axiom 532 with mpc32
User Manual

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents.......................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Warranty Information ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
Laser Safety ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
System Specifications .......................................................................................................................................... 8
PSU Configuration Drawings .............................................................................................................................. 10
Laser Operation ................................................................................................................................................ 11
Cooling Requirements and Power Consumption ................................................................................................. 18
Laser Maintenance............................................................................................................................................ 20
Liability ............................................................................................................................................................ 20

CUSTOMER SUPPORTBefore contacting us for assistance, review appropriate sections in the manual that may answer your questions.
After consulting this manual, please contact one of our worldwide offices between 9 AM and 5 PM local time.
Should the laser fall below acceptable specification performance, please contact our service and support teamon +44 161 975 5306 or submit a service request through our website here. We will provide initial assistance torectify the problem remotely. If this is not possible, we will provide you with a Return Material Authorisation(RMA) Form and instruction on how to package and return the laser safely to us for assessment.
For our commitment to the ‘Waste Electrical’ compliance requirements we recommend you to return yoursystems back to the manufacturing site at end of life.
This take-back service will enable us to put the systems beyond use and disseminate the parts into recycling
waste streams.
PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THE LASER WITHOUT PRIOR CONTACT WITH AND AGREEMENT FROM OURSUPPORT TEAM.

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Novanta UK
Unit 1.
Orion Business Park,
Bird Hall Lane,
Stockport,
SK4 0XG
UK
Tel: +44 (0) 161 975 5300
Novanta Corporation
Sales and Service Support
47673 Lakeview Blvd.
Fremont
Ca 94538
USA
Tel: +1 510 210 3034

WARRANTY INFORMATIONPAGE | 4

Warranty Information
The company provides a return to base warranty across all our product ranges. See contact details in the Support
section.
Warranty cover for the laser is subject to proper use, care and protection from mistreatment. Examples of
mistreatment include but are not limited to any of the following:•

Any deviation from the instructions laid out in the Operating Manual•

Opening the product or breaking the warranty seals•

Operation in any hostile environment as outlined in the Operating Manual•

Any damage due to operation in unclean environments•

Any substantial mechanical shock•

Any damage through static discharge (this will not occur under normal operation)

The definition of mistreatment and its applicability to the warranty is at the reasonable discretion of Novanta.
Our obligation under this warranty is limited to the replacement or repair of the product which having been returned to
the factory is found to be defective, and where the defect was not caused by factors external to the product. Any
replacement part/product is under warranty for the remainder of the initial product warranty period.

Warning: Serious Personal Injury
Failure to read this manual carefully before operating the laser may result in catastrophic damage to thesystem which may void the warranty.

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Summary of EU Compliance (SUMEU-AXI-SMD_MPC-v1)
1.

Product
Product

Axiom

Controller

Smd, Mpc

Wavelength

532nm, 660nm

Reference

DOCEU-AXI-SMD_MPC-v1

2.
3.

Manufacturer
Novanta PHOTONICS, Stockport, UK
This declaration is issued under the sole responsibility of the manufacturer

4.

The product described above is in conformity with the relevant Union harmonisation legislation:

5.

6.

2014/35/EU

Low Voltage Directive (LVD)

2014/30/EU

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive

2011/65/EU

Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances (RoHS)

References to the relevant harmonised standards used or references to the other technical specifications in relation
to which conformity is declared:
EN 60825-1:2014

Safety of Laser Products

EN 61010-1:2010+A1:2019

Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement andlaboratory use

EN 61326-1:2021

Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use - EMC
requirements. General requirements for immunity and emissions

Further information on the technical file or official declaration of conformity is available from the manufacturer at
the address above
1.
2.
Technical File
Axi-TF-v1

INTRODUCTION

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Introduction
The axiom 532 is a Diode-Pumped Solid-State (DPSS) laser system emitting light in the visible region of thespectrum 532 nm. It is a Class 4 laser product. This manual describes the set up requirements and operational
procedures to ensure the systems safe operation.

Warning: Serious Personal Injury
Use of controls or procedures or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result inhazardous radiation exposure. Use laser ONLY for the originally intended requirement such as forscientific research, industrial application or for oem integration.

Operational Requirement: Electrical Specification
The mpc32 Power Supply Unit (PSU) requires:
Input Voltage:

24 V DC

Input Current:

12.5 AA minimum of 12.5 A must be available from the external source.

Important Note: The center pin of the input connector is positive and the external DC source must not havea ground connection.

