SuperK Varia
Instruction Manual
Variable Bandpass Filter
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Issue: 1.0
Published: July 2011
Author: MDE
Copyright © 2011 by NKT Photonics A/S. All rights reserved. Reproduction or translations of any part of this work is prohibited.
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Table of Contents
1 General .............................................................................................. 3 2 Laser Safety ........................................................................................ 4
2.1 Labels used on SuperK Varia ............................................................ 4
2.1.1 Label Positions .......................................................................... 5 2.2 Safety Features .............................................................................. 7
2.2.1 Interlock .................................................................................. 7 2.2.1 Shutters ................................................................................... 7
3 Interfaces ........................................................................................... 8
3.1 Top Cover ...................................................................................... 8 3.2 Main Optical Interface ..................................................................... 9
3.3 Electrical Interface .......................................................................... 9 3.3.1 Bus Input and Bus Through ...................................................... 10
3.3.2 Address Selector ..................................................................... 10 3.3.3 LEDs ...................................................................................... 11
4 Installation and Operation ................................................................... 12
4.1 Electrical Connections .................................................................... 12 4.2 Optical Connections ....................................................................... 13
4.3 Operation .................................................................................... 15 5 Optical Alignment............................................................................... 16
5.1 Fiber Delivery System (FDS) .......................................................... 16
6 Software Control ................................................................................ 20 6.1 Output Spectra ............................................................................. 21
7 Disconnecting .................................................................................... 22 8 Service & Support .............................................................................. 23
8.1 Cleaning ...................................................................................... 23
8.2 Support ....................................................................................... 24 9 Dimensions ....................................................................................... 25
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1 General
Introduction Please take the necessary time to read this manual. It
contains information about the SuperK Varia and how to use it
together with a SuperK EXTREME system.
This manual covers the SuperK Varia series, with the product
numbers A301-100-025 and A301-100-050.
The SuperK VARIA is for use with the SuperK EXTREME, which
comprises a Class 4 laser and only persons who are familiar
with laser safety regulations and instructed in safe use of
lasers are allowed to operate any of these systems.
This product is not UL-approved but all safety components are
UL-approved.
Description The SuperK Varia is a plug & play filter box for the SuperK
EXTREME, which allows the choice of a filtered output channel
with a variable bandpass filter. A secondarily output allows the
remaining portion of non-filtered light to be emitted from an
auxiliary output port.
The SuperK Varia filter block may be combined with a SuperK
Connect and SuperK Fiber Delivery to form a Fiber Delivery
System (FDS).
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2 Laser Safety
The SuperK Varia is not a laser source in its own. However,
when connected to the SuperK EXTREME laser system its
output constitutes a class 4 laser following the classification
of its laser source. Please refer to the SuperK EXTREME
manual for more information about the safety issues and
take the necessary safety precautions.
Warning When the SuperK Varia is connected to a SuperK EXTREME
laser system, its output constitutes a class 4 laser and must
therefore be regarded as a potential hazard to the operator.
2.1 Labels used on SuperK Varia The following labels are found on the SuperK Varia:
Visible and Invisible, Laser Classification label, see figure
2-1. Laser Hazard Label, see figure 2-2.
Laser Apertures Label, see figure 2-3. Item label, see figure 2-4.
Laser
Classification
Label
The visible and invisible classification label informs about visible
and invisible laser radiation from the SuperK Varia that it is a
Class 4 laser product together with the SuperK EXTREME and
exposure to eye and skin must be avoided from both direct and
scattered radiation.
Figure 2-1: Visible and Invisible Classification label
Laser Hazard
Label The Laser Hazard Label indicates that SuperK Varia together
with the SuperK EXTRME is a laser source.
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Figure 2-2: Laser Hazard Label
Laser
Aperture
Label
The Laser Apertures Label indicates laser apertures.
Figure 2-3: Laser Apertures label
Item The Item label provides information about:
the manufacturer of the system (NKT Photonics, Blokken
84, DK-3460 Birkerød)
a short name of the SuperK Varia variant, Varia High
the product number (P/N) for the actual system, e.g.
A301-100-050.
the serial number (S/N) for the actual system 8 digits,
e.g. 11200156.
the design version (Ver), e.g. 01
when the actual system was manufactured, e.g. 07-2011
for July 2011
Figure 2-4: Item label
2.1.1 Label Positions
The positions of labels on the back plate and collimator are
shown on the figures below.
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Figure 2-5: Laser warning labels on the front cover of the SuperK Varia.
Notice The laser apertures are not on the top, but on the two sides
just underneath where the labels are located.
Figure 2-6: Item Label on SuperK Varia.
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2.2 Safety Features
2.2.1 Interlock
The SuperK Varia is equipped with an interlock ensuring
that the SuperK EXTREME system can only be operated
when the interlock cable is connected, see section Electrical
Interface for details.
