Equinox User Manual

v1.10
Equinox
User Manual

Contents
Preface ............................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Warning Symbols ........................................................................................................................................................... 2
Important Safety Information ........................................................................................................................................ 3
General Safety Precautions ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Laser Safety ................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Precautions for Safe Operation of Class IV-High Power Lasers: ....................................................................... 4
Safe Operation of the Equinox Pump Laser .......................................................................................................... 5
System Safety Features ................................................................................................................................................ 6
Sources of Additional Safety Information ............................................................................................................... 7
Receiving and Unpacking your Laser System ........................................................................................................... 8
Unpacking list .............................................................................................................................................................. 8
Copyright Information .................................................................................................................................................... 9
Equinox Standard Specification ................................................................................................................................. 10
Indicators, Connections and Controls ....................................................................................................................... 13
Equinox Laser Head ................................................................................................................................................ 13
Indicators ............................................................................................................................................................... 13
Connections .......................................................................................................................................................... 13
Controls .................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Equinox Ice Bloc ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
Indicators ............................................................................................................................................................... 14
Connections .......................................................................................................................................................... 15
Controls .................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Laptop and Software User Interface...................................................................................................................... 16
Installation ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Operating the Laser System ....................................................................................................................................... 19
Turning on the laser ................................................................................................................................................. 19
Switching off the laser ............................................................................................................................................. 20
Maintenance & Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................ 21
Recommended Maintenance Schedule ................................................................................................................ 21
Troubleshooting Tips ............................................................................................................................................... 21
Customer Service ......................................................................................................................................................... 22
Equinox
User Manual

Preface
This manual is a guide to your 532 nm Equinox pump laser. It contains important information that you will
need for unpacking, installing, operating, maintaining and servicing your system correctly and safely.

It is strongly advised that you read this manual thoroughly before attempting to unpack or use your laser
system, in order to avoid taking actions that may damage your laser system or cause safety hazards. If
installation of your system by M Squared Lasers Ltd or an authorized representative is provided as part of
your system, please wait for installation by the authorized service engineer.

If your purchase does not appear to include installation, please contact M Squared Lasers to confirm this is
indeed the case and receive further instruction from M Squared Lasers, before attempting to install and
operate your system yourself.

If, after reading this manual, you are unsure about any aspect of your system, please contact M Squared
Lasers Ltd, or your authorized representative, via the contact information listed in Chapter 8.

Thank you for your purchase of the Equinox laser system.

Caution - use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified
herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

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Warning Symbols
The following symbols are used in this manual to highlight procedures or situations that require extra
attention:

Danger! Laser radiation is present.

Danger! Condition or action may present an electrical hazard to the user.

Warning! Condition or action may cause equipment damage, safety hazard, or poor
performance.

Caution! Exercise particular care and/or refer to the manual before proceeding.

Note! Text noting special circumstances or tips.

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Important Safety Information

The Equinox laser is a high-power class-IV laser. Users operating the laser should have appropriate training
in the operation of class-IV lasers and safety precautions should always be followed.

General Safety Precautions

Caution! Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than

those specified herein, or in associated system manuals, may result in hazardous
radiation exposure.

 NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICE TO AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL.

 REMOVAL OF COVERS IS PROHIBITED AND VOIDS WARRANTY.

 MOUNT SYSTEM ON FLAT, THERMALLY CONDUCTIVE (HEATSINK) SURFACE.

 SYSTEM MUST BE EARTHED.

 DISCONNECT AC CORD BEFORE CHANGING FUSE.

 TWO FUSES ARE FITTED TO THE ICE BLOC WHICH MUST BOTH BE T3.15A.

 MAINS SUPPLY CORD OF ADEQUATE RATING MUST BE USED TO POWER ICE-BLOCS.

 PRIOR TO REVIEW, USE AND REFER TO ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

LISTED IN ALL MANUALS PROVIDED WITH THIS SYSTEM.

 FAILURE TO USE THE EQUIPMENT IN THE SPECIFIED MANNER MAY IMPAIR SAFETY

PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE EQUIPMENT.

