Video Laser Models
Operator’s Manual
Model Numbers:
IF-VL08
IF-VL30
INDUSTRIAL FIBER OPTICS
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Copyright © 2006
Previous printings 2003, 2002, 2001, 1996
by Industrial Fiber Optics
Revision - D
Printed in the United States of America
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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any
means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise)
without prior written permission from Industrial Fiber Optics.
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Introduction
This manual provides information about Industrial Fiber Optics lasers model
numbers IF-VL08-635 and IF-VL30-635 . It contains all the information you need to
operate these lasers safely and knowledgeably, even if you are a novice to laser
technology. Please read the manual carefully before operating the laser.
As soon as you receive this laser, inspect it and the shipping container for
damage. If any damage is found, immediately refer to the section of this manual
entitled Shipment Damage Claims.
Industrial Fiber Optics makes every effort to incorporate state-of-the-art
technology, highest quality, and dependability in its products. We constantly explore
new ideas and products to best serve the rapidly expanding needs of industry and
education. We encourage comments that you may have about our products, and we
welcome the opportunity to discuss new ideas that may better serve your needs. For
more information about our company and products refer to http//www.ifiberoptics.com on the Worldwide Web.
Thank you for selecting this Industrial Fiber Optics product. We hope it meets
your expectations and provides many hours of productive activity.
Sincerely,
The Staff at Industrial Fiber Optics
-i-
- ii -
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ............................................................
i
GENERAL ..............................................................................
1
OPERATIONAL INFORMATION ...........................................
2
2
5
6
6
Electrical .....................................................................................
Beam Contols .............................................................................
Specifications .............................................................................
Models and Laser Classifications ...............................................
SAFETY..................................................................................
Optical.........................................................................................
Electrical .....................................................................................
LASER REGULATIONS.........................................................
Certification/Identification ...........................................................
Classifications.............................................................................
Aperture Labels ..........................................................................
Additional References.................................................................
OPERATING PROCEDURES ................................................
7
7
7
8
8
8
9
9
Initial and Unmodulated Operation .............................................
Modulating the Laser Beam ........................................................
10
10
11
TROUBLESHOOTING ..........................................................
12
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE............................................
13
WARRANTY...........................................................................
14
SHIPMENT DAMAGE CLAIMS .............................................
15
- iii -
LASER CLASSIFICATIONS
All manufacturers of lasers used in the United States, must conform to regulations
administered by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), a branch of the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. CDRH categorizes lasers as follows:
Class Description
I
A laser or laser system which does not present a hazard to skin or
eyes for any wavelength or exposure time. Exposure varies with
wavelength. For ultraviolet, .2 to .4 µm exposure is less than from
.8 nW to .8 µW. Visible light exposure varies from .4 µW to 200
µW, and for near IR, the exposure is < 200 µW. Consult CDRH
regulations for specific information.
II
Any visible laser with an output less than 1 mW of power. Warning
label requirements — yellow caution label stating maximum
output of 1 mW. Generally used as classroom lab lasers,
supermarket scanners and laser pointers.
IIIa
Any visible laser with an output over 1 mW of power with a
maximum output of 5 mW of power. Warning label requirements
— red danger label stating maximum output of 5 mW. Also used
as classroom lab lasers, in holography, laser pointers, leveling
instruments, measuring devices and alignment equipment.
IIIb
Any laser with an output over 5 mW of power with a maximum
output of 500 mW of power and all invisible lasers with an output
up to 400 mW. Warning label requirements — red danger label
stating maximum output. These lasers also require a key switch
for operation and a 3.5-second delay when the laser is turned on.
Used in many of the same applications as the Class IIIa when
more power is required.
IV
Any laser with an output over 500 mW of power. Warning label
requirements — red danger label stating maximum output. These
lasers are primarily used in industrial applications such as tooling,
machining, cutting and welding. Most medical laser applications
also require these high-powered lasers.
