THORLABS MCLS Series User manual

MCLS
Multiple Channel Laser Source
Operating Manual
CONTROL
MULTICHANNEL LASER SOURCE MCLS4
AC ON
O
|
LASERS
ENABLE
MASTER
ON
POWER ADJUST
ENABLE
LASER APERTURE
1
ENABLE
LASER APERTURE
2
ENABLE
LASER APERTURE
3
ENABLE
LASER APERTURE
4
THORLABS, Inc. Ph: [phone]
435 Route 206N Fax: [phone]
Newton, NJ 07860 USA www.thorlabs.com
6374-D02 Rev.D 8/15/05

Table of Contents:
................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Attention – Please consult this User’s Manual whenever this symbol is encountered on your MCLS Laser
Source.Overview ................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Overview.............................................................................................................................................................................. 2
Performance Specifications................................................................................................................................................. 3
Table 1 - Optical Specifications MCLS1550 .................................................................................................................... 3
Table 2 - Optical Specifications MCLS635 ...................................................................................................................... 3
Table 3 – General Specifications (both models).............................................................................................................. 3
Setting the AC Line Voltage and Installing Fuses ............................................................................................................... 4
Setting the AC Line Voltage............................................................................................................................................. 4
Installing the AC Input Fuse............................................................................................................................................. 4
Fuse replacement information ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Operation............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Normal Operation and Use .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Enabling the Outputs ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
Adjusting the Output Power of each Channel.................................................................................................................. 5
Disabling the Outputs....................................................................................................................................................... 6
Care and Maintenance of the MCLS Laser Source......................................................................................................... 6
Making the Safety Interlock Connections ........................................................................................................................ 7
WEEE (Waste Electrical And Electronic Equipment Directive) ........................................................................................... 9
Figures:
Figure 1 - Front Panel Features .............................................................................................................................................. 2
Figure 2 - Rear Panel Features............................................................................................................................................... 2
Figure 3 - Remote Interlock Connector................................................................................................................................... 7
Attention – Please consult this User’s Manual whenever this symbol is encountered on your MCLS Laser Source.
6374-D02 Rev. D 8/15/05 Page 1 of 9

Overview
CONTROL
MULTICHANNEL LASER SOURCE MCLS4
AC ON
O
|
LASERS
ENABLE
MASTER
ON
POWER ADJUST
ENABLE
LASER APERTURE
1
ENABLE
LASER APERTURE
2
ENABLE
LASER APERTURE
3
ENABLE
LASER APERTURE
4
POWER
ADJUST
CONTROL
Figure 1 - Front Panel Features
COMPLIES WITH IEC 60825-1 ED 1.2 2001-01
AND 21 CFR 1040.10 AND 1040.11 EXCEPT
FOR DEVIATIONS PURSUANT TO LASER
NOTICE NO. 50, DATED 5/27/01.
Newton, NJ USA www.thorlabs.com
ANALOG MODULATION 0 - 5V
Manufactured by
SERIAL NUMBER
DATE OF MANUFACTURE
115VAC, 50-60 Hz
230VAC, 50-60 Hz
115V
USE TYP E "T", 250V FU SE
250mA
125mA
INTERLOCK LINE SELECT FUSE
POWER MAX 5W
FUSE REPLACEMENT
CH 4 CH 3 CH 2 CH 1
BEAM STOP
AND APERTURE
CAP
CHANNEL
ENABLE
CONTROLS
SINGLE
CHANNEL
POWER
SWITCH AND
INDICATOR
MASTER ENABLE
CONTROLS ALL
CHANNELS
AC INPUT
MODULATION
INPUTS
REMOTE
INTERLOCK
CONNECTOR
LINE SEL
SWITCH AND
FUSE HOLDER
Figure 2 - Rear Panel Features
The MCLS Series of multiple channel laser sources provides four individual fiber coupled laser light outputs in one
convenient enclosure. Each channel operates in a constant power control loop to maintain consistent output power
against changes in operating temperature.
Each channel can be enabled individually using dedicated On-Off switches, or simultaneously using a Master Enable
feature. Power is controlled using a master adjuster located on the front panel, or individually using analog inputs located
on the rear panel.
A key lock power switch, remote interlock connector, and output beam stops provide for user safety, while shorting relays,
active current limits, and soft start laser enable circuitry protect the fiber coupled laser diode.
6374-D02 Rev. D 8/15/05 Page 2 of 9