2.2.1 Shutters
As an additional safety feature, each of the two primary
laser apertures is equipped with a shutter function that
enables blocking the output completely. The shutter
function is activated by turning the shutter buttons on the
top plate to “Closed” position (see figure below).
To minimize risk of accidents it is recommended closing the
shutters whenever the laser outputs are not used. This is
particularly recommended if one of the outputs is not used
for a longer period of time.
Figure 2-10: Shutter on SuperK Varia. Shutter in image is in “Open”
position.
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3 Interfaces
3.1 Top Cover The top cover of the SuperK Varia contains important
information about laser apertures and shutters as well as
access to adjustment of mirrors and through-holes for
mounting the SuperK Varia to a breadboard or similar.
Figure 3-1: Top cover of SuperK Varia
Functions A. Release: When a collimator is inserted into the
Collimator input there is an automatic lock
mechanism, which is released by pressing down the
Release button.
B. Lock: In addition to the automatic locking mechanism
there is a screw in the hole marked with “Lock”. This
should be used to lock the collimator in place for
stable operation.
C. AUX. out shutter.
D. Output shutter
E. Mounting holes: These two holes can be used to
mount the SuperK Varia on an optical breadboard.
The two holes enables mount on both Metric and US
standard optical breadboards (25 mm or 1” pitch).
D
E
B
A
C
Main Optical Interface
Electrical Interface
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3.2 Main Optical Interface The Main Optical Interface contains the optical input to the
SuperK Varia and the two primary outputs.
Figure 3-2: Main Optical Interface
A. Optical Input: Input for collimator from SuperK
EXTREME.
B. Main optical output with 4 mounting holes for e.g.
fiber coupled output with SuperK CONNECT.
C. Auxiliary optical output with 4 mounting holes for e.g.
fiber coupled output with SuperK CONNECT.
D. Output Monitor (Optional)
3.3 Electrical Interface The Electrical Interface contains indications and electrical
connections to e.g. the SuperK EXTREME system.
Figure 3-3: Electrical Interface
A. Bus Input
B. Bus Through
C. Emission LED
A
B D
C
F
A E
B C D
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D. Interlock LED
E. Power LED
F. Optical Input with interlock connection (Collimator input from
SuperK Source)
3.3.1 Bus Input and Bus Through The Bus Input and Bus Through Output is a digital bus
interface and 12 volt supply connection from the SuperK
EXTREME system. The bus can support up to 16 external
accessories. Additional accessories are connected to the bus
through port (B in fig. 5-5).
External Bus
Defeater If no other accessories are connected to the Bus Through
output, the bus has to be terminated with an External Bus
defeater providing a short connection on pin 3 and 4
(Interlock loop).
Figure 3-4: External Bus defeater
Cable The digital bus can be connected to multiple external
accessories. Each bus cable length must be no longer than 3
meters. All bus cables must be shielded.
3.3.2 Address Selector On the digital bus used for communication between the
SuperK EXTREME system and external accessories, all
accessories communicating on the bus should have unique
individual addresses.
The address selector has 16 different settings, from 0 to F
(hexadecimal numbers).
Set the selector to a unique position before powering up the
SuperK EXTREME system.
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3.3.3 LEDs The electrical interface has 3 LEDs which indicate the
connectivity state between the SuperK Varia and the SuperK
Extreme.
Emission The Emission LED emits red light when the SuperK
EXTREME system is emitting light. The shutter settings on
the SuperK Varia do not have an influence on the Emission
LED.
Interlock The Interlock LED emits red light when the interlock safety
loop is open. Look at the display on the SuperK EXTREME
front plate or use the user interface
SuperKontrol 2.0 to find out where the interlock loop is
open. The Interlock LED emits green light when interlock is
okay and emission can be initiated if not already present.
Power The Power LED emits green light when the supply voltage in
the bus connection is as required. When the SuperK Varia is
communicating on the digital bus, the LED flashes yellow
and green. If the supply voltage in the digital bus is too low,
the Power LED emits red light.
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4 Installation and Operation
4.1 Electrical Connections Turn off system Before connecting the SuperK Varia to the SuperK EXTREME
system and possible other accessories, make sure that the
SuperK EXTREME system is completely turned off on the
mains switch on the back of the system.
Bus Input Connect the Bus Input on the SuperK Varia to the External
Bus connector on the back of the SuperK EXTREME system.
Bus Through If other NKT Photonics accessories should be connected to
the digital bus, then connect them to the Bus Through
connector. Otherwise connect the External Bus defeater to
the Bus Through connector.
Address Selector If more external accessories communicating on the digital
bus are connected to the bus, please set the Address
Selector on the various accessories to different addresses,
so the communication does not get corrupted.