- iv -
GENERAL
This family of lasers (whose models vary only in their power and output
wavelength) utilizes the latest technology in miniaturization electronics and laser
science — the same as used in long-distance fiber optic communication networks, CD
players and bar code scanners. The technology incorporates semiconductor laser diodes
— tiny electronic microchips that operate as lasers.
Semiconductor diode devices offer an important alternative to widely known and
used helium-neon-gas (HeNe) lasers. Diode lasers are smaller, more efficient, and offer
direct digital and analog modulation capabilities previously unavailable. Exceptional
versatility makes this semiconductor technology an essential component of modern
science and industrial technology curriculums.
The Industrial Fiber Optics family of lasers offers particular education value in its
ability to increase and reinforce learning via fascination. With these lasers, students will
readily, enthusiastically learn about physical optics, fiber optics, light propagation, speed
of light theory and measurement, laser communications, and much more!
Table 1. Metric Prefixes and Their Meanings.
Prefix
Symbol
Multiple
tera
T
1012 (trillion)
giga
G
109 (billion)
mega
M
106 (million)
kilo
k
103 (thousand)
hecto
h
102 (hundred)
deca
da
101 (ten)
deci
d
10-1 (tenth)
centi
c
10-2 (hundredth)
milli
m
10-3 (thousandth)
micro
µ
10-6 (millionth)
nano
n
10-9 (billionth)
pico
p
10-12 (trillionth)
femto
f
10-15 (quadrillionth)
-1-
OPERATIONAL INFORMATION
Electrical
All electrical controls are located at the rear of the laser chassis. A diagram of the rear
view of the laser appears in Figure 1. Following are descriptions of each item
identified in Figure 1:
VIDEO LASER
DIG
SW
VID
4
2
PILOT
3
5
PWR
1
6
Power adapter
(not shown)
IF-VL
1530.eps
Figure 1. Rear view of laser showing electrical inputs and controls.
1. Power Jack (PWR)
All Industrial Fiber Optics lasers use a standard 2.1 mm DC power input jack to
provide power to the laser. (An ON/OFF switch controls power from the jack to the
electronic circuitry and lasing element.)
Power input to the laser must be applied from a low-voltage DC power source in the
range of 10 to 15 volts, such as supplied with the laser. See Item 6 in this section for
more information about the power adapter.
-2-
2. Switch (SW)
A push-button switch is located above and to the left of the 2.1 mm power jack. It
controls power from the 2.1 mm power jack to the electronic circuitry and lasing
element. When the switch is closed (ON) it will be slightly depressed, and fully
extended when is open (OFF).
3. Pilot light (ON)
Just below the Switch is the pilot light. It emits a green light when the switch is
turned on and power is applied to the electronic circuitry and lasing element.
4. Video input (VID)
This jack is an industry-standard "RCA" type as is the digital (DIG) input. It is located
in the upper right portion of the control panel. The Video jack is used to input analog
signals to utilize this laser's analog modulation capabilities.
The inner portion of the RCA jack is the positive connection and the outer chromelike portion establishes the common ground required between the analog source
and the laser. The maximum voltage input to this jack that the laser can handle
without distortion is 2 volts peak-to-peak. This jack is AC coupled and has an
internal impedance present of 4.7 K ohms.
5. Digital Modulation Input (DIG)
The red RCA jack is the input used to digitally modulate the laser optical beam.
Applications include a computer-to-printer through-the-air link, a digitally coded security
system or a long-distance remote TV control.
The digital input to this laser is compatible with standard LSTTL logic powered by +5
volts. Do not connect the input to any logic with voltage levels greater than +5 volts,
or below ground (0 volts). Table 2 describes laser output in response to digital inputs.
-3-
Table 2. Laser Output versus Digital Input.
Digital Signal
Laser Output
> 3.4 volts
High*
< 0.7 volts
Low**
Unconnected
High*
* Output power will equal the laser power rating.