Performance Specifications
Table 1 - Optical Specifications MCLS1550
Parameter Min Typical Max Unit
Operation Wavelength 1530 1550 1570 nm
Output Power per Channel 1.50 1.80 2.50 mW
Stability – Short term (<15min) +/- 0.05 dB
Stability – Long term +/- 0.1 dB
Fiber Type SMF28
Modulation Bandwidth 30 KHz
CDRH Classification Class 1
Table 2 - Optical Specifications MCLS635
Parameter Min Typical Max Unit
Operation Wavelength 625 635 640 nm
Output Power per Channel 2.5 3.0 5.0 mW
Stability – Short term (<15min) +/- 0.05 dB
Stability – Long term +/- 0.1 dB
Fiber Type FS-SN-3224
Modulation Bandwidth 30 KHz
CDRH Classification Class 3B
Table 3 – General Specifications (both models)
Parameter Min Typical Max Unit
Operating Voltage 103 253 VAC1
Operating Frequency 50 60 Hz
Input Power 5 Watts
Operating Temperature 10 40 °C
Analog Input 0 5 VDC2
Analog Input Impedance 10K Ohms
Remote Interlock Voltage 4.7 5.3 VDC
1 Switch selectable for 115VAC or 230VAC nominal rated inputs.
2 5 VDC corresponds to maximum output power, which may differ from unit to unit.
6374-D02 Rev. D 8/15/05 Page 3 of 9

IMPORTANT! Please Read Before You Begin….
Setting the AC Line Voltage and Installing Fuses
Your MCLS unit has been shipped from Thorlabs, Inc. configured for 115VAC operation. If you are planning to operate
your unit using a 230VAC input, or need to replace an open fuse, you must perform all or part of the following procedure:
Setting the AC Line Voltage
-If it is attached, remove the AC line cord from the AC Input connector on the rear panel of the unit.
-Using a small screwdriver or similar tool move the LINE SWITCH actuator, on the rear panel, to either the “115V”
setting or the “230V” setting, whichever corresponds to your local commercial electrical service. The 115V
position allows operation from approximately 103VAC to 127VAC, while the 230V position allows operation from
approximately 207V to 253V.
Installing the AC Input Fuse
-Remove the existing fuse from the unit by turning the fuse holder counter-clockwise and pulling out the holder
cap, which will contain the existing fuse.
-Remove the existing fuse from the fuse holder cap and insert the replacement fuse into the fuse holder cap. One
fuse rated for 230V operation is included with each new MCLS. See Fuse Replacement Information below for
further information.
-Replace the fuse holder cap and fuse into the fuse holder socket. Press the cap into the socket and turn the cap
clockwise.
Fuse replacement information
-For 115V operation use only 5 x 20 mm 250mA 250V Type “T” fuse
-For 230V operation use only 5 x 20 mm 125mA 250V Type “T” fuse
NOTE: Unit is supplied with a 115V parallel blade line cord for North American use only. For all other applications use an
IEC 320 compatible line cord fitted with a plug appropriate for your particular AC wall socket.
6374-D02 Rev. D 8/15/05 Page 4 of 9