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Laser Safety

Danger! The Equinox Laser is a Class IV, high power laser whose beams, by
definition, are a safety and fire hazard. Take precautions to prevent exposure to
direct and reflected beams. Diffuse as well as specular reflections can cause
severe skin or eye damage. This damage can be instantaneous and/or
permanent.

Figure 1 Examples of IEC/CE and CDRH laser safety warning labels that would be appropriate as
laser area entry warning signs (per EN 60825-1 and ANSI Z136.1 respectively).

Precautions for Safe Operation of Class IV-High Power Lasers:

The following precautions should be observed when working with Class IV-high power laser systems:

 Wear protective eyewear at all times; correct selection depends on the wavelength(s) and intensity of the laser
radiation, the conditions of its use, and the visual function required. Protective eyewear vendors may be found
online and are also listed in the buyer’s guides published by industry journals such as Laser Focus World
(http://www.laserfocusworld.com), or Photonics Spectra (http://www.photonics.com).

 Establish a controlled access area for laser operation that blocks laser emission beyond its perimeter, with
appropriate automatic safety interlocks that gate laser operation if tripped. Limit access to those trained in laser
safety and operation of the laser system.

 Maintain a high ambient light level in the area in which the laser is being operated. This keeps the eye’s pupil
constricted, reducing the possibility of eye damage.

 Post prominent warning signs near the laser operation area (see Figure 1 for examples).

 Avoid looking toward or at the laser output beam, as even diffuse or scattered reflections can be hazardous.

 Avoid wearing jewelry or other objects, such as watches, that may reflect or scatter the laser output beam.

 Avoid blocking the output beam or its reflection with any part of the body or flammable material.

 Expand the beam whenever possible to reduce its optical power density.

 Operate the laser at the lowest possible output beam intensity commensurate with the application.

 Set up the laser so that its beam path is either above or below eye level.

 Provide enclosures for beam paths whenever possible.

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 Set up beam stops and shields capable of safely absorbing the beam and any reflections, thus preventing any
unnecessary reflections, scattering or stray beams.

 At all times during the operation, maintenance, or service of your laser, follow the instructions in all manuals
included with your system to ensure its safe operation, and avoid unnecessary exposure to laser or collateral
radiation1 that exceeds the accessible emission limits as stated in Performance Standard for Light Emitting
Products United States Code of Federal Regulations, 21 CFR 1040.10(d).

1Collateral radiation is any electronic product radiation, except laser radiation, emitted by a laser product as a result
of, or necessary for, the operation of a laser incorporated into that product.

Safe Operation of the Equinox Pump Laser

Use protective eyewear for 532 nm light at all times.

Establish a safe, controlled access area for laser operation and contain all laser radiation to this area.
Use appropriate automatic safety interlocks that stops laser operation if tripped. Limit access to the area
to those trained in laser safety and operation of the laser system.

Electromagnetic Compatibility of the System

The Equinox Single Ice-Bloc is compliant with EN61326-1: 2013, under which it meets
EN55011:2009 +A1:2010 Class A emissions for use in an industrial environment. There may be
potential difficulties in ensuring electromagnetic compatability in other environments, due to
conducted as well as radiated disturbances.

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System Safety Features

Shutter control
 There is a manually controlled shutter on the lid of the Equinox that may be closed to cease laser
emission immediately.
Protective housing
 Other than through the output window, the Equinox laser head is a sealed, light-tight system.
Interlocks
 The Ice Bloc incorporates a safety interlock circuit and interlock port. If one of the pump’s fail-safe
modes activate, the internal interlock is broken and emission from the laser head ceases. There is
also an external interlock port at the back of the Ice Bloc which allows the user to interlock the laser
operation with unauthorised area access, causing the laser to cease emission if any unauthorised
personnel should enter the area.
Emission indicators
 An LED light on the lid of the Equinox head indicates when the pump diode goes live. The Ice Bloc
also has an LED light to indicate when the pump diode goes live.
Key switch
 The Ice Bloc, which controls the Equinox head, must be activated using a key turned to the “on”
position before the head can be operated. Only those with access to the key will be able to operate
the laser.
Laser Safety Labels
 Appropriate safety labels are placed around the laser head to indicate potential hazards, please see
below.
1.

3.
2.

4.

