ALS-R User’s Manual

Amplified Spontaneous Emission Light Source

Caution: The user must read this manual before operating the ALS-R unit.
Operations other than those described in this manual may result in
personal injury and damage to the unit.

Note that any attempt to open or fix the equipment without prior
approval by Amonics Ltd. voids the warranty.

Ver. 3.0
August 8, 2007
Revision History

Version Date Summary

1.0 Apr. 27, 2005 Manual introduced.
2.0 Nov. 11, 2005 Change of address, troubleshoot section added.
3.0 Aug. 8, 2007 Menu configuration changed.

Copyright  2005-2007 by Amonics Ltd.

All rights reserved.

This document is copyrighted property of Amonics Ltd. It may not be used in whole
or in part for manufacture, sale, or design of items without the written permission of
Amonics Ltd.

Information herein is preliminary and subject to change without any notices.

 ALS-R User’s Manual Page iii of iii

Table of Contents

1. General Information___________________________________________________1
1.1 Introduction______________________________________________________________1
1.2 Product Overview_________________________________________________________1
1.3 Features__________________________________________________________________1
1.4 User Safety_______________________________________________________________1
2. Operation____________________________________________________________2
2.1 Introduction______________________________________________________________2
2.2 Initial Inspection__________________________________________________________2
2.3 Controls__________________________________________________________________3
2.4 Main Control Screen_______________________________________________________5
2.5 Operation Instructions_____________________________________________________7
2.6 Warning Messages_________________________________________________________8
2.7 PC Connection Mode_______________________________________________________8
3. Troubleshooting_______________________________________________________9
4. Service and Support___________________________________________________10
4.1 Warranty________________________________________________________________10
4.2 Service and Calibration____________________________________________________10
4.3 Care of Fiber-optic Connectors_______________________________________________11

Amonics Limited
Unit 101, 1/F, Winning Centre, 29 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2428 9723 Fax: (852) 2428 9704 Email: contact@amonics.com
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1. General Information

1.1 Introduction

This manual contains information on the installation and operation

of the ALS-R rackmount amplified spontaneous emission (ASE)
light source unit.

1.2 Product Overview

The ALS-R is an ultra-stable high gain optical amplifier unit

designed for applications requiring high optical power over a wide
wavelength spectrum. It is a self-contained, rack-mount unit
designed to supply the required spectral density across the
intended wavelength range. The C-band model covers the span
from 1528 to 1564 nm, while the C+L band model covers 1528 to
1603 nm. Both are ideal for the interrogation of fiber Bragg grating
sensors. The 1050 nm model covers the range from 1035 to 1075
nm, and is ideal for the characterization of 1060 nm fiber laser
systems.

1.3 Features

 High spectral density

 High spectral stability
 Low ripple and flat spectrum
 Low coherence
 Coverage of wide wavelength range

1.4 User Safety

1. The ALS-R unit emits high intensity invisible light from the optical
output receptacle. Avoid direct exposure to skin and eyes.

2. The equipment case is fully certified for EMS protection. The user
should never open the equipment case; any attempt will void the
warranty and may result in electric shock and EMS attack to
equipment in the vicinity.

Amonics Limited
Unit 101, 1/F, Winning Centre, 29 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2428 9723 Fax: (852) 2428 9704 Email: contact@amonics.com
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3. The user should avoid using any solvent or vaporizing chemical to

clean the equipment panel or case. It may result in damage to the
surface and internal circuits.

Amonics Limited
Unit 101, 1/F, Winning Centre, 29 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2428 9723 Fax: (852) 2428 9704 Email: contact@amonics.com
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2. Operation

2.1 Introduction

This chapter describes how to operate the ALS-R unit, and

discusses the location and function of the controls and connectors.

2.2 Initial Inspection

When you receive your ALS-R, verify that the following items are
included:

1. ALS-R rack-mount ASE source unit

2. User’s manual
3. RS232 serial direct cable
4. Control software manual
5. Control software CD package

Your ALS-R was carefully inspected before it left the manufacturer.