** The laser will still produce a small amount of optical power, less than 20% of high level.
6. Power Adapter (not shown)
All our lasers sold in the United States come complete with a power adapter suitable
for 60 Hz 110 VAC-to-VDC conversion. All others come with 50 Hz 220 VAC-to-VDC
power adapters. It is strongly recommended that the power adapter furnished with the
laser be the only supply used.
If you must use another power supply, it must be one with voltage output between
10 to 15 volts DC; and minimum current capability of 150 milliamperes. Do not use a
power supply which may generate voltage spikes exceeding 36 volts.
-4-
Beam Controls
1. Optics Mount
The optics mount is a nickel-plated aluminum cylinder with internal diameter of 3/4
inches and with 32 threads per inch. The threads facilitate the use of this laser in
many optical experiments using mounted lenses, polarizers and spatial filters.
2. Beam Stop
The beam stop (also known as a beam attenuator) is required on lasers by federal
regulations. When viewed from the rear of the laser, its handle protrudes from the
right side of the optics mount. Its function is to mechanically block the laser beam
when the handle is pushed downward. When the handle is pushed upward, the beam
stop rotates and allows the laser beam to exit the lasing apparatus.
1
2
AVOID EXPOSURE
LASER RADIATION EMITTED
FROM THIS APERTURE
1193
Figure 2. Front view of laser with beam stop blocking the laser beam.
-5-
Specifications
Caution: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other
than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
Specifications for laser model numbers IF-VL08-635 and IF-VL30-635 are shown in
Table 3.
Table 3. Laser Specifications.
Parameter
Operating
Input voltage
Input current
Temperature
Optical
Polarization
Wavelength
Output power
Beam diameter
Beam divergence,
maximum
Electrical
Analog modulation 1
Digital modulation 1
Storage
Dimensions
Weight
Temperature
Value
Units
10 to 15
60 to 125
0 to 40
volts
milliamperes
°C
Linear
630 - 640
See label
3.2
2
nm
mW
mm
milliradians
100 to 10
0 to 20
Hz to MHz
MHz
5.6 x 7.5 x 22
400
-20 to 50
cm
grams
°C
1 Refer to the section on electrical controls in this manual for more information.
Models and Laser Classifications
Table 4. CDRH Classifications for laser models.
Laser Model
Classification
IF-VL08-635
CLASS II
.75 to .90 mW
IF-VL30-635
CLASS IIIa
2.8 to 3.2 mW
-6-
Typical power levels
SAFETY
While lasers are valuable sources of light for exciting demonstrations, laboratory
experiments and industrial use, one must treat lasers and high voltage power supplies with
the utmost respect. One should never diassemble a product without proper training.
Optical
All lasers addressed by this manual emit a visible beam of red light. No infrared,
ultra-violet, x-ray or other non-visible radiation is emitted from this product.
This low-power laser cannot be used to burn, cut or drill. Even so, you should use
caution, because the beam is concentrated. It could become focused to a pinpoint within
the human eye. Never look directly into the laser beam or stare at its bright
reflections — just as you should avoid staring at the sun or other very bright light
sources.
Review the Rules for Laser Safety on the back cover of this booklet.
Electrical
Included with this laser is a UL-approved VAC-to-VDC adapter for VAC operation.
The adapter converts common lab/household voltage to low DC voltage suitable for
laser use. Always plug the adapter into a grounded circuit.
This laser is particularly safe because it operates at low wattage and low current levels.
However, as when using any electrical device, you must take certain safety precautions:
•
Do not touch (or short-circuit) the connection point at which incoming power from
the adapter enters the laser housing, as this could damage the power supply.
•
Do not open the laser housing under any circumstances, as this will expose you to
unshielded electrical connections, violating federal government regulations and
voiding the product warranty.
-7-
LASER REGULATIONS
The U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare regulates and classifies all
laser products sold in the United States. Industrial Fiber Optics lasers comply fully with
laser performance standards established by Center for Devices and Radiological Health
(CDRH) Regulation 21, parts 1040.10 and 1040.11, Code of Federal Regulations.
