User Manual - ARCO L

University of Pècs – ARCO L
User’s manual
User’s Manual
Ultrafast laser system
ARCO L
AMPLITUDE
2-4 Rue du bois chaland
91090 LISSES – France
Amplitude (Billing – Facturation) / 11 avenue de Canteranne, Cité de la Photonique - Bâtiment MEROPA 33600 Pessac - France
Amplitude (Shipment - Livraison) / 2 – 4 Rue du Bois Chaland 91090 Lisses - France
Amplitude / société par actions simplifiée au capital de 100 005 euros / RCS Bordeaux 441 414 117 / TVA Intracommunautaire FR 12441414117 / APE : 2670Z
Tel: +33 (0)1 69 11 27 90 / Fax: +33 (0)1 64 97 58 17 / info@amplitude-laser.com / www.amplitude-laser.com
Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 5
Safety.............................................................................................................................................. 6
a. Laser light safety ....................................................................................................................... 6
b. Electrical safety ......................................................................................................................... 7
c. Information labels ..................................................................................................................... 8
d. Output interlock safety devices............................................................................................... 9
e. Input interlock safety devices ................................................................................................ 10
f. Certificates ............................................................................................................................... 11
System overview ......................................................................................................................... 12
a. CPA principle ........................................................................................................................... 12
b. System design ......................................................................................................................... 13
LASER 4.0 HE Control/Command ........................................................................................... 15
a. Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 15
b. Software architecture ............................................................................................................. 15
c. LASER 4.0 HE start up .......................................................................................................... 17
d. Instruments control ................................................................................................................. 19
i. Camera ................................................................................................................................. 19
Triggering devices ...................................................................................................................... 22
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 22
Genpulse .................................................................................................................................. 22
i. Presentation .......................................................................................................................... 22
ii. Main buttons ......................................................................................................................... 23
iii. Safety indicators .................................................................................................................... 24
Oscillator ...................................................................................................................................... 25
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 25
a. Mikan 800 ................................................................................................................................ 25
i. Overview................................................................................................................................ 25
ii. Warm up the Mikan 800 oscillator ........................................................................................ 26
iii. Mode-locking......................................................................................................................... 26
iv. Shut down ............................................................................................................................. 27
b. SMC Chiller.............................................................................................................................. 27
Pump lasers ................................................................................................................................. 28
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 28
b. INLITE II - Nd: YAG laser ...................................................................................................... 28
i. Overview .............................................................................................................................. 28
Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 2

ii. Warm up the INLITE pump laser ...................................................................................... 29
iii. Enable INLITE laser emission .......................................................................................... 31
iv. Shut down the INLITE pump laser ............................................................................... 31
c. POWERLITE 9050 - Nd: YAG laser .................................................................................... 32
i. Overview .............................................................................................................................. 32
ii. Warm up the POWERLITE pump laser ........................................................................... 32
iii. Enable POWERLITE laser emission ............................................................................... 35
iv. Shut down the POWERLITE pump laser .................................................................... 35
Modules ........................................................................................................................................ 36
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 36
Stretcher ................................................................................................................................... 36
i. Presentation ........................................................................................................................ 36
ii. Summary description ......................................................................................................... 36
c. Regenerative Amplifier (RGA) .............................................................................................. 38
i. Presentation ........................................................................................................................ 38
d. Amplifiers ................................................................................................................................. 41
i. Presentation ........................................................................................................................ 41
e. Compressor ............................................................................................................................. 42
Presentation ................................................................................................................................ 42
Summary description ................................................................................................................. 43
ON/OFF procedure ................................................................................................................. 45
Start the laser system ............................................................................................................ 45
Shut down the laser system .................................................................................................. 53
Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................... 55
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 55
Alignment tools........................................................................................................................ 55
i. Pinholes ................................................................................................................................. 55
ii. Keys ....................................................................................................................................... 56
iii. Removable Apertures ............................................................................................................ 56
Alignment optimization ........................................................................................................... 57
Cleaning optics........................................................................................................................ 58
Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 58
Required tools ............................................................................................................................. 59
Cleaning procedure .................................................................................................................... 59
e. RF Fault.................................................................................................................................... 60

f. Free running build-up time optimization .............................................................................. 61
g. Seeded build-up time optimization ....................................................................................... 61
Modules layouts ...................................................................................................................... 63
Stretcher ................................................................................................................................... 63
Regen/MP0 .............................................................................................................................. 63
MP1 Amplifier .......................................................................................................................... 64
Compressor ............................................................................................................................. 64
13. Contact us ................................................................................................................................ 65

Introduction
The purpose of this manual is to guide the user through the daily use of the
ARCO L ultrafast laser system provided by AMPLITUDE to University of Pècs, to
give some laser advice, and to assist in daily procedures in order to maintain the
laser performance and to help troubleshooting.
This document and the information contains are property of AMPLITUDE and
they shall not be reproduced, nor disclosed to any person without written consent
of AMPLITUDE.
If there is any problem during operation of the system, we offer a quick support
by email at cs-office@amplitude-technologies.com or by phone at +33 (0)1 69 11
27 90.
AMPLITUDE – LISSES
2-4 Rue du Bois Chaland
91029 EVRY – France
Phone : +33 (0)1 69 11 27 90

