ILX Lightwave OMM-6810B User Manual

User’s Guide

Optical Power and Wavelength Meter

OMM-6810B

ILX Lightwave Corporation · 31950 Frontage Road · Bozeman, MT, U.S.A. 59715 · U.S. & Canada: 1-800-459-9459 · International Inquiries: 406-556-2481 · Fax [phone]

ilx.custhelp.com · www.ilxlightwave.com

70034103 January 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS



TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Information and the Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

General Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

Safety Marking Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

Comments, Suggestions, and Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix

Chapter 1 Introduction and Specifications

Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Available Options and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Chapter 2 Installation and Operation

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

AC Power Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Tilt-Foot Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Rack Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Power-Up Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Front Panel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

General Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Left Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Right Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Bargraph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Buttons/Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

01_10 OMM-6810B i



TABLE OF CONTENTS

Local Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

GPIB Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Power Autoranging/Manual Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Power Up / Down Arrow Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Wavelength Automatic / Manual Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Setting the Wavelength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Wavelength Store l Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Wavelength Recall l Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

WAVELENGTH Left/Right/Up/Down Arrow Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

User Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Zeroing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Power Display Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Wavelength Display Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Delta Power Display Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Delta Lambda Display Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

View Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Brightness Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Zoom Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Rate Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Hold Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Error Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Rear Panel Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

AC Power Entry Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

GPIB Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Optical Measurement Head Input Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Analog Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

General Operating Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Warm-up and Environmental Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Other Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Chapter 3 GPIB/IEEE 488.2 Remote Operation

Preparation for GPIB Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

GPIB Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

GPIB Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

ANSI/IEEE-488.2 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Syntax Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

<white space> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

<nrf value> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25



ii OMM-6810B

TABLE OF CONTENTS

<suffix unit> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

<PROGRAM MESSAGE TERMINATOR> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

<PROGRAM MESSAGE UNIT SEPARATOR> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

<PROGRAM HEADER SEPARATOR> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

<compound command program header> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

<PROGRAM DATA> (Parameters) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

<ARBITRARY BLOCK PROGRAM DATA> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

<PROGRAM DATA SEPARATORS> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Power-On Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Default Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Getting Started with GPIB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Overview of the OMM-6810B Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Using Commands with Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Substitute Parameter Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Multiple Parameter Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Queries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Terminators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Common Commands and Queries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Advanced Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Status Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Device Dependent Event and Condition Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Operation Complete Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Command Timing and Completion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Input Buffer and Output Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Remote Interface Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Interface Function Subsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Remote Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Non-Supported Remote Interface Mess ag e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Chapter 4 Command Reference

Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Commands and Queries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Substitute Parameter Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

01_10 OMM-6810B iii



TABLE OF CONTENTS

Compound Command Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Common Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

OMM-6810B Device-Dependent Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Command Paths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

OMM-6810B Device-Command Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Programming Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Chapter 5 Maintenance

Calibration Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Recommended Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Warm-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Resetting the Factory Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Line Voltage Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Chapter 6 Troubleshooting

Hardware Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

GPIB Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Appendix A Error Messages

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Appendix B Quick Start Guide

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Power and/or Wavelength Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113



iv OMM-6810B

SAFETY AND WARRANTY INFORMATION

WARNING

The Safety and Warranty Information section provides details about cautionary
symbols used in the manual, safety markings used on the instrument, and
information about the Warranty including Customer Service contact information.

Safety Information and the Manual

Throughout this manual, you will see the words Caution and Warning indicating
potentially dangerous or hazardous situations which, if not avoided, could result in
death, serious or minor injury, or damage to the product. Specifically:

Caution indicates a potentially hazardous situation which can result in minor or
moderate injury or damage to the product or equipment.

Warning indicates a potentially dangerous situation which can result in serious injury or
death.

Visible and/or invisible laser radiation. Avoid direct exposure to the beam.

General Safety Considerations

If any of the following conditions exist, or are even suspected, do not use the
instrument until safe operation can be verified by trained service personnel:

• Visible damage

• Severe transport stress

• Prolonged storage under adverse conditions

• Failure to perform intended measurements or functions

If necessary, return the instrument to ILX Lightwave, or authorized local ILX
Lightwave distributor, for service or repair to ensure that safety features are
maintained (see the contact information on page ix).

All instruments returned to ILX Lightwave are required to have a Return
Authorization Number assigned by an official representative of ILX Lightwave
Corporation. See Returning an Instrument on page vii for more information.

