Galvo-Resonant Scanners and Controllers


  • 8 kHz or 12 kHz Resonant Frequency for High-Speed Scans
  • Drive Using Software, BNC, and National Instruments Card
  • Pre-Aligned, Wired, and Calibrated for Plug-and-Play Operation

 SM1 Threading on Output Port

LSK-GR08

8 kHz Galvo-Resonant Scanner

Application Idea

LSK-GR12 Scanner and Controller integrated into a DIY laser scanning Cerna® microscope.

30 mm Cage Mounting Holes

Related Items


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Galvo-Resonant Scan Head Distances
Click for Details

Cutaway View of Galvo-Resonant Scan Head
The scan lens being used with the scan head needs to be positioned such that its focus is at the midpoint between the resonant mirror (X) and the galvo mirror (Y). The distance between the mirrors is indicated by the green line. For the input, that distance corresponds to 28.655 mm, while for the output, that corresponds to 28.965 mm. If a scan lens has a focal point that falls on the yellow or blue line and not in the middle of the green line, then the lens cannot perform as intended.

Features

  • 8 kHz or 12 kHz Resonant Scanner Frequency for High-Speed XY Scans
  • Accept Beams up to Ø5 mm
  • Control using BNC Connectors for Position Control and Readout, 68-Pin National Instruments Cards and Breakout Boxes for Fine Galvo Positioning, and GUI for Resonant Mirror Tuning
  • Compact Scan Head Housing is SM Threaded, 30 mm Cage System Compatible, and Post Mountable

Our Galvo-Resonant (GR) Scanners are available with 8 kHz or 12 kHz resonant scanner frequency. Each scanner contains one resonant scan mirror and one galvo scan mirror that deflect an incident laser beam in X and Y, respectively. The resonant frequency of the resonant scan mirror enables much higher-speed scans than a galvo-galvo system. The LSK-GR08(/M) 8 kHz and LSK-GR12(/M) 12 kHz GR scanners are used in our Bergamo® II multiphoton microscopes and complete Cerna®-based confocal systems. In our Bergamo system, the 8 kHz GR scanner can achieve 30 fps at 512 x 512 pixels image resolution, while the 12 kHz GR scanner can achieve 45 fps at 512 x 512 pixels image resolution.

The beam can be steered via two BNC connectors for simple uni-directional scans. For fine tuning and bi-directional scanning functionality, we provide a GUI for Windows® to adjust the scan range of the resonant scan mirror and the sync signal offset, as well as a National Instruments (NI) 68-pin connector to directly control and monitor the galvo scan mirror via an NI card or breakout box (not included). See the Control tab for additional information. The scanners are also compatible with Vidrio's ScanImage software.

Laser Scanning Cerna Beam Diagram
Click for Details

Optical diagram of the LSK-GR12 Galvo-Resonant Scanner in a DIY Cerna® laser scanning microscopy setup. Please note the distances are not to scale.

Each scan mirror has a protected silver coating that provides high reflectance in the visible and NIR; see the Specs tab for details. Since the coating is metallic, the performance varies minimally over the scan range of the mirror. The scan head input port also features a removable NIR window that, when combined with a scan lens on the output port, greatly reduces the audible noise from the system.

Mounting
Each scan head is equipped with internal SM1 threads on the output face. Internal SM05 (0.535"-40) and internal SM1 (1.035"-40) threads can also be accessed by removing the NIR window installed on the input face using a SPW801 spanner wrench. There are four Ø6 mm bores on the input face and four 4-40 taps on the output face, making the scan head compatible with our 30 mm cage system. Four 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes are located on the bottom for post mounting with our Ø1" posts.