Specific labeling is required by Federal Regulations on all laser products. For your
safety and that of others, do not remove any of the labels.
Certification/Identification
Laser certification
Manufactured by:
and identification labeling
INDUSTRIAL FIBER OPTICS, INC.
627 South 48th Street, Ste. 100
required by federal
Tempe, AZ 85281
regulations have been
Model Number:
combined in a single label
Output Power:
located on the underside
Manufacturing Date:
of the laser. A graphic
Serial Number:
representation of that
This LASER product complies with
label is shown in Figure
C.D.R.H. Regulation 21 CFR 1040.10 and 10410.11
3. It certifies that this
No User Serviceable Parts Inside
laser complies with
federal regulations;
Figure 3. Laser Certification and identification label.
identifies the
manufacturer; and lists
the model number and date of manufacture.
1188.eps
Classifications
All lasers described by this
manual fall within the limitations of
Class II and Class IIIa of CDRH
standards. All lasers covered by this
manual will exhibit a label located on
the top, rear of the laser chassis.
CAUTION
LASER RADIATION
DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM
PEAK POWER 1 mW
WAVELENGTH 600 - 700 nm
Class II Laser Product
1189.eps
Figure 4. Warning logotype label for
Class II lasers may not exceed 1
Class II lasers.
milliwatt (1 mW) of output power,
must contain a pilot light and a beam
attenuator. An example of the "warning logotype" label used for Class II lasers is shown in
Figure 4.
-8-
Class IIIa lasers have an output
power limitation between 1 and 5
milliwatts, and require a pilot light
and a beam attenuator. The "warning
logotype" label required for this
classification of laser is shown in
Figure 5.
DANGER
LASER RADIATION
DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM
PEAK POWER 5 mW
WAVELENGTH 600 - 700 nm
Class IIIa Laser Product
1190.eps
Figure 5. Warning logotype label for Class
IIIa lasers.
Aperture Labels
Federal regulations also require
that the laser emission aperture/port be
labeled. A graphic representation of that
label appears in Figure 6. Location of
this label is shown in Figure 2.
AVOID EXPOSURE
LASER RADIATION EMITTED
FROM THIS APERTURE
Figure 6. Beam aperture label.
Additional References
For more information about lasers and laser standards, contact your local U.S.
Department of Health, Education and Welfare office, or write to the agency's headquarters
at 1390 Piccard Dr., Rockville, MD 20850.
For U.S. guidelines on laser classifications and health standards, refer to the American
National Standards Institute specifications governing lasers and laser safety. The guidelines
are published by the Laser Institute of America, 12424 Research Parkway, Suite 130,
Orlando, FL 32826.
LASER RADIATION
DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM
DANGER
PEAK POWER 5 mW
WAVELENGTH 600 - 700 nm
Class IIIa Laser Product
1209.eps
Figure 7. Top view of laser showing the location of the "Warning logotype" label
for a Class IIIa laser.
-9-
OPERATING PROCEDURES
Initial and Unmodulated Operation
1.
Review the laser safety steps on the back cover of this manual if this is your first
time operating a laser.
2.
Point the laser toward a wall or other dull non-reflecting surface.
3.
Push the beam stop's handle downward to its closed position.
4.
Make sure the laser's ON/OFF switch (SW) is in its OFF position. (The push button
should be in its extended position.)
5.
Plug the 110* VAC-to-DC power adapter (provided with the laser) into an AC wall
outlet.
Important!
If you must use a power adapter other than the one supplied with this
laser, check the section entitled Operational Information in this manual
to ensure the power adapter's voltage and current levels are within
recommended specifications.
6.
Plug the cord from the power adapter into the power jack (PWR) located on the
rear of the laser.
7.
Depress the ON/OFF switch (SW) on the control panel of the laser until it
clicks into the ON position. (The switch should be slightly depressed.)