Operational Requirement: Environment
Optimal Operating Temperature Range – Laser Head

20ºC to 30ºC

Maximum Operating Temperature – Laser Head

35ºC

Maximum Operating Temperature – PSU

50ºC

For optimal performance, the laser head should be connected to a closed loop cooling system set to around 26°C
and have a flow rate of at least 1.6 L/min. The laser head itself should be mounted securely to an appropriate flat
surface such as an optical bench.
If the maximum temperature is reached in either case, then the laser system will shut down. The system can only berestarted once it has been cooled to a safe temperature and is powered off/on.

LASER SAFETY

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Laser Safety
The axiom 532 is a Class 4 laser product, and this is denoted by the laser warning label affixed to the laser head. A
further label also appears adjacent to the laser aperture.

A further label also appears adjacent to the laser aperture:

When operating the laser, those in the environment must adhere to the following instructions to avoid eye damage
and prevent the risk of fire:•

Laser safety goggles must be worn at all times when the laser is in operation.

•

Always ensure the beam is safely collected in a suitable beam stop or that the laser is disabled when not inuse.

For a full description of laser safety procedures, the user is referred to:•

FDA “Regulations for the administration and enforcement of the radiation control for health and safety act of1968” 21 CFR Ch.1 section 1040.1•

American National Standards for Safe Use of Lasers – ANSI Z136•

IEC/BS EN60825-1:2014 “Safety of Laser Products – Part 14: A user’s guide”

SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONSPAGE | 8

System Specifications
A full list of parts supplied with the laser systems appears in the Parts List Section below.
The dimensions (mm) and weights (kg) are shown in the Weights and Dimensions Section below. These
measurements should be referred to whilst integrating the system.

Parts List
The axiom 532 laser system comes complete with:•axiom 532 laser head•

mpc32 Microprocessor Controlled Power Supply Unit (PSU)•

Umbilical Cable – to connect the laser head and PSU

Depending on the purchase specification, some or all of the following items may also be included:•

RS232 Serial Cable – for communication with the mpc32 via computer•

External Power Supply Source (AC to 24 V DC Switchmode)•

EC Mains Lead•PSU Key Set – to operate the interlock key on the PSU control panel•

Interlock dongle – to enable the laser system (green spot on casing and red LED)*

Important Note: If a red spot interlock dongle has been supplied, The Laser Operation Section is amended
to include an additional safety warning which must be taken into consideration before operating the laser.
System parts and accessories that meet manufacturer’s specification MUST only be used. DO NOT replace the IEC
Mains Lead with alternative inadequately rated leads.

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Weights and Dimensions
axiom 532 laser head

mpc32 PSU

Weight: 3.9 kg

Weight: 1.6 kg

PSU CONFIGURATION DRAWINGSPSU Configuration Drawings

Figure 4-1

Figure 4-2

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LASER OPERATIONPAGE | 11

Warning: Serious Personal Injury
The Axiom 532 laser contains components which can be damaged if exposed to an electro-static discharge.
Ensure the connector pins on the back of the laser head are never exposed to an electro-static discharge.

Laser Operation

Switching the laser “on”
1

Ensure the MPC32 is not powered (i.e. 24 V DC source is switched off).

2

Connect the Laser Umbilical Cable to the port marked ‘Laser Umbilical’ on the MPC32 before connecting theother end to the laser head. Tighten the locking posts on the screws at both ends so they are finger tight.

3

Switch on the 24 V DC source, this should illuminate the MPC32 green power LED. At this stage the thermal
control circuitry is activated but no laser emission should occur.

4

The analogue Control port (see Figure 4.2) is multi-functional as it has connections for Interlock, Enable
Switch and Laser Power Control/Modulation. The Interlock must be closed to allow the laser to operate andthis can be achieved using the supplied green-spot Interlock Dongle

5

With the Key Switch turned to the ‘on’ position, a momentary press of the Enable button will start the laser.

Warning: Serious Personal Injury
If a red spot Interlock Dongle has been supplied with the laser system this will over-ride the need to press the
Enable button. Turning the Key Switch to the ‘on’ position will start the laser.
6

Using the Encoder and the Enter/Back buttons (see Figure 4.1) the operation current or power can be
adjusted (see Front Panel Controls Section).

