Wasatch Photonics X Series User manual

Wasatch Photonics
X series Raman Spectrometer
Operation Manual
Document version: 1.0.7
October 27, 2023
808 Aviation Parkway, Suite 1400, Morrisville, NC 27560 USA
wasatchphotonics.com |+1 919.544.7785

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X series Operations Manual Oct 27, 2023
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 4
1.1. Applicability 4
1.2. Model Nomenclature 4
1.3. Referenced Documents 4
2. Laser Safety 5
2.1. Laser Safety Fundamentals 5
2.2. Safety Markings 6
2.3. Permanently Affixed Laser Attenuator 6
2.4. Light-Tight Optical Bench 7
2.5. Laser Warning LEDs 8
2.5.1. Laser Armed LED (Yellow) 8
2.5.2. Laser Firing LED (Red) 8
2.6. Laser Firing Delay 9
2.7. Laser Interlock Key-Switch 9
2.8. Remote Laser Interlock 9
2.9. Laser Software Control 10
3. Unboxing Your X series Raman Spectrometer 11
4. Optical Coupling 13
4.1. ILP (Integrated Laser and Probe) 13
4.2. ILC (Integrated Laser and Interchangeable Coupling) 13
4.3. IC (Interchangeable Coupling) 14
4.4. IP (Integrated Probe) 15
5. Measurement Setup 16
5.1. Fiber Connections 16
5.1.1. Fiber Specifications 16
5.1.2. Jacketing 16
5.1.3. Polarization 16
5.2. Sampling Accessories 17
5.2.1. RP series Raman Probes (ILC) 17
5.2.2. Cuvette Holder / Vial Accessory (for use with IC and ILC models) 17
5.2.3. Vial Accessory (ILP) 18

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5.3. Sampling Operations / System Setup 18
5.3.1. ILP Models / Fully Integrated Systems 18
5.3.2. ILC Models / Semi-integrated Systems 19
5.3.3. IC Models / Fully Modular Systems 20
6. Power 22
7. Communications 23
7.1. USB Communications 23
8. ENLIGHTEN™ Quick Start 24
8.1. Installation 24
8.2. Scope Mode 24
8.3. Set Measurement Parameters 25
8.3.1. Laser Control 25
8.3.1.1. Integrated Laser 25
8.3.1.2. External Laser 25
8.3.2. Integration Time 25
8.3.3. Scan Averaging 26
8.3.4. Dark Subtraction 26
8.3.5. Save Measurements 26
9. Troubleshooting 28
9.1. Electrical Transients 28
10. Maintenance and Servicing 29
10.1. Cleaning 29
10.2. Replacement Power Transformer 29
A. Appendix: Block Diagrams 30
a. Internal Block Diagrams 30
i. ILP (Integrated Laser and Probe) 30
ii. ILC (Integrated Laser and interchangeable Coupling) 30
iii. IC (Interchangeable Coupling) 31
iv. IP (Integrated Probe) 31
b. External Block Diagrams 32
i. ILP (Integrated Laser and Probe) 32
ii. ILC (Integrated Laser and interchangeable Coupling) 32
iii. IC (Interchangeable Coupling) 33
B. Appendix: Mechanical Drawings 34
a. ILP (Integrated Laser and Probe) 34

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b. ILC (Integrated Laser and interchangeable Coupling) 35
c. IC (Interchangeable Coupling) 36
d. IP (Interchangeable Probe) 37
C. Appendix: Housing Labels 38
a. Product Identification Label 38
b. Laser Aperture Label 38
c. Class 3B Warning Logotype 38
i. 638nm (ILP and ILC) 38
ii. 785nm (ILP and ILC) 39
iii. 830nm (ILP and ILC) 39
iv. 1064 (ILP and ILC) 40
D. Appendix: MPE, NOHD and NHZ 41
a. ILP Models 42
b. ILC Models (FC/PC Connector) 43
c. ILC Models (Raman Probe) 44
d. Continuous Wave PWM vs “Pulsed” 45
E. Appendix: Electrical Connectors and Pin-outs 46
a. 12VDC Power 46
b. USB 46
c. Remote Laser Interlock 46
F. Appendix: Remote Interlock Sample Configurations 47
a. Configuration 1: Integrated Laser (Remote Interlock) 47
b. Configuration Two: External Laser 47
c. Tested Vendor Products 48

