800-615-01

SuperK
VARIA
Product Guide

Revision 1.3 10-2023

PRODUCT GUIDEThis guide includes information for the following NKT Photonics products:

SuperK VARIA
Variable Bandpass Filter A301-100-000
CAUTION: Do not open the device chassis. All chassis are equipped with warranty labels (see Figure 40) on their covers. The warranty is void if a device is
opened.

Manufactured by:

NKT Photonics A/S
Blokken 84, Birkerød-3460 Denmark
The information in this publication is subject to change without notice.
All company and product names mentioned within are either trademarks or registered trademarks of
NKT Photonics.
Specifications are listed as metric units. Imperial units listed are conversions.

Copyright 2023 NKT Photonics A/S. All rights reserved.

Author: W-10456

Guide Overview
This product guide is intended to provide functional, operational andinstallation information for the SuperK VARIA. The guide includes chapters thatcover VARIA description, installation, operation and parameter adjustment.
WARNING: Do not operate a laser with the VARIA before first reading and understanding all warnings, cautions and handling information stated within the
document:
SuperK VARIA Safety, Handling and Regulatory Information
The paper copy of this guide is included with your accessory; it can also be
downloaded from:https://www.nktphotonics.com/product-manuals-and-documentation/

Documentation A USB memory stick is included. It contains documentation for all NKT
Photonics products including this accessory.

Terminology The guide may refer to the SuperK VARIA as the VARIA, device or accessory.

Target Audience This guide is for technical personnel involved in the selection, planning anddeployment of lasers and photonic equipment in laboratory and industrial
settings. The guide assumes a reasonable knowledge level of lasers, photonic
principles and electrical interface connectivity.

Chapters Inside This guide includes the following chapters:•

Chapter I “Description” — Describes the accessory including its general
operational principles, management and interfaces.

•

Chapter 2 “Installation” — Includes information and procedures on how tocorrectly install the accessory chassis.

•

Chapter 3 “CONTROL Interface” — This chapter provides the details on
how to manage the accessory using NKT Photonics CONTROL softwareinterface.

•

Appendices — The appendix includes specifications, servicing information,
support contact details, and how to install the management software.

<3>

Added information Lasers with their accessories are highly dangerous devices that can cause
and Safety Notices serious injury and property damage. This guide use the following symbols toeither highlight important safety information or provide further information in
relation to a specific topic.
NOTE: Highlights additional information related to the associated topic and/or
provides links or the name of the NKTP guides describing the additional information.

CAUTION: Alerts you to a potential hazard that could cause loss of data, or damage the system or equipment.

WARNING: The laser safety warning alerts you to potential serious injury that
may be caused when using a laser with the accessory.

Revision This section records the document revision details.
Release date

Version and changes

2020-October

1.0 updated from earlier release2021-January

1.1 Updated support contact details in appendix B.

2021-April

1.0 Rolled back to revision 1.0 for internal system requirements.

2022-January

1.1 The following changes were made:• Corrected External bus cable description in section “External bus”
on page 24.

• Updated language for clarity and figure styles throughout.
• Updated Procedure 2 on page 39 to Windows 10.
2022-March

1.2 Updated the following:• Corrected output emission description from visible to IR in section“Auxiliary optical output aperture” on page 17.

2023 October

1.3 Updated the style of the document.

<4>

CONTENTS
Guide Overview ............................................................................................................... 3
Documentation ................................................................................................................. 3
Terminology ..................................................................................................................... 3
Target Audience ............................................................................................................... 3
Chapters Inside ................................................................................................................ 3
Added information and Safety Notices ............................................................................. 4
Revision ........................................................................................................................... 4
TABLES ....................................................................................................................................... 7
FIGURES ..................................................................................................................................... 9
PROCEDURES .......................................................................................................................... 11

1

Description..................................................................................................................... 13
Features ............................................................................................................................... 13
Output ............................................................................................................................ 13
Interlock .......................................................................................................................... 13
Shutters .......................................................................................................................... 13
Top panel ....................................................................................................................... 14
Optical apertures ............................................................................................................ 16
Electrical Interfaces ........................................................................................................ 17
SuperK VARIA Control......................................................................................................... 18
Software Description ...................................................................................................... 18
Status LEDs ......................................................................................................................... 18
Chassis labels ...................................................................................................................... 20

2

Installation ..................................................................................................................... 21
Installation process ........................................................................................................ 21
General .......................................................................................................................... 21
Optical Connections ............................................................................................................. 22
Inserting the collimator ................................................................................................... 22
Electrical Connections.......................................................................................................... 24
External bus ................................................................................................................... 24<5>

