Semi-custom model shown with 8 CCD sensors

BeamProfiler Brochure - PDF File (7.5 Mb) PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader software, available free from Adobe Systems.

Specifications: Dynamic BeamProfiler: Measure pulsed dynamic beams at 5 locations (Optional to 8) Mechanical: Up to eight (8) sensors located on rigid support mount with lateral sensor position adjustment. Optical: Laser-grade AR-coated attenuation filters for beam attenuation and sensor protection Sensor wavelength response from 190 nm to 1.06 µm Electrical: Up to eight (8) Video Laser Sensors Genlock synchronized Asynchronous video reset: TTL High-Low External Trigger synchronized to dynamic laser required: TTL Low-High Variable gain control manual adjust 8 channel image capture system - PC based Software: Windows 95/98 Windows NT 4.0 ActiveX Automation server capability Measurement accuracy: Spot Size: ±2.8% for 30 µm FWHM or greater beam diameter; 15 µm with lower accuracy Spot Position: accurate to <1 µm

Benefits

• Saves time adjusting laser scan lenses
• Saves time in scan engine testing.
• Improves production line throughput
• Allows viewing dynamic write pattern repeatability.
• And more...

Applications

• Facet-to-facet tilt
• Bow
• Distortion
• Jitter
• Spot size
• Spot position
• Measurement solution for air-bearing spindle scanners

A primary use of this system is for fast adjustment of the final scan lens elements to produce the desired spot size. Measures are often made at multiple positions (up to 8) across the scan field to assure optimum spot size performance. Spots as small as 30 µm (FWHM) in diameter can be measured. In addition, data extracted may be used to measure or monitor laser scanner parameters such as polygonal mirror facet tilt, scan line bow, image distortion, spot timing jitter due to facet-to-facet variations, and more. Spot position measurements can be made to sub-micron accuracy. Facet-to-facet deflections can be monitored in real time, which allows real-time adjustments of components.

Secondary applications include QC of an industrial laser scanner material process station; aiding installation of a replacement laser into an existing scanner; and QC of incoming laser scan engines.

Figure 1 demonstrates a typical scanning application of the Dynamic BeamProfiler. The user provides a full-speed scanning laser spot that can be modulated on/off by a user-provided Scan Driver, or controller. The Scan Driver provides a start-of-scan signal to the Dynamic BeamProfiler, while also sending a synchronized external trigger signal to the Image Capture System. The Scan Driver is programmed to write a single spot to each sensor (up to 8), which collects the laser spot, while the synchronized Image Capture Card captures the data. Photon software determines the spot size and position at each sensor. The user extracts this data for additional feedback to a process or for further data analysis.

Photon Inc. provides the customer-specified number of sensors, mounted as required; the Image Capture Cards; cables and connectors; and Dynamic BeamProfiler software in a PC*. The operating system is Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT 4.0, depending on user preference. Monitor is optional. Site support by Photon engineering or software staff can be arranged; service is at our factory in San Jose.

*Since no two laser scanners are identical, this is a semi-custom system, which ordinarily will require some non-recurring engineering design for items such as the sensor mounting, attenuation, and possible software changes.