THORLABS VEG200 Series User manual

Swept Source OCT
System Base Units
VEG200 Series
User Manual

Original User Manual – not translated

SS-OCT System Base Unit
Table of Contents
Chapter 1Introduction.....................................................................................................................1
1.1.Safety.......................................................................................................................... 2
1.2.Care and Maintenance .............................................................................................. 3
Optical Cleaning ............................................................................................................4
Fiber Cleaning Techniques Using the FBC1 .................................................................4
Using Extended Mode ..............................................................................................................4
Service ..........................................................................................................................5
Accessories and Customization ....................................................................................5
Chapter 2Setup................................................................................................................................6
2.1.Unpacking .................................................................................................................. 6
2.2.System Connections................................................................................................. 6
Base Unit Connections ..................................................................................................6
Internal Electrical Connections ......................................................................................7
Electrical Interfaces to Imaging Scanner .......................................................................7
2.3.Optical Interface to Imaging Scanner...................................................................... 7
2.4.System Installation.................................................................................................... 8
Chapter 3Description....................................................................................................................14
3.1.Tutorial ..................................................................................................................... 14
Theory ......................................................................................................................... 15
Thorlabs SS-OCT System Technology ....................................................................... 16
Nomenclature in OCT imaging .................................................................................... 18
3.2.SS-OCT Base Unit Components ............................................................................ 20
Base Unit .................................................................................................................... 20
PC with Graphical User Interface ................................................................................ 20
SDK ............................................................................................................................ 20
Imaging Scanner (Accessory) ..................................................................................... 22
OCT-Stand (Accessory) .............................................................................................. 23
Chapter 4System Operation.........................................................................................................25
4.1.Starting the System................................................................................................. 25
Turning on the Base Unit ............................................................................................ 25
Starting the Software ................................................................................................... 26
4.2.Basic Adjustments .................................................................................................. 27
Adjusting the Focus..................................................................................................... 27
Adjusting the Reference Length .................................................................................. 27
Adjusting the Polarization ............................................................................................ 29
Adjusting the Reference Light Intensity and Amplification ........................................... 30
4.3.Advanced Adjustments .......................................................................................... 31
Focus and Choice of Objective Lens ........................................................................... 31
Imaging through Refractive Media .............................................................................. 32
Reflecting Surfaces and Interfaces ............................................................................. 33
Rough Surfaces .......................................................................................................... 33
4.4.Shutting Down the System..................................................................................... 33
4.5.Example Images ...................................................................................................... 34
Chapter 5Imaging Artifacts..........................................................................................................36
5.1.Saturation and Non-Linearity ................................................................................. 36
5.2.Multiple Scattering .................................................................................................. 37
5.3.Phase Wrapping and Fringe Washout................................................................... 38

SS-OCT System Base Unit
5.4.Flipped Image .......................................................................................................... 39
5.5.Shadowing ............................................................................................................... 40
5.6.Image Distortion by Refractive Media ................................................................... 41
The Group Refraction Index ........................................................................................ 41
Measurement Depth in OCT Systems ......................................................................... 42
Distortions in the Image .............................................................................................. 43
Chapter 6Troubleshooting...........................................................................................................45
6.1.Changing the Input Fuses ...................................................................................... 46
Chapter 7Certifications and Compliance...................................................................................47
7.1.Declaration of Conformity Vega Series Base Units ............................................. 47
Chapter 8Warranty........................................................................................................................49
8.1.Lasers and Imaging Systems................................................................................. 49
8.2.Non-Warranty Repairs ............................................................................................ 49
8.3.Warranty Exclusions............................................................................................... 49
Chapter 9Specifications...............................................................................................................50
Chapter 10Mechanical Drawings...................................................................................................51
Chapter 11Regulatory.....................................................................................................................52
11.1.Waste Treatment is Your Own Responsibility............ Error! Bookmark not defined.
11.2.Ecological Background ................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Chapter 12Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts....................................................................................53