Adding additional accessories ........................................................................................ 25

3

CONTROL Interface ..................................................................................................... 27
CONTROL overview ............................................................................................................ 27
Device Selector.................................................................................................................... 28
Address selector ............................................................................................................ 28
Status Panel......................................................................................................................... 29
Status Indicators ............................................................................................................ 29
System Info .................................................................................................................... 30
Output power monitor ..................................................................................................... 30
Emission button .............................................................................................................. 30
Control settings .................................................................................................................... 31
Reset .............................................................................................................................. 31
View ............................................................................................................................... 31
Bandwidth restrictions .................................................................................................... 32
Control panel........................................................................................................................ 33
Using a bandwidth less than 10 nm ............................................................................... 33
Using a bandwidth greater than 100 nm ........................................................................ 34

A

Specifications................................................................................................................ 35

BService and Support Information .................................................................................. 37
Servicing .............................................................................................................................. 37.Opening the chassis ..................................................................................................... 37
WARRANTY VOID IF REMOVED label ......................................................................... 37
Support Contact Details ....................................................................................................... 37
Online Support Web-page .............................................................................................. 37
Shipping Address ........................................................................................................... 38

C

CONTROL Software ..................................................................................................... 39
Installing CONTROL ............................................................................................................ 39<6>

TABLES
Table 1: Status LEDs .................................................................................................................. 19
Table 2: Chassis labels............................................................................................................... 20
Table 3: Interfaces ...................................................................................................................... 35
Table 4: Mechanical dimensions................................................................................................. 35
Table 5: Operating and storage environment ............................................................................. 35
Table 6: Safety and regulatory compliances .............................................................................. 35

<7>

<8>

FIGURES
Figure 1: SuperK VARIA general view........................................................................................ 13
Figure 2: Auxiliary output – shutter knob set to open.................................................................. 14
Figure 3: Top panel..................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 4: Optical Interfaces......................................................................................................... 16
Figure 5: Electrical Interfaces and optical input .......................................................................... 17
Figure 6: Status LEDs................................................................................................................. 19
Figure 7: Side panel manufacturing label ................................................................................... 20
Figure 8: Partially inserting the collimator ................................................................................... 22
Figure 9: Collimator alignment key and slot................................................................................ 22
Figure 10: Collimator lock screw ................................................................................................ 23
Figure 11: Connecting the External bus - SuperK laser.............................................................. 24
Figure 12: Connecting the External bus and bus defeater - VARIA............................................ 24
Figure 13: Bus defeater .............................................................................................................. 25
Figure 14: CONTROL panel navigation ...................................................................................... 27
Figure 15: Device selector icon................................................................................................... 28
Figure 16: Device selector .......................................................................................................... 28
Figure 17: Device selector set to 0xE bus address..................................................................... 28
Figure 18: Status Panel .............................................................................................................. 29
Figure 19: CONTROL settings.................................................................................................... 31
Figure 20: Reset settings ............................................................................................................ 31
Figure 21: View settingsB ........................................................................................................... 32
Figure 22: Bandwidth restriction settings .................................................................................... 32
Figure 23: Wavelength controls – click-hold and slide................................................................ 33
Figure 24: Reduced Bandwidth set to 3.0 nm ............................................................................. 34
Figure 25: Increased Bandwidth set to 247.0 nm ....................................................................... 34
Figure 26: Mechanical dimensions ............................................................................................. 36
Figure 27: Warranty seal............................................................................................................. 37
white

<9>

< 10 >

PROCEDURES
Procedure 1: Inserting a SuperK output collimator .................................................................... 22
Procedure 2: Installing CONTROL.............................................................................................. 39< 11 >

< 12 >

1

Description
A SuperK VARIA is a plug & play filter accessory for the SuperK series of lasers.
It provides a filtered output channel using a variable bandpass filter. In addition
to the primary output channel. it also includes a second auxiliary output
channel which emits the remaining portion of unfiltered light.
A SuperK VARIA filter block may be combined with a SuperK CONNECT and
SuperK Fiber Delivery to form a Fiber Delivery System (FDS).
Figure 1 SuperK VARIA general view

Optical input

Features
Output Emission from SuperK VARIA output ports are free space beams. To deliver thefiltered and unfiltered auxiliary outputs, Fiber Deliver System (FDS) using
SuperK CONNECTs can be fitted to the VARIA.

