Tsunami - Beckman Institute Laser Resource Center

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Lok-to-Clock Electronics
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Operation Notes
Start-up
In addition to the normal start-up procedures in chapter 7, "Operation,"
the following are general procedures to observe whenever using the Model
3930 Lok-to-Clock electronics module.
1. Turn on the Model 3930 and allow it to stabilize for at least two
hours. Once on, never turn it off except to move it to a new location.
2. Mode lock the Tsunami laser and verify output performance (i-e.
output power, bandwidth, pulse width, etc.).
You can monitor the external or internal reference signal frequency
you have selected by monitoring the REF OUT signal. Set the panel
view mode to REF using the SELECT button.
3. Verify the photodiode LEVEL indicator on the front panel is fully lit.
The LEVEL control should be fully clockwise.
4. Press the SELECT button to set the panel view to LSR to monitor the
laser repetition frequency and to verify it is stable. If it is not stable,
verify the Tsunami laser is operating correctly.
5. Press the SELECT button to set the panel view to DIF to monitor the
difference between the laser pulse frequency and the reference
frequency. If > 20 Hz is displayed, use the upldown buttons to change
the difference so it is S 20 Hz. The difference must be r 20 Hz in
order to ensure the system will lock in the next step.
6. Press the LOCK button to lock the system.
7. Use the upldown buttons to center the STATUS LEDs. This places the
PZT in the middle of its working range.
CA U TlON
Always unlock the system before tuning to a new wavelength, then
optimize the Tsunami output and lock it.
Shut Down
As a general procedure, unlock the system before turning off the laser.
However, leave the Model 3930 powered on when the system is not in use
in order to minimize frequency drift during the next start-up.