SS-OCT System Base Unit Chapter 1: Introduction
Rev A, December 17, 2018 Page 1
Chapter 1 Introduction
ATTENTION
Please read the instruction manual carefully before operating the SS-OCT system. All
statements regarding safety and technical specifications will only apply when the unit is
operated correctly.
This equipment is intended for laboratory use only and is not certified for medical applications,
including but not limited to life support situations.
Refer to this manual whenever the following symbols are encountered on the SS-OCT system:
Attention symbol indicates that additional information is given in this manual.
Laser Safety symbol indicates that laser radiation is present.
Shock Warning symbol indicates there is possible danger of injury to users.
ATTENTION
Check the supply voltage of the system before plugging in the computer. Make sure the included
power cords for the base unit, computer, and monitor are connected to a properly grounded
outlet (100 – 240 VAC; 50 – 60 Hz).
Transportation and delivery may cause the SS-OCT system to be warm or cool upon receipt.
Please wait for the system to reach room temperature before attempting to operate.
Operate this system on a flat, dry, and stable surface only.
WARRANTY WARNING
Do not open the base unit, imaging scanner or PC. There are no user serviceable parts in this
product. Opening the device will void your warranty. Any modification or servicing of this
system by unqualified personnel renders Thorlabs free of any liability. This device can only be
returned when packed into the complete original packaging, including all foam packing inserts.
If necessary, ask for replacement packaging.
The following symbols are used on the device:
"ON" (power)
"OFF" (power)

Stand-by

Protective earth; protective ground

SS-OCT System Base Unit Chapter 1: Introduction
Page 2 MTN013142-D02
1.1. Safety
SHOCK WARNING – HIGH VOLTAGE
Before applying power to the system, make sure that the protective conductor of the three-
conductor mains power cord is correctly connected to the protective earth contact of the socket
outlet. Improper grounding can cause electrical shock resulting in severe injury or even death.
Make sure that the line voltage rating agrees with your local supply and that the appropriate
fuses are installed. Fuses should only be changed by qualified service personnel. Contact
Thorlabs for assistance. Do not operate without cover installed. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel.
ATTENTION
Do not obstruct the air-ventilation slots in the computer housing. Do not obstruct air-ventilation
into the bottom of the base unit or out of the exhaust fan on the rear of the unit.
Mobile telephones, cellular 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 exceed the
maximum allowed disturbance values according to IEC 61000-6-1:2005.
The safety of any system incorporating the equipment is the responsibility of the assembler of
the system.
If equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by
the equipment may be impaired.
LASER RADIATION WARNING
Laser emission may be emitted
a) from the scan lens of a scanner (intended use)
b) from the back of the base unit when the fiber cap is removed and the fiber disconnected
c) from the output of the fiber when the fiber is not connected to a scanner
Do not look into the optical output when the device is operating. The laser radiation is not visible
to the human eye and can cause serious damage to your eyesight.
The laser class information is also stated on the laser safety labels on the back of the housing.
Example given for class 1M LASER product:
INVISIBLELASERRADIATION

DONOTSTAREINTOBEAMORVIEW
DIRECTLYWITHOPTICALINSTRUMENTS

CLASS1MLASERPRODUCT

CLASSIFIED ACCORDINGTODINEN 60825‐1:2014

SS-OCT System Base Unit Chapter 1: Introduction
Rev A, December 17, 2018 Page 3
1.2. Care and Maintenance
Handle the system with care during transportation and unpacking. Banging or dropping the system can damage
the unit or lower system performance. If the system is mishandled during shipment, the optical components may
become misaligned, which could lead to a decrease in image quality. If this occurs, the system will need to be
realigned by qualified personnel. Please contact Thorlabs technical support for more information.
 Do not store or operate in a damp, closed environment.
 Do not store or operate on surfaces that are susceptible to vibrations.
 Do not expose to direct sunlight.
 Do not use solvents on or near the equipment.
 Keep away from dust, dirt, and air-borne pollutants (including cigarette smoke). The system is not
designed for outdoor use. Protect the equipment from rain, snow, and humidity.
 Do not expose to mechanical and thermal extremes. Protect the equipment from rapid variation in
temperature.
 Handle all connectors, both electrical and optical, with care. Do not use unnecessary force, as this may
damage the connectors.
 Handle the optical fiber with care. Mechanical stress can decrease performance and potentially destroy
the fiber. Continual bending of the optical fiber can cause damage. It is important, therefore, to keep
the optical fiber patch cable as straight as possible to minimize bending.
Note: The most common cause of low signal intensity is contamination of the fiber due to airborne pollutants.
To minimize exposure, avoid unnecessarily disconnecting the optical fiber patch cable. In addition, it is advisable
to check the fiber before making other adjustments to the optical system, such as changing the focus or optical
path length. Be sure to check the patch cord for a loose connection, and make sure that the fiber is kept as
straight as possible.
All lasers, especially lasers with resonator cavities that are defined by mechanical tolerances, are delicate
precision instruments and must be handled accordingly. The SS-OCT system is designed to withstand normal
transportation and operating conditions. Do not move the system while it is connected and in operation.