Interlock SuperK VARIAs are equipped with a safety interlock. The interlock interconnects with the SuperK laser’s interlock system. The interlock systemdisables emissions immediately when the interlock circuit is broken, such as aninterconnected safety door switch. Refer to “Electrical Connections” onpage 24.

Shutters As a safety feature, each optical output of the SuperK VARIA is equipped with amechanical shutter. When the shutter is closed, it blocks all optical emission. The< 13 >

Features

shutters are manually operated by turning the shutter knob between the Open andClosed positions as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2 Auxiliary output – shutter knob set to open

Output aperture shutters
Open – emission unblocked
Closed – emission blocked

CAUTION: When the laser outputs are not in use, NKTP recommends to CLOSE
the shutters.
CAUTION: You can view the position of the shutters in the status panel of CONTROL, see “Status Indicators” on page 29.

WARNING: When the Auxiliary output is OPEN, significant IR power can be emitted (several watts). At this level, the power is sufficient to ignite paper, cartons,
gyprock walls and other similar material.
WARNING: The NKTP FDS is rated for 500 mW maximum. SuperK system powershould be adequately reduced when mounting an FDS (not advisable) to the
Auxiliary output.

Top panel The top panel shown in Figure 3 includes the following:•

Input and output aperture indicators
2•

Output shutter control knobs•

Collimator release button with locking screw•

Mounting hole access< 14 >

Features

Figure 3 Top panel
2

1

3

4 5

2
6

1

Auxiliary output shutter

4

Collimator locking screw

2

Mounting holes

5 Collimator release button

3

Primary output shutter

6 Electrical interfaces and LEDsii.

See “Electrical Interfaces” on page 17

Auxiliary output shutter
Set this shutter to block or unblock the auxiliary emission output aperture. Set the
shutter to “Closed” to block emission and “Open” to unblock emission from theauxiliary output aperture.
Mounting holes
The two mounting holes (2) are designed to fasten the SuperK VARIA to either
metric or imperial optical tables that have screw holes spaced at either 25 mm or1” pitch.
Primary output shutter
Set this shutter to block or unblock the primary filtered output emission from theaperture. Set the shutter to “Closed” to block emission and “Open” to unblock
emission from the aperture.
Collimator release button and locking screw
SuperK laser outputs are provided with a barrel shaped collimator. Wheninserted into an VARIA optical input receptacle, it is automatically retained by alocking mechanism that securely holds the barrel in place. To release thecollimator from the input receptacle, press the Collimator Release button (6).

< 15 >

Features

NOTE: Do not over tighten the lock screw, doing so may damage the threads.

Optical apertures Optical apertures are located on the side panels of the VARIA as shown in
Figure 4 and described in the following.
Figure 4 Optical Interfaces
1

4

3

2

1

Optical input aperture – see Figure 1

3

Monitor optical output aperture – with
optional cover plate mounted2

Primary optical output aperture – with
CONNECT mounted

4

Auxiliary optical output aperture with
CONNECT mounted

Optical input aperture
The Optical input aperture is a receptacle that houses the output collimator of aSuperK laser. The laser’s output collimator is inserted into the aperture until itclicks and locks in place. To remove the collimator, press the release button.
The collimator can be secured by tightening the lock screw.
CAUTION: Do not over tighten the lock screw, doing so may damage thethreads.
The optical input includes an interlock switch. If a SuperK collimator is notinserted in the input receptacle, the switch detects this and prevents emission(refer to Figure 5).
CAUTION: Always loosen the optical input lock screw before removing a collimator.
Primary optical output apertureThis is a free space output aperture for the primary filtered emission.

< 16 >

Features

Auxiliary optical output apertureThis is a free space output aperture with IR emission.
Monitor optical output apertureThis is a free space output aperture for power monitoring (optional).
NOTE: All output apertures include 4 screw holes for mounting, for example, a fiber coupler with a SuperK CONNECT accessory.

Electrical Interfaces The electrical interfaces are located on the same side panel where the optical
input aperture is located. Figure 5 shows the panel, all electrical interfaces arelocated on the right side of the panel.
Figure 5 Electrical Interfaces and optical input
2

1

3

4

5

6

1

Monitor output

5 Bus through output port

2

External bus input port

6 Emission LEDi

3

Optical input aperture (collimator
receptacle)

7

4

Accessory bus address selectori.

