Laser galvo driver

Did you find a solution and what was it? It is direct port access that is not present on ESP chips. There are some comments around this in the code - you just need to comment the lines and uncomment the ones with a digital. Probably don't need the direct port write as they are much faster controllers. Thank you very much for this excellent tutorial and especially for the elaborated and well documented source code! It is a great fun experimenting with it and I have great plans For everyone who is interested: I've created a breadboard view of the complete setup, maybe you could use it.

I have a 3V Laser, so I used a transistor and the 3. Best Regards Martin. Hi Martin, Which software did you use to create this view? If ThinkerCad, how did you add the Arduino Nano? Kind Regards Robert. I replaced my screenshot with a proper export from Fritzing, so now the logo is also included. Hi, What software was used to draw the circuit?

If Thinkercad then how did you add the Arduino Nano? It's not in the ThinkerCad library Hey anyone, I wrote a simple website where you can draw pictures with points and lines. With a button you get the code this arduino sketch needs for drawing an object. Its not perfect but works for simple drawings. If anyone ist interested I can upload it, but please consider that I didnt continued working on it because my Galvo driver got broke after just a few days. Question 10 months ago on Step 8.

Thanks for this great idea and project. Now I try to get my own pictures and bigger pictures into the laser show. Are there any ideas how to come forward with this? Question 11 months ago. After trying this project I decided I wanted to make it look a bit more professional. To that end I had a PCB made up. Reply 3 years ago. By DeltaFlo Follow. More by the author:. About: I'm a software guy, starting to learn electronics.

More About DeltaFlo ». Hardware On the hardware side, we build the Arduino driven projector by using a external 12Bit DAC digital to analog converter and an optional amplifier circuit to create the signal for the galvonometers. All source code is provided and can be easily adapted to create your own show! The most expensive parts of this project are the 20Kpps galvos.

Have a look at the images for an example laser pointer. Mounting The pointer needs to be at the correct height to point into the galvos, for this you need to build some holder. Connecting everything Now connect the cables from the power supply to each driver card and each driver card to one of the galvos.

If you haven't already installed the Arduino IDE, now is a good time to do so. Connect the Arduino via USB. Press the compile and upload button. The longer the pulse duration, the more energy the optic can handle. For pulse widths between 1 - ns, an approximation is as follows:.

If your maximum energy density is less than this adjusted LIDT maximum energy density, then the optic should be suitable for your application. Keep in mind that this calculation is only used for pulses between 10 -9 s and 10 -7 s. For pulses between 10 -7 s and 10 -4 s, the CW LIDT must also be checked before deeming the optic appropriate for your application. Wood, Optics and Laser Tech.

Carr et al. Bloembergen, Appl. In order to illustrate the process of determining whether a given laser system will damage an optic, a number of example calculations of laser induced damage threshold are given below. For assistance with performing similar calculations, we provide a spreadsheet calculator that can be downloaded by clicking the button to the right.

To use the calculator, enter the specified LIDT value of the optic under consideration and the relevant parameters of your laser system in the green boxes. The spreadsheet will then calculate a linear power density for CW and pulsed systems, as well as an energy density value for pulsed systems.

These values are used to calculate adjusted, scaled LIDT values for the optics based on accepted scaling laws. This calculator assumes a Gaussian beam profile, so a correction factor must be introduced for other beam shapes uniform, etc.

The LIDT scaling laws are determined from empirical relationships; their accuracy is not guaranteed. Remember that absorption by optics or coatings can significantly reduce LIDT in some spectral regions. These LIDT values are not valid for ultrashort pulses less than one nanosecond in duration.

A naive calculation of the average linear power density of this beam would yield a value of 0. However, the maximum power density of a Gaussian beam is about twice the maximum power density of a uniform beam, as shown in the graph to the right.

CW damage threshold values typically scale directly with the wavelength of the laser source, so this yields an adjusted LIDT value:.

The average energy density of each pulse is found by dividing the pulse energy by the beam area:. As described above, the maximum energy density of a Gaussian beam is about twice the average energy density.

Both of these LIDT values, while measured at nm, were determined with a 10 ns pulsed laser at 10 Hz. Therefore, an adjustment must be applied for the shorter pulse duration of the system under consideration. As described on the previous tab, LIDT values in the nanosecond pulse regime scale with the square root of the laser pulse duration:.

This adjustment factor results in LIDT values of 0. While the broadband mirror would likely be damaged by the laser, the more specialized laser line mirror is appropriate for use with this system.

For a Gaussian output, these specifications result in a maximum energy density of 0. As described on the previous tab, the LIDT value of an optic scales with the square root of the wavelength in the nanosecond pulse regime:. This scaling gives adjusted LIDT values of 0. In this case, the absorptive filter is the best choice in order to avoid optical damage. This system falls somewhere between the regimes of CW and pulsed laser induced damage, and could potentially damage an optic by mechanisms associated with either regime.

