization changes. An
additional aiming laser input simplifies the optical alignment of the probe.
The “Getting Started Quickly” section below gives an overview of how to set up the
INT-COM-1300 Common Path OCT Interferometer. Subsequent sections contain
detailed information about principle of operation, operating suggestions and technical
specifications.
1.1 Ordering Codes and Customization
Ordering code::
INT-COM-1300 Common Path OCT Interferometer, 1250 - 1350nm
Different wavelength ranges can be ordered on request.
For the standard version, mounting holes are located on the small edges of the
enclosure. An alternative cover with four mounting holes as well as a customized
cover can be ordered on request.
Please refer to www.thorlabs.com for new models.
INT-COM-1300 / page 1

1 Overview
1.2 Safety
Attention 
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in
this instruction manual will only apply when the unit is operated
correctly.
Before connecting the power supply to the mains make sure that the
line voltage range marked on the power supply agrees with your
local supply.
The unit must not be operated in explosion endangered environ-
ments!
Only with written consent from Thorlabs GmbH may changes to
single components be carried out or components not supplied by
Thorlabs GmbH be used.
This precision device is only dispatchable if duly packed into the
complete original packaging including the plastic form parts. If
necessary, ask for a replacement package.
Attention 
Mobile telephones, handy phones or other radio transmitters are not
to be used within the range of three meters of this unit since the
electromagnetic field intensity may then exceed the maximum
allowed disturbance values according to EN 50 082-1.
INT-COM-1300 / page 2

2Getting Started Quickly
2 Getting Started Quickly
This section is intended to provide information how to set up quickly the
INT-COM-1300. More details and advanced features are described in further
sections.
2.1 Unpacking
The INT-COM-1300 Common Path OCT Interferometer consists of the following
items:
•INT-COM-1300 Common Path OCT Interferometer
•Power supply (±12V, 0.2A), 110V or 230V line voltage
•Operation manual
NOTE
Please check prior to operation, if the indicated line voltage range on the
power supply matches with your local mains voltage!
NOTE
If you want to use your own power supply, you can ask Thorlabs for an
appropriate power connector cable.
2.2 Setup
•Carefully unpack the unit and accessories. If any damage is noticed, do not
use the unit. Call Thorlabs and have us replace the defective unit.
•If necessary, mount the unit on your optical table or application. The unit has
four tapped 6-32 mounting holes (see section 3.5 for details).
•Plug the power connector cable into the DC INPUT.
•Plug the power supply into a 50-60Hz, 100-120VAC outlet (220V-240VAC for
EC version).
•Use coaxial cables with SMA connectors for OUTPUT.
INT-COM-1300 / page 3

2 Getting Started Quickly
2.3 First Operation
•Please note, that all fiber connectors must have a FC/APC connector!
•Connect a swept laser source to 1300nm IN.
•If necessary, connect a 660nm aiming laser to 660nm IN.
•Connect your Common Path interferometer probe to PROBE.
•Connect an external variable optical attenuator (VOA) to VOA IN and
VOA OUT.
•Adjust the external VOA to suppress any DC component in the interference
signal.
•The maximum OUTPUT voltage swing is ±3.6 V for high impedance loads
(±1.8V for 50Ωloads). The OUTPUT signal should not exceed this maximum
output voltage to avoid saturation.
NOTE
Clean all connectors before plug-in into the module. Please make sure,
that used connector type is FC/APC.
NOTE
To prevent saturation of the amplifier keep the optical input powers less
than the saturation power listed in specification.
Attention 
Refer to the specification and pay attention to the optical damage
threshold!
Exceeding these values will permanently destroy the detectors!
INT-COM-1300 / page 4