THORLABS BNT001/IR User manual

BNT001/IR

Benchtop NanoTrak®

Controller

User Guide

Original Instructions

-1 HA0114T Rev 10 May 2019

Contents

Chapter 1 Overview ........................................................................................ 1

1.1 Description ............................................................................................. 1

1.2 Software ................................................................................................. 1

1.3 PC Software Overview ........................................................................... 2

1.3.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 2

1.3.2 Kinesis Server .................................................................................................... 2

1.3.3 Software Upgrades ............................................................................................. 3

Chapter 2 Safety ............................................................................................. 4

2.1 Safety Information .................................................................................. 4

2.2 General Warnings .................................................................................. 4

Chapter 3 Set Up And Operation .................................................................. 5

3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 5

3.2 Front Panel Controls and Indicators ...................................................... 6

3.3 Rear Panel Connections ........................................................................ 6

3.4 Detector Heads and Cables ................................................................... 7

3.5 Installing the Software ............................................................................ 8

3.6 System Setup ......................................................................................... 8

3.6.1 Initial Setup ......................................................................................................... 8

3.7 Manual Operation - NanoTrak .............................................................. 10

3.7.1 Description of GUI Panel Controls ................................................................... 10

3.8 Circle Position Window ......................................................................... 14

3.9 Settings Panel ...................................................................................... 15

3.9.1 Tracking tab ...................................................................................................... 15

3.9.2 Input/Output tab ................................................................................................ 18

3.9.3 Display tab ........................................................................................................ 21

3.9.4 HV Settings Tab ............................................................................................... 23

3.10 Programmed Operation - NanoTrak ..................................................... 24

3.10.1 A Typical Alignment using the NanoTrak ......................................................... 24

3.10.2 Using an External Power Meter ........................................................................ 25

3.10.3 Using Two NanoTraks in the Same System ..................................................... 26

continued...

NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller

Chapter 4 Installation and Maintenance .................................................... 28

4.1 Mechanical Installation ......................................................................... 28

4.1.1 Siting ................................................................................................................ 28

4.1.2 Environmental Conditions ................................................................................ 28

4.2 Electrical Installation ............................................................................. 29

4.2.1 Connecting To The Supply .............................................................................. 29

4.2.2 Bonding ............................................................................................................ 29

4.2.3 Electrical Connections ..................................................................................... 30

4.2.4 Fuses ............................................................................................................... 31

4.2.5 Rear Panel User I/O Connector ....................................................................... 32

4.2.6 .Rear Panel Piezo In Connector ...................................................................... 33

4.3 Preventive Maintenance ....................................................................... 34

4.3.1 Safety Testing .................................................................................................. 34

4.3.2 Cleaning ........................................................................................................... 34

Appendices

Appendix A Troubleshooting ...................................................................... 35

Appendix B Specifications and Associated Parts .................................... 36

Appendix C Principles of Operation ........................................................... 38

Appendix D Regulatory ............................................................................... 43

Appendix E Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ................................................ 45

Chapter 1 Overview

1.1 Description

The NanoTrak® Controller represents the latest developments in automated optical

alignment technology. Its space-saving design combines an active-feedback optical

alignment system and a two-channel piezoelectric controller in a single ergonomic

unit, allowing the user to align optical fibers and optimize the coupling of light into and

out of photonic devices.

Operator interaction is via an intuitive software interface and all connections are via

the rear panel, which improves cable management and reduces the risk of

entanglement or snagging.

1.2 Software

The controller is supplied with a full suite of software support tools. An intuitive

graphical instrument panel allows immediate control and visualization of the operation

of the NanoTrak controller, and any other controllers that are installed in the system.

See Section 1.3. for a full description of the software.

The unit operation is fully configurable (parameterized) with key settings exposed

through the associated graphical interface panel. Track or Latch operating modes can

be selected 'on the fly', and in both modes the display can be changed to show drive

voltage or position (in microns). In the closed loop operation mode, both the P & I

(proportional and integral) components of the feedback control loop can be altered to

adjust the servoloop response. For convenience and ease of use, adjustment of many

key parameters is possible through direct interaction with the graphical panel. Note

that all such settings and parameters are also accessible through the ActiveX

programmable interfaces which allow the user to build automated alignment routines.

See Section 1.3. for a full description of the Kinesis software.

The key innovation of the Thorlabs range of controllers and associated mechanical

products is the ease and speed with which complete automated alignment systems

can be engineered at both the hardware and software level. All controllers in the

range are equipped with USB connectivity. The 'multi-drop' USB bus allows multiple

units to be connected to a single controller PC using commerical USB hubs and

cables. When planning an alignment application, simply add up the number and type

of drive channels required and connect together the associated number of

controllers.