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X series Operations Manual Oct 27, 2023
1. Introduction
Congratulations on obtaining a Wasatch Photonics X series Raman spectrometer! This operator’s manual
should either provide or point you to all the information you need to perform fast, safe, and accurate
Raman measurements of the world around you.
1.1. Applicability
This manual is applicable to all Wasatch Photonics X series Raman spectrometers, including all
laboratory and OEM variants of the following:
●WP 532X
●WP 638X
●WP 785X
●WP 830X
●WP 1064X
1.2. Model Nomenclature
Wasatch X series Raman spectrometers have model names like the following:
WP-excitationX-Fratio-cooling-coupling[-slit]
where:
●excitation =excitation wavelength of the laser (532, 638, 785, 830 or 1024)
●ratio = focal ratio (13 indicating ƒ/1.3, or 18 indicating ƒ/1.8)
●cooling = detector cooling type (‘R’ indicating “TEC Regulated” to10°C, or‘C’ indicating “TEC
Cooled” to -15°C)
●coupling = optical coupling between spectrometer, laser and sample (ILP, ILC, IC and IP) — see
section 4, Optical Coupling,for details
●slit = optional slit width inµm (typically 10, 25, 50, 100 or 200). Slit width is only specified for
freespace couplings (ILP and IP), asthe other configurations support “interchangeable
couplings” (which includes interchangeable slits)
1.3. Referenced Documents
Please see the following documents for additional information relevant to your Wasatch Photonics
spectrometer:
●X series Raman Spectrometer QuickStart Guide
●ENLIGHTEN™ Spectroscopy Software
○includes application installers and ENLIGHTEN™ manual
●Software Drivers and Libraries
●Technical References
○ENG-0001 USB API
○ENG-0034 EEPROM Specification
●Regulatory Standards
○IEC 60825-1:2014

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2. Laser Safety
Wasatch Photonics X series Raman spectrometers with integrated lasers include a number of safety
features to minimize risk of exposure and injury to the operator and any bystanders.
Nevertheless, be aware that these remain Class 3B laser products and are therefore fundamentally
unsafe for use without appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as laser goggles, and
user training from a qualified instructor and syllabus.
Caution - use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified
herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
DO NOT MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO THE SPECTROMETER OR LASER CONTROL SYSTEMS OTHER THAN
THOSE RECOMMENDED IN THIS MANUAL. DOING SO COULD VOID YOUR WARRANTY AND
COMPROMISE OPERATOR SAFETY.
2.1. Laser Safety Fundamentals
Whether your Wasatch Photonics Raman spectrometer contains an integrated laser (ILP and ILC
models), or you are using your spectrometer with an external laser (IC and IP models), please review the
following safety guidance and familiarize yourself with all applicable laser safety features of your Raman
spectrometer.
It is of particular importance to know the wavelength (nm) and output power (mW) of all lasers in
operation. This information informs the selection of appropriate laser protective eyewear (glasses or
goggles). Wasatch Photonics recommends laser safety goggles of at least OD5+ at the nominal excitation
wavelength.
Users should be aware that some or all of a laser’s emitted laser radiation may be invisible to the human
eye. For instance, 785 nm and 830 nm lasers are only partially visible to human vision, and may be
perceived as a faint red dot on an unfocussed white surface (textured wall paint or business card). Do
not be misled by the relative dimness of the laser spot — the vast majority of the coherent laser light is
actually outside your visible spectrum, and remains extremely dangerous.
Other laser wavelengths, such as 1064 nm, are entirely invisible. These are actually the most dangerous
lasers from an eye safety standpoint, as the human eye has no innate “flinch” or “blink” reflexes to
respond to infrared light, allowing your pupil to remain fully dilated and thus serve as an open aperture
actively focused on the sensitive tissue of your retina.
For additional information on laser safety issues, please see the following online resources:
●https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_safety
●https://www.lia.org/store/laser-safety-standards/ansi-z136-standards

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2.2. Safety Markings
Your spectrometer includes regulatory-standard labels and markings identifying laser wavelength,
maximum output power, and the location of the laser aperture.
It is important that operators are aware of the laser wavelength and output power of the product, as
that is necessary to select appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), such as laser goggles at the
correct wavelength and OD (Optical Density).
Sample laser marking indicating power, wavelength and pulse rate
Sample laser aperture indication (attenuator not shown)
For reference, find reproductions of all labels in Appendix C, Housing Labels.
2.3. Permanently Affixed Laser Attenuator
ILP spectrometers with an integrated laser will include a permanently attached (chained) laser
attenuator which may serve as a protective lens-cap. This can protect the optics from dust and damage
when not in use, and represents an additional safety feature by physically preventing inadvertent laser
emission when emplaced. For convenience, a magnetized clip is provided to hold the attenuator when
not engaged.

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Permanently affixed ILP attenuator with storage clip
ILC units similarly have a metal FC/PC screw-on cap chained to the front face, offering device and
operator protection of the exposed emission fiber connector.
Permanently affixed ILC attenuator
2.4. Light-Tight Optical Bench
Wasatch Photonics Raman spectrometers are designed such that coherent laser light cannot escape the
optical bench and radiate into the environment, save through the intended optical coupling (freespace
front optic for ILP models, and FC/PC fiber connector for ILC models).
To maintain this protective seal, it is important that users do not attempt to disassemble the
spectrometer or modify the mechanical assembly.
A key aspect of the light-seal in systems with integrated multi-mode lasers is the internal fiber
connecting the housed multi-mode laser butterfly package to the integrated probe or external FC/PC
connector. If this fiber breaks or snaps, it is possible for laser radiation to emit into the environment
through holes and vents in the product housing.
Therefore, it is important that, if you have any reason to suspect internal fiber breakage (i.e. inability to
generate Raman spectra), you should contact Wasatch Photonics for investigation and repair.