OMM-6810B v



SAFETY SYMBOLS

or
(I)

or

(O)

SAFETY SYMBOLS

This section describes the safety symbols and classifications.
Technical specifications including electrical ratings and weight are included within

the manual. See the Table of Contents to locate the specifications and other
product information. The following classifications are standard across all ILX
Lightwave products:

• Indoor use only

• Ordinary Protection: This product is NOT protected against the harmful ingress of moisture.

• Class I Equipment (grounded type)

• Mains supply voltage fluctuations are not to exceed ±10% of the nominal supply voltage.

• Pollution Degree II

• Installation (overvoltage) Category II for transient overvoltages

• Maximum Relative Humidity: <80% RH, non-condensing

• Operating temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C

• Storage and transportation temperature of –40 °C to 70 °C

• Maximum altitude: 3000 m (9843 ft.)

• This equipment is suitable for continuous operation.

Safety Marking Symbols

This section provides a description of the safety marking symbols that appear on
the instrument. These symbols provide information about potentially dangerous
situations which can result in death, injury, or damage to the instrument and other
components.

Caution,
refer to
manual

Caution, risk
of electric
shock

On: In position of a bistable push control.
The slash (I) only denotes that mains are on.

Earth
ground
Te r mi n a l

Protective
Conductor
Te r mi n a l

Alternating
current

Caution, hot
surface

Off: Out position of a bistable push control.
The circle (O) only denotes that mains are off.

Visible and/or
invisible laser
radiation

Frame or
chassis
Te r mi n a l

vi OMM-6810B



WARRANTY

ILX LIGHTWAVE CORPORATION warrants this instrument to be free from
defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from date of
shipment. During the warranty period, ILX will repair or replace the unit, at our
option, without charge.

Limitations

This warranty does not apply to fuses, lamps, defects caused by abuse,
modifications, or to use of the product for which it was not intended.

This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including any
implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. ILX
Lightwave Corporation shall not be liable for any incidental, special, or
consequential damages.

WAR RAN TY

If a problem occurs, please contact ILX Lightwave Corporation with the
instrument's serial number, and thoroughly describe the nature of the problem.

Returning an Instrument

If an instrument is to be shipped to ILX Lightwave for repair or service, be sure to:

1 Obtain a Return Authorization number (RA) from ILX Customer Service.
2 Attach a tag to the instrument identifying the owner and indicating the required service or

repair. Include the instrument serial number from the rear panel of the instrument.

3 Attach the anti-static protective caps that were shipped with the instrument and place the

instrument in a protective anti-static bag.

4 Place the instrument in the original packing container with at least 3 inches (7.5 cm) of

compressible packaging material. Shipping damage is not covered by this warranty.

5 Secure the packing box with fiber reinforced strapping tape or metal bands.
6 Send the instrument, transportation pre-paid, to ILX Lightwave. Clearly write the return

authorization number on the outside of the box and on the shipping paperwork. ILX
Lightwave recommends you insure the shipment.

If the original shipping container is not available, place your instrument in a
container with at least 3 inches (7.5 cm) of compressible packaging material on all
sides.

Repairs are made and the instrument returned transportation pre-paid. Repairs
are warranted for the remainder of the original warranty or for 90 days, whichever
is greater.

01_10 OMM-6810B vii



WAR RAN TY

Claims for Shipping Damage

When you receive the instrument, inspect it immediately for any damage or
shortages on the packing list. If the instrument is damaged, file a claim with the
carrier. The factory will supply you with a quotation for estimated costs of repair.
You must negotiate and settle with the carrier for the amount of damage.

viii OMM-6810B



WAR RAN TY

Comments, Suggestions, and Problems

To ensure that you get the most out of your ILX Lightwave product, we ask that
you direct any product operation or service related questions or comments to ILX
Lightwave Customer Support. You may contact us in whatever way is most
convenient:

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [phone] or [phone]

Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [phone]

On the web at: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ilx.custhelp.com

Or mail to:
ILX Lightwave Corporation

P. O. Box 6310
Bozeman, Montana, U.S.A 59771
www.ilxlightwave.com

When you contact us, please have the following information:

Model Number:

Serial Number:

End-user Name:

Company:

Phone:

Fax:

Description of what is

connected to the ILX

Lightwave instrument:

Description of the problem:

If ILX Lightwave determines that a return to the factory is necessary, you are
issued a Return Authorization (RA) number. Please mark this number on the
outside of the shipping box.

