Quantum AF910 User Manual

AF910 – Autofocus

Operating Manual

QUANTUM COMPOSERS, INC

212 Discovery Drive
Bozeman, MT 59718

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

www.quantumcomposers.com

Rev 1.4

Table of Contents

PREFACE ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

CHAPTER 1 – PRODUCT OVERVIEW .................................................................................................. 4

PRODUCT FEATURES .................................................................................................................................. 4

ACCESSORIES ............................................................................................................................................. 5

CHAPTER 2 - SAFETY .............................................................................................................................. 6

SAFETY SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................................... 6

LASER SAFETY ........................................................................................................................................... 7

Precautions for Safe Operation of Class 3b laser products .................................................................. 7

Preventative Maintenance for Safety .................................................................................................... 7

Sources of Laser Safety Standards ........................................................................................................ 8

SAFETY LABELS AND LOCATIONS .............................................................................................................. 9

........................................................................................................................................................................ 9

CHAPTER 3 – INSTALLATION ..............................................................................................................11

CHAPTER 4 – OPERATING THE AF910 ...............................................................................................13

METHODS OF OPERATION ..........................................................................................................................13

SOFTWARE QUICK START ..........................................................................................................................13

ANALOG AND DIGITAL I/O ........................................................................................................................17

MOTOR CONTROLLER DESCRIPTION AND SETUP .......................................................................................18

COMMUNICATING WITH THE AF910 ..........................................................................................................25

COMMAND SET ..........................................................................................................................................26

CHAPTER 7 – MAINTENANCE ..............................................................................................................32

CHAPTER 9 – TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE ....................................................................................33

CHAPTER 10 – APPENDIXES .................................................................................................................34

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................34

MECHANICAL DIMENSIONS .......................................................................................................................35

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND CONNECTIONS ....................................................................................35

CHAPTER 11 – CUSTOMER SERVICE .................................................................................................39

WARRANTY ...............................................................................................................................................39

FEEDBACK .................................................................................................................................................39

Page 2 AF910 Manual Version 1.4

PREFACE

This User’s Manual contains the technical information needed to properly install, operate
and maintain the AF910 – Autofocus unit. It provides instructions for installation, setup,
operation, service, preventive maintenance and troubleshooting (fault-isolation).

The autofocus product is a “turn-key” unit and has been shipped fully functional; only
minor adjustments may be necessary after installing the unit on a system.

Caution labels, in accordance with CDRH and CE requirements, are
prominently displayed on the unit.

The autofocus unit utilized a Class 3b laser. The AF91x is intended to be integrated into
an existing system and is sold as an OEM product. Direct eye exposure should be
avoided. The safety chapter contains essential information and user guidance about these
hazards.

AF910 Manual Version 1.4 Page 3

CHAPTER 1 – Product Overview

Product Features

- Easy integration into any optical system that utilizes infinity corrected optics.

- High intensity laser diode @ 685nm to accommodate surfaces that may vary

in reflectivity.

 The system has the ability to dynamically adjust the laser diode intensity

to maintain the optimal signal to noise ratio.

- Integrated motor control that includes step, direction and limit inputs.
 This allows for reduced component count and cost as well as faster

motor response times to changes in sample position.

- High resolution sensor.
 A high resolution sensor can better maintain accuracy and repeatability

of the focus target.

- High speed DSP based microcontroller.
 Allows for different algorithms to be used and computed quickly so the

focus position can be determined very quickly.

- Serial communications with selectable baud rates.
 Ability to change baud rates so that existing systems can communicate

with the module.

- Up to 7 different objective configurations.

- ±10V analog output focus level signal.

- Digital I/O for various system states and control.

- Dual focal plane support with AF911 version.
 When using objectives that may focus wavelengths differently (deep UV

for example), the system can handle switching between these types of
objectives without the need to re-calibration or optical adjustments.

- High update rate of 1KHz to maximize response times and throughput.
 Enables faster response to changing sample heights, which is very

important when trying to maintain high throughputs. The system is able
to keep the focus well within the capture range when traversing across
the sample quickly.

- Various interface modules to accommodate almost any electrical connection

requirement. Custom interfaces available.

 No need to redesign existing electrical interfaces to use the AF91x

series.

- Optimized for patterned surfaces to avoid “false focus” conditions.

Page 4 AF910 Manual Version 1.4

Accessories

- Electrical interface adapters. Various interface adapters to accommodate and

type of connection.

Contact the factory for details on this accessory.

AF910 Manual Version 1.4 Page 5

CHAPTER 2 - Safety

SYMBOL

DEFINITION OF SYMBOL

CAUTION: Calls attention to a procedure, practice, or condition that could cause damage to the

product, or cause bodily injury to the user. Refer to accompanying documentation.

ATTENTION: Ce symbole signale une procédure, une méthode ou une condition qui peut
endommager le produit ou blesser l’utilisateur. Se référer à la documentation jointe.

ACHTUNG!: Beachten Sie Verfahren, Praktiken oder Zustände, die das Produkt beschädigen oder
zu Verletzungen fuhren können. Lesen Sie die deigefugte Dokumentation.

ATTENZIONE: Porre estrema cautela alla procedura, uso o condizioni che potrebbero danneggiare
il prodotto o l’utilizzatore. Far riferimento alla documentazione inviata insieme al prodotto.

ADVERTENCIA: Llamar la atención de un producto, practica, o estado que puede causar daño al
producto o puede herir el usario.

CAUTION: Risk of Electric Shock.

ATTENTION: Risque d’éléctrocution.

ACHTUNG!: Gefahr durch Stromschlag.

ATTENZIONE: Rischio di shock elettrico.

