THORLABS SA201 User manual

SA201, SA201-EC

Spectrum Analyzer Controller

Operating Manual

Spectrum Analyzer Controller

Page 1 Rev D, February 26, 2013

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Overview............................................................................ 3

1.1.1. Parts List......................................................................................3

1.1.2. Compatible Fabry-Perot Scanning Heads ...................................3

Chapter 2 Description........................................................................ 5

Chapter 3 Operation.........................................................................10

3.1. PD Blanking Circuit ...................................................... 10

3.2. Replacing the Fuse....................................................... 11

1.1.3. Cleaning.....................................................................................12

Chapter 4 Recommended Setup..................................................... 13

Chapter 5 Specifications .................................................................14

Chapter 2 Regulatory....................................................................... 17

Chapter 3 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts....................................... 18

SA201, SA201-EC Chapter 1: Overview

6679-D02 Page 2

Table of Figures

Figure 1: SA201 Front Panel Controls ............................................................... 5

Figure 2: Trigger Logic....................................................................................... 7

Figure 3: Saw tooth Waveform (left), Triangle Waveform (right)........................ 7

Figure 4: SA201 Rear Panel Connections ......................................................... 8

Figure 5: Recommended Setup Diagram ........................................................ 13

Spectrum Analyzer Controller

Page 3 Rev D, February 26, 2013

Chapter 1 Overview

The SA201 is specifically designed to control Thorlabs SA200 Series Fabry Perot

Interferometers. The controller generates a voltage ramp, which is used to scan

the separation between the two cavity mirrors. The controller provides

adjustment of the ramp voltage and scan time, allowing the user to choose the

scan range and speed. An offset control is provided to allow the spectrum

displayed on the oscilloscope to be shifted right or left. Another convenient

feature of the controller is a zoom capability that provides a 1X, 2X, 5X, 10X,

20X, 50X and 100X increase in the spectral display resolution. The output TTL

level trigger allows the user to externally trigger an oscilloscope on either the

beginning or midpoint of the ramp waveform.

The SA201 also includes a high precision photodetector amplifier circuit used to

monitor the transmission of the cavity. The amplifier provides an adjustable

transimpedance gain of 10K, 100K, and 1M V/A when driving a high impedance

load, such as an oscilloscope. Using the output sync signal from the controller,

an oscilloscope can be used to display the spectrum of the input laser. The

detector circuitry incorporates a blanking circuit, which disables the photodiode

response during the falling edge of the saw tooth waveform.

1.1.1. Parts List

Below is a list of all components shipped with the SA201 Spectrum Analyzer

Controller.

•SA201 Spectrum Analyzer Controller

•Operating Manual

•120 VAC US Power Supply Line Cord (with the SA201) or 230 VAC

Power Supply Line Cord for Europe (with the SA201-EC)

•125 mA Fuse for use at 230 VAC operation (250 mA fuse installed in

unit)

1.1.2. Compatible Fabry-Perot Scanning Heads

This product has been designed to be used with one of our SA200 or SA210

Series Scanning Fabry-Perot Interferometers. Below is a list of available heads.

Note this list is subject to change without notice. Please visit the website for the

most current information.

SA201, SA201-EC Chapter 1: Overview

6679-D02 Page 4

Item # Description

SA200-3B 350-535 nm, 1.5 GHz FSR

SA200-5B 535-820 nm, 1.5 GHz FSR

SA200-7A 780 - 930 nm, 1.5 GHz FSR

SA200-8B 820-1275 nm, 1.5 GHz FSR

SA200-9A 900 - 1100 nm, 1.5 GHz

FSR

SA200-12B 1275-2000 nm, 1.5 GHz

FSR

SA200-14A 1450 - 1625 nm, 1.5 GHz

FSR

SA200-18B 1800-2500 nm, 1.5 GHz

FSR

Item# Description

SA210-3B 350-535 nm, 10 GHz FSR

SA210-5A 525-650 nm, 10 GHz FSR

SA210-5B 535-820 nm, 10 GHz FSR

SA210-7A 780-930 nm, 10 GHz FSR

SA210-8B 820-1275 nm, 10 GHz FSR

SA210-9A 900-1100 nm, 10 GHz FSR

SA210-12A 1250-1400 nm, 10 GHz FSR

SA210-12B 1275-2000 nm, 10 GHz FSR

SA210-14A 1450-1625 nm, 10 GHz FSR

SA210-18B 1800-2500 nm, 10 GHz FSR

Spectrum Analyzer Controller

Page 5 Rev D, February 26, 2013

Chapter 2

Description

Figure 1 SA201 Front Panel Controls

Detector Gain Adjustment

The SA201 includes a built in photodiode amplifier circuit. This amplifier is

designed specifically to operate with the detector provided with the SA200 series

Fabry Perot Interferometer, allowing the user to monitor the transmission of the

cavity. While any photodetector may be connected to the amplifier the

specifications, listed in Section 1, apply only to detectors supplied with the SA200

series. The amplifier provides a transimpedance gain (current to voltage gain) of

10K, 100K, and 1M V/A while driving a Hi-Z load, such as an oscilloscope. For

better noise and performance characteristics it is recommended that a 50 W coax

cable with a 50 Ωterminating resistor be used. The Photodetector input and

output BNC’s are located on the rear panel.