It should be in proper working order upon receipt. You should,
however, inspect the unit for any damage that may have occurred
in transit. If the shipping container or the packing material is
damaged, keep it until the contents of the shipment have been
checked to be free of mechanical and electrical damages. Notify
Amonics Ltd. promptly if any notable damage is found.

Amonics Limited
Unit 101, 1/F, Winning Centre, 29 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2428 9723 Fax: (852) 2428 9704 Email: contact@amonics.com
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2.3 Controls

ALS-R Front Panel

5 4 3 2
1

Feature Function

 Main Display The LCD display shows the control parameters, warning
messages and optical powers of the ALS unit.

 Power Indicator This indicator lights up when the power to the ALS unit has
been turned on.

 Knob Button The knob button allows the user to select and modify the
control parameters of the ALS unit. Turning the knob
clockwise moves the selection cursor down or increases
the selected parameter. Turning the knob counter-
clockwise moves the selection cursor up or decreases the
selected parameter. Pressing the knob selects and
deselects the highlighted control parameter for
modification. The ALS beeps once to acknowledge when
the knob is pressed.

 Warning These three indicators light up to warn when:

Indicators (1) Pump 1 is enabled and current is higher than 0 mA
(Pump 1 Enable).
(2) Any of the pump lasers has exceeded its temperature
limit (Over Temp.).

 Main Switch The key switch is front panel power switch for the unit. The
Main Switch on the rear panel has to be in the On position
for this switch to be operational.

Amonics Limited
Unit 101, 1/F, Winning Centre, 29 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2428 9723 Fax: (852) 2428 9704 Email: contact@amonics.com
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ALS-CL-R Rear Panel

1 5 2 3 4 6

Feature Function

 Optical These receptacles accept the indicated fiber-optic

Input/Output connector for optical input/output.
Receptacles

 Nameplate The nameplate records the equipment’s serial number.

 AC Power Socket The AC power socket is the input for the AC power source.
A three-pin standard power cord should be used to connect
this equipment to any 110 or 220 V main supply.

 Fuse Socket The fuse socket accepts a 5 x 20mm mini fuse. A Quick-
acting fuse should be used for maximum protection.

 RS232 Female For remote control and monitoring, the user can plug-in the
Socket RS232 direct cable provided, connecting the ALS unit to a
personal computer. For the control software, please refer to
the control software user guide.

 Main Switch The main switch is the master AC power switch for the unit
including the optical output.

An external optical isolator at specified wavelength should be used to protect

the ASE source from optical feedback and to improve stability

Amonics Limited
Unit 101, 1/F, Winning Centre, 29 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2428 9723 Fax: (852) 2428 9704 Email: contact@amonics.com
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2.4 Main Control Screen

Upon powering up the ALS unit, a logo lights up on the Main

Display for a few seconds while the unit initializes. After
initialization, the Main Control screen for pump laser 0 will appear.

The Main Control screen allows the user to control the Enable/
Disable status and driving current of the pump lasers and monitor
the output optical power of the unit. To switch between control of
the pump lasers, move the selection cursor to highlight the Laser
No. by turning the control knob button clockwise or counter-
clockwise and press the control knob button. (Note: Some models
have only one pump laser)

Parameter Description

Laser No. Identification number of selected pump laser. Numbering

starts from 0. (Note: Some models have only one pump
laser)

Status Enable/ Disable status of selected pump laser.

O/P Pwr Output power of the unit, value in mW unless otherwise

stated.

Drv Pump laser driving current in mA.