8.
The pilot light (green LED) should now be lit, showing that the laser is on.
9.
Push the beam stop's handle upward, to its open position.
10.
Observe the red beam striking the wall, or other surface, in the direction which the
laser is pointed.
* 220 VAC for customers outside of North America
- 10 -
Modulating the Laser Beam
Following we will outline the steps for converting the optical signals modulated on the
Industrial Fiber Optic laser to electrical signals. Because we do not know what receiver
you will be using to convert the optical signal on the laser beam, please refer to that
receiver's instruction manual as directed in the procedure below.
1.
Check to ensure that the signal inputs you plan to use do not exceed the
specifications in the Operational Information section of this manual.
2.
Turn off all power to the source which will provide the modulation input to the
laser.
3.
Push the laser's beam stop to its closed position, and make sure the ON/OFF
switch is OFF. (The button should be extended and the pilot light no longer
illuminated.)
4.
Insert the digital or video plug into the appropriate jack on the rear of the laser.
(The ground with these types of jacks established because it is a two conductor
cable.)
5.
Point the laser toward a wall or other non-reflecting dull surface.
6.
Set up your laser receiver, referring to its manual for operating procedures.
7.
Press the ON/OFF switch (SW) on the control panel of the laser. The laser now
should be on, as indicated by the pilot light.
8.
Turn on the power to the signal source.
9.
The amplitude of the exiting laser light should now be modulating according to the
input signals. (You may not visibly see any brightness change in the laser beam.)
10.
Rotate the laser beam stop's handle upward, to its open position.
11.
Target the laser beam on the light detector found on the laser receiver.
12.
Position the receiver or laser as needed, so the laser light beam strikes the center of
the receiver detector.
13.
Adjust the gain on the laser receiver as required to receive signals.
Your laser and receiver should now be functioning as a free-space optical
communications link. If you are using a VCR as the electrical modulation source,
the video input jack on the laser and a video laser receiver connected to a
television you should now be seeing a picture on the television connected to
video receiver.
- 11 -
TROUBLESHOOTING
NO PILOT LIGHT
•
Is the laser’s ON/OFF switch in the ON position?
•
Is the 110 (220) VAC-to-VDC power adapter plugged into the laser and an
appropriate wall outlet or extension cord?
•
Is there power to the wall outlet?
NO LASER LIGHT OUTPUT
•
Check pilot light. If not on, go to the previous Troubleshooting step.
•
Is the mechanical beam stop in its open position?
•
Damaged or inadequate power adapter.
•
Low voltage to the wall outlet.
NO MODULATION FROM RECEIVER
•
Is the laser beam positioned properly so its beam strikes the receiver detector?
•
If you are using the video or digital input jack, is it inserted properly?
•
If you are using the video or digital input jack, is the positive terminal connected to
the signal and the outer conductor to ground?
•
Are input signals to the laser of sufficient amplitude? (See video and digital
portions in the Electrical section of this manual.)
•
Slowly move the receiver detector out of the path of the laser beam while
continuously monitoring receiver operation. (This will desensitize the receiver in
case the receiver is too sensitive for this laser [saturating].)
•
Check the “TROUBLESHOOTING”section in your laser receiver manual.
Do not attempt to troubleshoot the laser beyond the steps listed above. If all your
connections are correct, and you are confident that power is being supplied to the laser and
any input devices, yet the laser still does not function. Please return the laser for
appropriate inspection/servicing to Industrial Fiber Optics, as described in the section
entitled “SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE”.
- 12 -
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Periodic operation, maintenance and service of this laser are not required. The
warranty will be voided if entry has been made to the laser housing and/or screws have
been loosened.
In the unlikely event this laser malfunctions and you wish to have it repaired, please
do the following:
•
In writing, describe the problem, person to contact, phone number, and return
address.
•
Carefully pack the laser, power adapter, manual, and written description in a stout
box with sufficient packing material to prevent damage in shipment.