1.3 PC Software Overview

1.3.1 Introduction

The BNT001 NanoTrak controllers feature USB connectivity (allowing multiple units

to be used together on a single PC), fully featured Graphical User Interface (GUI)

panels, and extensive software function libraries for custom application development.

The Kinesis software suite provides a flexible and powerful PC based control system

both for users of the equipment, and software programmers aiming to automate its

operation.

The User Interface allows full control of all settings and operating modes enabling

complete ‘out-of-box’ operation without the need to develop any further custom

software. It provides all of the necessary system software services such as generation

of GUI panels, communications handling for multiple USB units, and logging of all

system activity to assist in hardware trouble shooting. The Kinesis server is also used

by software developers to allow the creation of advanced automated positioning

applications very rapidly and with great ease. The server is described in more detail

in the following section.

1.3.2 Kinesis Server

With the Kinesis system, .Net Controls are deployed to allow direct control over (and

also reflect the status of) the range of electronic controller units, including the Piezo

controller. Software applications that use .Net Controls are often referred to as 'client

applications'. A .Net Control is a language independent software component.

Consequently the controls can be incorporated into a wide range of software

development environments for use by client application developers. Development

environments supported include Visual Basic, Labview, Visual C++, C++ Builder,

HPVEE, Matlab, VB.NET, C#.NET

and, via VBA, Microsoft Office applications such as

Excel and Word.

Consider the control supplied for the BNT001 controller.

3 HA0114T Rev 10 May 2019

Chapter 1

This Control provides a complete user graphical instrument panel to allow the

NanoTrak unit to be manually operated, as well as a complete set of software

functions to allow all parameters to be set and NanoTrak operations to be automated

by a client application. The instrument panel reflects the current operating state of the

controller unit to which it is associated (e.g. such as relative power). Updates to the

panel take place automatically when a user (client) application is making software

calls into the same Control. For example, if a client application instructs the

associated NanoTrak Control to track the position of optimum power, progress is

monitored automatically by changing position of the circle on the graphical interface,

without the need for further programming intervention.

The Kinesis Controls collection provides a rich set of graphical user panels and

programmable interfaces allowing users and client application developers to interact

seamlessly with the Kinesis hardware. Each of the Kinesis controllers has an

associated .Net Control and these are described fully in the handbooks associated

with the controllers.

Fig. 1.1 System Architecture Diagram

Refer to the main Kinesis Software online help file, for a complete programmers

guide. This is available either by pressing the F1 key when running the Kinesis server,

or via the Start menu, Start\Programs\Thorlabs\Kinesis\Kinesis Help.

1.3.3 Software Upgrades

Thorlabs operate a policy of continuous product development and may issue software

upgrades as necessary.

NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller

Chapter 2 Safety

2.1 Safety Information

For the continuing safety of the operators of this equipment, and the protection of the

equipment itself, the operator should take note of the Warnings, Cautions, and

Notes throughout this handbook and, where visible, on the product itself.

The following safety symbols may be used throughout the handbook and on the

equipment itself.

2.2 General Warnings

Warning: Risk of Electrical Shock

Given when there is a risk of injury from electrical shock.

Warning

Given when there is a risk of injury to users.

Caution

Given when there is a risk of damage to the product.

Note

Clarification of an instruction or additional information.

Warning

If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the

protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. In particular, excessive

moisture may impair operation.

Spillage of fluid, such as sample solutions, should be avoided. If spillage does

occur, clean up immediately using absorbant tissue. Do not allow spilled fluid

to enter the internal mechanism.

Caution

If your PC becomes unresponsive (e.g due to an operating system problem,

entering a sleep state condition, or screen saver operation) for a prolonged

period, this will interrupt communication between the Kinesis Software and the

hardware, and a communications error may be generated. To minimize the

possibility of this happening it is strongly recommended that any such modes

that result in prolonged unresponsiveness be disabled before the software is

run. Please consult your system administrator or contact Thorlabs technical

support for more details.

5 HA0114T Rev 10 May 2019

Chapter 3

Chapter 3 Set Up And Operation

3.1 Introduction

The functionality required for a client application to control a number of NanoTrak

units is provided by the NanoTrak Control Object within the APT server, with manual

operation being facilitated via a GUI panel (see Section 3.7.1.). Instances of this

ActiveX control can be dragged from the toolbox in the development software.