7

Lasers equipped with Pure Noise Reduction can only be operated in Power mode. Lasers without Pure
Noise Reduction can be operated in Power mode and Current mode. The selection of either mode is
described in Front Panel Controls Section or RS232 Port – Serial Commands SectionLASER OPERATIONPAGE | 12

Power Mode
The laser power is constant and a feedback control loop removes noise (Electronic Noise Reduction/Pure
Technology) and maintains the power at the level requested by the operator via the Front Panel LCD. Note due tothe implementation of Electronic Noise Reduction the power will be stable close to the requested power, but may not
be exactly at the requested power. Following the description in the Recalibrating the Laser Power section may bring
the power closer together if this is repeated a few times.

Current Mode
The pump diode current as selected by the operator is a percentage of the total pump diode current available. The
requested current remains constant; however, the power may drift due to environmental changes. Note electronicnoise reduction is turned off in Current Mode, so the RMS noise (and stability) of the laser may be higher than inPower Mode.

Switching the laser “off”
The laser is switched off by turning the Key Switch to the ‘off’ position or disabling the interlock connection.

Front Panel controls
On the front panel of the PSU:

‘Up’ button is marked‘Down’ button is marked

In order to adjust the laser output:
1

Enable menu navigation by pressing the Menu Down button. White navigation markers () will appear.

2

Turn the rotary encoder to cycle through MODE, POWER and CURRENT options.

3

Press the Menu Down button to select the desired option. The navigation markers ( ) will change to red
selection markers > <.

4

Turn the rotary encoder again to tune the selected parameter. Tuning rate can be in creased by pushing
the rotary encoder in during cycling.

5

Press the Menu Up button once to return to the navigation markers ( ). Press the Back button again toexit menu navigation and store the set parameter in the PSUs long-term memory.

LASER OPERATIONPAGE | 13

The selected parameter – depending upon the operating mode (power or current) – is represented on a horizontal
bar in the center of the LCD screen. The set value is depicted by a blue bar and the output value is depicted by a
red bar.
Both the laser head and power supply temperatures are displayed on the screen, as well as the number of hours of
PSU operation and a status display. The status messages are tabulated below:

Status Message

Description

KEYSWITCH : OFF

Kesyswitch/ Interlock disabled

ENABLE TO START

Laser ready, awaiting Enable button

LASER DISABLED

Laser disabled via RS232 command

LASER EMISSION

Danger! Laser Emission!

LASER OPERATIONPAGE | 14

Control Port - Functionality
The MPC32 can be operated directly via the control port (see Figure 4.2) by applying 0 to 5 V in accordance with thediagrams in this section.
Alternatively, use of the supplied dongle will allow the system to be operated without external interlock connections –although it is recommended to use an external interlock where possible for laser safety reasons.

Pin

Function

1+5 V rail (source)

2

Interlock (connection 2) and Enable LED anode3

Enable switch (connection 1)

4

Diode current enable (connect to pin 1)

5

Ground (GND)

6Interlock (connection 1)

7

Enable LED cathode8

Enable switch (connection 2)

9Ground (GND)

The remote Interlock, Enable and Enable LED can be wired in accordance with the diagrams below, to be used aspart of a laboratory interlock safety circuit.

If the Interlock connection is broken or if the laser head or controller overheats, the laser will shut down. The Interlock
connection must be re-made or the temperature restored to normal before the laser can be re-started.

LASER OPERATIONPAGE | 15

It is recommended that an LED is always connected between pin 2 and 7, to show when the laser is active.
The minimum connections that need to be made for the system to operate are:•Pin 6 to Pin 2•

Pin 3 to Pin 8•

Pin 1 to Pin 4

RS232 Port – Functionality
Control of the laser can be achieved via the RS232 port using a terminal emulator such as HyperTerminal or PUTTY.
This allows the operator to:• Turn the laser on/off.
• Control the laser power.
• Prompt the processor for information such as laser head/PSU temperature.
• Check the laser status.

It is necessary to have the Interlock and Enable switches closed via the Control port in order to enable the laser, prior
to controlling the laser through the RS232 port. Pins 1 and 4 of the Control port must be shorted together to allow
maximum current to be set by the RS232 commands.
The RS232 port uses the standard 9-way connector pin configuration:
Pin 2 TXD: RS232 – Transmit
Pin 3 RXD: RS232 – Receive
Pin 5 GND – Ground
Port settings are:Baud Rate: 57,600
Parity: None
Stop Bit: 1
Hand Shaking: None

The operator must wait for a response from the PSU before sending the next command. A response is any text string(including null) followed by a carriage return.
The system has been tested for compliance using 3 m long serial cable. If a serial cable of over 3 meters in length isused compliance of the system may be compromised. Therefore, it is recommended that if this is required, opticalisolation should be used.
Note that most PCs do not have an RS232/Serial port as standard so a USB to Serial (RS232) adapter (soldseparately) is needed that is able to go to the full RS232 voltage levels for the connection to function correctly. For
recommendations on adapters or more information please contact your sales representative.

