THORLABS OCTH Series User manual

OCTH SERIES
OCT Handheld Scanner,
Lens Kit, and
Sample Z-Spacer
User Manual

Original User Manual – not translated

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions....................................................................................... 1
Chapter 2 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 2
2.1. Safety........................................................................................................................2
2.2. Care and Maintenance.............................................................................................3
2.2.1. Optical Cleaning..............................................................................................................3
2.2.2. Service ............................................................................................................................3
2.2.3. Accessories and Customization......................................................................................3
Chapter 3 Scanner Compatibility................................................................................................. 4
Chapter 4 Installation .................................................................................................................... 5
4.1. OCTH Handling........................................................................................................5
4.2. OCTH Connections..................................................................................................6
4.2.1. Connecting the Electrical Control Interface.....................................................................6
4.2.2. Connecting the Optical Fiber to the OCT Base Unit.......................................................7
4.2.3. Fiber Cleaning Techniques Using the FBC1...................................................................8
4.3. Integration................................................................................................................9
Chapter 5 Description ................................................................................................................. 10
5.1. Theory ....................................................................................................................10
5.1.1. Signal Generation .........................................................................................................10
5.1.2. Limitations.....................................................................................................................10
5.2. Optical Design .......................................................................................................11
5.2.1. Common Path Setup.....................................................................................................11
5.2.2. Dual Path Setup (Special).............................................................................................11
5.2.3. Realization.....................................................................................................................12
5.3. Components...........................................................................................................13
5.3.1. OCTH Base Module......................................................................................................13
5.3.2. Reference Adjustment...................................................................................................15
5.3.3. Push Buttons.................................................................................................................17
5.3.4. OCTH Scan Lens Kits (Accessory)...............................................................................18
5.3.5. Sample Z-Spacers (Accessory) ....................................................................................19
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting......................................................................................................... 21
Chapter 7 Certifications and Compliance................................................................................. 22
Chapter 8 Specifications............................................................................................................. 23
Chapter 9 Warranty...................................................................................................................... 24
9.1. Lasers and Imaging Systems................................................................................24
9.2. Non-Warranty Repairs...........................................................................................24
9.3. Warranty Exclusions .............................................................................................24
Chapter 10 Mechanical Drawings ................................................................................................ 25
Chapter 11 Regulatory .................................................................................................................. 26
11.1. Waste Treatment is Your Own Responsibility.....................................................26
11.2. Ecological Background.........................................................................................26
Chapter 12 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts.................................................................................. 27

OCTH Series Chapter 1: Warning Symbol Definitions
Rev B, April 08, 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

OCTH Series Chapter 2: Introduction
Page 2 MTN004428-D02
Chapter 2 Introduction
2.1. Safety
Please read this manual carefully before operating the OCTH handheld scanner. Please also read any manuals
for the systems being connected to the OCTH handheld scanner.
All statements regarding safety and technical specifications will only apply when the unit is operated correctly.
ATTENTION
This equipment is intended for laboratory use only and is not certified for medical applications,
including, but not limited to, life support situations.
WARRANTY WARNING
There are sensitive electronic and optical parts in the OCTH.
Any modification or servicing of this system by unqualified personnel renders Thorlabs free of
any liability.
Any modification of the MEMS scanner, the internal electronics or the camera may cause loss of
the factory optical alignment.
The connector cable of the device contains an optical fiber – stress on this cable should be as
low as possible. The radius of the cable may not be below 75 mm (2.95 inch) at any time.
This device can only be returned for service when it is packed into the complete original
packaging, including all foam packing inserts. Please contact Thorlabs’ tech support
([e-mail]) for replacement packaging if the original packaging has been lost.
LASER RADIATION WARNING
When a light source (e.g. SLD, laser) is being coupled into the OCTH, please observe the
appropriate laser safety precautions for your own protection. During normal operations, laser
light will be present within the scanner and will also be emitted from the scanner.
When the OCTH is equipped with a Thorlabs Scan Lens Objective and connected to a Thorlabs
OCT Base Unit, this OCT Base Unit gives the limit for the laser radiation – please check the
manual of the Base Unit for your own safety.
The OCT System may not be switched on, if there is no objective mounted on the OCTH.
In addition, laser light may be emitted from unexpected locations, e.g. if the fiber broke in the
connector cable.