Alternatively, the APT User utility allows multiple graphical instrument panels to be

displayed so that multiple APT units can be controlled. All basic operating parameters

can be set through this program, and all basic operations (such as setting circle

diameter) can be initiated.

The APT Software Server System has been designed to allow custom

nanopositioning applications to be developed in a Microsoft Windows environment.

The use of ActiveX interfacing technology means that programming of the unit can be

achieved in any compatible language (LabVIEW, Visual Basic etc.) without the need

for an extensive library of language-specific functions.

Using the methods and properties described in the APTServer helpfile, the APT

NanoTrak controller can be programmed as part of an automated alignment

application.

Note

Before using the NanoTrak, ensure that the fibers can be aligned manually using the

actuators on the positioning stage, and that the expected level of power can be

transmitted between them. Set the NanoTrak to Latch and the range control to Auto,

and observe the bar graphs on the front panel for an indication of power.

If the positioning stage incorporates stepper motor actuators, ensure that the motors

are disabled via the stepper motor controller GUI panel before performing any

manual adjustment.

NanoTrak Autoalignment Controller

3.2 Front Panel Controls and Indicators

Fig. 3.1 Front panel controls and indicators

Power LED – Indicates that power is applied to the unit.

Channel 1 and Channel 2 buttons – Used to enable/disable channel functionality.

The associated LED is lit when the channel is enabled. Disabling channels on

NanoTrak controllers sends their respective HV outputs to zero volts.

3.3 Rear Panel Connections

Fig. 3.2 Rear panel connections

Power

CHANNEL ENABLE

apt NanoTrak Controller

SIG INSIG OUT

OPTICAL/PIN I/P

PIEZO IN PIEZO IN

HV OUT HV OUT

USB

VERTICALHORIZONTAL

USER I/O

bonding point

LV OUT EXT IN LV OUT EXT IN TRIG. OUT TRIG. IN

POWER

100 - 240 VAC, 47 - 63 Hz, 250 VA

FUSES F1 and F2: T 3.15A, ANTISURGE CERAMIC

OPTICAL/PIN I/P - SMB connector – used to receive a signal from a PIN diode, as

incorporated in external detector heads.

FC/PC connector – for use with detectors NTA007 and

NTA009. Incorporates an internal detector and accepts a

connectorized fiber.

SIG IN (BNC connector) – 0 to 10V, 100k load. Used to receive a signal of optical

power from an external power meter. Can be set to ±1V, ±2V, ±5V or ±10V full scale

in the Settings panel (see Section 3.9.2.).

SIG OUT (BNC connector) – 0 to 10V, 2mA. Can be connected to an oscilloscope to

monitor the power signal received on the OPTICAL IN connection. Also used in dual

NanoTrak operation (see Section 3.10.3.).

HORIZONTAL Drive Channel

HV OUT (SMC connector) – 0 to 75V, 0 to 250mA. Provides the drive signal to the

piezo actuator.

EXT IN (+) and EXT IN (-) (BNC connector) – Used to control the position of the piezo

actuator from an external source. 0 to ±10V 100kload. Polarity is selected in the

Settings panel (see Section 3.9.2.) or in software by calling the appropriate function

(see Kinesis API helpfile). The difference between the two signals is amplified

internally before being routed to the HV OUT connector.

PIEZO IN – receives the signal from the position sensor (strain gauge) of the piezo

actuator to provide the feedback for the control loop - see Section 4.2.6.

VERTICAL Drive Channel – as Horizontal Drive Channel.

CONTROL I/O

LV CH1/TRIG. OUT and LV CH2/TRIG. IN (BNC connector) – 0 to +10V. These

outputs mirror the associated HV OUT, 10V being equivalent to 75V on the HV

outputs, and can be connected to an oscilloscope to enable the drive signal of the

piezo actuator to be monitored.

USER I/O- For use with digital, programmable I/O and serial ports - see Section 4.2.5.

COMMS – USB port for system communications.

Bonding point – used to electrically bond multiple units to eliminate circulating earth

(ground) currents. Do not connect to the main power supply ground.

3.4 Detector Heads and Cables

The OPTICAL/PIN I/P connector on the rear panel of the NanoTrak controller has

been designed to increase the interchangability of the optical input source. A range of

connectors are available which simply plug into the connector on the rear panel.

The BNT001/IR NanoTrak is supplied with an Infra Red InGaAs photodiode, and a

standard SMB connector for use with external detector heads which incorporate a PIN

(p-type/intrinsic/n-type) diode.

A visible spectrum Si photodiode (NTA009) is available separately.

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