Fax : +33 (0)1 64 97 58 17

Safety
a. Laser light safety
Several laser beams are involved in the femtosecond amplifier system. Because
of their high intensity, the laser beams can cause serious injuries if safety precautions
are not followed. The laser source is a potential hazard to eyes, not only from direct or
specular reflection, but also from diffuse reflection. Damage to skin and fire hazards
may also be caused by this kind of source.
THIS EQUIPMENT USES VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE LASER

RADIATION. EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE TO DIRECT OR
SCATTERED RADIATION CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES.
The following is a partial list of precautions to follow when using high power class IV
pulsed lasers:
• When the laser system is in operation, all people within the laser room must
wear protective eye-wear adapted to the emitted radiation wavelength,
• Never look directly into the laser beam. Even after specular or diffuse reflections
a laser beam can cause serious injuries.
• Set up experiments so that the laser beam is either well above or well below
eye level.
• Set up a controlled access area for laser operation and post clearly visible
warning signs near the laser operation area.

• Block unused laser beams,
• Work with strong ambient light whenever possible,
• People working on the laser must avoid wearing reflective objects (wedding ring,
watch, etc...),
• The reflections of the laser beam are generally in the plane of incidence of the
laser and it is strongly recommended not to have the eyes in this plane.
• The interaction between a laser beam and certain classes of materials
(flammable, explosives or volatile solvents) may be a source of fire. Do not use
the laser in the presence of such materials.
b. Electrical safety
Some components used in the femtosecond amplifier system are supplied with
high voltage. These devices are protected with housings. Never remove the protective
covers of elements using high voltages. Only an authorized and qualified person can
manipulate these devices.
THE HIGH VOLTAGES USED BY THIS EQUIPMENT ARE SOURCES

OF SERIOUS HAZARDS. THESE HIGH VOLTAGES ARE PRESENT
EVEN WHEN THE LASER SYSTEM IS NOT BEING OPERATED.
Electrical safety label stickers are placed near sensitive components of the laser
system.

c. Information labels
Safety labels are located near sensitive components of the laser system. Please
make sure you have located these labels and rigorously follow the safety instructions.
Label 1 - Certification Label

This label gives you information about the model type and serial number of the laser
system. This label is located on a side panel of each laser bench.
Label 2 - Laser Hazard

The laser is enclosed in protective housing that prevents the emission of visible and
invisible radiation. Do not open or disconnect the cover interlock system in order to
avoid eye or skin exposure to visible and invisible laser radiation.
These labels are located on top covers of the protective housings:

d. Output interlock safety devices
The interlock safety is mainly used to help prevent the laser system from harming the
laser operator (e.g. by blocking the laser beam with shutters) or damaging itself (e.g.
if a pumped crystal is not cooled). This section enumerates the devices which could
generate interlock safety signal.
Cover safety interlocks

Cover safety interlocks generates an interlock when one of the protective housing lids
is removed.

Water flow sensor
Water flow sensors are located in the system to prevent any issue of
crystal/beamblocker cooling. If no water flow is detected, an interlock is generated. The
flow sensor is integrated in the SMC chiller.
Emergency button
A mushroom button can be pressed in case of emergency in order to generate an
interlock.
e. Input interlock safety devices
The following devices could change their state if an interlock is on.
Beam Shutter
Mechanical safety shutters (rotary, iris, etc.) are located inside amplifiers in order to
mechanically stop the IR emission in case of interlock. They also can be monitored
internally for alignment purpose.
Safety Pockels cells

In large dimensions amplifiers, non-return Pockels cells are located at their outputs. If
a related interlock is activated, the Pockels cell is disabled in order to forbid any beam
transmission into the next amplifier.
Synchronization racks
The synchronization racks are used to trigger all the equipment (e.g. pump lasers). If
an interlock is on, the related devices in the racks are switched off.

f. Certificates

System overview
a. CPA principle
This system is a Titanium-Sapphire laser based on the so-called "Chirped Pulse

Amplification" (CPA) technique. This technique consists of temporal stretching the
ultra-short pulse delivered by an oscillator (by a factor of 1000 to 10000), in order to
safely amplify the pulses in solid state materials. Stretching produces a “chirped” pulse.
After amplification, the laser pulse is temporally compressed back to duration as close
as possible to its initial value. After the compression stage, one should obtain in
principle a high intensity ultra-short pulse free of chirp (Figure 1 - CPA principle).
Oscillator Stretcher Amplifier Compressor
Figure 1 - CPA principle
Stretching and compression are usually achieved by means of dispersive

systems such as gratings. The principle of stretching is to create different optical paths
for each wavelength of the spectrum. Therefore, the wider the input spectrum is, the
longer the stretched pulse is (typically 30nm for a 30fs pulse).
Once stretched, the pulse can be amplified in several amplification stages. The
main limitation of the amplifying process is the optical components damage threshold
because very few solid state materials can stand the high energy density that is needed
to produce gain.
After amplification the pulse must be compressed back to its initial duration. A
compressor device based on a wavelength dispersion system similar to the stretcher
is used.
This compressor is theoretically able to compensate for any stretching introduced into
the pulse, but the gratings need to be aligned in order to compensate the dispersion
created by the amplification process.