You or your shipping service are responsible for any shipping damage when
returning the instrument to ILX Lightwave; ILX recommends you insure the
shipment. If the original shipping container is not available, place your instrument

01_10 OMM-6810B ix



WAR RAN TY

in a container with at least 3 inches (7.5 cm) of compressible packaging material
on all sides.

We look forward to serving you even better in the future!

x OMM-6810B



CHAPTER 1



INTRODUCTION AND SPECIFICATIONS

This manual contains operation and maintenance information for the OMM-6810B
Optical Power and Wavelength Meter . If you want to get st arted immediately , read
Appendix B, Quick Start, first. Chapter 2 contains a detailed reference for control
of the 6810B front panel. Use Chapters 3 and 4 as a guide for controlling the
instrument remotely via the IEEE-448 bus (GPIB).

Information specific to each unique Optical Measurement Head (OMH) is provided
in that instrument's Instruction Manual. The data provided in this document is
particular to the OMM-6810B only.

Product Overview

The OMM-6810B Optical Power and Wavelength Meter is a microprocessor
controlled instrument capable of measuring and displaying optical power and
wavelength simultaneously . Specifically designed to interface with a variety of ILX
Lightwave measurement heads, the OMM-6810B is for general laboratory optical
power and wavelength measurements of laser diodes and other laser sources.
This instrument can also be integrated with other equipment via the GPIB/IEEE-

488.2 interface.
Easy mounting, quick setup and alignment, and a two meter cable make the ILX

Lightwave measurement heads easy to integrate into an experiment.
Measurement performance and overall accuracy is dependent upon which Optical
Measurement Head is used in conjunction with the 6810B. All measurement
heads are calibrated to NIST traceable standards to ensure accuracy.

Safety Considerations

The high brightness, sometimes invisible light output of laser diodes and other
laser sources poses a definite eye hazard. Direct viewing of the laser output can
produce retinal or corneal damage. Absorption of the laser light by the eye
causes localized heating and denaturing of tissue proteins. The ANSI publication

OMM-6810B 1



CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION AND SPECIFICATIONS

Product Overview

Z-136.1, "The Safe Use of Lasers", lists Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE)
levels for direct, or intrabeam viewing of laser beams. From the MPE levels, a
"hazard zone" may be computed for a particular laser and exposure time.

For more information concerning laser and laser diode safety, contact the Center
for Devices and Radiological Health or ILX Lightwave.

Refer Servicing to only to qualified, authorized personnel.

2 OMM-6810B



INTRODUCTION AND SPECIFICATIONS

Product Overview

Available Options and Accessories

Options and accessories available with the OMM-610B include the following:

Description Model Number

CHAPTER 1

Silicon PowerHead
(1W Power Measurement, 400 - 1100 nm)

InGaAs Power Head
(100 mW Power Measurement; 800 - 1600 nm)

Silicon Power / WaveHead
(1W Power and Wavelength Measurement, 400 - 1100 nm)

InGaAs Power / WaveHead
(1W Power and Wavelength Measurement, 950 - 1650 nm)

Silicon Power / WaveHead
(1W Power and Wavelength Measurement, 350 - 530 nm)

Silicon Power / WaveHead
(1W Power and Wavelength Measurement, 830 -1100 nm)

Silicon Power / WaveHead
(10 W Power and Wavelength Measurement, 830 - 1100 nm)

InGaAs Power / WaveHead
(10W Power and Wavelength Measurement, 1200 - 1650 nm)

Head Mounting Kit MK-650
DIN Adapter (6709B, 6745B) AO226
FC Adapter (6703B, 6708B, 6722B, 6727B) AO271
ST Adapter (6703B, 6708B, 6722B, 6727B) AO272
SC Adapter (6703B, 6708B, 6722B, 6727B) AO273

OMH-6703B

OMH-6708B

OMH-6722B

OMH-6727B

OMH-6732B

OMH-6780B

OMH-6790B

OMH-6795B

DIN Adapter (6703B, 6708B, 6722B, 6727B) AO276
FC Adapter (6780B, 6790B, 6795B) CA-100
SC Adapter (6780B, 6790B, 6795B) CA-150
LC Adapter (6780B, 6790B, 6795B) CA-20001
Bare Firber Adapter Ring (6780B, 6790B, 6795B) CA-120
Bare Fiber Adapter Ring

(6703B, 6780B, 6722B, 6727B, 6709B, 6745B)
Dual Rack Mounting Kit RM-123
Single Rack Mounting Kit RM-125

01_10 OMM-6810B 3

AO120



CHAPTER 1

Specifications

Electrical performance and general specifications for the OMM-6810B are listed
below. The electro-optic performance specs can be found in the instruction
manual for each optical measurement head. All electrical parameters are
measured at 25

Multimeter Electrical Specifications
Input Specifications

Gain Ranges 0 to 7 (10 mA, 1 mA, 100 A, 10 A, 1 A, 100 nA,

Accuracy < +0.2% of full scale, all ranges
Linearity +
Noise Floor < 1 pA
Temperature Coefficient < 500 ppm / oC
Stability

Input Bandwidth

INTRODUCTION AND SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications

o

C.