Operation
Normal Operation and Use
1) Locate unit on a solid, dry working surface, or mount in a 19” equipment rack.
2) Select the operating voltage range (115VAC or 230VAC) by setting the Line Select Switch, located on the rear panel,
to the appropriate setting. Please refer to “Setting the AC Line Voltage and Installing Fuses”.
3) Connect the line cord provided with the unit (US units only) to the receptacle on the rear panel, then connect the line
cord to a properly grounded power source.
4) If you wish to use the remote interlock feature connect a suitable interlock switch to the Interlock connector on the rear
panel (refer to “Making the Safety Interlock Connection” in this manual). Otherwise use the shorting device provided
with the unit. In all cases however, the Interlock connector must have a short circuit across its terminals in order to
enable the lasers.
5) Turn the unit On by turning the key lock power switch on the front panel in a clockwise direction. The green indicator
below the switch will turn on.
6) Connect single mode FC/PC terminated optical fibers to each of the output apertures. This will require unscrewing
the aperture caps. NOTE: For best results always clean the ferrules of the mating fiber connector before inserting it
into the aperture. Keep all unused apertures capped.
Enabling the Outputs
Each output channel can be turned on in one of two sequences:
a) Press the Master Enable switch on the front panel, then press the individual output controls to enable selected
channels…
b) Press the individual output controls of up to four channels, then press the Master Enable switch to cause all
selected channels to turn on at the same time.
In either case, both the Master Enable indicator and the individual channel indicator must be ON, indicating that
particular channel is outputting light.
Note: The turn on rise-time will vary depending on whether method “a” or method “b” is used, with method “a”
providing the faster rise-time.
Adjusting the Output Power of each Channel
The Output power of each channel can be controlled by one of a number of methods:
a) Turning the front panel Power Adjust knob clockwise will cause the output of all four channels to increase
simultaneously.
b) Applying a 0 – 5 VDC signal to the respective Modulation Input connector on the rear panel will allow controlling
each channel individually. 0 volts corresponding to 0 power and 5 VDC corresponding to full power.
c) Applying a 0 – 5 VAC sinusoidal signal to the respective Modulation Input connector on the rear panel will allow
modulating each channel individually at frequencies up to 30KHz*.
d) Using the front panel Power Adjust knob in conjunction with a Modulation Input (DC to 30KHz) will add a DC
offset to the Modulation signal. However, no combination of the two controls can cause the power to exceed the
maximum for the unit.
6374-D02 Rev. D 8/15/05 Page 5 of 9

* For best results use low frequencies (<1KHz) when operating at full depths of modulation (0 – 5 V). For higher
frequency modulation use increasingly smaller modulation signals. If output signal is clipping on the high side,
decrease the peak-to-peak input signal or reduce any DC offset applied. If clipping occurs on the low side, apply a
DC offset either on the modulating signal itself or with the front panel Power Adjust pot. Keep in mind, any offset
applied with the Power Adjust pot will be present on all four channels.
Disabling the Outputs
The output power for each channel can be turned Off by one of the following methods:
a) Pressing the individual Enable switch for any channel will cause that particular channel to turn off.
b) Pressing the Master Enable switch will cause all active channels to turn off simultaneously.
Alternatively the power can be set to 0 for all active channels by turning the front panel Power Adjust knob fully
counterclockwise with 0 volts applied to the individual Modulation Inputs.
Note: When disabled using the Master Enable function (and when the unit is turned off) all lasers are protected by a
short circuit from anode to cathode created with relay contacts. When disabled using only the individual channel
controls this protection does not exist.
Avoid turning off the power to the unit until all lasers have been disabled using method “a” or “b” above.
Care and Maintenance of the MCLS Laser Source
The MCLS Laser Source contains no customer serviceable parts. All that might be required is changing the input
protection fuse located on the rear panel of the unit. Please refer to “Setting the AC Line Voltage and Installing
Fuses”.
If needed, the MCLS can be cleaned using a slightly damp cloth. Always keep the FC connectors covered when not
in use.
When connecting fiber patch cables to the MCLS always clean the ferrule on the patch cable prior to inserting it into
the mating connector on the unit. Do not attempt to open the MCLS to clean the internal connections. If you suspect
that the internal ferrule is dirty contact Thorlabs, Inc. and arrange to have the unit serviced.
6374-D02 Rev. D 8/15/05 Page 6 of 9