Within a page, all the parameters can be viewed by turning the

knob to scroll the page up or down. To change a parameter, turn
the knob until the flashing cursor is next to the parameter, then
press the knob button. Procedures for changing the parameters
are described below:

Amonics Limited
Unit 101, 1/F, Winning Centre, 29 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2428 9723 Fax: (852) 2428 9704 Email: contact@amonics.com
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Laser No. (Note: Some models have only one pump laser)

The displayed parameter values will correspond to the selected

pump laser. To select the pump laser to control:

1. Highlight the number after Laser No. parameter with the selection
cursor by turning the knob in the clockwise or counter-clockwise
direction.
2. Press select button once to select the next pump laser. The unit will
beep once in acknowledgement. The displayed parameter values will
now correspond to the selected pump laser.

Drv

1. Highlight the set of numbers after the Drv parameter with the
selection cursor by turning the knob in the clockwise or counter-
clockwise direction.
2. Press knob button once to select this parameter for editing. The unit
will beep once in acknowledgement
3. Turn the knob clockwise to increase the driving current to the
selected pump laser, increasing the optical output when the Status is
Enable.
4. Turn the knob counter-clockwise to decrease the driving current to
the selected pump laser, decreasing the optical output when the
Status is Enable.
5. Press knob button to exit from editing this parameter. The unit will
beep once in acknowledgement.

Status

When the Status is Disable, the selected pump laser is disabled.

Change the Status to Enable the selected pump laser as follows:

1. Highlight the Status parameter with the selection cursor by turning

the knob in the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.
2. Press knob button once to toggle the laser status. The unit will beep
once in acknowledgement.

Amonics Limited
Unit 101, 1/F, Winning Centre, 29 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2428 9723 Fax: (852) 2428 9704 Email: contact@amonics.com
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2.5 Operation Instructions

Start-up Procedure

1. Flip the main switch on the back to the On position to enable electrical
power to the unit.
2. Turn the main key switch clockwise to the On position to enable
electrical power to the unit. The power indicator will light up and the
LCD display will show a logo.
3. Wait for the LCD display to switch to the Main Control screen.
4. Select pump laser 0, change the Status to Enable, and then increase
the driving current Drv, for optical power.
5. Select pump laser 1, change the Status to Enable, and then increase
the driving current Drv, for more optical power. (Note: Some models
have only one pump laser)

Patchcord Swapping Procedure

1. Select pump laser 1, change the Status to Disable (Note: Some

models have only one pump laser).
2. Select pump laser 0, change the Status to Disable.
3. Swap patchcords as desired. Only connect the indicated connectorized
patchcords to the optical input/output receptacles.
4. Select pump laser 0, change the Status to Enable, for optical power.
5. Select pump laser 1, change the Status to Enable, for more optical
power.

Over-temperature Procedure

1. When the Temp Overheat warning appears the pump lasers and
optical output will shutdown automatically and the system will freeze
up.
2. Flip the main switch to the Off position.
3. Restart the unit using the Start-up Procedure described above.

Amonics Limited
Unit 101, 1/F, Winning Centre, 29 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2428 9723 Fax: (852) 2428 9704 Email: contact@amonics.com
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2.6 Warning Messages

There are two warning messages that may appear on the LCD
screen: Temp. WARNING and Temp. Overheat.

Temp. WARNING

When the pump laser temperature approaches the upper limit, the
Temp. WARNING message appears on the LCD screen to warn
the user. The system will continue to operate normally, as long as
the temperature does not go over the limit.

Temp. Overheat

The Temp. Overheat message appears on the LCD screen

when the pump laser temperature has exceeded the upper limit.
The pump lasers will shutdown immediately and the system will
freeze up. In such case, the unit should be switched off and
restarted.

2.7 PC Connection Mode

The unit begins the PC connection mode when the RS232 port is
connected to a PC and the control software is initialized. In this
mode there is no response to the controls on the front panel. The
user can only control the unit through the control software on the
PC. Once the software program stops execution, the unit will
return to local control. If the RS232 direct cable is disconnected,
the unit will automatically restore to local control.

For detailed software control, please refer to the software control

user guide.