b. System design
Every Amplitude laser system are designed as a modules chain. Each module
has a particular aim (stretching spectrally the pulse, amplifying the pulse energy, etc..).
The initial beam is coming from an oscillator, mode-locked laser with really low energy
at high repetition rate. This oscillator beam is going through each Amplitude module
as the schemes below:
Figure 2 – Laser block diagram

Figure 3 – Laser system overview

LASER 4.0 HE Control/Command
a. Introduction
The LASER 4.0 HE system is the central point to steer a large majority of equipment
(pump lasers and synchronization devices for example), and to display the cameras in
the laser chain. In this way, it is a very useful tool to optimize the alignment, and to
start up/switch off the laser chain.
If there is any question about the LASER 4.0 HE, please consult the related manual.
b. Software architecture
To guarantee proper real-time operations whatever the laser size and the number of
instruments, the instruments are logically grouped over several sessions/assemblies
called « blocks ». For example, when a user logs into the « Front-End » block from a
host PC, he accesses the instruments (cameras, pump lasers…) of the Front-End .

Figure 4 – Typical LASER 4.0 HE architecture
Below, you will find the distribution of the different instruments in the 4 different blocks
of the Control Command:

Instruments Bloc "Front-end"
NF STR OUT x
NF RGN x
NF MP0 OUT x
FF MP0 OUT x
NF MP1 OUT x
Caméras
FF MP1 OUT x
MP1 CRYSTAL x
NF INLITE x
NF PWLITE1 x
NF PWLITE2 x
Synchronization
Genpulse x
Rack
Inlite x
Lasers
Powerlite x
Motorized Mount MP0 x
Motors Motorized Mount MP1 x
Attenuator x
Figure 5 – Devices distribution for each LASER 4.0 HE block
c. LASER 4.0 HE start up
Start all PCs (host and embedded) and the screens.

The desktop displays one icon called « ElliOOs ». This is the name of the software.
Figure 6 – LASER 4.0 HE desktop

Click on this icon to make appear the login window below.
Figure 7 – LASER 4.0 HE login window
Choose the block you want to log into. Type « Amplitude » in the Login field, and leave
the « Password » field blank. Then single-click on « OK » to log in, and the software
home page is displayed (Figure 8):
• On the left, the list of managed instruments of the block

• In the upper right, there are two buttons:
o The first one for logging out and exiting the software
o The second one for going to another block

Figure 8 – Example of a standard page of the software
To manage an instrument, click on its name. The instrument window then appears.
d. Instruments control
i. Camera
When you click on the name of a camera in the list of instruments (Erreur ! Source du r
envoi introuvable.), a new window appears:
Figure 10 - Default window for a camera

The window displays:
- The beam in real-time (the last available image)
- A message representing the status of the camera

The upper-left button allows you to access all properties of the cameras
The properties are dispatched over 8 tabs (Figure ).

• Image properties
This tab allows you to choose: the integration time (in μs), the gain, the magnification
factor of the imaging system. Finally, a background option is available here, to remove
Figure 11 - Eight tabs to manage the cameras

the noise from the display, and therefore to have better display dynamics.
• Centroid and User cross
This tab is used to manage the centroid automatic detection, the elliptic fit and the user
cross-adjustment. Lastly, the tab allows you to adjust the user reference. Its purpose
is to save the position of the beam on the camera just after realignment.
• Pointing Stability
This tab is used to analyze the pointing angle stability for each Far Field camera of the
system.
• Profiles
This tab concerns the profiles display and the measure of the size of the beam, thanks
to these profiles. To get the right size values, the magnification factor of the imaging
system should first be adjusted in the “Image Properties” tab.

• Energy and Power
In this tab, the user can get a real-time display of the beam energy (or power)
estimation. Indeed, the sum of pixel values is proportional to the beam energy
(measured with a Joule-meter).
• Disk saving
This tab allows you to save the data measured by the camera:
- The whole image
- The vertical and horizontal profiles
- The pointing stability curve
- The energy/power stability curve
Figure 12 - Recording data from a camera

The data are saved in the following directory: /home/amplitude/Scarell
To access the data, open the file manager (currently “Dolphin” in OpenSuse).
The file manager automatically opens at: /home/amplitude directory. Go to “Scarell”
and you will find all the data.

Triggering devices
Introduction
The amplification process in a laser chain needs triggered devices as Pockels

cells or pump lasers for example, to run correctly. Triggering racks are designed for
this purpose, and allows the user to adjust window delays and width for example,
depending on which instrument has to be connected.
Genpulse
i. Presentation
The Genpulse module is an electronic device which controls four Pockels cells
involved in the amplifier system. It produces high voltage and the triggering signals for
the Pockels cells.
The Genpulse is also used to supply power to several photodiodes in the system
and to drive the front-end shutters. It also got three supplementary pairs of signals,
which can be used for triggering pump lasers or other devices in the Front-End.
The LASER 4.0 HE window of the Genpulse is in the Front-End block.
Please refer to the related manual for further information.
Figure 93 – Genpulse front panel

Figure 104 – Genpulse remote window in the LASER 4.0 HE
ii. Main buttons
• Interlock 1: status of the interlock input.
If the system is in fault state (the dry contact is open), this indicator is red and the high
voltage is disabled (mechanical action)
• RF indicator: Status of the RF input signal.
When the oscillator pulse train is missing or too low in power, the button turns red.
When the fault is corrected, this button needs to be clicked on to reset the “RF Fault”.
For each RF fault, the different synchronization Pockels cells are deactivated.
• Shutters (SEED, REGEN and AMPLI) : Mechanical shutters in the RGA
The green button indicates the shutter is open.