•
Ship the package to:
INDUSTRIAL FIBER OPTICS
627 South 48th Street, Suite 100
Tempe, AZ 85281
USA
- 13 -
WARRANTY
Industrial Fiber Optics lasers are warranted against defects in materials and
workmanship for 4 years. The warranty will be voided if the laser components have been
damaged or mishandled by the buyer, including entry to the laser housing and / or removal
of screws.
Industrial Fiber Optics' warranty liability is limited to repair or replacement of any
defective unit at the company's facilities, and does not include attendant or
consequential damages. Repair or replacement may be made only after failure analysis at
the factory. Authorized warranty repairs are made at no charge, and are guaranteed for
the balance of the original warranty.
Industrial Fiber Optics will pay the return freight and insurance charges for
warranty repair within the continental United States by United Parcel Service or Parcel
Post. Any other delivery means must be paid for by the customer.
The costs of return shipments for lasers no longer under warranty must be paid by the
customer. If an item is not under warranty, repairs will not be undertaken until the cost of
such repairs has been approved, in writing, by the customer. Typical repair costs range
from $50 - $200 and usually take two to three weeks to complete.
When returning items for analysis and possible repair, please do the following:
•
In a letter, describe the problem, person to contact, phone number, and return
address.
•
Pack the laser, power adapter, manual, and letter carefully in a strong box with
adequate packing material, to prevent damage in shipment.
•
Ship the package to:
INDUSTRIAL FIBER OPTICS
627 South 48th Street, Suite 100
Tempe, AZ 85281
USA
- 14 -
SHIPMENT DAMAGE CLAIMS
If damage to an Industrial Fiber Optics product should occur during shipping, it is
imperative that it be reported immediately, both to the carrier and the distributor or
salesperson from whom the item was purchased. DO NOT CONTACT INDUSTRIAL FIBER
OPTICS.
Time is of the essence because damage claims submitted more than five days after
delivery may not be honored. If shipping damage has occurred during shipment, please do
the following:
•
Make a note of the carrier company; the name of the carrier employee; the date;
and the time of the delivery.
•
Keep all packing material.
•
In writing, describe the nature of damage to the product.
•
In cases of severe damage, do not attempt to use the product (including attaching it
to a power source).
•
Notify the carrier immediately of any damaged product.
•
Notify the distributor from whom the purchase was made.
------------------------------
- 15 -
Table 5. Common abbreviations used in this manual.
Abbr.
Long version
Numerical representation
mW
milliwatts
1 x 10 -3 watts
µW
microwatts
1 x 10 -6 watts
nW
nanowatts
1 x 10 -9 watts
mm
millimeters
1 x 10 -3 meters
µm
micrometers
1 x 10 -6 meters
nm
nanometers
1 x 10 -9 meters
When you receive your new laser, please record the information below
for future reference:
Laser model number:
Serial Number:
Wavelength:
Date of Manufacture:
120235
Rules for Laser Safety
•
Lasers produce a very intense beam of light. Treat them with respect. Most
educational lasers have an output of less than 3 milliwatts, and will not harm the
skin.
•
Never look into the laser aperture while the laser is turned on! PERMANENT
EYE DAMAGE COULD RESULT.
•
Never stare into the oncoming beam. Never use magnifiers (such as binoculars or
telescopes) to look at the beam as it travels — or when it strikes a surface.
•
Never point a laser at anyone's eyes or face, no matter how far away they are.
•
When using a laser in the classroom or laboratory, always use a beam stop, or
project the beam to areas which people won't enter or pass through.
•
Never leave a laser unattended while it is turned on — and always unplug it
when it's not actually being used.
•
Remove all shiny objects from the area in which you will be working. This
includes rings, watches, metal bands, tools, and glass. Reflections from the beam
can be nearly as intense as the beam itself.
•
Never disassemble or try to adjust the laser's internal components. Electric shock
could result.