THORLABS MCLS Series User manual

Artisan Technology Group is your source for quality
new and certied-used/pre-owned equipment
• FAST SHIPPING AND
DELIVERY
• TENS OF THOUSANDS OF
IN-STOCK ITEMS
• EQUIPMENT DEMOS
• HUNDREDS OF
MANUFACTURERS
SUPPORTED
• LEASING/MONTHLY
RENTALS
• ITAR CERTIFIED
SECURE ASSET SOLUTIONS
SERVICE CENTER REPAIRS
Experienced engineers and technicians on staff
at our full-service, in-house repair center
WE BUY USED EQUIPMENT
Sell your excess, underutilized, and idle used equipment
We also offer credit for buy-backs and trade-ins
www.artisantg.com/WeBuyEquipment
REMOTE INSPECTION
Remotely inspect equipment before purchasing with
our interactive website at www.instraview.com
LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?
Visit us on the web at www.artisantg.com for more
information on price quotations, drivers, technical
specications, manuals, and documentation
Contact us: (888) 88-SOURCE | [e-mail] | www.artisantg.com
SM
View
Instra

MCLS Series Multi Channel
Fiber Coupled Laser Source
Operating Manual
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

4-Channel Fiber Coupled Laser Source
18659-D02 Rev B, September 21, 2011 Page 2 www.thorlabs.com
Table of Contents
Part 1.Safety ............................................................................................................................................4
Part 2.Description ...................................................................................................................................5
Part 3.Setup.............................................................................................................................................7
3.1.Setting the AC Line Voltage and Installing Fuses.................................................................................7
3.2.Initial Set-up .............................................................................................................................................7
Part 4.Operation......................................................................................................................................8
4.1.Front and Back Panel Overview.............................................................................................................8
4.2.Turning On the Source ............................................................................................................................9
4.3.Viewing Channel Information.................................................................................................................9
4.4.Adjusting the Laser Output Power and Temperature..........................................................................9
4.5.Turning the Laser Off............................................................................................................................10
4.6.Modulating the Laser Output ...............................................................................................................11
Part 5.Making the Safety Interlock Connections.................................................................................12
Part 6.Remote Communications...........................................................................................................13
6.1.Installing the USB Drivers.....................................................................................................................13
6.2.Command Line Interface ......................................................................................................................13
6.3.Keywords (Commands and Queries)....................................................................................................14
Part 7.General Maintenance ................................................................................................................16
7.1.Cleaning ..................................................................................................................................................16
Part 8.Specifications .............................................................................................................................17
Part 9.Mechanical Drawing..................................................................................................................19
Part 10.Declaration of Conformity.........................................................................................................20
Part 11.Regulatory ..................................................................................................................................21
Part 12.Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ...................................................................................................22
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

4-Channel Fiber Coupled Laser Source
18659-D02 Rev B, September 21, 2011 Page 3 www.thorlabs.com
Table of Figures
Figure 1: Front and Rear Panels of Laser Source.................................................................................. 8
Figure 2: Remote Interlock Connector................................................................................................ 12
Figure 3: Mechanical Drawing............................................................................................................ 19
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

4-Channel Fiber Coupled Laser Source
18659-D02 Rev B, September 21, 2011 Page 4 www.thorlabs.com
Part 1. Safety
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual will only apply
when the unit is operated correctly.
SHOCK WARNING
High voltage inside. To avoid electrical shock, before powering unit, 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.
WARNING
This unit must not be operated in explosive environment.
WARNING
Avoid Exposure – Laser Radiation Emitted from apertures.
The unit is supplied with a 115 V 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.
Make sure that the line voltage rating marked on the rear panel agrees with your local supply and that
the appropriate fuses are installed. Changing of the mains fuse can be done by the user (see Setting the
AC Line Voltage and Installing Fuses). With the exception of the mains fuses, there are no user
serviceable parts in this product.
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. If necessary, ask for a replacement package.
Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters should not to be used within the range of
three meters of this unit since the electromagnetic field intensity may exceed the maximum allowed
disturbance values according to EN50082-1.
LASER RADIATION
AVOID EXPOSURE TO THE BEAM
CLASS 3B LASER PRODUCT
405 – 1550 nm <50 mW
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

