THORLABS LSK-GG User manual

LSK-GG
Laser Scanning Kit –
Galvo-Galvo Scan Head
User Guide

Copyright November 11 , 2016 Thorlabs, Inc. All rights reserved.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. The software described in this document is furnishe d under a license
agreement or nondis closure agreement. The software maybe used or copied onlyin accordance with the terms of those agreements. No part of
this publication maybe repro duced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or any means electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying and recording for any purpose other than the purchaser's personal use without the written permission of Thorlabs, Inc.
Thorlabs, Inc.
108 Powers Court
Sterling, VA 20166
703-651-1700

LSK-GG
Table of Contents
Chapter 1Warning Symbol Definitions..............................................................................................1
Chapter 2Safety....................................................................................................................................2
Chapter 3Description...........................................................................................................................3
3.1.Overview ..........................................................................................................................3
Chapter 4Getting Started.....................................................................................................................5
4.1.Unpacking and Inspection..............................................................................................5
4.2.Setting Up the LSK-GG...................................................................................................5
 Preparation ............................................................................................................................ 5 
Chapter 5Maintaining the LSK-GG.....................................................................................................7
5.1.Cleaning...........................................................................................................................7
5.2.Troubleshooting..............................................................................................................7
 Replacing the Fuse ............................................................................................................... 8 
Chapter 6Specifications......................................................................................................................9
6.1.General Specifications....................................................................................................9
6.2.Galvo Mirror Specifications............................................................................................9
6.3.Fuse Specifications.......................................................................................................10
6.4.Choosing a Scanner Lens............................................................................................10
Chapter 7NI PCIe 6363 Card Schematic...........................................................................................11
Chapter 8Mechanical Drawing...........................................................................................................12
Chapter 9Certifications and Compliance.........................................................................................15
Chapter 10Warranty..............................................................................................................................16
Chapter 11Regulatory...........................................................................................................................17
Chapter 12Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts..........................................................................................18

LSK-GG Chapter 1: Warning Symbol Definitions
Rev A, November 11, 2016 Page 1
Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions
Below is a list of warning symbols you may encounter in this manual or on your device.
Symbol Description
Direct Current
Alternating Current
Both Direct and Alternating Current
Earth Ground Terminal
Protective Conductor Terminal
Frame or Chassis Terminal
Equipotentiality
On (Supply)
Off (Supply)
In Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control
Out Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control
Caution: Risk of Electric Shock
Caution: Hot Surface
Caution: Risk of Danger
Warning: Laser Radiation
Caution: Spinning Blades May Cause Harm

LSK-GG Chapter 2: Safety
Page 2 TTN118193-D02
Chapter 2 Safety
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this user guide will only apply when the unit is
operated correctly. Please read the following warnings and cautions carefully before operating the device.
WARNING
DO NOT use the device for anything other than its intended use. If the device is used in a manner
not specified by Thorlabs, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
CAUTION
DO NOT operate in a wet, damp, or explosive environment.
WARNING
DO NOT put your fingers inside the ports of the Scan Head. It contains moving parts and may cause
injuries.
WARNING
DO NOT stare into the laser beam. Avoid direct eye exposure. Wear protective laser eyewear. Use
proper laser safety procedures. Consult with your organization’s laser safety officer for
recommendations.
WARNING
DO NOT drive the Scan Head with a frequency greater than 500 Hz. The galvo mirrors may break
loose and cause injuries.
!!
!!
!!
!
!

LSK-GG Chapter 3: Description
Rev A, November 11, 2016 Page 3
Chapter 3 Description
Thorlabs’ Laser Scanning Kit (LSK-GG) helps you to build a customized laser scanning microscopy system. LSK-
GG consists of a scan head and a controller. The scan head has two precision aligned galvo mirrors and mounting
features compatible with Thorlabs’ optomechanical product lines. The controller has a high performance driver
package that consists of a power supply and driver for each mirror. A shielded DB-25 connector cable connects the
Scan Head to the Controller. The front panel provides the interface to control the galvo scanners and monitor their
behavior. The analog control signals from the BNC cables control the position of the galvo mirrors.
The Galvo/Galvo Scan Head is ideal for high resolution imaging as well as laser scan photoactivation. Add other
components such as scan lens, tube lens, and photostimulation lasers to build customized optical path for confocal
imaging, multiphoton imaging, and photoactivation.
3.1. Overview
Figure 1 Galvo/Galvo Controller Front Panel
BNC Control and
Monitor Signal Lines
Power and
Fault LEDs
NI 68-Pin Connecto
r
DB-25 Connecto
r

