Critical Safety Warnings

⚠️ Laser Safety

DANGER: Laser Radiation

Laser light is extremely dangerous to eyes, skin, and flammable materials.

• Always use appropriate laser safety goggles (certified for your laser wavelength)
• Ensure proper beam enclosure and shielding
• Post appropriate laser safety signage
• Never look directly at laser output or reflections
• Only trained personnel should operate laser systems

⚡ Electrical Safety

Input Voltage Limits

CRITICAL: Voltage Difference Limit

The difference between supply voltage (V_IN) and laser diode forward voltage (V_LD) must NOT exceed 7V.

Exceeding this limit will cause:

• Excessive power dissipation in the driver (Spirito effect)
• Thermal runaway
• Driver failure and potential short circuit
• Full uncontrolled current to laser diode → IMMEDIATE DESTRUCTION

Formula: V_IN - V_LD ≤ 7V

Example:

• If V_LD = 5V → V_IN MAX = 12V ✓
• If V_LD = 5V → V_IN = 15V ✗ WILL DESTROY DRIVER & LASER

Reverse Polarity

NO REVERSE POLARITY PROTECTION

The driver has overvoltage protection but is NOT protected against reverse polarity.

Reverse polarity will immediately destroy the driver.

ESD Protection

ESD Warning

During operation and storage, ESD safety precautions must be taken.

• Use ESD wrist straps when handling
• Store in ESD-safe packaging
• Ground all equipment properly

🔧 Connection Sequence

CRITICAL: Connection Order

ALWAYS follow this sequence:

1. ✅ FIRST: Connect laser diode to driver
2. ✅ SECOND: Verify all connections
3. ✅ THIRD: Connect power supply

NEVER:

• ❌ Apply power before connecting laser
• ❌ Hot-swap laser diodes
• ❌ Exceed voltage limits

Violating connection sequence will cause open-circuit voltage spike → LASER DESTRUCTION

⚙️ Initial Setup Requirements

Before First Power-On

MANDATORY pre-power checks:

1. Turn BIAS potentiometer fully counterclockwise (25 turns to zero)
2. Turn GAIN potentiometer fully counterclockwise (25 turns to zero)
3. Verify supply voltage is within limits (V_IN - V_LD < 7V)
4. Confirm laser diode is connected
5. Check interlock loop is closed

See Setting the LD Current for detailed setup procedure.

🔥 Thermal Management

Heat Dissipation Required

For currents >300mA:

• Heat sink is MANDATORY
• Ensure adequate thermal contact
• Monitor driver temperature during operation
• Provide airflow if necessary

🔒 Modifications & Warranty

Warranty Void

Only modifications with written approval from Lasertack GmbH are permitted.

Unauthorized modifications will:

• Void warranty completely
• Create safety hazards
• May violate regulatory compliance

📞 Emergency Contact

If you experience any safety incidents or equipment failures:

Lasertack GmbH

• Phone: +49 5617 0562870
• Email: info@lasertack.com
• Emergency support available

Additional Safety Information

For detailed safety information on specific systems:

• Interlock Systems
• Overtemperature Protection
• Temperature Monitoring