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Sources of Additional Safety Information

For a full description of laser safety standards, procedures and safety equipment, please refer to or contact:

Laser Safety Standards and Procedures

 The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard known as IEC 60825 (previously IEC 825) ‘Safety
of laser products - Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements’.
Web: http://www.iec.ch
 The Journal of the European Communities, standard EN 60825-1 ‘Safety of Laser Products - Part 1: Equipment
classification, requirements and user guide’ (and harmonized British standard BS EN 60825-1).
Web: http://eur-lex.europa.eu
 The FDA Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, Subchapter C – Electronic Product Radiation Control (formerly
the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968), and CDRH 21 CFR parts 1040.10 and 1040.11.
Web: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/radhealth/
 American National Standards for Safe Use of Lasers (ANSI Z136.1: 2007)
Web: http://www.ansi.org
 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), ‘Guidelines for Laser Safety and Hazard Assessment’,
STD 01-05-001 (formerly known as Publication 8.1-7)
Web: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/laserhazards/standards.html

Laser Safety Equipment and Training

 Laser Institute of America
13501 Ingenuity Drive, Suite 128
Orlando, FL 32826
Toll Free: 1.800.345.2737
Telephone: +1.407.380.1553
Fax: +1.407.380.5588
Web: http://www.laserinstitute.org
 Laser Focus World Buyer’s Guide
Web: http://www.laserfocusworld.com

 Photonics Spectra Buyer’s Guide

Web: http://www.photonics.com

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Receiving and Unpacking your Laser System

Note! Please keep all shipping containers. You may need these containers in the event that you
need to provide evidence of shipping damage, or if you need to return the system for service or
upgrade at some later date.

When you receive your system, please inspect the shipping containers immediately. If you discover any
damage (holes or dents in the containers or crushing, for example) please notify the carrier immediately, and
insist that a representative of the carrier be present to document the damage with you. If your system includes
installation, please do not remove laser components from their protective packaging before installation –
leave this task to an authorized M Squared Lasers service engineer. Please also be sure to inspect each
system component carefully for damage as it is removed from its protective packaging. If you find any damage
to system components (dents or scratches in covers, for instance), document this damage, and notify the
carrier and M Squared Lasers (or your distributor) immediately.
Note! Please keep all shipping containers. You may need these containers in the event that you need to
provide evidence of shipping damage, or if you need to return the system for service or upgrade at some
later date. If you need to return your system to M Squared within your warranty period, and your original
shipping containers were intact at time of delivery but have since been discarded, M Squared may levy a
charge to replace these containers.

Unpacking list

Item Qty. Item Qty.

Equinox laser head 1 L-clamps 4
Laptop 1 Clamp Screws 4
Washers 4
Hybrid ICE Bloc option:
DD-40 Ice Bloc (with attached cabling) 1
TC-4 Ice Bloc 1 USB stick with user manual 1
Ice Bloc keys 2 Sets System Final Test Sheet 1

Single ICE Bloc option: Water chiller 1

ICE Bloc with attached cabling 1 Chiller hosing 1
ICE Bloc keys 1 Set 1/4-inch hosing connector 3
1/8-inch hosing connector 3
Orange Samtec cable 1
Kettle lead 3
Laptop power supply and mains cables 1
Ethernet cable 1

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Copyright Information
Copyright © 2018 M Squared Lasers Ltd. First edition: May 2018.
M Squared Lasers Ltd,
1 Kelvin Campus,
West of Scotland Science Park,
Maryhill Road,
Glasgow,
G20 0SP,
UK

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 the prior
written permission of the publisher.
© 2018 M-Squared Lasers Limited. All Rights Reserved. M Squared, M Squared Lasers, M Squared Life,
SolsTiS, Firefly, Sprite, Aurora, Ice Bloc and the M Squared logo are trademarks of M-Squared Lasers
Limited, see www.m2lasers.com/trademarks.html for full details. Any third party trademarks are the property
of their respective owners. Patent protected, see m2lasers.com/patents.html for full details.
The information in this manual is provided for information use only, is subject to change without notice, and
should not be construed as a commitment by M Squared Lasers Ltd. M Squared Lasers Ltd assumes no
responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual

Equinox Ice Bloc System Description

The Equinox ICE Bloc (shown in Images 3.1 & 3.2) provides a high current, precision laser diode driver and
a two-channel, high-precision temperature controller with unique Instrument Control by Ethernet (ICE). ICE
functionality allows the users to control and monitor the DD-40 – as well as log diode performance data – all
via a standard Ethernet / LAN connection and a standard web browser. The facility to interface between the
ICE-BLOC and third party equipment is also available using the IP remote command instruction set; please
contact M Squared Lasers or your local representative for further details.
Driving the latest generation of high power laser didoes, the precision laser diode driver combines high
current, low noise output with high-accuracy, high-resolution current set points.
Highly versatile, the temeprature controller enables user-programmable output current, current polarity,
voltage limits, PID feedback parameters and ramp time.
Its compact form factor and customisable software interface allow easy integration of the Equinox system
into experiments or OEM setups.

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Equinox Standard Specification

The below table gives the nominal specification for the Equinox laser system, for actual specification please
refer to the Final Test Sheet, supplied with the laser.

Parameter Nominal Specifications – Laser

Emission Wavelength 532 nm
Average Output Power 18 W
Linewidth < 1 MHz(1)
Beam Diameter 2.3 mm ± 10%(2)
Beam Divergence < 0.4 mrad, far field full angle
Power Stability ± 0.5%(3)
Amplitude Noise < 0.05% rms(4)

Laser Head Dimensions 410 x 177 x 112 mm (LxWxH)

Option 1: 535 x 230 x 196 mm (LxWxH)
Ice Bloc Dimensions
Option 2: 382 x 354 x 106 mm (LxWxH)

AC Power 90-132 VAC or 180-264 VAC, 800 W max.

Operating temperature: 16-30ºC
Environmental Maximum relative humidity: 80%
Laboratory use, vibration-damped optical table

Notes
1. Over time-scale: 50 µs
2. 𝟏 intensity (nominal at output port).
𝒆𝟐
3. Measured over 1 hour after 30 minutes warm-up time.
4. Measured from 10 Hz to 2 MHz.

Parameter Nominal Specifications – Ice Bloc

GENERAL
Mains input voltage 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 350 VA (typical power: 15 W)
Option 1: 535 x 230 x 196 mm (LxWxH)
Ice Bloc Dimensions
Option 2: 382 x 354 x 106 mm (LxWxH)
Operating temperature 0 °C to 40 °C
Storage temperature 0 °C to 85 °C
Relative humidity <90 % humidity, non-condensing
Indoor/outdoor use Indoor use only
Altitude <2000 m

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DIODE DRIVER
Output current range 0 - 50 A
Output compliance voltage
0.8 - 5 V
range
Maximum output power 250 W
Total output noise <0.02 % at 40 A
Current setting resolution 1 mA
Current accuracy ±2 %
Current temperature
50 ppm/°C
stability
TEMPERATURE
CONTROLLER
Output voltage per channel ±15 V
Output type Bi-directional, linear
Output current per channel ±1.2 A
Maximum output power
18 W
(both channels)
Temperature set point
0.001 °K - typical value, steady state
resolution
Temperature control
<1 mK
stability
Set point temperature
<5 ppm/°K
coefficient
Temperature set point
-20.15 °C to +79.85 °C
range
NTC thermistor range 10 kΩ - 100 kΩ
Extended thermistor range 1 kΩ - 1MΩ (slightly lower resolution)
PHOTODIODE
Input impedance 10 Ω (transimpedance)
Transimpedance gain range 80 V/A – 20 k V/A
Maximum safe input ±5 V (protected)
Input linear range ±10 mA
Input resolution:
 1064 monitor 24 bits
 808 launch
 808 through
 532 cavity
Input resolution:
16 bits
 Output PD
AUXILIARY I/O
Interlock:

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 Open circuit voltage 3.3 V

 Closed maximum
3 kΩ
resistance
 Maximum safe input
±10 V
voltage
Emission LED:
 Output voltage +5 V
 Current limiting
620 Ω
resistance
AUXILLIARY
Waveplate Motor drive
55V
peak voltage
Shutter drive voltage 12V
Shutter sense 5V logic
QEP 5V logic

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Indicators, Connections and Controls

Equinox Laser Head

Indicators

A white LED on the lid of the Equinox head switches on to indicate when the pump diode goes live
Image 1: White LED on the Equinox lid indicates the pump diode is live.