See “Status LEDs” on page 18

7Power and Interlock LEDsi

Monitor output (optional)
This port outputs an electrical signal representing the repetition rate of the laser’s
output pulse. The port is optional and only available on custom orders. Contact
NKT Photonics sales engineering for further information.
External bus input port
The bus input port connects accessories in a daisy chain with a SuperK laser.
SuperK lasers and their accessories connect using the NKTP External bus
protocol. The bus carries data communications, DC power and the interlock
signal from the laser to accessories connected to its bus.
Optical input aperture
See “Optical input aperture” on page 16.

< 17 >

SuperK VARIA Control

Accessory bus address selector
When multiple accessories are connected in an External bus daisy chain, to a
SuperK laser, you can use this dial to set the bus address of the VARIA.
Accessories communicating on the same external bus must have a uniqueaddress. The address selector dial can set the bus address with up to 16
addresses from 0x0 to 0xF (hex). Only power on the SuperK laser andaccessories after all accessories on the External bus daisy chain are configured
with a unique address.
Bus through output port
Connects additional accessories to the External bus in a daisy chain
configuration. A bus defeater must be connected to this port if no otheraccessories are used with the SuperK laser. Without a bus defeater at the endof the accessory External bus daisy chain, the interlock loop circuit is left open
and emission is disabled at the SuperK laser.

SuperK VARIA Control
Software Description Both the SuperK laser and the VARIA accessory are controlled using NKT
Photonic’s CONTROL management software installed on a PC or the front panel
interface.
A PC with CONTROL installed on it can connect to the laser using either the USB
serial port or the 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet port on the laser. CONTROL
communicates with the VARIA through the laser’s External bus connection.
Chapter “CONTROL Interface” contains information on using NKTP’s CONTROL
software and how to connect to and control the VARIA. It also includes instructions
on how to set the center wavelength to a resolution of 0.1 nm to match the intended
application.
CONTROL software installation
Refer to the procedure found in Appendix C.

Status LEDs
The VARIA includes three status LEDs as described in Table 1. The LEDs arelocated on a side panel next to the External bus ports as shown in Figure 6.
The emission LED is lit ON RED when the connected SuperK laser’s emission isenabled. When ON RED, laser light is present at the primary and auxiliary
optical output ports.
WARNING: If any of the VARIA aperture shutters are closed, emission isblocked. The position of the shutters does not affect the status of the emission
LED, only the emission status of the connected SuperK laser.

< 18 >

Status LEDs

Figure 6 Status LEDs

PowerInterlock

Emission

Table 1 Status LEDs
LED Name Condition

Description

Emission

Emission enabledi

ON RED

The SuperK laser system emission is ON and class 4
emission is present at the primary and auxiliary optical
output ports.
The position of the mechanical shutters at each output
port does not change the status of the emission LED.

Power

Interlock

i.
ii.

OFF

Emission disabled

ON GREEN

The VARIA is powered ON; the external bus 12V DC power
is OK.

ON RED

DC supply voltage is low.

FLASHING GREEN/
AMBER

Indicates data transmission on the external bus.

OFF

The VARIA is OFF; no DC power connected.

ON GREEN

Interlock safety circuit is closed; laser emission permitted.

ON REDii

Interlock safety circuit is open; laser emission is disabled.

Warning: SuperK emissions are rated Class 4.
Check the SuperK laser for interlock error information.

WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE the SuperK laser until you are familiar with the controls and have taken all precautions necessary as described in the laser’s safety
handling and regulatory information document.

< 19 >

Chassis labels

Chassis labels
The SuperK VARIA chassis includes multiple labels that indicate hazards andsafety and product information. The labels are located on the panels as
described in Table 2 with the panels shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8.
Table 2 Chassis labels
Label

Panel

Description

Class 4 Laser
Classification

Top

Safety information indicating the laser
emission radiation class andprecautions to take when the laser isoperating.

Laser Aperture Top

Safety information alert indicating thelocation of the aperture where laser
radiation is emitted from the device.

Manufacturing Side

Manufacturing information including
address, part and serial number, datemanufactured and regulatorycompliance.

Laser
Radiation
Warning

Safety information alert indicating thisarea of the device is near a source of
dangerous laser emissions.

Top

Figure 7 Side panel manufacturing label< 20 >

Chassis labels

Figure 8 Top panel labels

1

Laser aperturei

2

Laser radiation warning3i.

Laser apertures are located on the side panel adjacent the label.

< 21 >Class 4 emission hazards

Chassis labels< 22 >

2

Installation
CAUTION: For reliable operation, the SuperK VARIA should not be exposed tocorrosive agents or excessive moisture, heat or dust.

CAUTION: Ambient operating environment specifications are listed in Table 5
on page 35.

CAUTION: This product is not UL-approved but all safety components are ULapproved.