Short Term (10 minutes)
Long Term (24 hours)

Fast
Medium
Slow

10 nA, 1 nA)

0.1%

<100 ppm
<500 ppm

60 Hz
10 Hz
1 Hz

Display Update Period

Fast
Medium
Slow

Analog Output Specifications

Analog Output An uncalibrated voltage output representing the

Voltage 0 to 10 volts
Bandwidth 60 Hz (Gain ranges 0 - 5)

Display Specifications
Left Display (Power Display)

Type 6 digit, 7 segment green LED
Units - Linear Power

Units - Log Power

60 msec (1 sample)
240 msec (4 samples)
960 msec (16 samples)

measured power as a percent of full scale within the
selected gain range

30 Hz (Gain range 6)
5 Hz (Gain range 7)

pW, nW, W, mW, W
dBm, dB

4 OMM-6810B



INTRODUCTION AND SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications

CHAPTER 1

Range - Linear Power
Range - Log Power

Resolution (Slow Update Rate)
Linear Power
Log Power

Resolution (Medium and Fast Update Rate)
Linear Power
Log Power

Right Display (Wavelength Display)

Type 5 digit, 7 segment green LED
Units - Wavelength nm, cm
Range - Wavelength 190 to 30,000 nm, 52632 to 333 cm
Resolution - Wavelength 0.1 nm, 0.1 cm
Bargraph 16 segment green LED representing the percent of

Zoom Performs a x10 function on the bargraph display
Brightness 5 settings incrementally spaced from darkest to

General Specifications

Connectors
Analog Output

GPIB Connector
OMH Connector

GPIB Meets ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.1 - 1987

0.000 pW to 999.99 W

-99.999 to 99.999 dBm / dB

0.001 pW

0.001 dB

0.01 pW

0.01 dB

-1

-1

-1

full scale power within the selected gain range

brightest

BNC, Female
IEEE 488.1 - 1987 Standard
26 pin High-Density sub-D

Meets ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.2 - 1987
SH1, AH1, T6, L4, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT0, C0,

E1; all functions remotely controllable except for
power on and the GPIB address

Power (50 to 60 Hz) 100 V, +

Operating Temperature 10
Storage Temperature -40
Humidity < 85% RH, non-condensing
Overall Dimensions (H x W x D) 89mm x 217mm x 313mm
Weight < 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs)
Warm-up 1 hour

1. Antistatic covers are included on all connectors. These covers should remain in place when the instrument is not in use to prevent a
static discharge from damaging the instrument.

01_10 OMM-6810B 5

10%
120 V, +
220 V, +
230-240 V, +

10%

10%

o

C to 40oC

o

C to +70oC

10%



CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION AND SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications

Our goal is to make the best laser diode instrumentation available anywhere. To
achieve this, we need your ideas and comments on ways we can improve out
products. We invite you to contact us at any time with your suggestions.

6 OMM-6810B



CHAPTER 2



INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

This chapter describes how to install, adjust, and operate the OMM-6810B. It is
divided into five sections covering installation, power-up, front panel and rear
panel controls, and general operation.

Appendix B, Quick Start, is intended for users who wish to begin operation
immediately. It contains the minimum amount of information required to safely
operate the instrument.

Installation

AC Power Considerations

The device can be configured to operate at nominal line voltages of 100, 120, 220,
or 240 VAC. This configuration is normally done at the factory and need not be
changed before operating the instrument. Ensure the voltage printed on the back
panel of the instrument matches the power-line voltage in your area. Refer to
Chapter 6, Maintenance, should it be necessary to reconfigure the input AC
voltage range.

To avoid electrical shock hazard, connect the instrument to a properly earth grounded,
three prong receptacle only. Failure to observe this precaution can result in severe injury
or death.