4-Channel Fiber Coupled Laser Source
18659-D02 Rev B, September 21, 2011 Page 5 www.thorlabs.com
Part 2. Description
The Thorlabs 4-Channel Fiber Coupled Laser Sources provide easy coupling and simple control of laser
diode driven fiber optics. Each system is equipped with four fiber output light sources with wavelength
available from 406 to 1550 nm. The laser source is configured to accept a wide range of fiber pigtailed
laser diodes, and each system can be made with single mode fiber or PM fiber and any combination of 4
laser wavelengths. Below is a sample list of available wavelengths; please visit our website for a full list
of currently available options. Please contact Tech Support to configure your laser system.
Item # λ
Minimum
Power Laser Type Fiber
LPS-406-FC-LS 406 nm 3.0 mW Fabry-Perot S405
LPS-473-FC-LS 473 nm 4.0 mW Fabry-Perot S460
LPS-488-FC-LS 488 nm 4.5 mW Fabry-Perot S460
LPS-635-FC-LS 635 nm 2.5 mW Fabry-Perot SM600
LPS-658-FC-LS 658 nm 6.0 mW Fabry-Perot SM600
LPS-670-FC-LS 670 nm 1.5 mW Fabry-Perot SM600
LPS-785-FC-LS 785 nm 4.0 mW Fabry-Perot SM800-5.6-125
LPS-808-FC-LS 808 nm 4.5 mW Fabry-Perot SM800-5.6-125
LPS-850-FC-LS 850 nm 4.5 mW Fabry-Perot SM800-5.6-125
LPS-904-FC-LS 904 nm 4.5 mW Fabry-Perot SM800-5.6-125
LPS-980-FC-LS 980 nm 4.5 mW Fabry-Perot 980HP
LPS-1310-FC-LS 1310 nm 1.5 mW Fabry-Perot SMF28
LPS-1550-FC-LS 1550 nm 1.0 mW Fabry-Perot SMF28
LPS-1550DFB-FC-LS 1550 nm 1.5 mW DFB CF126-900
Each laser diode operates from an independent, high-precision, low-noise, constant-current source and
temperature control unit. An intuitive LCD interface allows the user to view and set the parameters for
each laser. The user can adjust the laser current and temperature control independently for each output.
The display indicates the channel number selected, the output wavelength of the source, the operating
power calculated from the laser diode monitor diode, and the actual temperature the laser is set to.
This device includes a microcontroller to fully control the laser’s optical power, temperature, and
monitor the system for fault conditions. The laser source includes a USB connection that allows remote
adjustment of power, temperature, and enabling. On the rear panel, analog inputs are available to
modulate the lasers with an external signal. This is added to the internal set points. To prevent damage,
the microcontroller will disable the output if the analog input plus the internal set point exceeds the laser
limits.
While most output sources fall within the class 3R laser rating, the system was fully designed to meet
3B laser class requirements. There is an interlock located on the rear panel that must be shorted in order
for any laser output to be enabled. This can easily be configured to be triggered by doors to disable the
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

4-Channel Fiber Coupled Laser Source
18659-D02 Rev B, September 21, 2011 Page 6 www.thorlabs.com
lasers in unsafe conditions. The power switch is a keylock system to prevent accidental or unwanted use.
Each source has its own enable button allowing the user to choose the light source or sources they wish
to be active as well as a master enable which must also be set. Each channel includes a green LED
indicator to easily determine its current state. There is a 3 second delay before the lasers turns on, and
the user is warned by the LED rapidly blinking.
The MCLS includes a universal power supply allowing operation over 100-240 VAC without the need
for selecting the line voltage. The fuse access is conveniently located on the rear panel. This unit is
supplied with a US line cord as well as a standard European line cord.
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

4-Channel Fiber Coupled Laser Source
18659-D02 Rev B, September 21, 2011 Page 7 www.thorlabs.com
Part 3. Setup
3.1. Setting the AC Line Voltage and Installing Fuses
Your MCLS Series Laser Source has been shipped from Thorlabs configured for 100 to 240 VAC
operation. There is no line switch adjustment to be made. However it may be necessary to replace an
open fuse. To do this you must perform the following procedure.
•Remove the AC power cord if it is connected to the unit.
•Locate the fuse tray directly below the AC power cord connection on the rear panel of the unit.
•Carefully use a flat blade screwdriver to open the fuse tray.
•Remove the existing fuse and install the appropriate 250 mA fuse. The replacement fuse must be
a 5 mm x 20 mm, 250 VAC Type T Fuses (IEC 60127-2/III, low breaking capacity, slow blow)
•Push the fuse tray back into place making sure that it snaps and seats correctly.
•Connect the appropriate power cord into the AC receptacle and plug the unit in.
3.2. Initial Set-up
•Locate the unit on a dry, level working surface.
•Make sure the POWER key switch on the front of the unit is in the OFF position (key
perpendicular to working surface).
•Plug the female end of the AC line cord provided into the AC Input Receptacle on the rear of the
unit. Plug the male end into a properly grounded AC socket.
•Install the interlock “key” into the interlock connector located on the rear panel. See page 12 for
details.
•Connect a Fiber Optic cable to the LASER APERTURE on the front panel of the unit and verify
that the dust caps are installed onto all unused fiber connections.
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