Item # LSK-GR08(/M) LSK-GR12(/M)
Scan Head
Galvo Scan Range ±7.5° Mechanical (±15° Optical)
Resonant Scan Range ±5° Mechanical
(±10° Optical)
±2.5° Mechanical
(±5° Optical)
Beam Diameter 5 mm (Max)
Galvo Motor and Position Sensor
Scan Axis Y Direction
Repeatability 8 µrada
Small Angle Step Response 260 μs (Typical)
Maximum Angle Step Responseb
1.6 ms (Sine)
2.0 ms (Sawtooth)
Linearity 99.9% (Typical)
99.5% (Min)
Scale Drift 50 ppm/°C (Max)
Zero Drift 15 μrad/°C (Max)
Average Current
2.4 A
Peak Current 8.0 A
Resonant Scanner
Scanning Frequency 7910 ± 15 Hz 12000 ± 15 Hz
Sync Signal Frequency 8 kHz 12 kHz
Scan Axis X Direction
Input / Output
Galvo BNC Bandwidth 0 - 500 Hzc
Input Voltage ±10 V
Input Impedance 1 kΩ
Output Voltage -4 to 4 V
Output Impedence 100 kΩ
Signal Type DC, Sine, or Sawtooth Wave
Input Scale Factor 1.33 V per Mechanical Degree
Output Scale Factor 0.533 V per Mechanical Degree
Resonant BNC Input Voltage 0 to 5 V
Input Impedance 5 kΩ
Signal Type DC
Sync Signal Voltage 0 to 6 V (TTL)d
Sync Signal Impedance 50 Ω
Sync Signal Pulse Width 50% Duty Cycle
Resonant Scanner Computer Control USB 2.0e
Controller Voltage Input 90 - 264 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz
Power Consumption 120 VA (Max)
Physical
Scan Head Dimensions 4.60" x 3.45" x 2.00"
(116.8 mm x 87.7 mm x 50.8 mm)
Controller Dimensions 12.30" x 7.87" x 3.12"
(312.4 mm x 199.8 mm x 79.2 mm)
SM Threading Internal SM05 (0.535"-40)
Internal SM1 (1.035"-40)
Cage Compatibility 30 mm Cage
(4-40 Tap, 4 Places; Ø6 mm Bore, 4 Places)
Post Mounting 1/4"-20 (M6) Tap, 4 Places
Operating Temperature Range 0 to 50 °C
  • The system noise is less than 16 bits over a full voltage range (-10 to 10 V).
  • This is the maximum incremental movement at which the mirrors are still able to settle properly. The typical settling time for this maximum incremental movement is 260 µs. For a movement greater than this, you must add a slope (Δv/Δt, where v is the voltage difference and t is the time difference) to your Voltage profile. Example: for a Step Angle of 1.3°, the settling time is 520 μs.
  • Bandwidth measured for a ±10 V sine wave. Results vary depending on the waveform chosen.
  • The TTL signal is high starting at the beginning of the resonant scan (left-to-right), and low during the return movement (right-to-left).
  • 8 Bit Resolution
Item # LSK-GR08(/M) LSK-GR12(/M)
Scanning Mirrors
Coating Protected Silver
Reflectance (Average) 350 - 450 nm, >70%
450 - 550 nm, >90%
550 - 650 nm, >92.5%
650 - 1080 nm, >95%
1080 - 7000 nm, >97%
Front Surface Flatness
λ/4 (at 633 nm)
Front Surface Quality 60-40 Scratch-Dig
Galvo Scanning Mirror
Substrate Silicona
Clear Aperture Within 0.020" of Any Edge or Rail
Scan Range ±7.5° Mechanical (±15° Optical)
Resonant Scanning Mirror
Substrate Optical Grade Beryllium
Clear Aperture Ellipse
7.2 mm Major Axis
5.0 mm Minor Axis
Scan Range ±5° Mechanical (±10° Optical) ±2.5° Mechanical (±5° Optical)
NIR Windowb
Substrate UV Fused Silicaa
Thickness 3 mm
AR Coating Reflectance Ravg < 0.75% from 660 to 1420 nm
  • Click Link for Detailed Specifications on the Substrate
  • Removable Using an SPW801 Spanner Wrench
Galvo Mirror Reflectance
Click to Enlarge

Typical Reflectance of One Galvanometric Mirror at 45° AOI
Please note that lot-to-lot variations will occur in the reflectance.