Tilt-Foot Adjustment

The instrument has front legs that extend to make it easier to view the display.
Place the OMM-6810B on a stable base and rotate the feet downward until they
lock into position.

OMM-6810B 7



CHAPTER 2

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

Power-Up Sequence

Rack Mounting

The OMM-6810B may be rack mounted by installing a rack mount fla nge on e ach
side of the enclosure. Detailed installation instructions are included with the rack
mount kit. Refer to Chapter 1 for applicable rack mount accessory part numbers.

Power-Up Sequence

Connect the instrument to an AC power source. Press the POWER switch to
supply power to the device and start the power-up sequence.

The power-up sequence takes about six seconds. Initially, all LEDs and
enunciators are illuminated and the seven-segment displays denote "8". Then, all
LEDs and the displays are turned off while the microprocessor executes a device
self-test. Should the self test fail, error message E-720 is displayed. The device
then loads personality and calibration data from the measurement head. The
OMH model number is shown on the left display and the firmware version is
shown on the right display. If an error occurs while loading data, message E-711
is displayed. If a incompatible head is connected, E-713 is displayed. If a
measurement head is not connected both displays show "------" until a head is
attached. Refer Appendix A for a detailed explanation of error messages.

POWER ONLY HEADS POWER AND

POWER AUTO ON ON
ATTN OFF Not Used
AUTO WAVE OFF ON
USER CAL OFF OFF
ZERO OFF OFF
ZOOM OFF OFF
BRIGHTNESS BRIGHTEST BRIGHTEST
RATE MEDIUM MEDIUM
LEFT DISPLAY P (lin) P (lin)
RIGHT DISPLAY

Table 2.1 OMM-6810B Default Settings

(nm) (nm)

WAVELENGTH HEADS

8 OMM-6810B



INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

Front Panel Controls

Front Panel Controls

The OMM-6810B is intuitively operated from the front panel keypad, indicator
LEDs and dual displays. The front panel will change form slightly depending upon
the measurement head attached to the instrument. A drawing of the front panel is
shown in Figure 2.1.

Key words pertaining to instrument functions are shown in bold type for easy
identification. Each function is described below.

CHAPTER 2

General Functions

The POWER switch is used to supply AC Power to the 6810B. At power-up, the
instrument is configured to the same state that was present when the power was
last turned off. Immediately after power-up the personality and calibration data is
downloaded from the measurement head. The ZERO,
functions are always disabled at power-up.

Do not attach or remove optical measurement heads while power is applied to the
multimeter. Please turn the power switch when changing heads.

ΔP, Δand ZOOM

Left Display

The left display consists of six digits used to display power measurements. The
power may be displayed in linear units (pW, nW, W, mW, W) or logarithmic units
(dBm). Relative power measurements may also be shown on the left display in
linear (

01_10 OMM-6810B 9

ΔP) or log (dB) formats.

Figure 2.1 OMM-6810B Front Panel



CHAPTER 2

Right Display

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

Front Panel Controls

The right display consists of five digits used to display wavelength. The
wavelength may be displayed in nanometers (nm) or wavenumbers (cm
Relative wavelength (
a measurement head is attached that only measures power the right display is
frozen with the wavelength used to determine detector responsivity.

Δ) may be shown on the right display in either units. When

-1

).

Bargraph

The bargraph consists of 16 LED indicators, each representing 7% of the full scale
power within the selected gain range. The indicators on the end of the bargraph
are always illuminated to provide 0% and 100% reference points. The ZOOM
button forces the bargraph into a mode that is ten times more sensitive. In zoom
mode, the end points of the bargraph flash.

Buttons/Indicators

Each of the front panel functions is now described in detail. The OMM-6810B
forms a basis for different optical measurements depending on which Optical
Measurement Head is attached. Functions may change form slightly or be
disabled depending upon which measurement head is attached to the instrument.
If a disabled button is pressed E-715 will appear on the right display. The keypad
is backlighted for viewing in a dark environment.

Local Control

The LOCAL button is used when GPIB operations are
implemented. When the 6810B is in REMOTE, the LED above the
LOCAL button is illuminated and all front panel controls except
LOCAL are disabled. Press LOCAL to return the device to local
control, thus, re-enabling the front panel.

If the Local Lockout state has been activated by the host computer even the
LOCAL button is disabled. In this case, the host computer must deactivate Local
Lockout before front panel control can be restored.

When the unit is in LOCAL mode, press the LOCAL button to display the GPIB
address on the left display (i.e. " -01- "). The address is displayed for three
seconds or until the LOCAL button is pressed again.