LASER OPERATIONPAGE | 16

RS232 Port – Serial Commands
Serial Command

FunctionOFF

Disables the laser, regardless of the interlock status

ON

Enables the laser subject to Interlocks and Enable Switch status

CONTROL=CURRENT

Sets the Current mode on – only available on systems without Pure
Noise Reduction

CONTROL=POWER

Sets the Power mode on

CURRENT=###

This sets the current to the diodes as a % of the maximum e.g to set
a current of 85% of maximum send CURRENT=85, followed bystriking the RETURN key.* - only available on systems without Pure
Noise Reduction

POWER=###

This sets the output power of the laser. For example, to set a powerof 2800 mW, send the string POWER=2800, followed by striking the
RETURN key.

POWER?

Returns the power of the laser (read from the internal photodiode)

STEN=YES/NO

Enable (YES) or disables (NO) laser as default at start-up. This
serial command must be followed by WRITESTPOW=###### is the optical power in mW. Sets the default start-up power. This
serial command must be followed by WRITE

ACTP=###### is in mW, Recalibrates the APC mode (See section 5)

WRITE

Stores APC calibration, STEN and STPOW in memory

LASTEMP?

Returns the temperature of the laser head in degrees centigrade

PSUTEMP?

Returns the temperature of the PSU in degrees centigrade

STATUS?

Returns the status of the Interlock

TIMERS?

Returns the timers of the laser and PSU:
Time=#######.# - Total time the system has been powered.
Laser Time=#######.# -Total time the diodes have been powered.
Laser > 1 A Time=#######.# - Total time the diodes have been
powered >1 A

*A minimum % current threshold level is required to achieve laser emission. This threshold varies from laser to laser
and is also dependent on the laser power.

LASER OPERATIONPAGE | 17

RemoteApp
Using our unique RemoteApp software suite, the laser can be controlled via the RS232 port. It can be downloaded
from www.novantaphotonics.com. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the software onto the computer.
RemoteApp includes a comprehensive instruction manual which can be accessed via the ‘Help’ and ‘Contents’ tabs.
The RemoteApp can also be used if a remote connection is required by our Service & Support Centre and is a
powerful tool if performance optimization is required.

Re-calibrating the laser power
The laser can be recalibrated at any time during its use to ensure the APC mode is in good agreement with any
external power meter device. Recalibration is a simple process that takes place via the RS232 port. The procedure
for recalibration requires the RS232 port to be configured for use with a terminal emulator (Section 5.5). The
following procedure must be followed:

1

Select an intermediate power that the laser is capable of reaching. Set the laser to this power by typing thecommand POWER=###. “###” represents this intermediate or characteristic operating power level in mW.

2

After a period of 5 minutes, measure the actual power using a trusted, external power meter.

3Type the command ACTP= [external power meter reading in mW].

4

Confirm that the laser has adjusted its power such that the external power meter now reads ###mW within a
few mW.

5

If necessary, repeat steps 3 and 4 until the calibration agrees.

6

Once accepted, type the command WRITE to store the new calibration.

Important Note: The power is calibrated during manufacture and may be subject to an error of up to 5% as aresult of power meter variation.

COOLING REQUIREMENTS AND POWER CONSUMPTIONPAGE | 18

Cooling Requirements and Power Consumption
Cooling Requirements
The laser has a characteristic warm-up period before it reaches specification; this time depends partly on the heatsink to which it is attached. However, the typical warm-up time is 10 minutes from switch on.
In order for the laser to perform to specification and in particular to have a minimum variation of beam size, the laser
head should be operated between around 20-30°C. Ideally it would be supplied with water from a closed loop coolingsolution set to around 25°C and have a flow rate of at least 1.6 L/min. This can be achieved by directly attaching thecoolant pipes into the base of the laser using the fixtures attached.
The water should have a suitable inhibitor added in order the long term use will not cause undue oxidation ofaluminum. We recommend the use of 20% “COOLFLOW DTX” mixed with 80% distilled water.
The cooling system should be capable of removing up to 100 W of heat load. This may be higher if the laser isoperated at a higher temperature. Depending upon environmental conditions and power of the laser, additionalcooling might be required for the MPC32 PSU (e.g. Heatsink, TEC, forced air cooling, water cooling). For further
information on heat-sinking your laser system, please consult your sales representative who may be able to provide
a heat-sink solution.