White LED

Connections

Image 2: Connections to the Equinox laser head.

Power supply Laser head

communications

Chiller
connection
“IN”

Chiller
connection
“OUT”

Controls

The laser head has a manually controlled shutter on the lid that must be closed to start the laser and opened
to allow laser emission. It must remain closed until the user interface indicates otherwise.

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Equinox Ice Bloc

Indicators

Power: Green LED indicates if the Ice Bloc is on or off. The LED is on if the Ice Bloc is turned on.
LAN: Green LED indicates the status of the LAN connection. The LED is on when there is a connection
detected.
Emission: Orange LED indicates whether there is any laser emission. The LED is on when the pump diode
is live.
Interlock: Green LED indicates the status of the interlock. The LED is on when the interlock circuit is closed.

Image 3.1: Front of the Hybrid Ice Bloc showing LED indicators.

Image 3.2: Front of the Single Ice Bloc showing LED indicators.

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Connections

Image 4.1: Hybrid Ice Bloc connections – Diode Driver.

Interlock Laser head communications Equinox head power supply

Image 4.2: Hybrid Ice Bloc connections – Temperature Controller.

Power
supply

Ethernet
connection
to laptop
Power
supply

Phoenix connections Ethernet connection

between Ice Blocs between Ice Blocs

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Image 4.3: Single Ice Bloc connections

Ethernet connection to laptop

Laser head
communications

Power Supply Interlock Equinox head power supply

Controls

To allow the Ice Blocs to operate the laser head, the operating keys need to be inserted and switched on.

Connections

The Ice Bloc has two connections to the laser head:

1. the orange Samtec cable provides laser head commmunications, and has connectors at both the Ice
Bloc end (Image 4.1 & 4.3) and at the laser head end (Image 2).
2. The power supply to the laser head is provided by the red and black Equinox head power supply
cables which cannot be disconnected from the Ice Bloc, and which are connected to the laser head
as shown in Image 2 through a single connector.
Other connections to the Ice Bloc are:
1. Power supply (mains electrical connection).
2. Ethernet connection to the lap-top (thus providing the Instrument Control by Ethernet, or ICE).
3. Interlock loop. This must be closed in order to activate the Equinox head power supply.

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Laptop and Software User Interface

The Equinox pump laser is controlled using software on the Ice Blocs which may be accessed using a laptop
via an ethernet connection. Upon laser installation, when the laptop has successfully connected to the Ice
Blocs, the user will see the ‘Home’ page on the web browser, as shown in Image 6.

Image 6: Ice Bloc ‘Home’ page seen when first connecting the laptop to the Ice Bloc.

The user will then have access to the ‘Control’ page, shown in Image 7. This allows the user to warm up/cool
down the laser, turn the laser on and off and select the desired output power from the laser.
The user can also see the operating information in the column on the left side of the screen.

Image 7: Ice Bloc ‘Control’ page where the user can operate the laser.

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Installation
The instructions below are for the safe installation and operation of the Equinox laser system and should be
followed in sequence:

Clean the optical bench and ensure there is enough space to place the Equinox laser head down.
Check the optical bench has been grounded using a grounding wire or equivalent.
In the following steps, be careful not to drop or jolt the system components in any way.
Carefully open up the crate containing the Equinox system and unpackage the components as listed in
the ‘Unpacking’ section above.
Place the Equinox laser head on the bench and align the head parallel to the holes.
Clamp the laser head to the bench using the L-clamps, screws and washers provided.
Place the chiller on the ground beneath the bench with a minimum of 15cm and a recommended 20cm
of appropriate space for ventilation next to the fans.
Fill the chiller with coolant as instructed by the chiller manufacturer.
Connect the chiller to a power supply using the kettle lead provided.
Cut the chiller hosing provided into two sections of an appropriate length to cause no strain between the
chiller and the laser head. Insert the chiller connections into the hosing. 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch connectors
are provided and each tube must have one of each connector inserted.
Attach a section of the hosing from the output of the chiller to the connection labelled ‘IN’ on the back of
the laser head (see image 2). The 1/8-inch connector is inserted into the laser head and the 1/4-inch
connector is inserted into the chiller. The connectors will click into place when inserted correctly.
Attach the other section of hosing from the chiller connection labelled ‘OUT’ on the back of the laser head
(see image 1) to the input of the chiller.
Make sure the chiller loop is closed before continuing.
Fill the chiller reservoir. One of the following two coolants MUST be used:
a. Koolance 702 Liquid Coolant UV Blue
b. Hydratech Coolflow IGE 25%