• SINGLE SHOT : trigger for a single shot beam
When the light is green, the single shot mode is activated. The parameters of the single
shot can be adjusted in the “Genpulse timing page” tab.
• Channels CH1 to CH4 : Pockels cells triggers
These buttons are used to activate the synchronization of the corresponding Pockels
cell by clicking. When the synchronization is active, the indicator becomes green.
• HV CH1/CH2 and HV CH1/CH4: High voltages signals
Activates the high voltage of the pair of the Pockels cells (CH1 with CH4, and CH2 with
CH3). Buttons are green when HV is on.
• Flashs / Pockels / Shutters signals
Triggers the signals Flashes, Q-Switches and Shutters for each device connected.
iii. Safety indicators
• RF indicator: Status of the RF input signal.
When the oscillator pulse train is missing or too low in power, the button turns red.
When the fault is corrected, this button needs to be clicked on to reset the “RF Fault”.
For each RF fault, the different synchronization Pockels cells are deactivated.
• LF indicator: Status of the LF input signal.
When the Genpulse is a slave of the synchronization chain, a low frequency signal is
necessary. When this signal is missing, the button turns red. When the fault is
corrected, this button needs to be clicked on to reset the “LF Fault”.
• Interlock: status of the interlock input.
If the system is in fault state (the dry contact is open), this indicator is red and the RF
and LF status are in default.
Indicator Device related

INTERLOCK Modules Cover and Water Flow
RF Fault The radiofrequency is coming from: Oscillator Mikan
LF Fault The low frequency is coming from: Genpulse

Oscillator
Introduction
The oscillator is the first brick of the laser system and provides broadband
spectrum at MHz repetition rate range.
b. Mikan 800
i. Overview
The Mikan 800 oscillator is the first piece of the laser chain. It is composed of a
power supply, a laser head, an Opus pump laser (from Laser Quantum) and a cooling
unit as illustrated below. The MHz repetition rate of this oscillator is the reference signal
(radiofrequency) to trigger all the devices in the laser chain.
Please refer to the related manual for any further question like tank filling or alignment
optimization procedure.
Figure 115 – Mikan 800 Oscillator

ii. Warm up the Mikan 800 oscillator
On the power supply of the Opus pump, turn the laser key to “ON” position
(horizontal). Then press the “Enable” button.
On the front panel of the Opus pump power supply, check that the power level
is set at nominal value (Set Power = 3150mW).
Wait 10 min
iii. Mode-locking
At this point, the laser beam coming out of the oscillator is in continuous-wave
(CW) operation.
Push the mode locking starter button to modelock:

iv. Shut down
Turn off the laser by turning the key to “OFF” position (vertical) on the front
panel of the Opus pump power supply
c. SMC Chiller
The SMC Chiller is a re-circulating chiller that controls the water temperature of
crystal mounts cooling circuit in amplifiers and in the oscillator. Please make sure that
this chiller is switched on before running any amplifier in the system. If this is the case,
the regulated temperature is displayed on the front SSD.
Figure 126 – SMC Chiller
Please refer to the chiller user manual for more information.

Pump lasers
Introduction
Pump lasers (diode or flashlamp designs) are used to transfer their energy into
the laser system crystals, in order to amplify the infrared beam. They can deliver few
millijoules up to tens of joules, depending on the requested level of amplification.
b. INLITE II - Nd: YAG laser

i. Overview
The INLITE is a pump laser which produces up to 75mJ @532nm at 50Hz. It is

composed of two major parts: the laser head and the power supplies (including a chiller
for watercooling in option).
Please refer to the related manual for any further question like tank filling.
Figure 17 – INLITE laser head with two types of power supplies

Figure 1813 – INLITE remote window on the CCM when the INLITE is running. The Voltage and
Shot Count is depending on your INLITE laser system.
ii. Warm up the INLITE pump laser
Open the main water flow.
On the power supply, make sure that the Breaker switch is “ON”.
Turn the switch key from “Standby” to “On” on the front panel of the power supply
(the cooling unit pump within the power supply should start automatically).
On the CCM, open the window of the INLITE and check that the error status is “OK”.