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2.5. Laser Warning LEDs
Wasatch Photonics Raman spectrometers with integrated lasers have two warning LEDs on the front
panel. These LEDs are designed to be visible both from the front and top of the spectrometer. When
operational, the LEDs will flash in synchronization; if either LED is illuminated “solid” (not flashing), that
indicates a fault condition and the unit should be referred to the manufacturer for investigation and
repair.
2.5.1. Laser Armed LED (Yellow)
The yellow “Laser Armed” LED flashes when both laser interlock systems (Key-Switch and Remote
Interlock (“Continuity Circuit”), both described below) are “closed” (configured to allow the laser to
fire).
When this LED flashes, it indicates that power is being supplied to the laser driver circuit, and it is
physically (electrically) possible for the laser to fire if given the appropriate signal through software or
signaling electronics.
When this LED flashes, it does not mean the laser is currently firing; it means it can fire, when you
instruct it to.
If this LED is not flashing, it typically means one of these things:
●the spectrometer is not plugged in to mains
●the spectrometer is not switched on using the side power switch
●the laser key is not inserted
●the laser key is not turned to the “firing” position
●the remote interlock plug is not inserted
●an external circuit wired to the remote interlock plug is “open” (not “closed”)
2.5.2. Laser Firing LED (Red)
The red “Laser Firing” LED flashes when the laser is armed (the yellow LED is flashing) and the laser has
been commanded to fire. It indicates that the laser is actively preparing or attempting to fire.
The red LED does not indicate that the laser is “currently” firing at that instant in time. However, it does
urgently suggest that the laser may fire at any moment, and for safety reasons should be treated as
though it were firing.
Reasons why the LED may be flashing, even though the laser may not be actively firing:
●The Laser Firing Delay may not have completed (see section 2.6, below)
●The laser may have been configured to fire at less than full-power, andas a result is set to pulse
at a specific duty cycle using PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation). In this state, the laser will rapidly
toggle between firing and not-firing inorder toadjust the total laser energy being directed at the
sample. The “Laser Firing” LED does not deactivate during times when the laser is momentarily
off due to the instantaneous state of the PWM duty-cycle.

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2.6. Laser Firing Delay
There is a regulatory requirement that the “laser firing” LED should illuminate for a short period of time
before the laser actually begins emitting hazardous radiation. This is so that the operator and bystanders
have an opportunity to visually observe the LED illumination and take appropriate defensive action if
this circumstance was unexpected (e.g., close their eyes, look away, disable the laser through software,
hit an “emergency stop” wall-box linked to the remote interlock, turn the key-switch, etc).
2.7. Laser Interlock Key-Switch
Wasatch Photonics Raman spectrometers with integrated lasers include a laser interlock key-switch on
the back face of the spectrometer (opposite the collection / excitation optics). This key is removable,
and must be turned to a “firing” position before the laser can be armed and fired.
If the key is not inserted and turned to the “firing” position, neither the yellow “Armed” nor the red
“Firing” LED can illuminate, nor can the laser fire.
If the key is inserted and turned to the “firing” position, the yellow “Armed” LED may illuminate, but the
red “Firing” LED should not illuminate until the laser is instructed to fire through software.
If the key is turned “off” or removed while the laser is firing, the laser will immediately cease firing. Re-
inserting and turning the key back to the “firing” position will not automatically cause the laser to
resume firing: a fresh software command must be sent to re-instruct the laser to resume firing.
2.8. Remote Laser Interlock
Wasatch Photonics Raman spectrometers with integrated lasers include a remote laser interlock jack on
the back face of the spectrometer (adjacent to the key-switch). This jack uses a standard stereo audio
plug connector (SP-3540A, DigiKey 102-4779-ND), simplifying development of compatible plugs for your
laboratory or OEM requirements.
If the jack is left empty (no plug inserted), the laser interlock circuit will be broken (“open”) and the laser
will not fire. This will likewise prevent the yellow “Laser Armed” LED from illuminating.
The microphone plug should be wired to your laboratory’s remote door-entry / remote interlock system.
Such interlock circuits are varied, and can include one or multiple nodes such as the following:
●Door interlocks which open (disarm) when the magnetic seal is broken, and close (arm) when
the magnets connect, such that arrival of an unexpected visitor causes the laser to immediately
disable.
●“Emergency Stop” buttons which allow users to quickly deactivate the laser by depressing or
signaling a conveniently large and accessible physical switch.
●“Exit Override” buttons which temporarily disable “downstream” interlocks by forcibly closing
the circuit (typically only for a few seconds and accompanied by an audible siren).
●“Entry Override” keypads allowing the door override to be temporarily disabled with a
passcode.
●Interlocked power strips, such that opening of the interlock circuit cuts power to connected
devices.