Note! Using any but the above specified coolants can lead to non-recoverable damage of the
Equinox laser head! Non-compliance will void the manufacturer warranty!

Turn the chiller on to the temperature specified in the final test sheet for the system you receive.
Check there are no bubbles in the tubing. Re-check the coolant level in the chiller as coolant is now
flowing through the previously empty plastic tubing. Top up the coolant to the correct level as necessary.

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Place the Ice Bloc (Hybrid or Single) on a flat surface, as shown in images 3.1 (Hybrid Ice Bloc) and 3.2
(Single Ice Bloc). Place them close to the optical bench so that there is no strain on the cabling that will
connect the Ice Blocs to the laser head. Connect the Ice Blocs to a power supply using the kettle leads
provided. Ensure that there is at least 15 cm space beside as well as behind the IceBlocs in order to
prevent obstruction of the air intake and exhaust.
Connect the ethernet cable and the phoenix connections from the DD-40 Ice Bloc to the TC-4 Ice Bloc
(see image 4.2).
If able, set up the external interlock connection using the interlock port on the back of the Ice Bloc (image
4.1 for Hybrid and image 4.3 for Single Ice Bloc).
Place the laptop close to the Ice Blocs and connect the laptop to a power supply.
Connect the ethernet cable to the back of the Ice Bloc (image 4.2 for Hybrid and image 4.3 for Single Ice
Bloc) and to the laptop.
Connect the orange Samtec cable to the Ice Bloc (image 4.1 for Hybrid and image 4.3 for Single Ice Bloc)
and to the back of the laser head (image 2). This provides laser head communications.
The power supply for the laser head is permanently connected at one end to the back of the DD-40 Ice
Bloc (black and red cables). Connect the other end of this cabling to the laser head (image 2). Keep` the
plug used to protect the connectors with the boxes the system was packed in.
Turn on the Ice Blocs using the control keys provided.
Turn on the laptop.
Open Google Chrome which has been pre-installed on the laptop.
Access the IP address indicated on the final test sheet which will allow user access to the Ice Blocs to
operate the laser.
Check that the power, LAN and interlock LEDs on the front panel of the Ice Bloc are green. This indicates
the Ice Blocs are on and successfully connected to the laptop.

Operating the Laser System

Turning on the laser

On the laptop, select the ‘Control’ page tab on the Ice Bloc web page.
Check the shutter on the laser head is closed.
Click the ‘warm up’ button on the page. This will take 30 minutes. A timer will show how long is left to go.
When the system has warmed up properly, all temperature indicators in the left panel should read “OK”
and the ‘START’ button should now be illuminated. Click this to turn the laser on. The laser will ramp up
in preparation for laser emission. The ramp time can vary slightly between different lasers. The indicator
on the right side of the “STOP” button shows the current state of the laser. Red means the system is
switched off, yellow shows the laser is in ramp-up phase, green indicates the laser is ramped up and

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ready to be used. Do NOT open the shutter before the indicator switches to green. For safety reasons,
this will immediately switch of the laser.
At this point, ensure safety goggles are worn and the area in front of the laser is clear of fire/safety
hazards. Place a power meter or beam block in the path of the output window.
Note that the default start up setting after the laser has gone through the warm-up procedure is idle, i.e.
minimum output even though the output power indicated in the field below the warm-up button might
indicate otherwise.
Open the shutter on top of the laser head.
The output power will be less than 100 mW of 532 nm emission at this point. The ‘power selection’ on
the software should now be illuminated allowing the user to input the power they wish to obtain from the
laser.
Select an output power by inputting a value in the ‘power selection’ field.
Clicking ‘0’ or entering 0 W into the ‘power selection’ field will reduce laser emission to the minimum
output power (less than 100 mW). The shutter may be opened/closed here safely without causing the
laser to switch off.