LSK-GG Chapter 3: Description
Page 4 TTN118193-D02
Figure 2 Galvo/Galvo Controller Back Panel
Ground Connecto
r
Fuse Holder
Power Input Power Switch

LSK-GG Chapter 4: Getting Started
Rev A, November 11, 2016 Page 5
Chapter 4 Getting Started
This section is provided for those interested in getting the Laser Scanning Kit-Galvo Galvo Scan Head up and
running quickly.
4.1. Unpacking and Inspection
Open the package, and carefully remove the Laser Scanning Kit and its accessories. The table lists the standard
accessories shipped with the device.
Name Quantity
Scan Head 1
Galvo/Galvo Controller 1
DB-25 Connector Cable 1
AC Power Cord 1
ER05 Rod 4
Inspect the device and its accessories for any missing parts or damage. If there is any problem, please contact our
nearest office (see Chapter 12 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts for details).
4.2. Setting Up the LSK-GG
Preparation
WARNING
If using a high power laser, please consult with your organization’s laser safety officer to make sure
that the entire system is laser safe. The output port includes SM1 threading to mount lens tubes or
blocks to make the device laser safe.
WARNING
DO NOT switch on the laser while installing the Laser Scanning Kit. This may cause injury due to
laser radiation. Make sure the laser source is off.
1. Place the unit on a dry, level working surface.
Make sure the vent on the controller’s back panel is free from obstruction.
2. Connect a grounded Banana Plug (not included) to the Ground Connector of the Controller.
3. Connect the female end of DB-25 Connector cable to the Scanner port of the Controller and the other end
to the Scan Head.
4. Connect either an NI 68-Pin Connector (not included) to the DAQ port or two BNC cables (not included) to
the X IN and Y IN port to control each galvo mirrors. . The analog input signal impedance is 200 kΩ. The
input signal can be a DC or a sine wave.
♦ If using an NI 68-Pin Connector, connect the other end to a NI Breakout Box or NI card. The analog
input pins 21 and 22 control the position of Y mirror and X mirror respectively.
We recommend a high density shielded NI connector (NI SH68-68 cable to connect to NI Breakout box or
NI SHC68-68-EPM cable to connect to NI card).
♦ If using BNC cables, connect the other end of the cables to a voltage generator.

LSK-GG Chapter 4: Getting Started
Page 6 TTN118193-D02
5. Remove the tape on the Input/Output port of the Scan Head.
6. Connect one end of the AC power cord to the LSK-GG and the other end to a standard power outlet.
7. Turn on the power switch located on the back panel of the Controller. The mirrors are now centered.
The FAULT LEDs may turn on for few seconds. This is normal as the scanner is ramping up.
8. Align your light source to the Input port (the one with the smaller diameter aperture) of the Scan Head.
9. To monitor the mirrors’ positions, connect two BNC cables from X OUT/Y OUT port to an oscilloscope for
feedback signals. If using a NI 68-pin connector, the pins 30 and 65 provide the output position of X mirror
and Y mirror respectively.
The output is a voltage (±4 V) proportional to the position of the mirror.

LSK-GG Chapter 5: Maintaining the LSK-GG
Rev A, November 11, 2016 Page 7
Chapter 5 Maintaining the LSK-GG
There are no serviceable parts in LSK-GG. If you suspect a problem with the LSK-GG, please contact our nearest
office for assistance from an applications engineer (see Chapter 12 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts for details).
5.1. Cleaning
WARNING
Disconnect the power supply before cleaning the unit to prevent any injuries.
CAUTION
DO NOT expose the unit to spray, liquids, or solvent. This may damage the unit. DO NOT allow
spilled fluid to enter the internal mechanism. If spillage does occur, clean up immediately using an
absorbent tissue.
To clean the Controller Box and Scan Head:
 Use a damp lint-free cloth to wipe the outer surface of the unit.
 Use Compressed Air to remove the dust particles on the mirrors.
CAUTION
DO NOT touch the surface of the Galvo mirrors with fingers or tools to clean the mirrors.
5.2. Troubleshooting
Problem Solution
X FAULT and/or Y FAULT LED turns on

Check all cable connections.
 Make sure the Scan Head is free from any obstruction.
 Unplug and replug the power supply.
 Scanner has exceeded the maximum recommended
mechanical/electrical range. There are internal
mechanical stops within the scanner that prevent it from
spinning a full 360, however during a fault state, the
current must be shut off before the rotor reaches these
internal stops.
Please contact Thorlabs Technical Support for assistance.
CAUTION
DO NOT let the system stay in this over-position
indefinitely. This may damge the scanner.
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!