OCTH Series Chapter 2: Introduction
Rev B, April 08, 2016 Page 3
2.2. Care and Maintenance
The scanner should be treated with care, particularly during transportation and unpacking. Hitting or dropping
the scanner can damage the unit and lower system performance. If mishandling occurs, misalignment of the
optical components may occur, leading to a decrease in image quality. In this situation, the system should be
realigned by qualified personnel. Please contact Thorlabs’ technical support ([email protected]) 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 the unit away from dust, dirt, and airborne contaminants, such as cigarette smoke. The system is
not designed for outdoor use. Protect the equipment from rain, snow, and humidity.
Do not subject the equipment to mechanical and thermal extremes. Protect the equipment from rapid
variations in temperature.
Handle all electrical and fiber connectors with care. Use of excessive force to form electrical or fiber
connections may damage the connectors.
The connector cable of the device contains an optical fiber –stress on this cable should be as low as
possible. The radius of the cable may not be below 75 mm (2.95 inch) at any time.
2.2.1. Optical Cleaning
The most common cause of low signal intensity is a contamination of the fiber due to airborne particles. To
minimize the fiber’s exposure to air, avoid unnecessary disconnections of the optical fiber patch cable. Ensure
that the connection is tight, and keep the fiber as straight as possible without placing it under tension. It is also
advisable to check the fiber when making other adjustments to the optical system, such as changing the
objective.
Thorlabs’ Fiber Inspection Scope (Item # FS200) can help determine when the fiber needs cleaning. We
recommend our Fiber Connector Cleaner (Item # FCC-7020) to quickly clean the fiber tips.
2.2.2. Service
Only trained and approved Thorlabs personnel are allowed to service the system. Please contact Thorlabs’
technical support ([e-mail]) for more information.
2.2.3. Accessories and Customization
The OCTH series OCT scanners are Thorlabs-qualified accessories for Thorlabs’ OCT Systems (i.e., our
CALLISTO, GANYMEDE-II, and TELESTO-II). We strongly suggest using Thorlabs’ OCTH-LK Lens Kits with
the OCTH, as they were specifically designed to work together.
In order to achieve the intended performance, this scanner should only be used with qualified parts. Please hold
a conversation with Thorlabs’ technical support to determine if other parts you wish to use are compatible. Any
modification or servicing of this system by unqualified personnel renders the warranty null and void, leaving
Thorlabs free of any liability.

OCTH Series Chapter 3: Scanner Compatibility
Page 4 MTN004428-D02
Chapter 3 Scanner Compatibility
The OCTH is a standalone, preassembled, integrated accessory to a Thorlabs OCT Base Unit. It is intended
for light-weight handheld operation providing ergonomic handling for imaging applications where mobility is
required.
This scanner is available in versions for different wavelength ranges.
The OCTH-900 handheld scanner for OCT systems working in the 900 nm regime.
The OCTH-1300 handheld scanner for OCT systems working in the 1300 nm regime.
In this manual we will use abbreviation for the OCTH scanner as follows:
OCTH OCTH-900 or OCTH-1300
For common statements the abbreviation “OCTH” is used for both setups.
The OCTH scanners are fully compatible with all Thorlabs OCT Base Units of the CALLISTO, GANYMEDE,
and TELESTO series.
The table below gives a short overview of the different handheld scanners, their usable wavelength range and
lists preferred OCT Base Units.
Handheld Scanner
Wavelength Range
OCT Base Unit
OCTH-900
850 nm – 1000 nm
CALxxx
GANxxx
OCTH-1300
1200 nm – 1400 nm
TEL13xx
Table 1 Usable Wavelength Range of OCT Scanner
The are selective optical components in the scanner. Depending on the type of the OCTH, their specifications
are different.

OCTH Series Chapter 4: Installation
Rev B, April 08, 2016 Page 5
Chapter 4 Installation
4.1. OCTH Handling
The OCTH offers various options for handling during OCT image acquisition to match the individual needs of
the imaging. The housing ergonomics are specially designed to allow for both right- and left-handed operation
and using either your thumb or index finger for pushing the buttons on top. The OCTH enables pointing it at a
sample while holding it at the rear end grip but you can also hold it at the front part and still be able to reach the
push buttons. The long cable connecting the OCTH to the OCT Base Unit gives you flexibilityto move and reach
for samples over a large span. If connected properly a green light in the middle of the push buttons indicates
that the OCTH is running.
ATTENTION
When pulling at the OCTH too hard it may cause the connected OCT Base Unit to move and fall
off. This could severely damage the OCT Base Unit. Make sure to stay within reach of the cable
length! Secure the OCT Base Unit against falling off!
Extreme pulling may cause the strain-relief to give way! This could severely damage the
electrical and optical connections. Do not inadequately pull the connection cable!
Figure 1 Right-Handed Operation of OCTH Holding the Rear End Grip

OCTH Series Chapter 4: Installation
Page 6 MTN004428-D02
4.2. OCTH Connections
4.2.1. Connecting the Electrical Control Interface
Make sure that the OCT Base Unit is switched off.
The electrical probe control cable and optical fiber are permanently connected to the OCTH. The electrical probe
control cable connects to a Thorlabs OCT Base Unit via a standard Thorlabs OCT probe control AUX interface
with one alignment key. For backwards compatibility to Thorlabs OCT Base Units fabricated prior to 2015
adapter cables are available to connect to AUX interfaces with two alignment keys. Please contact Thorlabs’
tech support for information regarding the pin configuration.
Figure 2 AUX interface with one and two alignment keys
Attach the control probe cable of the OCTH to the Aux connector on the Thorlabs OCT Base Unit. This interface
is located at the back of the OCT Base Unit. Align the red dot of the plug to the alignment mark of the port. Push
the connector into the plug until a “click” sound is heard. This click indicates that the connector is locked.
Figure 3 Installation of the Electric Connector at the Thorlabs OCT Base Unit