Installation process The following steps outline the installation process:1. Prepare a suitable installation platform for the VARIA.
2. Place and fasten the VARIA to the prepared installation platform ensuring
the optical outputs are aligned with the intended application.
3. Turn all optical output shutters to the Closed position.
4. Insert the SuperK output collimator into the Optical Input receptacle. See“Optical Connections” on page 22.
5. Using an external bus cable, connect the External Bus port of the SuperK
laser to the Bus Input port of the VARIA. See “Electrical Connections” onpage 24.
6. Place and connect the included bus defeater onto the VARIA Bus Throughport connector.
7. Turn the SuperK laser power ON.
8. Observe and ensure the power and Interlock LEDs are ON. See “Status
LEDs” on page 18 to interpret their status condition.

General All chassis types must be installed on a level surface that is free from vibrations.
The SuperK VARIA can be fastened to both metric and imperial optical tables.
The ambient temperature surrounding the laser and VARIA should be stableand free from anything that could cause temperature fluctuations. Temperaturechanges and vibrations may affect the device operation and result in abnormal
operation.
CAUTION: The SuperK VARIA is intended for use with the SuperK Class 4 laserssystems only. Using the SuperK VARIA with a laser source other than a SuperK
laser may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

WARNING: To operate these systems, you must be familiar with laser safety regulations and have received instruction in the safe use of lasers.

< 21 >

Optical Connections

Optical Connections
Following the steps in Procedure 1, to insert the output collimator of the SuperK
laser into the Optical Input receptacle of the SuperK VARIA.

Inserting the Procedure 1 Inserting a SuperK output collimator
collimator
1. Disconnect power from the laser.

2. If not already installed, position the SuperK VARIA at its final operating
location and securing it to a suitable mounting surface.
3. Partially insert the laser’s output collimator barrel into the Optical Input
receptacle as shown in Figure 8.
Figure 8 Partially inserting the collimator

4. Holding the collar, rotate the collimator until the alignment key of thecollimator aligns with the slot at the optical port of the chassis (Figure 9).
Collimator alignment key and slot

NOTE: When the key is aligned with the slot, the axial orientation of the collimatoris correctly aligned.

< 22 >

Optical Connections

5. Push the collimator into the receptacle until its collar rests against thechassis. As you push it in, the collimator will encounter some resistance, andtwo distinct clicks as it locks in place.
NOTE: Again, you may need to turn the collar slightly to align the collimator key
with the alignment slot.
6. To secure the collimator in the receptacle, tighten the lock screw shown in
Figure 10 using a 2.5 mm hex key (Allen key).
CAUTION: Do not over tighten the lock screw, doing so may damage the threads.
Figure 9 Collimator lock screw
Lock screw
2.5 mm hex key

Insertedcollimator< 23 >Electrical Connections

Electrical Connections
External bus For basic operation, connect the External bus of the SuperK laser to the Bus
Input of the VARIA. To connect the bus:
1. Disconnect power from the laser.
CAUTION: If the laser is powered ON when connecting the external bus cable,
DAMAGE can occur to both the laser and the VARIA.
2. Using a DB-15 male to female external bus cable (included with your laser
or accessory), connect the External bus connector of the SuperK laser tothe Bus Input connector of the VARIA.
Figures 11 and 12 show the connections for each of the devices.
Figure 10 Connecting the External bus - SuperK laser

To VARIA

Figure 11 Connecting the External bus and bus defeater - VARIA
External bus
cable

To SuperKlaser

Bus defeater< 24 >Electrical Connections

3. Place the Bus Defeater (included with your laser or accessory) on the Bus
Through connector of the VARIA - see Figures 12 and 13.
Figure 12 Bus defeater

NOTE: If you do not terminate the External bus with an NKT Photonics bus defeater,
the interlock circuit remains open and laser emission cannot be enabled.

Adding additional 1. If any additional accessories are to be connected to the SuperK laser, use anExternal bus cable to connect the Bus Through connector on the VARIA toaccessories
the External bus connection on the other accessory.
2. The last accessory in the External bus daisy chain requires the Bus Defeater
to be placed on its Bus Through connector.
NOTE: To enable emission on a SuperK laser, the power supply and the doorswitch interlock must be connected. Refer to the instruction manual for the SuperK
laser system for more information.
NOTE: All bus cables used with the SuperK laser system must be shielded and no
more than 3 meters in length.

NOTE: When additional accessories are added to the External bus daisy chain,each device must have a unique bus address. For the VARIA, set the address using the address selector when next to the External bus connectors. (See “Address
selector” on page 28.)