Make sure that the Control Interface Mode is INTERNAL to allow laser operation in
remote mode.
In the “State” field, change consecutively the laser state from STOP to STANDBY,
READY, then to EMISSION.
On the CCM, open the Genpulse window.
Turn on the Flashs INLITE
The INLITE pump laser is now flashing, without any laser emission.
Wait 30 minutes.

iii. Enable INLITE laser emission
Open the shutter on the INLITE window.
On the Genpulse, turn on the Pockels INLITE to trigger the INLITE Q-switch.
The INLITE pump laser is now emitting laser.
iv. Shut down the INLITE pump laser
Turn off Pockels INLITE and Flashs INLITE.
On the INLITE window, close the shutter and change the laser state from
EMISSION to STOP.
On the front panel of the power supply, turn the key OFF.
Close the main water flow.

c. POWERLITE 9050 - Nd: YAG laser
i. Overview
The POWERLITE pump laser consists of a single Q-Switch oscillator and two
amplifiers. It delivers up to 700mJ at 532nm (at 50 Hz) with a quasi-Top-hat spatial
mode with s-polarization.
The POWERLITE is composed with three major parts: the laser head, the power
supplies and the cooling unit.
Please refer to the related manual for any further question like tank filling.
Figure 19 – POWERLITE laser head and cabinet.
Figure 20 – POWERLITE remote window.
ii. Warm up the POWERLITE pump laser

Open the main water circuit.
Make sure that the Breaker switch is “ON”.

Turn the key from “Standby” to “On” on the front panel of the power supply.
The cooling unit pump within the power supply should start automatically.
On the CCM, open the window of the POWERLITE pump laser and check that
the error status is “ok”.
Make sure that the Control Interface Mode is INTERNAL to allow laser
operation in remote mode.
In the “State” field, change consecutively the laser state from STOP to
STANDBY, READY, then to EMISSION.

Open the shutter on the POWERLITE window.
On the CCM, open the Genpulse window
Turn on the Flash POWERLITE 1&2.
The Powerlite are flashing now, but there is no laser emission.

Wait 30 minutes

iii. Enable POWERLITE laser emission
On the Genpulse, turn on the Pockels POWERLITE 1&2 to trigger the

POWERLITE Q-switch.
iv. Shut down the POWERLITE pump laser
Turn off Pockels POWERLITE and Flash POWERLITE.
On the POWERLITE window, close the shutter and change the laser state from
EMISSION to STOP.
On the front panel of the power supply, turn the key OFF.
Close the main water flow.

Modules
Introduction
The laser system is designed as a chain of several modules. Each module has
its own usefullness (amplification, stretching, etc.) in order to fit with the laser
specifications.
Stretcher
i. Presentation
The stretcher is grating-based designed. It consists of an all-reflective triplet

combination of Öffner (one grating, one concave and one convex mirror), an isolator,
and some diagnostics.
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST NOT OPEN THE STRETCHER IF THE
REGEN IS SEEDED. DRAMATIC DAMAGES IN THE SYSTEM CAN
OCCUR!
Figure 21 – Typical stretcher top view

ii. Summary description
Overview
This module can be schematized as below:

Input infrared Output infrared
Offner triplet Isolator
beam beam
Diagnostics
STRETCHER
Figure 22 – Typical stretcher global schemes
Here is the description of the different parts of the Stretcher:
Module part Description

Used to stretch the pulse duration by chirping the spectrum.
Stretcher
Composed of:
• 1 grating
• 1 concave mirror

• 1 convex mirror
• 1 top reflector mirror
• 1 prism
Used to avoid any back reflections from the laser system
Isolator
Cameras:
Diagnostics
- NF STR OUT
c. Regenerative Amplifier (RGA)

i. Presentation
This module consists of two amplification stages: one regenerative amplifier producing
around 1 mJ stretched pulses, and one pre-amplifier at the bottom of the module.

Figure 23 – Typical RGA module

Overview
The RGA module can be schematized as below:
Figure 24 – Typical RGA global schemes

Detailed parts
Here is the description of the different parts of the RGA module:

Pump INLITE II (for the Regenerative amplifier pumping and the pre-
lasers amplifier pumping)
One Regenerative amplifier cavity with:
One Ti:Sa Brewster cut crystal which is pumped by the INLITE in order
to generate the gain in the Regenerative amplifier cavity.
Regen
cavity
One Pockels cell (CH2), used to seed the main pulse in the cavity and
a second Pockels cell (CH3) to extract the amplified pulse from the
cavity.
Pre-
One multipass amplifier with a flat-cut crystal, pumped with the INLITE:
amplifier

Cameras:
• NF RGN (imaging one regenerative amplifier cavity end mirror)
Diagnostics • NF INLITE
• NF MP0 OUT (imaging the last mirror of the MP0 amplifier)
• FF MP0 OUT (Far field imager of the MP0 amplifier)
Other
Motorized mirror for the NF and FF MP0 OUT
devices
d. Amplifiers
i. Presentation
After the beam has been stretched and amplified in the Front-end, several
amplifiers are used at the end of the laser chain in order to reach the requested energy.