Making the Safety Interlock Connections
The MCLS series Laser Sources are equipped with a Remote Interlock connector located on the rear panel (Refer
to Figure 2). All units have this feature regardless of their FDA and IEC classifications. In order to enable the
laser source, a short circuit must be applied across the terminals of the Remote Interlock connector. In practice
this connection is made available to allow the user to connect a remote actuated switch to the connector (i.e. an
open door indicator). The switch (which must be normally open) has to be closed in order for the unit to be
enabled. Once the switch is in an open state the Laser Source will automatically shutdown. If the switch returns
to a closed condition the Laser Source must be re-enabled at the unit by pressing the MASTER ENABLE switch
and subsequent individual Enable switches.
All units shipped from Thorlabs are configured with a shorting device installed in the Interlock connector. If you
are not going to use this feature then you can leave the shorting device installed and the unit will operate normally
as described in the procedures above.
If you wish to make use of the Interlock feature you will need to acquire the appropriate connector mate and wire
it to your remote interlock switch. Next, remove the shorting device by pulling it out with a pair of needle nose
pliers (or unscrewing it using a ball driver) and install the connector into the Interlock input.
The Interlock input only accepts a 2.5mm mono phono jack. This connector is readily available at most
electronics stores (Radio Shack, Digikey, Mouser, Allied to name a few).
The electrical specifications for the Interlock input are as follows:
Type of Mating Connector: 2.5mm mono phono jack
Open Circuit Voltage: +5VDC with respect to the ground terminal
Short Circuit Current: 0.5mADC
Connector Polarity: Tip is +5V, Barrel is ground
Interlock Switch Requirements: Must be N.O. dry contacts (under no circumstances should any external voltages
be applied to the Interlock input)
Ground
Figure 3 - Remote Interlock Connector
6374-D02 Rev. D 8/15/05 Page 7 of 9

CAUTION- use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may
result in hazardous radiation exposure.
Class 1 Laser Product
1550nm <10mW
Laser Radiation
Avoid Exposure to Beam
Class 3B Laser Product
635nm <20mW
This product complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 except for deviations pursuant to Laser Notice No. 50,
dated May 27, 2001.
6374-D02 Rev. D 8/15/05 Page 8 of 9

WEEE
As required by the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive) of the European Community and the
corresponding national laws, Thorlabs offers all end users in the EC the possibility to return “end of life” units without
incurring disposal charges.
This offer is valid for Thorlabs electrical and electronic equipment
•sold after August 13th 2005
•marked correspondingly with the crossed out “wheelie bin” logo (see fig. 1)
•sold to a company or institute within the EC
•currently owned by a company or institute within the EC
•still complete, not disassembled and not contaminated
As the WEEE directive applies to self contained operational electrical and electronic products, this “end of life” take back
service does not refer to other Thorlabs products, such as
•pure OEM products, that means assemblies to be built into a unit by the user (e. g. OEM laser driver cards)
•components
•mechanics and optics
•left over parts of units disassembled by the user (PCB’s, housings etc.).
If you wish to return a Thorlabs unit for waste recovery, please contact Thorlabs or your nearest dealer for further
information.
Waste treatment on your own responsibility
If you do not return an “end of life” unit to Thorlabs, you must hand it to a company specialized in waste recovery. Do not
dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public waste disposal site.
Ecological background
It is well known that WEEE pollutes the environment by releasing toxic products during decomposition. The aim of the
European RoHS directive is to reduce the content of toxic substances in electronic products in the future.
The intent of the WEEE directive is to enforce the recycling of WEEE. A controlled recycling of end of live products will
thereby avoid negative impacts on the environment.
Crossed out “wheelie bin” symbol
6374-D02 Rev. D 8/15/05 Page 9 of 9