As a result, both CW and pulsed LIDT values must be compared to the properties of the laser system to ensure safe operation. If this relatively long-pulse laser emits a Gaussian The pulsed LIDT of the optic is significantly greater than the energy density of the laser pulse, so individual pulses will not damage the wave plate.

However, the large average linear power density of the laser system may cause thermal damage to the optic, much like a high-power CW beam. A choice of mirror coatings is available as described above. Each 1D system includes one driver card, one driver card heat sink, and one single mirror system.

Each 2D system includes two driver cards, two driver card heatsinks, and a dual mirror system. These galvo systems do not include a power supply, driver card cover, or galvo mirror heatsink, which are highly recommended for demanding applications where vigorous scanning and stability are required.

The GHS galvo mirror heatsink attaches directly to the single-axis and dual-axis mirror mounts to provide device cooling and alternate mounting options. Mounting screws are supplied with the unit. Heat from the galvo mirrors is typically dissipated through the normal mounting options.

However, applications involving rapidly changing drive signals can create excess heat buildup, causing the galvo motor to fail or driver board thermal cutout to trip. If the cutout occurs repeatedly, we recommend using the GHS Heatsink. These power supplies are low noise, linear supplies designed to minimize electrical interference for maximum system resolution. Each power supply is compatible with all of our galvo systems available above.

As an alternative, a standard switching mode power supply may be used for low demand applications. The GCE is a convenient enclosure for servo driver cards.

Simply bolt it onto the servo driver bracket using the M3 screws and hex key supplied. Note: This item is not compatible with early models of the servo driver card. The adapter also features four SM1 threads and an open bottom for further mounting options. Once installed in the mount, the galvo system can be attached to a post, 30 mm cage system, or 66 mm optical rail carriage, as shown in the images below.

The mount features an internally SM2-threaded 2. The input port is both internally SM 0. Additionally, four tapped holes centered around the input port provide compatibility with 30 mm cage systems.

The input and output ports are centered around the X- and Y-axis galvo mirrors, respectively; please note that they are in different planes. Please see section 3. The X- and Y-axis galvo mirrors are mounted using the two through holes in the side and rear of the unit.

For step-by-step instruction on how to install the galvo mirror please see section 3. These closed-loop systems are ideal for raster and vector scanning applications as well as some step-and-hold applications. The power supply can power two 1D scanning mirrors or one 2D scanning mirror assembly. These cookies control core features for Thorlabs and the website cannot function properly without them.

Related Items 1-Axis 10 mm Diameter Galvo. Scan Lenses. F-Theta Scan Lens. Nanopositioning Stages. OCT Imaging Systems. OCT Components. Imaging Systems Overview. Optical Elements. Motion Controllers. Please Wait. The settling time for the mirror to stop moving once the drive signal is removed. Click to Enlarge.

J6 Diagnostics Connector. J9 Motor Connector. Laser Induced Damage Threshold Tutorial The following is a general overview of how laser induced damage thresholds are measured and how the values may be utilized in determining the appropriateness of an optic for a given application. The photograph above is a protected aluminum-coated mirror after LIDT testing. In this particular test, it handled 0. A Gaussian beam profile has about twice the maximum intensity of a uniform beam profile.

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Based on the specification, the default cable length for the input of the driving signal is limited to 50 cm. Is it possible, we can have a customized version where the cable length is increased to 2 meters? Thanks, Sincerely, Hsiang-Chieh. Response from Charles at Thorlabs: Thank you for your query. The cable between the board and the motor is 1m as standard and the wires supplied to provide a driving signal from a DAQ or function generator are also 1m.

I will reach out to you to confirm which cables we are discussing and to provide options. We are building a new confocal setup and are interested in the scanning galvo mirrors. Thank you. Response from Charles at Thorlabs: Hello and thank you for your query.

HI, for the two axis system, will it work with the input and output axis reversed, will this reduce the scan angle at all? These were designed to be used with the input beam incident on the X-axis mirror. These have not been characterised for use in the reverse and we cannot state what the scan angle would be.

Incorporated light sources are warrantied for the lesser of one year or to the extent applicable the number of hours stated in the specifications.

Response from Charles at Thorlabs: Hello Zhen and thank you for contacting us. Your local technical support team will reach out to you to discuss this damage and how we can proceed with a repair. Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. An applications engineer from our team in China techsupport-cn thorlabs. Our local tecusupport team will reach out to you for details. Would it make sense to run it at 0.

Response from Dinuka at Thorlabs: Thank you for contacting us. Hi, What is the rest angle of the scanner? That is, what angle does it sit when no power is applied? It seems to be different than 45 degrees with respect to the frame. These types of galvos have no springs. On page 18 of the user guide, the following is written: "The scanner accepts a differential analog command input.

If the scaling is 0. The driver will attempt to set the mirrorposition to the command input value. I have reached out to you on your email request regarding this as well. Yes the degree of movement is controlled by input voltage supplied and reversing the polarity would change the direction of rotation.