Figure 4-1: Electrical connections in the front and the optical input
collimator from the SuperK Extreme to the left.
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SuperK EXTREME
Bus connection
Figure 4-2: Bus cable connected to SuperK EXTREME system.
For reasons of clarity only the electrical connections related
to the SuperK Varia are shown here. In order for the SuperK
EXTREME system to work the power supply and the door-
switch interlock must also be provided – please refer to the
manual for the SuperK system for more information.
4.2 Optical Connections Turn off system Procedure to perform the optical connection:
Turn off the SuperK EXTREME system Ensure that the SuperK Varia is positioned and
secured properly to an optical table or similar, before
continuing the installation The collimator from the SuperK EXTREME system
must be inserted at the side of the SuperK Varia.
Warning The SuperK EXTREME system is a Class 4 laser and as
such potentially dangerous to the operator.
Warning Make sure that at all times during system operation
the beam path is known and controlled. Wear suitable
protection and make sure everybody in the laser area
is aware of the system is being operated.
Figure 4-3: Collimator half way inserted into the SuperK Varia.
B A
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The figure 4-3 demonstrates a top view of the SuperK Varia
with collimator partly inserted to the input. The letters on
the figure indicate:
A: Release button for insertion of the Collimator
B: Lock screw to fix the collimator into position
Notice The orientation is limited by a key in the Collimator (marked
by “C” in figure 4-4) and key slot (marked by “D” in figure
4-4) underneath the optical input port on the SuperK Varia.
Figure 4-4: Orientation lock for the collimator.
Notice The interlock circuits on the SuperK Varia ensure that the
SuperK EXTREME laser system stops if the lid of the box is
opened or if the collimator is removed from the box during
operation.
Procedure to mount the collimator :
Insert the collimator and rotate it so the key “C” can go into key slot “D” in figure 4-4.
Push the collimator tube completely into the optical
input port while pressing the release button “A” in figure 4-3. The collimator housing will then activate
the interlock switch. Secure the collimator by tightening the Lock screw
“B” in figure 4-3.
Figure 4-5: Collimator completely inserted and locked into position.
D
C
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The automatic locking mechanism described above does not
provide stable fixation of the collimator, but serves as a
double safety, in order to avoid the collimator
unintentionally drops out of the module. Therefore, the
locking screw should always be tightened before use of the
module. Use a 2.5 mm hexagonal key to tighten or loosen
the lock screw mechanism. Turn clockwise to lock the
collimator into the SuperK Varia and counter-clockwise to
release it from the SuperK Varia.
4.3 Operation Turn on system With all electrical and optical connections done according to
the previous section, turn on the SuperK EXTREME system on using the mains switch on the back of the system.
Operate the SuperK EXTREME system as described in the
SuperK EXTREME Instructions manual.
The SuperK Varia should now be aligned with the SuperK
Connect and output fiber. Please refer to section 5 for
description of alignment procedure. Once aligned the
system is ready to be operated.
NOTICE The SuperK system should not be operated at full power if
the fiber coupling efficiency to the fiber delivery system has
not been optimized.
Running the fiber delivery system which significant loss in
the couplings for extended periods of time can be
detrimental for the performance of the fiber delivery
system.
With an optimized coupling to the fiber delivery system, the
input power to the fiber delivery system should be limited to
below 500 mW.
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5 Optical Alignment Warning The SuperK Varia output constitutes a class IV laser
and must be regarded as a potential hazard to the
human operator. Please wear laser protective goggles
when performing the optical alignment.
5.1 Fiber Delivery System (FDS) A complete Fiber Delivery System (FDS) for a SuperK Varia
consists of a Fiber Delivery (FD) and a manipulator, called
SuperK CONNECT.
Figure 5-1: Fiber Delivery and SuperK CONNECT.
Figure 5-2: Fiber Delivery with FC/APC output connector.
SuperK CONNECT
Installation The SuperK CONNECT is mounted to the desired optical port
on the SuperK Varia with 4 pcs. M3 x 6 mm screws. The
CONNECT can be mounted vertically or horizontally.
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Figure 5-3: SuperK CONNECT mounted on SuperK Varia in a vertical
position.
Coarse Alignment
of FDS Before installing a FD into the SuperK CONNECT, a pre-
alignment is required.
Turn on the system and get free space output from the
SuperK CONNECT.
Obtain the laser output through the center of output
aperture of SuperK CONNECT by using align tool and
adjusting screws
Figure 5-4: Alignment tool in SuperK CONNECT.
Coarse alignment procedure:
Insert alignment tool in the SuperK Connect, with
pinhole nearest to the laser.
Adjust alignment screws to achieve highest power
through the pinhole.
