torus with mpc3000
User ManualTABLE OF CONTENTS

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................. 2
Warranty Information ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
Laser Safety ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
System Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 8
PSU Configuration Drawings ......................................................................................................................... 10
Laser Operation ................................................................................................................................................ 11
Cooling Requirements and Power Consumption .......................................................................................... 16
Power Consumption ....................................................................................................................................... 18
Laser Maintenance ......................................................................................................................................... 18
Liability ............................................................................................................................................................ 18

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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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PAGE | 4

WARRANTY INFORMATION

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.

PAGE | 5

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Summary of EU Compliance (SUMEU-TOR-MPC-v1)
1.

2.
3.
4.

5.

6.

Product
Product

Torus

Controller

Mpc3000

Wavelength

532nm, 660nm

Reference

DOCEU-TOR-MPC-v1

Manufacturer
Novanta PHOTONICS, Stockport, UK
This declaration is issued under the sole responsibility of the manufacturer
The product described above is in conformity with the relevant Union harmonisation legislation:
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
Technical FileTOR-TF-v1

PAGE | 6

INTRODUCTION

Introduction
The torus is a Diode-Pumped Solid-State (DPSS) laser system emitting light in the visible region of the spectrum at
532 nm or 660 nm, depending on the variant ordered. It is a Class 3b or Class 4 laser product. This manual
describes the set-up requirements and operational procedures to ensure safe operation of the system.

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 mpc3000 Power Supply Unit (PSU) requires:
Input Voltage 12 V DC Acceptable range 11 V to 14 V (Ripple 1% peak to peak)
Input Current 8 A Minimum of 16 A must be available from the external source

Important Note: The centre pin of the input connector is positive, and the external DC source output shallnot be referenced to mains ground. If the system experiences significant power interruption (surges or dips) it will
restart and revert to a safe standby safe mode.

Operational Requirement: Environment
Optimal Operating Temperature Range – Laser Head

22ºC to 37ºC

Maximum Operating Temperature – Laser Head

40ºC

Maximum Operating Temperature – PSU

40ºC

For optimal performance, the laser head should be mounted onto an appropriate heatsink in a stable environmental
temperature. The heatsink requirements will depend on the ambient temperature of the operating environment andthe operating power of the laser (section 6).
In the event of the laser head or PSU over-heating, a controlled shut down of the system will occur (Section 6). The
system can only be restarted once it has been cooled to a safe temperature.
Temperature Range:

5ºC to 45ºC

Humidity:

Non-Condensing

LASER SAFETY

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Laser Safety
The torus is a Class 3b or Class 4 laser product, 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 Declaration of Conformity standards plus:•

FDA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 21 Subchapter J section 1040.10 Laser products•

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 appear in the Parts List Section below along with the dimensions(mm) and weights (kg). These measurements should be referred to whilst integrating the system.

Parts List
The torus laser system comes complete with:•torus laser head•

mpc3000 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:•

External Power Supply Source (Mains AC to 12 V DC Desktop Module)•

IEC 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 Green LED)*

Important Note: If a red spot interlock dongle has been supplied, Section 5 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.

PAGE | 9

SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS

Weights and Dimensions
torus laser head

mpc3000 PSU

Weight: 1.2 kg

Weight: 1.5 kg

PSU CONFIGURATION DRAWINGSPSU Configuration Drawings

Figure 4-1

Figure 4-2

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PAGE | 11

LASER OPERATION

Warning: Serious Personal Injury
The Torus 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

The torus system behaves as a travelling-wave cavity which ensures inherent single-longitudinal mode (SLM)
operation. The resultant single mode is actively locked to the peak of the gain profile using a locking process within
the cavity and feedback electronics in the power supply; such action maintains the single mode in its optimum
frequency position.
In order to generate a locking signal, the mode is oscillated in frequency-space at 380 Hz and a small proportion oflight is fed back to the processor which in turn optimizes the mode position. It is possible to turn this oscillation off
once the laser has completed its locking routine, resulting in a longer, time averaged coherence length. The
command to turn off this feature is in Section 5.6
Important Note: The locking process should be used for prolonged periods of laser use.