Overview
The amplifier modules can be schematized as below:

Diagnostics Diagnostics
Input infrared Output infrared

Multi-pass Output devices
beam beam
Pump lasers Diagnostics
AMPLIFIER
Figure 25 – Typical amplifier global scheme
The Ti:Sa crystal from the different amplifiers are pumped with pump laser(s) in
order to amplify the infrared beam. These modules are including as well diagnostic
cameras to monitor laser beam profiles and pointing at various stages, and different
other devices at the output of each amplifier.
Detailed parts
Here is the description of the different parts of each amplifier module:

MP1 AMPLIFIER
Pump lasers POWERLITE 9050 - 50Hz
Multi-pass Multi-pass for the amplification of the infrared beam.
Cameras:
• NF PWLITE 1
• NF PWLITE 2
Diagnostics • CRYSTAL MP1
• NF MP1 OUT (imaging the last mirror of the amplifier)
• FF MP1 OUT (Far field imager of the amplifier)
Other devices • Motorized mirror for the NF MP1 OUT and FF MP1 OUT
e. Compressor
Presentation
The compressor is used to re-compress the stretched pulses after all the stages of
amplifiers. It will compensate the group delay dispersion introduced by the stretcher
and the amplifiers. Note that it is necessary to keep all the pulse information and
especially the entire spectrum to be able to re-compress correctly the pulses to near

Fourier transform limit pulse duration. This means that it is very important to transmit
the whole spectral bandwidth through each part of the system.
Figure 26 – Typical test compressor top view
Summary description
Overview
The test compressor module can be schematized as below:
Figure 27 – Typical compressor global scheme

Detailed parts

CPR 1kHz
Used to compress the stretched pulse, and to reach the right pulse
duration.
Compressor
Composed of:
• 1 small grating
• 1 large grating
• 1 top reflector
The pinholes in the compressor are the only way to align the beam
correctly in the test compressor because there is no diagnostic inside
Pinholes
this module.
Diagnostics No diagnostic

ON/OFF procedure
Start the laser system
Warm up
Warm up the Mikan 800 oscillator (See chapter 7.b.ii. )
Warm up the Inlite pump laser (See chapter 8.b.ii.)
Warm up the Powerlite pump laser (See chapter 8.c.ii.)
Front-End
Set transmission of the attenuator to 0% to protect the Compressor and

the OPA during starting process
Block beam @ outputs of the compressor (800nm output & OPA Output)
Mode-Locking of the Mikan 800 oscillator (See chapter 7.b.iii.)
Reset RF and LF status on Genpulse.

Switch on CH4 to trigger all cameras.
Open the camera NF STR OUT.

The beam normally has this shape:
If the beam is off the target, please refer to the troubleshooting part (alignment optimization).
Enable the INLITE beam which is pumping the Regen/MP0 module (See chapter 7.b.iii.)
Open the camera NF INLITE.

The beam normally has this shape and is centered on the cross:

On the Genpulse,
• activate the high voltage HV CH2/CH3
• switch on CH2 and
• open the REGEN SHUTTER on the GENPULSE.
On a scope, triggered by T2out signal from the GENPULSE, observe the REGEN
photodiode signal (on the side of the RGA module).

You may observe this on your scope:
Open the SEED shutter and activate CHANNEL 3 on the GENPULSE.
The main pulse is then extracted from the Regen cavity.

You may observe this on your scope:

If not, please refer to the troubleshooting part of the manual (alignment optimization).
Open the Ampli shutter.
When the shutter is open, the beam is sent to compressor outputs

Open the camera NF MP0 OUT and FF MP0 OUT.

NF MP0 OUT FF MP0 OUT
Activate
• Pointing Stabilization (Beam Stab NF MP0 OUT
• and Beam Stab FF MP0 OUT)
by clicking on Start button as shown below:
If the NF/FF MP0 OUT beam profile is lightly misaligned, after activation, the beam goes
automatically to the center of its reference cross.
Please wait until “aligned” stay stable
Amplifier MP1
Disable (close) the Ampli shutter.

Enable the Powerlite 1 and 2 beam (which is pumping the MP1 amplifier) by following the
respective procedure (See chapter 8.c.iii.).
Open the camera NF PWLITE 1 and NF PWLITE 2.

NF PWLITE 1 NF PWLITE 2
Enable the Ampli shutter.
When the shutter is open, the beam is sent to compressor outputs
Open the camera NF MP1 OUT and FF MP1 OUT.


NF MP1 OUT FF MP1 OUT
Activate Pointing Stabilization (Beam Stab NF MP1 OUT and Beam Stab FF MP1 OUT) by
clicking on Start button as shown below:
Please wait until “aligned” stay green and stable

Set the attenuator to required energy level.

Start up process finish
Shut down the laser system
Block beam @ outputs of the compressor (800nm output & OPA

Output)
Set transmission of the attenuator to 0% to protect the Compressor
and the OPA during starting process
ON GENPULSE Menu
• Close the AMPLI shutter,,
• Close SEED shutter
• Close Regen REGEN shutter.
Them
• Switch off CH3,
• Switch off CH2 on the GENPULSE.

Shut down all the equipment (oscillator and pump lasers) by following the respective
procedures.
- Powerlite pump laser (See chapter 8.c.iv.)
- Inlite pump laser (See chapter 8.b.iv.)
- Oscillator Mikan 800 (See chapter 7.b.iv.)
Switch off all the electronic devices of the system if needed.