LSK-GG Chapter 5: Maintaining the LSK-GG
Page 8 TTN118193-D02
Problem Solution
Front panel power LED does not turn on when
the Controller is turned on

Check the power supply connection.
 Check the fuse in the Controller (see Section 5.2.1
Replacing the Fuse for details).
Replacing the Fuse
1. Turn off the power switch and unplug the power cord from the Controller.
2. Use a screwdriver to pop the fuse holder from the Controller.
3. Check to see if the fuse is blown.
If you see a black or brown smudges on the fuse glass or a clearly broken wire or no wire at all, the fuse is
blown. If the fuse is good, please contact Thorlabs Technical Support.
4. Use the screwdriver to push the spare fuse holder slot from the fuse holder, and remove the spare fuse.
5. Replace the blown fuse with the spare (as shown in the figure below).
6. Re-install the fuse holder in the Controller.

LSK-GG Chapter 6: Specifications
Rev A, November 11, 2016 Page 9
Chapter 6 Specifications
6.1. General Specifications
Specification Value
Scan Head Dimensions 97.5 mm x 79.8 mm x 50.8 mm
(3.84" x 3.14" x 2")
Galvo/Galvo Controller Dimensions 316.69 mm x 199.80 mm x 79.21 mm
(12.468" x 7.866" x 3.119")
Galvo Control Voltage -10 to 10 V
Galvo Input Signal Type DC or Sine Wave
Galvo Feedback Voltage -4 to 4 V
Analog Signal Input 200 kΩ
AC Voltage Input 90–264 VAC, 50–60 Hz (The power supply is built into the unit.)
Input Power (Max) 120 VA
Storage Temperature Range 0–50 C
6.2. Galvo Mirror Specifications
Specification Value
Mirror
Maximum Beam Diameter 4 mm
Substrate Silicon
Coating Protected Silver
Surface Quality 60–40 Scratch-Dig
Average Reflectance 350–450 nm >70%
450–550 nm >90%
550–650 nm >92.5%
650–1080 nm >95%
1080–7000 nm >97%
Front Surface Flatness (@ 633 nm) <λ/4
X Mirror Clear Aperture 6.22 mm x 4.0 mm, Ellipse
Y Mirror Clear Aperture 5.82 mm x 5.22 mm, Ellipse
Motor and Position Sensor
Linearity 99.9%
Scale Drift 50 ppm/C (Max)
Zero Drift 15 µrad/C (Max)
Repeatabilitya 8 µrad
RMS Current (Max) 2.4 A
Peak Current 8.0 A
Bandwidthb 0–500 Hz
Maximum Scan Angle ± 7.5 mech
Optical Scan Angle ± 15
Input Scale Factor 1.33 V/ mech
Output Scale Factor 0.5 V/ mech
Small Angle Step Responsec 130 µs (Typical)
Maximum Large Step Angled 0.65
Time Delay between Input and Output Signal 90 µs
Motor Weight 18 g
Operating Temperature Range 0–50 C
a. The system noise is less than 16 bits over a full voltage range (-10 to 10 V).
b. Bandwidth measured for a sine wave with 10 V amplitude. Results vary depending on the waveform.

LSK-GG Chapter 6: Specifications
Page 10 TTN118193-D02
c. Step Response for a 0.1 movement from 1% to 99% of its final position.
d. This is the maximum incremental movement at which the mirrors are still able to settle properly. The typical
settling time for this maximum incremental movement is 130 µs. For a movement greater than this, you must add a
slope (v/t, where v is the difference between the voltages and t is the time difference) to your Voltage profile.
Example: for a Step Angle of 1.3, the settling time is 260μs.
6.3. Fuse Specifications
Specification Value
Dimension Ø 5.10 mm x 20 mm
(Ø 0.201" x 0.787")
Fuse Type Cartridge, Glass
Current Rating 3 A
Voltage Rating – AC 250 V
Response Time Slow
Mounting Type Holder
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage 100 A
Operating Temperature -55 ~ 125 C
DC Cold Resistance 0.043 Ω
6.4. Choosing a Scanner Lens
Figure 3 Mirror Distance Specification
Input Distance = Distance from the input face to the first galvo mirror (Blue Line) + 0.5 x Distance between the two
mirrors (Green Line)
= 25.09 + 0.5 x 4.33 = 27.255 mm
Output Distance = Distance from the second galvo mirror to the output face (Yellow Line) + 0.5 x Distance between
the two mirrors (Green Line)
= 26.88 + 0.5 x 4.33 = 29.045 mm
The focus of the scanner lens must lie near the midpoint of the green line. This is true whether you are mounting a
scanner lens on the input or output face. If a scanner lens has a focal point that falls on the yellow or blue line and
not in the middle of the green line, then the lens cannot perform as intended.
26.88 mm 4.33 mm
25.09 mm
Y Mirror
X Mirror