< 25 >Electrical Connections< 26 >

3

CONTROL Interface

CONTROL overview
The CONTROL user interface includes multiple panels and a selection of menu
drop down items in the upper left corner. Figure 14 shows CONTROL’s main
panels and menu; their functions are described in the table below. This chapter
only describes CONTROL operations related to the SuperK VARIA, for all otherfunctionality, refer to the specific SuperK documentation.
Panel

Function

See

DeviceSelector

Selectable list of connected devices (lasers andaccessories) sorted by the PC port they areconnected to.

Device Selector on
page 28

Quick
Connect

Provides a button when clicked, scans all available PC Refer to SuperK laser
ports for connected NKTP products.
documentation.

Status Panel

This panel displays the selected device status,
emission control and a CONTROL settings menu.

Status Panel on page 29

Menu Items

Five drop down menus with multiple functions.

Refer to SuperK laser
documentation.

Control Panel

The control panel provides adjustable controls for the Control panel on page 33
laser and accessories selected. The SuperK Extreme
provides configuration controls for current, repetition
rate and trigger delay.

Application
Log

This panel displays a debugging log that can besaved to a file.

Refer to SuperK laser
documentation.

DeviceMonitorTo also help debugging issues, this panel displays
multiple port and device module parameters.

Refer to SuperK laser
documentation.

Figure 14 CONTROL panel navigation
Menu
items

Control panel

Status panel

Device selector list

Quickconnect

Device monitor< 27 >

ApplicationlogDevice Selector

Device Selector
You can find the list of SuperK nodes that CONTROL is currently
communicating with in the Device selector. To manage any device, click on its
corresponding icon. When the icon is highlighted blue, it indicates that theControl panel and Status panel are displayed for that device. In the device
selector list, the VARIA is represented by the icon shown in Figure 15.
Figure 15 Device selector icon

Figure 16 shows the device selector list with an VARIA selected, indicated by
the blue highlighting.
Figure 16 Device selector

Address selector When multiple accessories are used with a single SuperK laser, the laser’s
External bus connects the accessories in a daisy chain topology. For eachdevice, the address selector wheel must be set to one of 16 (0x0 to 0xF) uniqueaddresses. Figure 17 shows a case where multiple accessories share theExternal bus.
Figure 17 Device selector set to 0xE bus address

2

CAUTION: Only turn ON the SuperK laser and External bus connected accessories after all accessories are configured with a UNIQUE BUS ADDRESS.

< 28 >

Status Panel

Status Panel
The Status Panel for the VARIA provides status indicators, error messages, anemission control button, and a CONTROL settings menu.
Figure 18 Status Panel
Settings drop-down menu

Status indicators

System information &error display area
Output powermonitor readings

Emission button andindicator

Status Indicators The panel displays the following indicators:
Main output shutter
Indicates the position of the mechanical shutter for the IR output shutter. The
shutter is either in the closed or open position.

•

ON Green – the Main output shutter is in the open position, laser emission
can pass through the aperture.

•

OFF Grey – the Main output shutter is in the closed position, emissions areblocked.

AUX output shutter
Indicates the position of the mechanical shutter for the Visible output shutter. The
shutter is either in the closed or open position.

•

ON Green – the AUX output shutter is in the open position, laser emission
can pass through the aperture.

•

OFF Grey – the AUX output shutter is in the closed position, emissions areblocked.
< 29 >

Status PanelInterlock
Indicates the status of the Interlock circuit and whether emissions can beturned on or not. The indicator will be either:•

ON Red – the interlock circuit is open or shorted to ground – No emissions
allowed•ON Green – the interlock circuit is closed and reset – emissions allowed

To clear the ON Red indicator, close the interlock circuit and reset it. Any shorts
to ground or circuit opens must be removed or the Interlock will remain ON red.
StatusIndicates the operational status of the laser. The indicator has the following
states:•ON Green – The VARIA is ready for operation.

•

ON Red – The VARIA has experienced a fault and has shutdown. An error
code is displayed underneath the Status indicator. Contact NKT Support if
the fault cannot be cleared - see “Support Contact Details” on page 37.

System Info The System Info section shows the following:•

VARIA Serial number•

VARIA Firmware version

Output power If an optional output power monitor is fitted to your VARIA, the gain setting andmonitor monitor signal levels can be shown in the Status panel. To show the setting andlevel, access the “View” menu and click the Output power monitor check box.