4-Channel Fiber Coupled Laser Source
18659-D02 Rev B, September 21, 2011 Page 8 www.thorlabs.com
Part 4. Operation
4.1. Front and Back Panel Overview
Figure 1: Front and Rear Panels of Laser Source
Digit Display w/ Backlight
Displays channel, output
power, wavelength, and
temperature.
Laser Output Port
FC/PC fiber optic connector
Laser Output Cover
Cover should be installed
when fiber is removed Laser Enable Switch
Press to activate selected lasers.
Laser Emission Indicator
Indicates the channel is selected. It will blink for
3 seconds prior to the laser turning on.
Keylock Power Switch
Key only removes when of
f
Control Knob / Switch
Selects channel, adjusts current and temperature.
Remote Interlock Input
(See page 12 for details)
AC Power Cord Connector
USB Input Connector
Allows full operation through a PC interface
Modulation Input - 0 to 5 V Max
Accepts complex waveforms. See
section 4.6 for details
Cooling Vent - Do Not Block
The temperature control system moves air from
vent holes on the bottom. Periodically remove
dust buildup from vents for best operation.
Display Select Switch
Selects the channel desired to
be enabled.
Fuse Tray
See section 3.1 for replacement details
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com

4-Channel Fiber Coupled Laser Source
18659-D02 Rev B, September 21, 2011 Page 9 www.thorlabs.com
4.2. Turning On the Source
•Turn the POWER key switch clockwise. The LCD display will scroll “Thorlabs MCLS” across
the screen, followed by the Ch1 information.
•Make sure the Interlock Input is short-circuited; see page 12 for detailed instructions.
•Select the desired output channels by pressing and releasing the ENABLE switch located above
the desired fiber output sources. An indicator located next to the switch will light up.
•Press and release the SYSTEM ENABLE switch to activate the lasers. There will be an
approximately 3 second delay before the lasers power up. During this time the SYSTEM
ENABLE indicator will light up and the selected channel indicator lights will blink rapidly.
•The default display mode is laser power (mW), however the thermo-electric cooler is activated
when the unit turns on.
4.3. Viewing Channel Information
The MCLS uses a single LCD display to access the information for each output channel. At any time
the display can be adjusted to view another channel by simply rotating the control knob located to
the left of the display. The display will scroll through the channels until the desired channel is
selected. The following information will be available:
•Top left – Indicates the channel selected. As an additional indicator, the channel enable indicator
selected will periodically blink on if disabled and off if enabled.
•Top Right – Indicates the wavelength of the selected channel. This is set at the factory when the
lasers are installed.
•Bottom Left – Indicates the power level of the laser diode. If it is disabled this will read
“0.00mW” and if the selected laser diode does not include a monitor diode this will read “No
PD”. When enabled the current power level determined from the monitor photodiode will
indicate the approximate power level of the output.
Note: The power shown on the display is the optical power at the laser aperture calibrated to the
monitor photodiode. The actual power at the end of your fiber optic cable may be less, depending on
the quality of the connection. All fiber optic cables installed should be cleaned first since dust and
dirt particles in the connector will effect coupling efficiency and possibly damage the fiber
connectors.
•Bottom Right – Indicates the actual temperature the laser is stabilized to and is displayed in °C.
The system defaults to a temperature of 25.00 °C until changed by the user. The temperature
control is always active and requires 5 to 10 minutes to properly stabilize.
4.4. Adjusting the Laser Output Power and Temperature
•Rotate the control knob to select the appropriate channel. Clockwise rotation increases the
channel while counterclockwise decreases the channel. The selected channel is indicated on the
display as well as with a periodic blink of the channel indicator light.
Note: The adjustment knob utilizes an intelligent speed control. Adjusting the knob slowly will
increment values at the maximum resolution while adjusting fast will make larger movements. This
allows both a fine and course control.
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com