Troubleshooting
In this section, some procedures are described in order to solve issues which
could occurred on the laser system or to optimize its performances. If there is any
problem during operation of the system, we offer a quick support by email at cs-
office@amplitude-technologies.com or by phone at +33 (0)1 69 11 27 90.
Introduction
The pointing of the input beam may change from day to day due to a re-
alignment or to a temperature variation of the room. In this case the beam direction
has to be re-adjusted in order to ensure system performances.
Alignment tools
Several alignment tools are provided with the laser system.
i. Pinholes
The pinholes (Figure 28Erreur ! Source du renvoi introuvable.) are available in
the laser modules in order to check and optimize the alignment. Compatible mounts
are set in strategic places in the modules to plug pinholes in them. Depending on the
beam energy, it may be helpful to use an infrared viewer.
Figure 28 – Different pinholes and pinholes’ support

ii. Keys
Hex keys (Figure 29) are dispatched in the laser chain modules. They can be
used to adjust mirror mounts in order to fit the beam in the target on the different CCM
cameras or in the pinholes.
Figure 29 – Hex keys
Warning! Two different hex keys sizes are used in the laser chain: size 2 and size 3.
Make sure you are using the correct key.
iii. Removable Apertures

Two sets of specific apertures are supplied with the system. First pair is necessary to
verify and optimize the alignment of the input beam in the stretcher. Second set is used
during the optimization of the compressor.
Figure 11-1 – Stretcher (on the left) and compressor (on the right) removable apertures.

Alignment optimization
A lot of mirrors mounts are used in the laser system but only a few of them have to be
adjusted for power optimization.
During the optimization of the infrared beam alignment, it is strongly recommended to
stop the pump beams.
In this part, we assume that the mirrors of the multi-pass amplifier do not have to be
re-adjusted and only the input and output mirrors need to be used to correct the
misalignment.
In the below table, we report the principal mirrors which can be needed to be
adjusted per module. The Mount number is referred in the chapter 12 – Modules
Layouts.
Module Mount number Mount Camera Name & Comment

Alignment Tools
M0 manually NF STR OUT
Aperture AP1
M1 manually AP2
STRETCHER M2 manually Oscilloscope Oscillator pulse
train amplitude
M3 manually Oscilloscope Seeded pulse
train
MP1 manually NF INLITE
MP2 manually Oscilloscope Pulse train
REGEN/MP0 M3 motorized NF MP0 OUT
M4 motorized FF MP0 OUT
M1 motorized NF MP1 OUT
MP1 M2 motorized FF MP1 OUT
CPR 50 Hz M1 manually AP1
M3 manually AP2
In each block part, the motorized mirror allows to use active stabilization on beam
pointing and positioning. However, laser beam needs to be visualized on the CCM
camera.
If the beam is off the target, adjust with the motorized mirror using “New focus” (present
in the CCM control):

Then activate the motorization loop permit to compensate a little misalignment
automatically.
Cleaning optics
Introduction
In the laser system, the optical elements are submitted to significant energy densities.
Pollutants might contaminate the optics and create hot spots. These hot spots degrade
the quality of the optical surfaces and coatings which may result in reduced laser
efficiency. For this reason, it may be recommended to clean mirrors, even if it is rarely
required. This operation should only be performed if power loss or mode deterioration
is observed.

THIS OPERATION SHOULD ONLY BE PERFORMED IF POWER LOSS
OR MODE DETERIORATION IS OBSERVED!
Required tools
• Protective/latex gloves
• Optical cleaning paper (Kodak, Fisher…)
• Acetone
• Surgical tweezers
Cleaning procedure
At first, try to remove the dust with a blower bulb. Be really careful not to touch the
optical surface with the tool. If the optic component is still dirty, proceed with the
following procedure.
1. Correctly clean your hands or wear clean protective gloves.

2. Fold up the optical cleaning paper several times to obtain a little “cushion” of
similar diameter to the optical element. Do not touch the cleaning surface of
the optical paper.
3. Humidify the cleaning paper with acetone.
4. Gently drag the paper over the surface to be cleaned.
5. If it is necessary to repeat the operation, take another piece of cleaning paper
(never use the same cleaning paper twice).
FOR THE STRETCHER AND COMPRESSOR MODULES, DO NOT
TOUCH THE SURFACE OF THE GRATING. THEY ARE VERY
FRAGILE, EXPENSIVE AND CANNOT BE CLEANED.

e. RF Fault
• Make sure with a spectrometer that the oscillator is mode-locked (broadband

spectrum) without any CW breakthrough.
4500
4000
3500
Intensity (a.u.)
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
630 680 730 780 830 880
Wavelength (mn)
4500
4000
3500
Intensity (a.u.)
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
630 680 730 780 830 880
Wavelength (mn)
4500
4000
3500
Intensity (a.u.)
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
630 680 730 780 830 880
Wavelength (mn)
Figure 30 - Typical spectra obtained at the output of the oscillator

(a) Spectrum in CW setting.
(b) Spectrum in mode- locking setting with a CW breakthrough.
(c) Spectrum when the laser is mode-locked without any CW breakthrough.
• Check the power at the output of the oscillator, which have to be close to the
tests report provided with the oscillator.

