USER’S GUIDE

TA-7600 Semiconductor Tapered Amplifier

90035117 rev. A

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Warranty Newport guarantees its New Focus™ TA-7600 Tapered Amplifier series to be free of material and workmanship defects for one year from the date of shipment or 3,000 hours of operation, whichever comes first. This warranty is in lieu of all other guarantees expressed or implied and does not cover incidental or consequential loss.

Introduction The New Focus TA-7600 Semiconductor Tapered Amplifier is designed to amplify coherent laser radiation in the near infrared spectrum. Fiber-coupled “seed” radiation is amplified by up to 20 dB (100 times) while substantially retaining the spectral and noise characteristics of the seed. The TA-7600 can provide up to 1 W of coherent radiation in the region of 725 – 860 nm. The following table indicates the specific models available and their respective performance. Model Description TA-7612 755-775 nm; 1 W at peak; free-space output TA-7612-P 755-775 nm; 0.5 W at peak; fiber-coupled output TA-7613 765-790 nm; 1 W at peak; free-space output TA-7613-P 765-790 nm; 0.5 W at peak; fiber-coupled output TA-7614 787-810 nm; 0.5 W at peak; free-space output TA-7614-P 787-810 nm; 0.25 W at peak; fiber-coupled output TA-7616 825-855 nm; 0.5 W at peak; free-space output TA-7616-P 825-855 nm; 0.25 W at peak; fiber-coupled output

Customer Support On the last page of this manual you can find support information including email addresses and phone numbers for New Focus Technical Support. Please refer to this page.

User Safety

IntroductionYour safe and effective use of this product is of utmost importance to us at Newport. Please read the following amplifier safety information before attempting to operate the amplifier. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the optical head or the controller. No attempt should be made to open either component and doing so voids the factory warranty. Any use of the amplifier system that is not in compliance with the instructions in this manual may compromise the safety of the user, and the performance and/or longevity of the device. It is recommended that all safety and operation procedures are followed carefully.

Usage of SymbolsSeveral symbols have been used throughout this manual. An explanation of these symbols is given here.

Symbol Explanation

Warning. This symbol warns the user of a potential danger – either electrical or optical.

Caution. This symbol notifies the users that extra caution should be exercised when performing procedures discussed in that section.

This symbol notifies the user of a special consideration that should be noted.

Laser and Amplifier SafetyThe laser radiation emitted from this unit may be harmful. Always follow these precautions:

• Avoid direct skin or eye exposure to the beam. • Avoid looking directly at the beam or at radiation scattered from the beam. • Be aware of and follow the warnings on the safety labels (examples are shown on following

pages). • The amplifier will exhibit a five-second delay before emitting light after pressing the on

button, as mandated by the US FDA.

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• The keyswitch must be turned to the full clockwise position to turn on the amplifier. The amplifier will not operate when the key is in the counter-clockwise position. The key cannot be removed from the controller when it is in the clockwise (on) position.

• To completely shut off power to the unit, turn off the keyswitch, and unplug the unit. The Power button available in the GUI controls power to the amplifier diode; even when the power to the diode is off, power is still being supplied to the amplifier head for temperature control.

• Do not open the amplifier head or controller. • Use of controls or adjustments, or performance of procedures other than those

specified herein, may result in hazardous radiation exposure. Diode amplifier power at the wavelengths shown in the following table could be accessible inside the amplifier head. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the amplifier head or controller. Unauthorized opening of the head or controller will void the warranty and may result in misalignment of the amplifier and/or irreparable damage to the internal components.

The following table contains a list of wavelength ranges and maximum internal powers accessible inside the different model amplifier heads. Look at the label on top of your amplifier head for its model number and its specific wavelength. All models have free-space output as the standard configuration as well as optional fiber-coupled output (denoted with a –P in the model number if you ordered this option.)

Model Wavelength Range Max. Power

TA-7612 755-775 nm 2 W

TA-7613 765-790 nm 4 W

TA-7614 787-810 nm 1 W

TA-7616 825-855 nm 1 WFigure 1. Models and power levels within amplifier head.

The actual output power of your amplifier will only be a fraction of the internal power shown here.

Fiber-coupling will reduce the output of your amplifier by roughly half.

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Label Identification The aperture and danger labels shown here pertain to different wavelength amplifier heads. Depending on your specific wavelength requirements, other labels similar to those shown may be used.

Figure 2. Labels on the front, top, and rear of the amplifier head Light is emitted from the aperture directly below the warning label if the system is a free-space model or from the end of the fiber if it is a fiber-coupled model (as shown).

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Emission Compliance

The TA-7600 series Tapered Amplifiers are compliant with the CE Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC and EMC Directive 2004/108/EC when operated with a New Focus seed laser. In order to remain in compliance with these directives while not seeding the amplifier with a New Focus product, your seed laser must be in compliance with these directives.

Using the Safety Interlock The safety interlock connector on the back of the TA-7600 Controller is provided for external safety systems. The system is shipped with a jumper across the interlock. Do not remove this BNC jumper unless you are using the safety interlock feature; the amplifier will not emit light unless the interlock circuit is closed. The circuit carries 3.3 V DC.