The sensitivity does not depend on the configuration: differential or single ended, but you would have to do the connection correctly. Response from Charles at Thorlabs: Hello and thank you for contacting us. Unfortunately we do not supply the required DAQ card or signal generator at this time. Details of the recommended specifications for this DAQ card are outlined on page 21 of the manual and since there are a number of providers for such hardware I cannot suggest a particular supplier.

I presume the non dielectric ones would be closest to zero so I am most interested in those. Kind regards, Christiaan. Hello Christiaan. Thank you for contacting us. We do have some theoretical data for the gold and silver coatings but this is not something that we have tested for or can guarantee. I will reach out to you directly with the data. Dear Thorlabs, for our imaging application, we may need larger mirror surface, does Thorlabs provide different mirror on the galvo?

Response from Radu at Thorlabs: The galvanometric systems that we specify to be suitable for 10 mm beam diameters have larger mirrors. Unfortunately, if you require even larger mirrors, we can't offer anything suitable at the moment.

Hi, I've read the other comments but I'm still a little bit confused about the speed of the 2D Galvos. Are my considerations above correct? Response from Arunthathi at Thorlabs: Thanks for your query. In this case you would be able to do at least 2. If you would like to discuss further regarding the suitability for your application please contact the technical support team directly. Response from Radu at Thorlabs: We do provide such galvo systems upon request.

Please contact your local technical support team if you would like a quotation for one. Unfortunately we are unable to guarantee the linearity specs with the settings you intend to use. The motor might not be capable of providing sufficient acceleration and the galvo drive port might be filtering the signal. We think it will be able to handle up to Hz. We have tested the sine wave at small angles with which you could go up to 1 kHz, however we have not tested the other waveforms at such frequencies and at this point we are unable to comment on its performance at your required bandwidth.

Response from Arunthathi Thorlabs: Thanks for your query. The linear velocity you could achieve would depend on the waveform you are using. The achievable bandwidth for the different waveform are available in the spec table.

The higher the working distance the higher the linear velocity. However, a reliable measure would be to calculate the angular velocity but the maximum achievable would again depend on the waveform. Hello, I would like to know the reference of the 3-pin connector on the PSU. Response from Radu at Thorlabs: On page 6 of the power supply's manual, under section 2. As viewed from the front panel, the ground pin is the one on the bottom. Hello, I'm hanul. In order to control galvo system, do i need purchase not only galvo systme complete package but also another function generator or DAQ?

Response from Arunthathi at Thorlabs: Hi Hanul, thanks for your query. I have contacted you directly to provide further information on the recommended specifications.

The cables from the mirrors are too short to go to the drive board. Do you supply the extension cables? Regards, Svetlana. Response from Radu at Thorlabs: Hello Svetlana. We can supply you with extension cables as well. I will contact you directly to discuss the required length and the delivery details. Hi Thorlabs, I am Phong.

I am planning to purchase a galvanometer system GVS Reply 1 year ago. This is a great project that I hope to use. But I have one question. In Task 2, you show the correct relationships of the triangle sides and scan angle. Usually, d is a function of tan theta and h, not the other way around. Did you confuse tan for arctan inverse tan or am I mistaken?

It is notable that over narrow angles ie under 30degrees, tan x closely approximates x, as does arctan x. It is entirely possible to get good laser scanning even if the formula is implemented inversely! Tip 1 year ago. Please complete the shematics mate. If you would like a PCB of the circuit you can buy one from my ebay listing.

I put the board together when I tried the original instructable mentioned at the beginning of the post. Hi i would like to build this board. Do you help me?

If i couldnt buy them, then are you send the gerber files for me in email? Hello Vulcaman, I have the same question about Center Pin. Where do I need to connect it? More by the author:. About: I am a 22 years old student from Germany who love to make things. These task are: Task 1: Measure signals The first task is to measure the input signals.

Task 2: Compute the signals Now the controller needs to compute the signals to the right value for the DAC. Here I will show you a sketch of the calculation: Now we need to find the formula for the calculation. To bring the distance d in relation to the angle phi I used a little formula, which will use the tangents and convert the angle from radians into "DAC-values" Finally I only need to add a bias of , because my scanfield is center alignment and all of the calculations are done. For the circuit I have used a prototype PCB.

You can download the full schematic of the circuit below:. Once connected click on the "Connect to traget Button": Finally click on "Download". Attachments Galvo. I have placed all the electronic parts on a 4mm aluminum plate for a better look :- Now I will show you how you need to adjust the potentiometers on the circuit probably: At first some background information about the ILDA standard. Adjust the potentiometer: What you can see here is the output voltage of this circuit at an input step frequency of kHz and with a constant direction signal.

Now I will show you what could get wrong while adjusting the potentiometer: As you can see now both voltages are not aligned probably. An other example: As you can see now the voltages are aligned probably, but the amplitude is not 5V but 2V. Participated in the Remix Contest View Contest. Did you make this project? Share it with us! I Made It! Remote Control Light Switch by alanmerritt in Arduino. Answer Upvote. Vulcaman lion Answer 2 years ago. Reply Upvote.