Important note: If the shutter is closed while the output power is non-zero, the laser diode current
immediately drops such that 532 nm emission immediately ceases for safety reasons and the laser will then
ramp down and switch off. The laser must go through the ramp-up process to resume 532 nm emission.
Important note: An immediate drop of current to the pump diode will have an adverse effect on its lifetime
and therefore will have an adverse effect on the lifetime of the Equinox laser.

Clicking ‘Restore’ will resume emission at the last user-inputted power.

Switching off the laser

To switch the laser off, press ‘STOP’ to ramp down the laser.
Wait until the power attenuator is in its “Idle” position (high pitched sound ceases) and the proceed to
close the shutter.
If the laser head needs to be moved or manipulated in any way, click ‘Cool down’ to allow the laser head
components to cool down properly. You should allow 30 minutes for the cool down process. Do not
move the laser head, unplug any component or cut power to any component until the full amount of
time has passed. A timer on the user interface indicates how much time remains for cool down.
Switch off the Ice Blocs using the keys.

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Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Danger! There are no user-serviceable parts inside the Equinox laser head. Operating your
system with any cover removed may expose the user to high voltages and/or laser radiation
hazards, risks contamination of optical surfaces, and will void your warranty.

Warning! Please refer to all information contained in all instruction manuals associated with
your system. Failure to follow all instructions in these manuals may cause safety hazards,
may damage your system, and will void your warranty.

The Equinox laser system contains no user-serviceable internal parts, and covers should never be removed
from any part of the system. If you experience difficulties with the normal operation of your laser system that
cannot be remedied by the procedures described in this manual, or other manuals that accompanied your
system, please contact M Squared Lasers or an authorized representative to correct the problem.

Recommended Maintenance Schedule

The Equinox laser system is an alignment- and maintenance-free device.

Troubleshooting Tips

Below is a check list to go through if laser emission fails when using the control page of the UI.

1. Is the interlock shorted on the Diode Driver Ice Bloc?

2. Are all temperatures within specified range, i.e. indicated as “OK” on the left pane of the control
page?
3. Are all the electrical connections connected to the Ice Blocs?
4. Are all Ethernet cables connected to the Ice Blocs and laptop?
5. Are both Ice Blocs switched ON?
6. Is the manual shutter on the laser head in the OPEN position?
7. Equinox may not operate to specification during the warm up period.

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Note! Please refer to all information contained in all instruction manuals associated with
your system. If, after consulting our manuals and reviewing the tips below, you find you are
unable to recover the specified performance of your system, please contact M Squared
Lasers or your authorized representative.

Customer Service
If you experience any difficulties with your laser system, require maintenance not described in this manual, require
repairs, or if you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact M Squared Lasers Ltd or your
authorized representative:

M Squared - Headquarters
1 Kelvin Campus
West of Scotland Science Park
Glasgow G20 0SP, UK
Tel: +44 (0)141 945 0500
Fax: +44 (0)141 945 0505
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.m2lasers.com

M Squared
14 East Bay Lane, The Press Centre, Here East,
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford,
London E15 2GW, UK

M Squared Life
The Surrey Technology Centre,
40 Occam Road, Guildford,
Surrey, GU2 7YG, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1483 502 003

M Squared Inc.
Cambridge Innovation Center,
1 Broadway, 14th Floor,
Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
Tel: +1 617 401 2368
Fax: +1 617 955 2914

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M Squared Inc.
3rd Floor, 228 Hamilton Avenue,
Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA
T: +1 650 798 5068
Distributors

Pulsepower Technology - China

Rm 17H, 89 Zhongguanchundong Rd,
Haidian District, 100080,
Beijing, P.R. China
Tel: +86 10 62565117
Fax: +86 10 62565117 11
E-mail: [email protected]

Ocean Photonics, Inc. – Japan

3-30-16, Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku,
Tokyo 169-0051, Japan
Tel: +81 3 6278 9470
Fax: +81 3 6278 9480
E-Mail: [email protected]

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