10 OMM-6810B



INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

Front Panel Controls

CHAPTER 2

Remote Control

When the OMM-6810B is addressed by a host computer the LED indicator above
the LOCAL button is illuminated and the front panel is disabled from manual
control. Press LOCAL to return to LOCAL (front panel) control.

GPIB Address

When the unit is in LOCAL mode, pressing the LOCAL switch causes the GPIB
address to be displayed. The GPIB address may be changed by the following
procedure.

• Press and release the LOCAL button. If the current GPIB address is not shown on the left
display, press and release LOCAL again.

• Use the POWER UP or DOWN arrow keys to select the desired GPIB address. The usable
range is 0 to 30.

• In three seconds the new address is stored and the display retu rns to standard
measurements.

Power Autoranging/Manual Control

Press the POWER AUTO button to toggle the unit between
automatic and manual gain ranging. If the LED above the POWER
AUTO button is lighted the unit is in autoranging mode where the
instrument automatically selects the electrical gain range. In
autoranging, the 6810B automatically chooses the power units
(pW, nW, W, mW or W).

In manual gain control, the POWER UP and DOWN arrow buttons are used to
select one of eight electrical gain ranges. The magnitude of the gain change is
evident by viewing the display. Use the POWER UP/DOWN buttons to increase
and decrease the gain. The linear power units and position of the decimal point
are appropriately chosen, but frozen, for that gain range. If the POWER UP or
DOWN arrow buttons are pressed and the normal "click" is not heard, then the
maximum (or minimum) gain range has been reached.

If the POWER UP or DOWN buttons are pressed while the POWER AUTO
indicator is lighted, the 6810B is forced into manual gain control.

If switching from autoranging to manual gain control, the OMM-6810B continues
to meausure wavelength until the gain range is changed.

01_10 OMM-6810B 11



CHAPTER 2

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

Front Panel Controls

Power Up / Down Arrow Buttons

The Power UP and DOWN arrow buttons are multifunctional. The
functions are listed below.

• Manually changing the electrical gain range.

• Setting the GPIB address.

• Setting the power during the User Calibration.

Wavelength Automatic / Manual Control

Press the WAVELENGTH AUTO button to toggle the instrument
between automatic wavelength measurements and manual
wavelength settings. If the LED above the WAVELENGTH AUTO
button is illuminated the instrument is measuring the wavelength of
the source and automatically setting the correct detector
responsivity for power measurements. The WAVELENGTH AUTO
mode is locked out on power only measurement heads.

If the LED above the WAVELENGTH AUTO button is not illuminated the
instrument is in manual wavelength mode where the WAVELENGTH LEFT,
RIGHT, UP and DOWN arrow buttons are used to manually set the wavelength of
the source being measured.

Setting the Wavelength

In manual wavelength mode, it is important to program the
6810B with the wavelength of the laser being measured so
the correct calibration factors are used to compute power.
Use the following procedure to set the wavelength via the
front panel.

• Use the LEFT and RIGHT arrow buttons to select the digit on the WAVELENGTH display
that will be controlled by the WAVELENGTH UP and DOWN arrow buttons. The selected
digit will flash.

• Use the WAVELENGTH UP and DOWN arrow buttons to increment or decrement the
selected digit. If no buttons are pressed in three seconds, the displayed wavelength will be
locked in and the digit will stop flashing.

• Commonly used wavelengths may be stored or retrieved by using the WAVELENGTH
BLUE SHIFT, STORE

, 1 , 2 , 3, and 4 buttons as described in this chapter.

12 OMM-6810B



Wavelength Store Control

Four unique wavelengths can be stored in the 6810B for
recall later. This feature is useful to switch quickly between
commonly used wavelengths instead of programming the
wavelength into the 6810B every time it is used. Use the
procedure below to save up to four wavelengths.

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

Front Panel Controls

CHAPTER 2

• Program the desired wavelength into the OMM-6810B using the procedure described in
section 2.4.5.8.

• Press the WAVELENGTH BLUE SHIFT button. The LED above the SHIFT button will be
illuminated. The alternate functions for the WAVELENGTH AUTO, LEFT, RIGHT, UP and
DOWN buttons are now utilized.

• Press the WAVELENGTH STORE button. The indicator above the WAVELENGTH AUTO
button will begin to flash.