LSK-GG Chapter 7: NI PCIe 6363 Card Schematic
Rev A, November 11, 2016 Page 11
Chapter 7 NI PCIe 6363 Card Schematic
Figure 4 NI PCIe 6363 Pinout
Pin Signal Name Description Characteristics
21 Y Position IN Position In signal
200 kΩ input
impedance, ± 10 V
input
22 X Position IN Position In signal
200 kΩ input
impedance, ± 10 V
input
26 X Velocity
Voltage signal is
proportional to the
velocity of the
scanner
2 kΩ output
impedance
28 Y Velocity
Voltage signal is
proportional to the
velocity of the
scanner
2 kΩ output
impedance
30 X Position
OUT Position Out signal 2 kΩ output impedance, ± 4 V
38 Y Fault
Pulled down to
ground when the fault
detector trips
4.75 kΩ output
impedance to 12 V
CMOS logic
46 X Fault
Pulled down to
ground when the fault
detector trips
4.75 kΩ output
impedance to 12 V
CMOS logic
54 Ground Ground return for
user signals GND
57 X Current Current monitor 2 kΩ output
impedance
60 Y Current Current monitor 2 kΩ output
impedance
65 Y Position
OUT Position Out signal 2 kΩ output impedance, ± 4 V

LSK-GG Chapter 8: Mechanical Drawing
Page 12 TTN118193-D02
Chapter 8 Mechanical Drawing
Figure 5 Mechanical Drawing of LSK-GG Scan Head (Front and Side View)
Ø0.10" Hole for
Alignment Pins
(4 Places)
3.35"
(85.1 mm)
3.06"
(77.8 mm)
3.14"
(79.8 mm)
0.15"
(3.8 mm)
0.20"
(5.1 mm)
0.85"
(21.6 mm)
2.00"
(50.8 mm)
3.65"
(92.7 mm)
8-32 Locking Setscrew
5/64" (2 mm) Hex
(2 Places)
Internal SM1
(1.035"-40)
Threads, 0.65"
Deep
4-40 Tapped Hole for
30 mm Cage System
(4 Places)
1.69"
(43.0 mm)
1.23"
(31.2 mm)
Typical
0.99"
(25.2 mm)
1.70"
(43.2 mm)
0.15"
(3.8 mm)
0.50"
(12.7 mm)
1.22"
(30.9 mm)
2.00"
(50.8 mm)

LSK-GG Chapter 8: Mechanical Drawing
Rev A, November 11, 2016 Page 13
Figure 6 Mechanical Drawing of LSK-GG Scan Head (Top and Back View)
1/4"-20 Tapped Hole
(4 Places)
8-32 Tapped Hole
(5 Places)
1.00"
(25.4 mm)
Typical
1.00"
(25.4 mm)
1.06"
(26.8 mm)
1.00"
(25.4 mm)
1.18"
(30.0 mm)
Typical
2.08"
(52.8 mm)
3.84"
(97.5 mm)
0.50"
(12.7 mm)
Typical
0.49"
(12.5 mm)
0.23"
(5.8 mm)
0.56"
(14.3 mm)
1.70"
(43.2 mm)
(3 Places)
Ø6 mm Bore for
Cage Rods
(4 Places)
Internal SM1 (1.035"-40)
Threads, 0.50" Deep
8-32 Locking Setscrew
5/64" (2 mm) Hex
(2 Places)
Internal SM05 (0.535"-40)
Threads, 0.33" Deep
Ø0.10" Hole for
Alignment Pins
(4 Places)

LSK-GG Chapter 8: Mechanical Drawing
Page 14 TTN118193-D02
Figure 7 Mechanical Drawing of LSK-GG Controller
Front ViewBack View
3.12"
(79.2 mm)
2.80"
(71.1 mm)
11.81"
(299.9 mm)
7.87"
(199.8 mm)
12.47"
(316.7 mm)

LSK-GG Chapter 9: Certifications and Compliance
Rev A, November 11, 2016 Page 15
Chapter 9 Certifications and Compliance

LSK-GG Chapter 10: Warranty
Page 16 TTN118193-D02
Chapter 10 Warranty
Thorlabs warrants that all products sold will be free from defects in material and workmanship, and will conform to
the published specifications under normal use, when correctly installed and maintained.
Thorlabs provides the warranty for a period of one year.

LSK-GG Chapter 11: Regulatory
Rev A, November 11, 2016 Page 17
Chapter 11 Regulatory
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 13, 2005
 Marked correspondingly with the crossed out “wheelie bin” logo (see right)
 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 is 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 life products
will thereby avoid negative impacts on the environment.
Wheelie Bin Logo