Emission button The emission button turns the SuperK laser emission ON or OFF. The button
indicator turns ON RED when laser emissions are generated. Otherwise, it willbe OFF Grey. This button operates identically to the button available in the
CONTROL status panel of the SuperK laser. Refer to the SuperK laser
documentation for further information on managing emission.

< 30 >

Control settings

Control settings
The CONTROL settings are accessible by clicking the gear iconin the upper
right corner of the Status panel. Clicking the gear icon provides access to theView settings menu as shown in Figure 19:
Figure 19 CONTROL settings

Click the gear icon
to access the menu

Reset The VARIA is equipped with a stepper motor to adjust its optics. After a long
period of use, access this menu to reset and calibrate the stepper motor.
Home filter – click button to reset and calibrate the stepper motor function.
Figure 20 Reset settings

Click to recalibrate
the stepper motor

View The View settings toggle ON or OFF the display of VARIA system information in
the status panel.
System info – check the box next to “System info” to toggle ON displaying thesystem information within the status panel.

< 31 >

Control settings

Output power monitor – check the box next to “Output power monitor” totoggle ON the display of the gain setting and monitor signal level in the status
panel.
Figure 21 View settingsB

Check to toggle ON displaying status panel System info and/or
System info and/or Output power monitor parameters.

Bandwidth These two settings allows the output bandwidth to be greater than 100 nm or
restrictions less than 10 nm
Allow bandwidth higher than 100 nm – check the box to increase thebandwidth to a maximum of 440 nm. Using bandwidths greater than 100 nm
results reduces the quality of the output spectrum.
Allow bandwidth lower than 10 nm – check the box to allow a bandwidth that isless than 10 nm. Using bandwidths smaller than 10 nm reduces the quality ofthe output spectrum.
Figure 22 Bandwidth restriction settings

Check each box to change the minimum and maximum
bandwidth range< 32 >

Control panel

Control panel
The Control panel displays the VARIA Wavelength settings adjusted with slider
controls or the individual text input fields. The standard Wavelength settings
configures the:•Center (wavelength) – slider control for the center wavelength of the filteredoutput. The wavelength is set using either the slider control or a text input
field for direct input of the wavelength. Range: 400 to 840 nm•

Bandwidth – slider control for the total bandwidth of the filtered output
spectrum in nanometers. The bandwidth will be equally distributed on eitherside of the set center wavelength. Range: 10-100 nm•

Start/Stop – you can manual set the lower and upper bandwidth limits using
the two start stop slider controls. Setting the two sliders will automaticallyadjust the center wavelength and bandwidth controls. Range: you can set thesliders to almost all values between 400 and 840nm with a 10 to 100 nm
bandwidth.

Figure 23 Wavelength controls – click-hold and slide
Text input fields
Center λ slider

Bandwidth slider

Start stop sliders

NOTE: When a new center wavelength and bandwidth is configured, the VARIA immediately makes the proper adjustments to filter the newly set emission range.
Text input
On the upper right side of each slider control is a text input field. You can directly
enter the setting values using these fields. Note the Start Stop setting has two
fields. The upper field is the lower bandwidth limit wavelength and the lower fieldis the upper bandwidth limit.

Using a bandwidth You can reduce the bandwidth output from the VARIA to below 10 nm. Below theless than 10 nm 10 nm limit, the quality of the output spectrum is diminished. Use the Status panel< 33 >

Control panel“Bandwidth restrictions” settings to change the Bandwidth slider scale topermit the reduced bandwidth as shown in Figure 24.
Figure 24 Reduced Bandwidth set to 3.0 nm

Using a bandwidth You can increase the bandwidth output from the VARIA to beyond 100 nm.
greater than 100 nm Beyond the 100 nm limit, the quality of the output spectrum is diminished. Use
the Status panel “Bandwidth restrictions” settings to change the Bandwidthslider scale to permit the increase in bandwidth as shown in Figure 25.
Figure 25 Increased Bandwidth set to 247.0 nm

NOTE: The VARIA output center wavelength can only be adjusted within an operating range specific to the model. Center wavelengths entered outside therange, are replaced by a wavelength at the nearest limit of the operational
range.