• Press one of the four channel buttons ( 1, 2, 3, 4). The WAVELENGTH SHIFT and
STORE indicators extinguish and the wavelength is stored.

• Repeat this procedure to store additional wavelength channels.

Wavelength Recall  Control

One of the four saved wavelength channels can be recalled
to the front panel wavelength display using the following
instructions. This feature is useful to switch quickly between
commonly used wavelengths.

• Press the WAVELENGTH BLUE SHIFT button. The LED above the SHIFT button will be
illuminated. The alternate functions for the WAVELENGTH AUTO, LEFT, RIGHT, UP and
DOWN buttons are now utilized.

• Press one of the four channel buttons ( 1, 2, 3, 4) to recall the desired wavelength to
the front panel. The unit remains in the SHIFT mode (the WAVELENGTH SHIFT indicator
remains on) to allow rapid switching between wavelengths by simply pressing one of the
channel buttons (

• Press the WAVELENGTH BLUE SHIFT button to exit the SHIFT mode.

01_10 OMM-6810B 13

1, 2, 3, 4).



CHAPTER 2

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

Front Panel Controls

WAVELENGTH Left/Right/Up/Down Arrow Switches

The WAVELENGTH UP, DOWN, LEFT and RIGHT arrow
buttons are multifunctional. The functions are listed below
along with reference paragraphs for each.

• Changing the wavelength setting for power calibration.

• Setting the wavelength in the User Calibration.

• Storing or retrieving up to four selectable wavelengths.

User Calibration

It is possible to calibrate the OMM-6810B with any Optical
Measurement Head using a laser source of known
wavelength and/or power. Pressing the CAL USER button
toggles the instrument in and out of the User Calibration
mode. When the LED above the CAL USER button is
illuminated, the instrument employs the user defined
calibration which has been stored in the Optical
Measurement Head. Pressing the CAL USER button when
the CAL USER LED is on causes the instrument to revert to
factory calibration. Pressing the CAL SET button while the
LED above the CAL USER button is on initiates a user
calibration procedure.

14 OMM-6810B



The POWER UP and DOWN buttons and the WAVELENGTH LEFT, RIGHT, UP
and DOWN buttons are used in connection with the CAL USER and SET buttons
during a user calibration procedure. The calibration procedure is described in
Chapter 6 of the Instruction Manual for each optical measurement head.

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

Front Panel Controls

CHAPTER 2

Zeroing

The ZERO function is used to remove the effects that
ambient light has on the power and/or wavelength
measurement. Pressing the DISPLAY ZERO button when
the LED above the DISPLAY ZERO button is not on starts
the zeroing process. While zeroing, the "0" digit walks
across both displays and the LED above the ZERO button
flashes. The LED above the DISPLAY ZERO button
remains on after the zeroing process is completed. Pressing
DISPLAY ZERO when the LED above the button is
illuminated disables the effects of the zero.

The 6810B and Optical Measurement Head should always be zeroed. Best
results are obtained in a dark environment, especially when power levels are low .
The procedure for zeroing the instrument is described below.

• The beam from the optical source should be blocked at the source or turned off.
Note: If a beam stop is used, it should be positioned as close to the source as possible to

allow the maximum collection of background "noise". If the entry aperture to the ILX
Optical Measurement Head is blocked instead, the zeroing function will no t work properly.
This is especially true for low power applications or in areas of high background light.

• If the LED above the DISPLAY ZERO button is illuminated, press the ZERO button once to
disable the existing compensation factors.

• Press the DISPLAY ZERO button. While zeroing, the "0" digit walks across both displays
and the zero indicator flashes. When zeroing is complete the ZERO indicator is
illuminated. The process takes about 15 seconds.

• Allow the optical source to enter the aperture of the head. Accurate power and/or
wavelength measurements should be displayed.

Note: If the ambient environmental conditions change, e.g. the room lights are turned on or
off, the 6810B must be re-zeroed to maintain its accuracy.

• Pressing the DISPLAY ZERO button again disables the compensating factors and the
ZERO indicator is turned off.

Power Display Units

The DISPLAY LOG/LIN button toggles the optical power
display between linear units (pW, nW, W, mW, W) or
logarithmic units (dBm). If the instrument is in power
autoranging mode the power display autoranges the linear
power units and decimal point.

01_10 OMM-6810B 15



CHAPTER 2

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

Front Panel Controls

Wavelength Display Units

The DISPLAY nm/cm
display between nanometers (nm) and wavenumbers (cm

Delta Power Display Control

-1

button toggles the wavelength

-1

).