Amonics Limited
Unit 101, 1/F, Winning Centre, 29 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2428 9723 Fax: (852) 2428 9704 Email: contact@amonics.com
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Amonics Limited
Unit 101, 1/F, Winning Centre, 29 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2428 9723 Fax: (852) 2428 9704 Email: contact@amonics.com
 ALS-R User’s Manual
3. Troubleshooting
Symptom
Optical output power not
high enough.
Main Display goes blank
Optical output power
unstable.
Unit does not power up.
Unit resets or blinks on
and off.
Amonics Limited
Unit 101, 1/F, Winning Centre, 29 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2428 9723 Fax: (852) 2428 9704 Email: contact@amonics.com
Page 11 of 11-
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Possible Cause and Solution
C: Pump laser driving current not turned all the way up.
S: Select set of numbers after the Drv parameter and increase
until the current stops changing.
C: Optical input/output connectors dirty.
S: Disable optical output and clean optical connectors.
C: Use of incorrect optical adapters or connectors.
S: Use only the indicated optical adapters and connectors. If
measurement instruments accept different connector type, then
use hybrid patchcords.
C: Optical output connector damaged.
S: Measure optical output power with power meter and compare
with readout on Main Display (option). Return to Amonics for
repair if the difference is high and cannot be corrected by cleaning
the optical connectors.
C: Static electrical discharge.
S: Wait 10 to 30 seconds for the display to refresh.
C: Insufficient ventilation.
S: Place unit in well ventilated area or supply additional fans for
ventilation.
C: Insufficient optical output isolation.
S: Connect isolator of corresponding wavelength to optical output
connector.
C: Blown fuse.
S: Check fuse and replace if it has blown.
C: Insufficient electrical voltage.
S: Check that the electrical supply is at least 110 VAC.
C: Power cord is loose.
S: Plug power cord is firmly into the unit.
C: Insufficient electrical voltage.
S: Check that the electrical supply is at least 110 VAC.
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4. Service and Support

4.1 Warranty

Amonics Ltd. guarantees its ALS unit is guaranteed to be free of

defects for 1 year from the date of shipment. This term includes a
12-month guarantee for the pump laser module and 24 months for
other electronics and mechanical parts. The guarantee does not
cover any damages resulting from the misuse or improper handling
of the equipment, or any incidental or consequential loss. Note
that the warranty will be void upon any attempt to open or to fix the
equipment by the user without prior approval of Amonics Ltd.

4.2 Service and Calibration

Your ALS unit has been designed to provide years of trouble-free

operation. No internal maintenance is required provided that the
equipment is properly handled, operated and kept away from
contamination. For any questions regarding the operation and
performance of the unit, please contact Amonics Ltd. at:

Amonics Ltd.
Unit 101, 1/F, Winning Centre,
29 Tai Yau Street,
San Po Kong, Kowloon
Hong Kong

Tel: (852)-2428 9723

Fax: (852)-2428 9704
Email: contact@amonics.com

Amonics Limited
Unit 101, 1/F, Winning Centre, 29 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2428 9723 Fax: (852) 2428 9704 Email: contact@amonics.com
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4.3 Care of Fiber-optic Connectors

Damage to fiber-optic connectors account for more than 70

percent of equipment performance degradation. To avoid such
damage, the user should follow the procedures below to keep the
connectors clean:

1. Clean the connector with optical tissue soaked with alcohol that
is at least 90% pure.
2. Clean the connector again with dry optical tissue.

Reasons:

1. Cleaning the connector with wet optical tissue removes dust

particles, oil and contaminants that may damage or blot the
surface of the optical fiber during connection.
2. Cleaning the connector with dry optical tissue removes residual
alcohol that may be ignited by optical emission.

Amonics Limited
Unit 101, 1/F, Winning Centre, 29 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2428 9723 Fax: (852) 2428 9704 Email: contact@amonics.com