Electrical Requirements, Safety, and Usage The TA-7600 Amplifier head is entirely powered by the TA-7600 Controller. Only the head-plug cable is attached to the head with no further connections to the head necessary. The Controller is powered by an internal switching power supply. You should have been provided with a wall plug of appropriate configuration for your country, region, or location. The TA-7600 Controller can operate with a variety of single-phase ac voltage ranges: 100-240 VAC at 50-60 Hz. The unit consumes a maximum of 65 W of power and has a safety fuse on the power input main rated at 2 A, Slo-Blo, and 250 V. It is designed to operate under normal laboratory operating conditions: 15-30 ºC, Relative Humidity < 80% and non-condensing.

As with all electrical equipment, normal safety precautions are called for. The power input receptacle is of the three-pronged variety allowing for both a “common” return for current as well as an “earth ground.” Please make sure that any supply cord that you use for powering the unit maintains the standard configuration for this wiring and that the earth ground is intact. The system dissipates a maximum of 65 W under normal operating conditions. Please provide for adequate space and airflow around the control unit to ensure that excessive heat builds up around the unit. The control unit has a fuse in line with the power input. The fuse is a 5 X 200 mm, 2 A, SLO-BLO and can be replaced by first removing the AC power cord and then gently prying off the cover of the power input receptacle as shown in the figure. Next remove the red fuse block and replace the fuse with one of the same rating and dimensions (Little Fuse 0239002.hxp or equivalent).

Figure 3 Rear Panel power input port and fuse bay.

TA-7600 Operation

Introduction This section outlines the basic steps needed to set up and use your TA-7600 series amplifier system.

Unpacking the System Carefully unpack the TA-7600 series amplifier system. Compare the contents against the packing slip and inspect them for any signs of damage. If parts are missing or you notice any signs of damage, such as dented or scratched covers, please contact Newport immediately. Save the shipping container and packing material for future shipping needs.

Setting up the Amplifier 1. Mount the amplifier head: The amplifier head is shipped with a mounting bracket already

attached. This bracket also serves as a heatsink to avoid overheating the amplifier head. Mount the amplifier head/bracket in a stable position with the output aperture pointing towards an appropriate beam block. Output-beam height is two inches for the free-space models.

2. Position the controller: Position the controller within a cable length of the amplifier head (about five feet). The controller keyswitch should be off (fully counter-clockwise). Be careful position the controller in such a way that it will be easy to access the on/off switch on the rear of the device as well as the key switch on the front. Also position the controller in such a way that it is easy to remove the head plug cable.

3. Connect the head and controller: Connect the controller to the amplifier head with the 26-pin D-connector amplifier cable provided. Use only the supplied New Focus amplifier cable to connect the controller to the amplifier head. To ensure proper and safe operation of the amplifier, secure the cable to the amplifier head and controller using the

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captive attachment screws in the cable’s D-connectors. 4. Connect the power cord: Attach the power cord to the controller and plug it into a wall

outlet.

This amplifier utilizes a low-noise switching power supply. It should work at any normal line voltage (100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz, 1 φ ). You should have been provided with a wall plug appropriate for your country or area. The system dissipates a maximum of 65 W under normal operating conditions. Please provide for adequate space and airflow around the Control unit to ensure that excessive heat builds up around the unit.

Operation of the TA-7600 Tapered Amplifier This section takes you through proper operation of the amplifier, including proper seeding and alignment.

1. Connect the seed laser to the amplifier via the FC/APC connector on the input side of the amplifier. Make sure that the seed laser polarization is aligned with the slow axis of the fiber (in line with the key of the FC/APC connector.)

2. No further alignment of the seed laser should be necessary. Beyond the keyswitch activation, the TA-7600 series amplifiers are entirely controlled through either the USB or WiFi GUIs.

USB GUI Installing and using the USB GUI:

1. Go to http://www.newfocus.com/index.cfm?navid=36 and click on the “TA-7600 Software Download” link.

2. Save the file to a folder named C:\Program Files\New Focus. 3. Unzip the file to this folder. 4. Create a shortcut to the TA-7600 Controller.exe file you extracted from the zip file and

place it in a convenient location, such as your desk top. 5. Connect the included USB cable between your computer and the TA-7600 Controller. 6. Turn the keyswitch on the laser front panel clockwise to the ON position.

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After turning on the keyswitch, allow the system a minimum of 20 minutes to reach a stable temperature before performing any critical work.

7. Double-click the TA-7600 Controller.exe file or the shortcut you created. 8. The following screen will appear.

9. Note that if you have not yet turned on your seed laser, or if it is operating at insufficient power, the warning button will appear at the bottom of the GUI main screen (as shown). This does not indicate that there is necessarily a problem, only that there is insufficient or no seed power. By clicking on the warning button, you can see the following message indicating that the amplifier chip has been protected from “free running.”

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10. If you have not already done so, turn the seed laser on and allow it to warm up for its specified amount of time. When the seed laser is supplying more than approximately 1 mW, the warning button will disappear and the amplifier current set point will no longer be clamped.