To ensure the correct cooling arrangement the flow direction should be as follows:

The required water connectors are standard CPC coupling inserts and a tubing size of approximately 1/4” or 3/8” issuitable. For further information on heatsinking your laser system, please consult your sales representative who may
be able to provide an alternative heatsink solution if water cooling is not possible.

If the axiom 532 or the MPC32 are each not attached to an adequate cooling solution, the component will gradually
increase in temperature. During this increase, the OVERTEMP LEDs on the rear of the MPC32 will begin to flash
slowly as a warning – there is an LED dedicated to each component. Once either LED begins to flash, the current to
the laser diode begins to reduce in an attempt to reduce the effects of overheating.

The tables below show the temperatures of the laser head and the response of the OVERTEMP LEDs:

COOLING REQUIREMENTS AND POWER CONSUMPTIONPAGE | 19

axiom 532 laser head
Temperature of head

Current to laser

Head OVERTEMP LED≤35

Normaloff>35

Reduced to zeroon

mpc28 PSU
Temperature of head

Current to laser

Head OVERTEMP LED<50

Normaloff>50

Reduced to zeroon

To restart the system after an over temperature condition, the power supply must be power cycled.

Power Consumption
The power consumption shown is that which is drawn at the plug from the mains supply in both the Maximum andTypical states. The Maximum power will usually be drawn at start up and the typical power is when all temperaturesare stabilized, and the system is operating at the specified power. Peak values are shown in all cases andefficiencies will vary between systems of different wavelengths.
Using the supplied 300 W Switched-mode external power unit, the following currents can be drawn:- 1.4 A at 240 V- 3.3 A at 100 V
At the 24 V DC input, the PSU can draw a maximum of 12.5 A.

Laser System: Maximum Power Draw (laser system power shown in blue):- 12 W : 250 W- 10 W : 250 W- 8 W : 250 W- 6 W : 250 W

Laser System: Typical Power Draw (laser system power shown in blue):- 12 W : 165 W- 10 W : 150 W- 8 W : 120 W- 6 W : 120 W

LASER MAINTENANCE

PAGE | 20

Laser MaintenanceIf the axiom 532 is operated in a smoky or dirty environment, occasional cleaning of the laser window may benecessary. To perform this procedure, the laser must be turned off and, using optical cloth dampened with research
grade methanol, the laser window must be gently wiped.
•

Always follow the instructions given in this Operating Manual•

Always use the PSU which was delivered with the laser and do not attempt to control the laser with any other
PSU.

•

Ensure laser is firmly fixed to a flat surface with coolant pipes attached into the base of the laser (using theprovided connectors) or appropriate heatsink to allow efficient heat dissipation from the laser head andensure a thermal equilibrium is achieved. The laser should be held in an environment with temperaturestability to ±0.1°C to achieve marketed specifications. Use the laser head power consumption figures to help
determine what heatsink dissipation is needed or speak with your sales representative.

•

Never touch the connector on the laser head with anything other than the Umbilical cable provided andalways follow the connection instructions in this Operating Manual•

Do not open the laser head or PSU; this will immediately invalidate the warranty.

•

Do not subject the laser head to mechanical shock, if severe this can cause misalignment of the laser cavity.

•

Do not allow the output window of the laser to be touched as this may damage the precision optical coatings
used. Avoid very dirty atmospheres where dirt may settle on the window.

•

Do not operate or store this laser system in very humid or damp environments.

Liability
Novanta accepts no liability for damage to persons or property caused by incorrect or unsafe use of any of its
products; this is the sole responsibility of the user. Proper safety regulations for the use of these products must be
observed at all times.

LIABILITY

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This page is intentionally left blankNovanta
Manchester, United Kingdom
Unit 1, Orion Business Park, Bird Hall Lane.
Stockport, SK4 0XG, UK
Email: photonics@novanta.com
Website: www.novantaphotonics.com
R-0241 Revision 3.0
May 2024©2024 Novanta Corporation.