The DISPLAY
and begin displaying the change in power from that
reference.

When the DISPLAY P button is pressed, the power at that instant becomes the
reference and the left display begins indicating the change in power from that
reference.
indicator are illuminated) or logarithmic units (
illuminated). A negative change in power indicates a power lower than the
reference power (pressing the DISPLA Y
to absolute measurements).

P can be displayed in linear units (P and the appropriate linear units

P button is used to set a reference power

P and the dB indicators are

P button again returns the power display

Delta Lambda Display Control

The DISPLAY
wavelength and begin displaying the change in wavelength
from that reference.

When the DISPLAY Δ button is pressed, the wavelength measured at that inst ant
becomes the reference and the display begins indicating the change in
wavelength from that reference.
indicators are illuminated) or wavenumbers (
illuminated). Pressing the DISPLAY
display to absolute measurements. A negative change in wavelength indicates a
shorter wavelength with respect to the reference.

Δbutton is used to set a reference

Δ may be displayed in nanometers (Δ and nm

Δ and cm

Δ button again returns the wavelength

-1

indicators are

16 OMM-6810B



INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

Front Panel Controls

CHAPTER 2

View Reference

Pressing the DISPLA Y VIEW REF button displays the power
and wavelength reference points on the appropriate
display(s). These references are set via the DISPLAY

Δ buttons.

and

When the DISPLA Y VIEW REF button is pressed, the reference values are shown
in the units of the present display. The reference values are shown for three
seconds or until the DISPLA Y VIEW REF button is pressed again. If the DISPLAY
VIEW REF button is held down, the reference values stay on the display.

ΔP

Brightness Control

The DISPLAY BRIGHT button is used to adjust the intensity
of the front panel display. Repeatedly pressing this button
cycles the brightness through five possible intensity steps
ranging from brightest to dark. The keypad is back lighted
for viewing in a dark environment. The brightness control
also affects the illumination of the switches.

Zoom Control

The DISPLAY ZOOM button controls the sensitivity of the
bargraph display. Pressing DISPLAY ZOOM forces the
bargraph into a high sensitivity mode where each segment
represents 0.7% (ten times the normal sensitivity) of the total
power within the selected gain range. In ZOOM mode, the
end points of the bargraph blink.

Pressing DISPLAY ZOOM again places the bargraph into normal sensitivity mode
where each segment represents 7% of the total power within the selected gain
range. The end points of the bargraph are solidly illuminated.

Rate Control

The DISPLAY RATE button controls the speed at which
measurements are taken by the 6810B. Repeatedly
pressing DISPLAY RATE causes the instrument to cycle
through the three possible rates. The measurement rate is
determined by viewing the flashing indicator above the
POWER display.

The measurement rate for the SLOW rate is 60ms/Sample and the input
bandwidth is 1 Hz. A sliding average is taken with sixteen samples. The display
is updated every 60ms and the rate indicator flashes at a frequency of 0.5 Hz.

01_10 OMM-6810B 17



CHAPTER 2

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

Front Panel Controls

Use SLOW when very stable readings are required, but slower measuremen t time
is acceptable.

The measurement rate for the MEDIUM rate is 60ms/Sample and the input
bandwidth is 10 Hz. A sliding average is taken with four samples. The display is
updated every 60ms and the rate indicator flashes at a frequency of 1 Hz.

The measurement rate for the F AST rate is 60ms/Samp le and the input bandwidth
is 60 Hz. Every sample is displayed (no averaging). The rate indicator flashes at
a frequency of 2 Hz. FAST is good when a rapid measurement response time is
required but stability will not be as good as SLOW or MEDIUM.

Hold Indicator

The HOLD light indicates that the light input to the Optical Measurement Head is
varying by greater than 1 nm between measurements. In this condition, the
HOLD indicator blinks slowly and the 6810B holds the last stable measurement o n
the display and uses that wavelength to calculate power. The wavelength is held
until a stable wavelength is measured.

In manual wavelength mode, the 6810B is not measuring wavelength. In this
case the last measured wavelength or user selected wavelength is frozen on the
display and the HOLD indicator is solidly illuminated.

Error Display

Execution errors are indicated on either display. Errors are shown as "E-xxx"
where xxx is a three digit number representing the unique error. Errors are
displayed for three seconds or until the error causing condition is remedied,
whichever is longer. See Appendix A for a detailed list of error messages.

18 OMM-6810B