< 34 >

A

Specifications

Table 3 Interfaces
All Chassis Models
External bus

DB-15 Female

Monitor

BNC (Optional - Custom feature, contact NKT Photonics)

Table 4 Mechanical dimensions
Specification
Size (H x W x D)

68 x 272 x 212 mm (2.68
x 10.71 x 8.35 in)

Weight7.9 kg (17.4 lb)

Table 5 Operating and storage environment
Specification
Operating Temperature

18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F)

Storage Temperature-20°C to 50°C (-4°F to 122°F)

Operating Humidity (non-condensing)

20 to 80%

Operating Altitude

3000 m maximum

Operating Air Pressure

700 hPa to 1060 hPa

Table 6 Safety and regulatory compliances
SafetyRegulatory

EN 60825-1:2014: Safety of laser products
Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements[Laser Class 4]
EN 61010-1:2010:Safety requirements for electricalequipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use
Part 1: General requirements

2014/30/EU: EMC directive
2014/35/EU: Low Voltage directive
EN 61326-1:2013: Electrical equipment for measurement,
control and laboratory use
EMC requirements – Part 1: General requirements< 35 >

Figure 26 Mechanical dimensions2< 36 >

B

Service and Support Information

Servicing
The accessory has no user serviceable components. In case of malfunction,
contact NKT Photonics using the support channels in section “Support Contact
Details”.
CAUTION: Do not open the accessory chassis. The accessory is equipped withwarranty labels (see Figure 27) on the covers of the its chassis. The warranty isvoid if the system is opened.
CAUTION: The accessory contains electro-static discharge (ESD) sensitive components. To avoid permanent ESD damage, use ESD protection precautions
when handling the accessory. Always connect the accessory’s earth point to aground earth within your facility.
Figure 27 Warranty seal

WARRANTY VOID IF SEAL
IS BROKEN OR REMOVED.Opening the chassis There are no user serviceable components inside the accessory chassis.
Should your accessory malfunction, and it cannot be serviced on site, it must
be shipped to the NKT Photonics office in Denmark.

WARRANTY VOID IF The unit is sealed with a label “WARRANTY VOID IF REMOVED”. It is strictly
REMOVED label prohibited to remove the chassis coverSupport Contact Details
For technical or general support, NKT Photonics can be contacted for help
regarding issues and questions with your accessory.

Online Support Web- 1. Go to:page
https://www.nktphotonics.com/support/
2. Scroll down and click or press:

3. Select the type of help required, fill in the form, and click or press Submit.

< 37 >

Support Contact Details

Shipping Address NKT Photonics A/S
Blokken 84
DK-3460 Birkerød
Denmark2< 38 >

C

CONTROL Software

Installing CONTROL
Download the software from:https://www.nktphotonics.com/support/
Follow the steps in Procedure 2.
Procedure 2 Installing CONTROL
Action1

On the PC, launch the installer package and then double
click the installer icon.

2

The installation wizard appears.
Click Next to continue.

3

Accept to use the default installation directory or selectanother directory by clicking the Browse button.
Click Next to continue.

< 39 >

Installer

Installing CONTROL

Action4

Uncheck the components you do not require. By default,
all components are installed.
Click Next to continue.

5

Read the End-User License Agreement, and check “Iaccept the license.” box.
Not checking the box ends the installation wizard.
Click Next to continue.

6

The wizard creates a start menu folder with program
short-cuts.
Use the default name or enter a new name for the folder.
Click Next to continue.

2< 40 >

Installing CONTROL

Action7

Check the box to create a desktop shortcut to accessControl.
Click Next to continue

8

Check the ‘Run the Silicon Labs CP10x driver installation’box and click Next.
Note: If you do not have the driver installed USB
connectivity will fail.

9

Click Install to install NKTP CONTROL software on yourPC.
Click Cancel if you want to abort the installation..

< 41 >

Installing CONTROL

Action10

The wizard displays a progress meter for the installation.
Note: a normal install should only take a few seconds.

11

Click Next to install the UART drivers for the PC USB port.

12

The drivers are installed.
Note: Depending on your computer this occurs so fast
you may not see this.

< 42 >

Installing CONTROL

Action13

The Silicon Labs drivers is installed successfully.
Click Finish to end the driver installation.

14

CONTROL is now installed.
Check the Run box to launch CONTROL when the Finish
button is clicked.
Click Finish to end the installation wizard.

< 43 >

Installing CONTROL< 44 >

Item:Customer Revision:
NKT Photonics Revision:
Release Date:NKT Photonics A/S

800-615-01
1.3
3-0
10-2023

support@nktphotonics.com

Blokken 84, Birkerød-3460 Denmark
The information in this publication is subject to change without notice.
All company and product names mentioned within are either trademarks or registered trademarks of NKT Photonics.
Specifications are listed as metric units. Imperial units listed are conversions.
Copyright 2023 NKT Photonics A/S. All rights reserved.

SuperK VARIA Product Guide