f. Free running build-up time optimization
The main criteria for the optimization of the regenerative cavity alignment is the pulse
build-up time (i.e. the delay between trigger of the second Pockels cell (CH2 of the
GENPULSE) and the maximum of the pulse train):
1- Open the shutter REGEN (while shutter SEED is closed) on the GENPULSE,
activate Pockels CH3 to observe the unseeded build-up time in the
Regenerative amplifier.
2- Reduce the pulse build-up time as much as possible by slightly adjusting the
pump mirror (MP2), in order to recover with the specified free running build-up
time.
Figure 30 - (a) represents a pump laser misalignment (longer buildup time),

(b) Pump laser well aligned with right build-up time (shorter)
3- The beam profile must be round on the CCM camera NF RGN.
g. Seeded build-up time optimization
In this chapter, the regenerative amplifier is assumed to have the correct free running
build-up time. If this is not the case, refer to the previous chapter.
1- When the nanosecond cavity is optimized, proceed with seeding the cavity by
opening the shutter SEED on the GENPULSE.
2- Make a beam walking with the two mirrors M1 and M2 of the seed beam (see
Regen amplifier layout), in order to reduce the seeded build-up time.

Figure 32 - On the left picture, typical build-up time needs to be optimized (longer than expected). On
the right picture, the seeded build-up time is better optimized (shorter delay).
Note: Delays presented here are arbitrary.

Modules layouts
In this section, the layouts of each module below are illustrated in order to
facilitate the communication with the customer service. For example, the customer may
surround the spare part needed on the layout, and join it in a mail at cs-
office@amplitude-technologies.com.
Stretcher
Regen/MP0

MP1 Amplifier
Compressor

13. Contact us
North America Scientific Europe Scientific Asia Scientific Sales

Operation Center Operation Center Office
Amplitude Shanghai Laser

Continuum Inc. Amplitude Technology Company LTD
140 Baytech Drive 2-4 rue du Bois-Chaland Unit A, 7 Floor, Building 1,

San Jose, CA 95134 CE2926 Lisses Lujiazui Software Park
USA 91029 Evry CEDEX Eshan Road 91, Pudong
Tel: + 1 408.727.3240 FRANCE District,
Toll-free within USA Tel : +33 (0) 1 69 11 27 90 Shanghai 200127,
+1 888.532.1064 Fax : +33 (0) 1 64 97 58 17 CHINA
Fax: +1 408.727.3550 Phone: +86 21 5892 1813
www.continuumlasers.com info@amplitude-technologies.com info.china@amplitude-
laser.com
North America Industrial Europe Industrial Asia Industrial Sales

Sales Office Operation Center Office
Amplitude Laser Amplitude Systemes Amplitude Systemes
50 Milk Street 11 avenue de Canteranne 6F, 41 Dongsing Road,

Boston, MA 02142 Cité de la Photonique Sinyi District,Taipei 11070
USA 33600 Pessac TAIWAN
Tel: + 1 617.401.2195 FRANCE Tel. +886-9-83956805
Fax: +1 617.401.3757 Tel : +33 (0) 5 56 46 40 60
Fax : +33 (0) 5 56 46 06 94
info@amplitude-laser.com

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University of Pècs – ARCO L

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 2

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 3

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 4

Phone : +33 (0)1 69 11 27 90

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 5

THIS EQUIPMENT USES VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE LASER

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 6

THE HIGH VOLTAGES USED BY THIS EQUIPMENT ARE SOURCES

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 7

Label 1 - Certification Label

Label 2 - Laser Hazard

These labels are located on top covers of the protective housings:

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 8

Cover safety interlocks

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 9

e. Input interlock safety devices

The following devices could change their state if an interlock is on.

Safety Pockels cells

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 10

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 11

This system is a Titanium-Sapphire laser based on the so-called "Chirped Pulse

Oscillator Stretcher Amplifier Compressor

Figure 1 - CPA principle

Stretching and compression are usually achieved by means of dispersive

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 12

Figure 2 – Laser block diagram

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 13

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 14

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 15

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 16

c. LASER 4.0 HE start up

Start all PCs (host and embedded) and the screens.

Figure 6 – LASER 4.0 HE desktop

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 17

Figure 7 – LASER 4.0 HE login window

• On the left, the list of managed instruments of the block

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 18

Figure 10 - Default window for a camera

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 19

The properties are dispatched over 8 tabs (Figure ).

Figure 11 - Eight tabs to manage the cameras

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 20

Figure 12 - Recording data from a camera

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 21

The amplification process in a laser chain needs triggered devices as Pockels

The LASER 4.0 HE window of the Genpulse is in the Front-End block.

Please refer to the related manual for further information.

Figure 93 – Genpulse front panel

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 22

ii. Main buttons

• Interlock 1: status of the interlock input.

• RF indicator: Status of the RF input signal.

• Shutters (SEED, REGEN and AMPLI) : Mechanical shutters in the RGA

The green button indicates the shutter is open.

Confidential and Proprietary - Amplitude Laser Group 23

• Channels CH1 to CH4 : Pockels cells triggers

• HV CH1/CH2 and HV CH1/CH4: High voltages signals

• Flashs / Pockels / Shutters signals

iii. Safety indicators

• RF indicator: Status of the RF input signal.

• LF indicator: Status of the LF input signal.

• Interlock: status of the interlock input.

Indicator Device related