Reverse the alignment tool. Adjust alignment screws
to get highest power through the pinhole.
Repeat above alignment procedure until optimum
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alignment has been achieved.
FD in SuperK
CONNECT Remove the alignment tool from SuperK Connect and insert
the FD into the SuperK Connect.
Notice The rotation of FD is limited by the key on the collimator
and key slot beside the Varia input inlet, similar to the input
collimator.
Push the FD tube completely into the inlet. Secure the FD
tube by tightening the lock screw as indicated on figure 5-5.
Please ensure that the correct FD is chosen for each output
port.
Figure 5-5: Fiber Delivery in SuperK CONNECT.
Fine Alignment of
FDS
Procedure for optimizing output power:
Turn on the emission on the SuperK EXTREME
system. There should be a weak output from the FDS Monitor the transmitted light using a power meter.
The optical alignment using the 4 finger screws can now be initiated.
Horizontal alignment is conducted by fine tuning the two finger screws (marked with “I”, see figure 5-5).
Vertical alignment is conducted by fine tuning the two
finger screws (marked with “II”, see figure 5-5). Repeat above procedure until optimum alignment has
been achieved.
The SuperK Varia is now ready for use.
Lock screw position
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Figure 5-6: Markings on a SuperK Connect. Notice the “I” and “II”
indications marked with a red circle.
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6 Software Control The SuperKontrol software is used to control the filter settings
of the SuperK Varia. The desired wavelength window can be
selected in two ways: graphically (Figure 6-1) or with direct
numeric entry (Figure 6-2).
Figure 6-1: Click in the rainbow to control the wavelength graphically
Figure 6-2: Click numeric values for more precise control of filter band
Wavelength can be
changed by clicking in
the rainbow
Click numeric values
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6.1 Output Spectra
An example of associated output spectra can be seen in Figure
6-3.
Figure 6-3: Example of various output spectra, with different
filter settings.
-80
-78
-76
-74
-72
-70
-68
-66
-64
-62
-60
350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900
Wavelength [nm]
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7 Disconnecting
Warning Always turn off the SuperK EXTREME system before
disconnecting the SuperK Varia. It is not sufficient to
stop emission from the system. The power must be
turned off. Failure in conforming to this might
damage and/or destroy the SuperK EXTREME system.
Procedure to disconnect the SuperK Varia:
Turn off the SuperK EXTREME system
Unplug the interlock cable from both the SuperK
Varia and the SuperK EXTREME system Insert the interlock defeater into the SuperK
EXTREME system (see the SuperK EXTREME system
instructions manual) Disconnect the Collimator from the SuperK Varia
Mount the collimator in its new position Mount the interlock defeater on the SuperK EXTREME
system Turn on the SuperK EXTREME system again
For details on where to connect to the SuperK EXTREME
system, please see the SuperK EXTREME system
instructions manual.
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8 Service & Support Service There are no user serviceable components inside the
SuperK Varia. In case of malfunction, NKT Photonics
should be consulted.
The unit is sealed with a label “WARRANTY VOID IF
REMOVED” and it is thus strictly prohibited to remove
the chassis cover.
Storage If required the SuperK Varia should be stored in a dry and
cool place (15-20°C). The optical input- and output should
be protected using either tape or dust caps with an
appropriate size. Avoid exposing the unit to vibrations or
mechanical shock.
8.1 Cleaning
Chassis Cleaning If cleaning of the SuperK unit is required the chassis may be cleaned with a damp cloth.
Fiber Tip Cleaning The Fiber Connector on the FD may occasionally require
some cleaning of the fiber tip. Only use cleaning tools that are specifically designed to
be used with optical fibers. Always use extreme caution when cleaning fibers.
Examples of appropriate cleaning tools are lens cleaning tissue (lint free wipes) as shown in figure 8-1 or an
optical fiber cleaning tool as shown in figure 8-2.
Figure 8-1: Lens cleaning tissue (lint free wipes).
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Figure 8-2: An appropriate optical fiber cleaning tool.
8.2 Support Support Technical support
NKT Photonics can be contacted for technical information
regarding issues with use of the SuperK Varia or
associated accessories.
Contact Information Contact information:
NKT Photonics A/S Blokken 84 DK-3460 Birkerød
Denmark
Phone (support): +45 4578 7787 Phone (general): +45 4348 3900
Fax (general): +45 4348 3901
E-mail:
Online support page: http://www.nktphotonics.com/ (click on support)
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9 Dimensions
Parameter Conditions Value Unit
Height
See drawing below
67.6
mm Width 272.0
Depth 211.5
Weight 7.9 kg
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NKT Photonics
Blokken 84 3460 Birkerød Denmark
Phone: +4543483900 Fax: +4543483901
www.nktphotonics.com