ADVERTENCIA: Riesgo de choque eléctrico

CAUTION: Risk of exposure to hazardous laser radiation.

ATTENTION: Risque d’exposition à un rayonnement laser dangereux.

ACHTUNG!: Gefahr durch gefährliche Laserstrahlung.

ATTENZIONE: Rischio di esposizione a pericolose radiazioni laser.

ADVERTENCIA: Riesgo de exposición a radiaciên láser peligrosa.

Safety Summary

This product complies with safety standards EN61010:1993+A2:1995,
EN60825:1994+A11:1996, and CDRH 21 CFR 1040.10(d). Do not install substitute
parts or perform any unauthorized modifications to the product. Return the product to
manufacturer for service or repair to ensure that all safety features are maintained. Do
not operate this product beyond its specifications.

Page 6 AF910 Manual Version 1.4

Laser Safety

CAUTION: The AF910 contains a Class 3b laser. The AF910 is sold as an
OEM device and is intended to be integrated into systems. Precautions should
be taken to avoid direct eye exposure. The following precautions should be used
as guidelines when installing into an existing system.

Precautions for Safe Operation of Class 3b laser products

 Keep the protective covers on the unit. Do not operate the unit with the covers

removed for any reason.

 Avoid looking at the laser output beam.
 Do not wear reflective jewelry while using the laser as it might cause inadvertent

hazardous reflections.

 Us protective eyewear. Consult the ANSI, AC GIH, or OSHA standards listed at

the end of this section for guidance on goggles and safety matters.

 Avoid blocking the laser beam with any part of the body.
 Establish a controlled access area for laser operation. Limit access to those

trained in the principles of laser safety.

 Maintain a high ambient light level in the laser operation area so the eye pupil

remains constricted, thus reducing the possibility of hazardous exposure.

 Post prominent warning signs near the laser operation area.
 Provide enclosures for the beam path whenever possible.
 Set up an energy absorber to capture the laser beam, preventing unnecessary

reflections or scattering.

CAUTION: Use of controls, adjustments or performance of procedures other than
those specified in this User’s Manual may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

Follow the instructions within this manual carefully to ensure the safe operation of your
laser. At all times during laser operation, maintenance or servicing avoid unnecessary
exposure to laser or collateral radiation that exceeds the accessible emission limits listed

in “Performance Standards for Laser Products,” United States Code of Federal

Regulations, 21 CFR 1040.10(d). This information is also available in EN60825-1:1994,
Section 8.2, titled “Measurements of Laser Radiation for Determining Classification.”

Preventative Maintenance for Safety

Preventative maintenance is required to ensure the laser remains in compliance with
Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) regulations and European Norm
(EN) requirements. This laser product complies with Title 21 of the United States Code
of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1, Subchapter J, Parts 1040.10, as applicable, and with
EN60825-1:1994, Part 1 for a Class 3b laser, as applicable.

AF910 Manual Version 1.4 Page 7

Sources of Laser Safety Standards

“Safe Use of Lasers” (Z136.1)
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
11th West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036 USA
Phone: [phone]

“A Guide for Control of Laser Hazards”
American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
6500 Glenway Avenue, Bldg. D-7
Cincinnati, OH 45211 USA
Phone: [phone]

Occupational Safety and Health Administration
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue N.W.
Washington, DC 20210 USA
Phone: [phone]

“Safety of Laser Products” (EN60825-1:1994)
Global Engineering Documents
15 Iverness Way East
Englewood, CO 80112-5704 USA
Phone: [phone]

Page 8 AF910 Manual Version 1.4

Safety Labels and Locations

The following figures depict the safety, model number, serial number and origination
labels and their locations on the AF910. These labels are installed at the factory and
should not be removed by the user. If for some reason a label is removed, obscured or
damaged in any way, please contact the manufacturer for a replacement.

AF910 Manual Version 1.4 Page 9

Figure 1 Certification and ID Label

Figure 2 Laser Radiation

Figure 3 Laser Aperture

Page 10 AF910 Manual Version 1.4

CHAPTER 3 – Installation

The AF91x can be installed on many types of video microscope setups that include the
use of infinity corrected optics. The diagram below shows a typical optical setup
including the AF91x unit.

The AF91x must be installed in the infinity region of the optical path. If using an infinity

corrected objective lens (typically noted by the ∞ symbol), then the unit must be placed

between the objective lens and any other focusing lenses. The AF91x has both metric and
imperial mounting points. Refer to the mechanical diagram for placement. The unit
should be mounted so that it is as stable as possible. A beam combining optic should be
used, preferably on an adjustable mount. If polarizing optics are used, the polarization of
the laser diode is vertical to the mounting surface of the AF91x. Be sure that the
polarization is correct or else the performance of the unit may suffer due to transmission

AF910 Manual Version 1.4 Page 11

losses. Once the unit is mounted, then the electrical connections can be made. At the very
least, the unit needs +12VDC power at 300mA and serial (RS232) connections made.
Refer to the electrical connection tables. Once the electrical connections are made and the
unit is powered on, communication can be established by either running the AF91x
software or using an appropriate terminal program such as HyperTerminal. Refer to the
communication section of the manual for details on operating the unit via RS232
connections.

When adding the AF91x to an infinity corrected beam path, the laser diode should be
adjusted so that it enters the objective lens aperture correctly. If it does not enter the
objective lens on axis, then performance may be reduced. It is assumed that some kind of
beam combining optic is used on an adjustable mount. This optic should be adjusted so
that the laser diode beam at the entrance of the objective looks like the following image.

Figure 4 Laser Beam Centering

Be sure that the laser diode does not cross over the centerline of the objective aperture
otherwise performance may be reduced.

Page 12 AF910 Manual Version 1.4