Switching the laser “on”
1

Ensure the mpc3000 is not powered (i.e. 12 V DC source is switched off).

2

Connect the Laser Umbilical Cable to the port marked ‘Laser Umbilical’ on the mpc3000 before connecting
the other end to the laser head. Tighten the locking posts on the screws at both ends so they are finger tight.

3

Switch on the 12 V DC source, this should illuminate the mpc3000 green power LED. At this stage thethermal 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

PAGE | 12

LASER OPERATION

6

Using the Encoder and Menu Up/Down buttons (see Fig 4-1) the operation current or power can be adjusted(see Section 5: Front Panel Controls).

7

The LCD screen will display a countdown from 100 to zero. Once the countdown is complete the laser will
perform a search routine to find the optimum single mode. When this mode is found the display will read
‘LOCK’.

Switching the laser “off”

The laser is switched off by turning the Key Switch to the ‘off’ position or disabling the interlock connection. The
torus system MUST NOT be positioned so that it is difficult to operate the disconnecting devices.

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, the user must first select the parameter mode displayed on the LCD screen bypressing the menu down button. This action changes the text to the navigation color blue. Depressing the menu
down button again will change the text to the selected color red. The rotary encoder allows the selection of therequired parameter (power or current). Once selected, depressing the menu up button once will return the parameterback to the navigation color blue. The laser is now operating in the selected mode.
Using the rotary encoder select the parameter power or current, depending on selected mode. Depressing the menu
down again will change the selected color red. The value can then be changed using the rotary encoder. The value
will change faster if the rotary encoder is depressed whilst rotated.

Once the desired value is reached, depressing the menu up
term memory.

button twice will store the parameter in long-

The selected parameter power or current - depending upon the operating mode – is represented on the top
horizontal bar. The actual output power is displayed on the screen and on the bottom horizontal bar.
Both the laser head and power supply temperatures are displayed on the screen, as well as the Status display. The
Status messages are tabulated below:

Status Message

Description

KEYSWITCH :OFF

Keyswitch/Interlock disabled

ENABLE TO START

Laser ready, awaiting Enable button

LASER DISABLED

Laser disabled via RS232 command

LASER EMISSION

Danger! Laser emission

PAGE | 13

LASER OPERATION

Control Port - Functionality
The MPC3000 can be operated directly via the control port (see Figure 4-2) by applying 0 to 5 V, interlocks and pushbutton in accordance with the diagrams in this section.

9-way Function Table and Pin-Out Diagram

Pin

Function

1+5 V rail (source)

2

Ground (GND)

3

Enable switch (connection 1)

4

Diode current enable (connect to pin 1)

5

Interlock (connection 2) and Enable LED anode

6

Interlock (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 [Fig 5-1 & Fig 52], to be used as part of a laboratory interlock safety circuit. If either Interlock is broken the system will shut down, theEnable button must be pressed to restart the system.
Connections to the control port shall be “potential free” i.e. isolated from mains voltage by a barrier rated at 3 KV(e.g. Double Insulation, Etc).
The combined electrical resistance of the “Enable Switch”, “Interlock” and associated wiring shall be less than 5
ohms.
If a solid-state device such as on opto-isolator is used as the switching element(s), the total combined voltage drop
must not exceed 500 mV.
The current through the “Interlock” and “Enable Switch” circuitry is less than 100 mA. The LED current source is 10 V
via a 540 R resistor.
It is recommended that an LED is always connected between pin 5 and pin 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 5•

Pin 3 to Pin 8•

Pin 1 to Pin 4

PAGE | 14

LASER OPERATION

Figure 5-1

Figure 5-2

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• Query 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: 19,200
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, Line Feed.
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.