DC Offset Control

The DC Offset provides a continuously adjustable offset voltage over the range

of 0 to 15 V using a 10-turn potentiometer. This offset adds directly to the ramp

signal. The DC offset control is used to adjust the waveform from left to right

across an oscilloscope viewing window, without affecting the calibration of the

cavity.

Detector Gain

DC Offset Control

Sweep Expansion

Waveform Control

Power Switch

Power On Indicator

Amplitude Control

Rise Time Trigger Output BNC

Output

SA201, SA201-EC Chapter 2: Description

6679-D02 Page 6

Sweep Expansion Control

The sweep expansion provides a zoom capability to increase the spectral display

resolution by a factor of 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x, 20x, 50x, and 100x. This is achieved by

scaling the ramp rise time to the sweep expansion.

Waveform Control

The SA201 allows the user to select between a saw-tooth and triangular

waveform. The saw-tooth waveform is desirable for most applications; however

the triangle waveform is useful for cavity alignment. The SA201 will default to the

saw-tooth waveform during the system power-up. To change the waveform,

simply press the ‘WAVEFORM SEL’ button. The selected waveform is indicated

by the illuminated symbol to the right of the waveform select button.

Power Switch

The power switch is used to toggle the unit on and off.

Power On Indicator

The power on LED will light when the unit is powered up.

Amplitude Control

The amplitude control allows the user to adjust the ramp amplitude from 1 to 30

V peak to peak using a 10-turn trim pot. Note, the ramp signal is added to the DC

offset. This means that when the offset is set to 0V, the ramp will start a 0V and

increase to the amplitude limit setting. The amplitude is used to determine how

far the mirror will be scanned, or to set the spectral range of the optical head.

Rise Time Control

The rise time control allows the user to continuously adjust the scan rate from

0.01 to 0.1 ms using a 10-turn trim pot. Note the rise time setting may be scaled

by the sweep expansion setting. For example: If the scan rate is set to 0.05 s and

the sweep expansion is adjusted from 1x to 100x then the scan rate will adjust to

5 s. The scaling error is typically less than ±0.5%, providing excellent

measurement capabilities.

Trigger Output BNC

This trigger output signal may be used to externally trigger the oscilloscope. The

trigger is capable of driving 50 Ωterminated cables, as well as Hi Z loads such

as oscilloscopes. The trigger will provide an edge on the beginning and middle of

the scanning ramp. See Figure 2 below.

Spectrum Analyzer Controller

Page 7 Rev D, February 26, 2013

Figure 2 Trigger Logic

Output BNC

The output BNC is used to drive the SA200 scanning piezos from 1 to 45 V. The

output is capable of driving 0.6 µF piezo loads at a ramp rate of 1 ms over the full

voltage range. The output current is internally limited to prevent damage to the

output drive. Note: the output performance specifications assume a Thorlabs

Fabry Perot Interferometer module is connected.

Figure 3 Saw tooth Waveform (left), Triangle Waveform (right)

SA201, SA201-EC Chapter 2: Description

6679-D02 Page 8

Figure 4 SA201 Rear Panel Connections

Ground Plug

This ground plug is for use as a general-purpose ground connection. It is

connected directly to the earth ground connection of the input power plug.

AC Input Connector

This is the line voltage input connection. IMPORTANT: The unit is configured for

100/115 VAC, 50 – 60 Hz from the factory. To operate at 230 VAC see page 11.

PD Amplifier Input BNC

This input BNC is used to interface the photodetector, provided with the SA200

scanning heads, to the amplifier circuit. The photodiode amplifier is configured to

operate with the Thorlabs supplied photo detectors; however it is possible to

operate user supplied photo detectors. To do so, the BNC center contact must be

connected to the photo detector cathode and the BNC shell must be connected

to the photodiode anode (unbiased operation). If a biased detector is to be used

the BNC shell must be connected to the bias ground and the bias voltage must

be negative for the circuit to operate properly.

PD Amplifier Output BNC

This BNC is the amplifier output and may be connected directly to an

oscilloscope to view the cavity spectrum. The amplifier gain will be set using the

front panel ‘DETECTOR’ control knob. The amplifier output includes a 50 Ω

series resistor to minimize noise when operating with a 50 Ωcoax cable. For best

Ground Plug

C Input Connecto

PD Amplifier Input BNC

PD Amplifier Output BNC

Voltage Selector

Spectrum Analyzer Controller

Page 9 Rev D, February 26, 2013

results, a 50 Ωload resistor is recommended at the oscilloscope. Note, the

amplifier gain will be halved with a 50 Ωload connected.

Voltage Selector Switch

The voltage selector switch allows the user to select the input line voltage. The

factory default setting is 100/115 VAC as shown in figure 4. To operate at 230

VAC, this switch will have to be moved to the 230 V position. The line fuse will

also need to be changed to properly protect the unit. See page 11 for detailed

instructions.

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