11. Simultaneously allow 20 minutes for the amplifier to warm up before expecting stable operation.

12. Use either the slider bar or enter a value in the current measurement window to set the current to the desired level. The system is limited to a value that is calculated to not cause damage to the amplifier chip.

13. Click the Amplifier On/Off button to deliver current to the diode chip. At this point the system should provide amplification of the input seed and this should be indicated on the Output Power meter on the GUI as well as be detectable from the output of the system.

14. The TA-7600 system has a power locking loop which will cancel out short-term noise and long-term fluctuations with ambient temperature swings. In order to activate this mode of operation, click the Lock button on the GUI. The GUI will change appearance to that shown below. The Lock mode is indicated in the top right, the Amplifier Current slider becomes an Amplifier Power slider, and the Amplifier Current value entry window becomes a Percent of Full Power entry window. The lock is now in force.

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15. Even though the locking loop is activated, it is possible to use the Power Slider or the Percent of Full Power window to change the power set point. The system accepts your new set point and operates the lock around the new value. The locking loop has a bandwidth of DC to 10 kHz so it will lock out much of the amplitude noise and effectively eliminate any drift over longer periods of time.

16. For best results, operate the Power Lock Loop at or below about 90% of full power. If operating the loop at 100% power, the current supply will be unable to adjust the current upward to lock out fluctuations.

17. To shut the system down, simply use the slider to reduce the current to zero and click the Amplifier On/Off button. Turn the keyswitch to the off position and remove the key for security.

To prevent damage to the amplifier diode, the factory has limited the maximum current to the operating current listed on the Acceptance Test Data Sheet.

Further functionality and information about the amplifier system can be obtained from the drop-down menus at the top of the GUI window.

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By selecting View > Status

You can view a window that displays more details regarding the operation of the amplifier.

View > Log displays a log file of user commands as well as any errors.

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Wifi GUI The control of the amplifier is best with the controller connecting to a computer via the USB interface. Wifi GUI with a computer is also provided as a potential control interface. However, with varying Wifi fire wall policy, users may need to consult with their local Wifi administrator to ensure proper connection can be made. As an added fun factor, the Wifi GUI can also be tried with an iPod™ Touch device. The iPod™ Touch interface has not yet been fully tested. We will continue to make effort when possible to improve this interface.

TA-7600 Controller The TA-7600 Controller is designed for ease of use and minimal customer interaction. The bulk of the control of the amplifier is intended to be accomplished either through the USB or Wifi GUI. The Controller itself is equipped with the safety interlock and keyswitch. Below are diagrams of the controller front and rear panels with a description of the function of the indicators and controls that are available.

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Figure 4. Front face of TA-7600 Controller.

1. Communication Status: This light will recommunication with either of the remoteindicator turns red, make sure that the USthat the Wifi module (iPod Touch) is wit

2. Amplifier On: Indicates that the Amplifie

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3. Amplifier Status: If this light turns red, one of the following error conditions may have occurred. An error message will be posted to the log file as seen above. Power cycling the amplifier will likely resolve the issue. If power cycling or appropriate action as indicated in the log do not resolve the issue, please contact Newport service for further troubleshooting.

a. The built-in temperature monitor indicates an error in temperature stabilizing the amplifier head.

b. The diode current is greater than 10% different than the diode set point current for longer than 1 minute.

c. A short or open circuit condition is detected. d. The safety interlock is open.

4. On/Off Keyswitch: Turn fully clockwise to turn on amplifier. TEC will operate when keyswitch is engaged, but current will not be delivered to the diode until set by GUI.

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8 9 10 11 5 6Figure 5. Rear panel of TA-7600 Controller.

5. Amplifier Head Plug Cable Connection 6. Ventilation Fan 7. Wifi Antenna 8. Wifi Status Indicator Light: This light will remain green unless there is “Failure to

Communicate” with the wireless controller. Please cycle the power on the iPod and Controller.

9. Safety Interlock 10. Ethernet Connector 11. USB Connector 12. Line Power Input Port

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The TA-7600 Tapered Amplifier Controller utilizes a low-noise switching power supply. It should work at any normal line voltage (100-140 VAC, 50-60 Hz, 1 φ ). You should have been p ovided with a wall plug appropriate for your country.

Customer Service

Service The TA-7600 series amplifier is designed as a maintenance-free amplifier, thus there are no scheduled service actions.

If your amplifier does require service, repair, or calibration, please call for a Return Authorization Number before shipping the unit to Newport.

Technical Support Information and advice about the performance or operation of your TA-7600 series amplifier is available from our applications engineers. For quickest response ask for “Technical Support” and have your model and serial number available. The model and serial number can be read from the top of the amplifier head label.

Hours: 8:00–5:00 PST, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).

Toll Free: 1-866-NUFOCUS (1-866-683-6287) Select Option 2 (from the USA & Canada only) Phone: (408) 919-1500 Select Option 2

Support is also available by email:

Email: techsupport@newfocus.com

We typically respond to email within one business day.