PAGE | 15

LASER OPERATIONRS232 Port – Serial Commands
Serial Command

FunctionOFF

Disables the laser, regardless of the interlock status

ON

Enables the laser subject to Interlock and Enable Switch status

CONTROL=CURRENT

Sets the Current mode on**

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.*

MOD=OFF

Turns off active locking

MOD-ON

Turns on active locking

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:PSU Time=#######.# Total time the system has been powered
Laser Enabled Time=#######.# Total time the diodes have been
poweredLaser Operation Time=#######.# Total time the diodes have been
powered >1 A

VERSION?

Returns the software version* 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.
The system has been tested for compliance using a 3m serial cable. If a serial cable >3m is used, compliance of thesystem may be compromised unless optical isolation is used.

Important Note: Take extra care to remove back-reflections to the laser. Any magnitude of back reflection
may disturb the resonant cavity and will affect the APC feedback control loop.

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 optimisation is required. Please note the RemoteApp software suite is designed to workwith multiple laser platforms across our product range and can be used to re-optimize the torus laser. However, thetorus laser does not incorporate the internal power feedback circuitry loop available on some of our other modes andas such, the power channel is not calibrated, and the power reading shown in the RemoteApp software suite will not
be accurate. Please be assumed that this is perfectly normal and does not indicate a fault with the torus laser
system.

COOLING REQUIREMENTS AND POWER CONSUMPTIONPAGE | 16

Cooling Requirements and Power Consumption
Cooling Requirements
The laser has a characteristic warm-up period before it reaches specification; this time depends partly on theheatsink to which it is attached. However, the typical warm-up time is 10 minutes from switch on.
For the laser to perform to specification it must be adequately heatsinked to the base of the laser. Operating thelaser on an inadequate heatsink will adversely affect its stability and may result in thermal shutdown of the laser or
reduction in optical power. Operating the laser on an Aluminum optical bench should produce optimum performance,
although in higher powered systems this alone might not be enough to effectively remove the heat away from thelaser. The user should consult the Cooling Requirements and Power Consumption Section of the user manual
where the power consumption figures presented can be used as a first approximation of heat-dissipation. An
additional cooling aid might be required (e.g. TEC, forced air cooling, water cooling). Examples of heatsinking
solutions are shown below. For further information on heatsinking, please consult your sales representative who will
be able to provide a heatsink solution.
Water cooled heat sink.

Air cooled heat sink

PAGE | 17

COOLING REQUIREMENTS AND POWER CONSUMPTION

torus laser headOnce the maximum operational temperature for the laser head (see Section 1) has been reached, one of two things
will occur: To ensure the correct cooling arrangement the flow direction should be as follows:1

The current to the diode will immediately be switched off and the laser system will need to be restarted once
the temperature has been restored to normal

2

If de-rating is enabled the current will gradually be reduced to zero in order to try to allow the laser headtemperature to stabilize. If the current does reach zero the system will need to be restarted. The effects ofde-rating are shown in the table below:
Current Laser

Head/Laser OVERTEMP LED

Colour of Laser and PSU text
on LCDA set by user

Off

OrangeBegins to de-rate

Flashes

Flash Red and White

Reduced to zeroOn

Flash Red and White

mpc3000 PSU
A similar arrangement occurs for the PSU once the maximum operating temperature (see Section 1) has beenreached.
Important Note: The indicator LED in this instance is marked ‘PSU OVERTEMP LED’.

PAGE | 18

POWER CONSUMPTIONPower 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.
Maximum at 240 V supply – using the supplied External Power Supply Source:
240 W
At the 12 V input the MPC3000 can draw maximum of 8 A
Maximum (laser system wavelength and power shown in blue)
532 nm @ 750 mW or 660 nm @ 200 mW

60 W

Laser System: Typical (laser system power shown in blue)

532 nm @ 750 mW or 660 nm @ 200 mW

45 W

The power dissipation of the laser head is no more than 40% of the total power consumption. The values shown aresystem power consumption.

Laser MaintenanceIf the torus is operated in a smoky or dirty environment, occasional cleaning of the laser window may be necessary.
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•

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 mis-alignment 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.

PAGE | 1

LIABILITYThis 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-0157 Revision 3.0
May 2024©2024 Novanta Corporation.