SS-OCT System Base Unit Chapter 1: Introduction
Page 4 MTN013142-D02
1.2.1. Optical Cleaning
Good performance and image quality of the OCT imaging system relies on clean optical connections. Whenever
using the Thorlabs OCT system, the following guidelines for optical fiber connection should be followed:
1) Always make sure that the light source is switched off when you clean the fiber.
2) Always inspect and clean the fiber end before plugging it into a receptacle.
3) Always cover the fiber end that is not in use with a fiber cap or dust protection cover.
The cleaning procedure sucess could be visualized using a fiber inspection scope.
Figure 1 Fiber Inspection Scope FS201
1.2.2. Fiber Cleaning Techniques Using the FBC1
This section details how to clean fiber bulkheads and fiber connectors using the FBC1 one-step cleaner.
Using Extended Mode
Figure 2 FBC1 Extended Mode
To use extended mode, pull the tip outward while simultaneously pushing down on the lock button. Extended
mode is useful for panels with multiple bulkhead connectors or other tight spaces.

SS-OCT System Base Unit Chapter 1: Introduction
Rev A, December 17, 2018 Page 5
Cleaning Fiber Bulkheads
Figure 3 Cleaning Fiber Bulkheads
Remove the guide cap completely from the device, and insert the tip of the cleaner into the bulkhead connector.
Push the case to start the cleaning process; a click indicates that the cleaning is complete.
Cleaning Fiber Connectors
Figure 4 Cleaning Fiber Connectors
Open the cover on the guide cap, and insert the fiber connector over the guide cap. Push the case to start the
cleaning process; a click indicates that the cleaning is complete.
1.2.3. Service
Only trained and approved Thorlabs personnel are allowed to service the system. Please contact Thorlabs
technical support for more information.
1.2.4. Accessories and Customization
The OCT base unit can easily be adapted for custom interfaces. To achieve the listed specifications however
this system should only be used with the accessories that Thorlabs provides. Any modification or maintenance
by unqualified personnel will render the warranty null and void, leaving Thorlabs free of liability. Please contact
Thorlabs technical support for questions on customization.

SS-OCT System Base Unit Chapter 2: Setup
Page 6 MTN013142-D02
Chapter 2 Setup
2.1. Unpacking
Carefully unpack the components from the transport boxes. Make sure that all components are delivered
according to the packing list included in the transport box. After unpacking, store the packing cartons and inserts.
You may need them in case of a service or upgrade of your OCT system.
2.2. System Connections
2.2.1. Base Unit Connections
All of the base unit connections are located in the rear (see Figure 5).
Figure 5 Rear View of Base Unit
A. Main Switch
B. SMA Connector for OCT SIGNAL to connect to Alazar Tech. ATS9351 or ATS9360
C. SMA Connector for DAQ k-CLOCK to connect to Alazar Tech. ATS9351 or ATS9360
D. USB Data Port to Connect PC (USB 2.0 Type B Interface)
E. Probe Fiber Receptacle (FC/APC)
F. Interlock (2.5mm Audio Jack)
G. Scanner Connection Port (LEMO, 19 Pin)
H. VHDCI Data Port to Connect to the NI PCIe-6351
I. Handheld Scanner or Auxiliary Connection Port (LEMO, 14 Pin)
J. SMA Connector for CWL Trigger to Connect to Alazar Tech. ATS9351 or ATS9360
o Note: This port remains unused in a default configuration.
K. SMA Connector for DAQ Trigger to Connect to Alazar Tech. ATS9351 or ATS9360
L. SMA Connector for SYNC Trigger to Connect to Alazar Tech. ATS9351 or ATS9360
M. Power Plug and Fuse Storage
A B C D E F G H
M L K JI