Galvo NIR Window Reflectance
Click to Enlarge

Click for Raw Data
Typical Reflectance of the NIR Window at 6° AOI

UV Fused Silica Transmission
Click to Enlarge

Click for Raw Data
The substrate used for the NIR window is UV fused silica. For reference, we provide the transmission of a 10 mm thick window of uncoated UV fused silica. The AR coating on both sides of the window will decrease the reflectance at each interface, improving the transmission over the AR coating range.
Galvo-Galvo Scan Distances
Click to Enlarge

Cutaway View of Galvo-Resonant Scan Head
The scan lens being used with the scan head needs to be positioned such that its focus is at the midpoint between the resonant mirror (X) and the galvo mirror (Y). The distance between the mirrors is indicated by the green line. For the input, that distance corresponds to 28.655 mm, while for the output, that corresponds to 28.965 mm. If a scan lens has a focal point that falls on the yellow or blue line and not in the middle of the green line, then the lens cannot perform as intended.

Galvo-Resonant Scan Controller Front Face
Click to Enlarge

The front of each controller has a DB25 connector for the scan head, as well as BNC connectors and an NI 68-pin connector for position control and readout. The LSK-GR08 controller is shown.

Galvo-Resonant Scan Controller Back Face
Click to Enlarge

The back of each controller has a USB port to control the resonant scanner of the scan head, as well as a fuse holder, power switch, and grounding pin connector. The LSK-GR08 controller is shown.


RES IN and GALVO IN

BNC Female

SMA Connector
RES IN and GALVO IN
Resonant In Signal Type DC
Voltage Range 0 to 5 V
Impedance 5 kΩ
Galvo In Signal Types DC, Sine, or Sawtooth Wave
Voltage Range ±10 V
Impedance 1 kΩ
Scale Factor
1.33 V per Mechanical Degree
Bandwidth 0-500 Hz (Max)a
  • Bandwidth measured for a ±10 V sine wave. Results vary depending on the waveform chosen.

X OUT and Y OUT

BNC Female

SMA Connector
RES OUT and GALVO OUT
Resonant Out Voltage Range
0 to 6 V (TTL)
Impedance 50 Ω
Pulse Width 50% Duty Cycle
Galvo Out Voltage Range ±4 V
Impedance 100 kΩ
Scale Factor 0.533 V per Mechanical Degree

Computer Connection USB 2.0 Type B

USB Port

USB Type B to Type A Cable Included

DAQ

NI 68-Pin Connector

NI 68-Pin Connector
DAQ
Pin Name Description
21 Galvo Position In ±10 V Input
100 kΩ Impedance
33 Galvo Current Output Voltage Proportional to Motor Current
1 kΩ Impedance
63 Galvo Position Out ±4 V Output
1 kΩ Impedance
65 Error Difference Between Command Input and Position Output
1 kΩ Impedance
66 Galvo Velocity Output Voltage Proportional to Scanner Velocity
1 kΩ Impedance

Below is a link to the latest version of the software for our galvo-resonant scanners. This software controls the resonant scan range (field size); control the galvo scan axis using either the BNC input or the National Instruments (NI) 68-pin connector on the controller. The software download package also includes the latest firmware as well as a LabVIEW software development kit (SDK) and support documentation to allow the resonant scan mirror of the scan head to be controlled using custom imaging software. See the manual by clicking on the Docs icon below (info icon ) for installation instructions and use.

LSK-GR08(/M) Software

Version 4.0 (May 28, 2019)

The software package contains the installation files for the GUI interface, firmware (V 2.1), SDK, and support documentation. The software is compatible with Windows® 7 or 10 (32- or 64-bit) systems.

Software Download

LSK-GR12(/M) Software

Version 4.0 (June 4, 2019)

The software package contains the installation files for the GUI interface, firmware (V 1.0), SDK, and support documentation. The software is compatible with Windows® 7 or 10 (32- or 64-bit) systems.

Software Download
LSK-GR08 Galvo-Resonant Scanner Controller Software
LSK-GR08(/M) Controller Software for the Resonant Scanning Axis
LSK-GR12 Galvo-Resonant Scanner Controller Software
LSK-GR12(/M) Controller Software for the Resonant Scanning Axis
Scanner Control I/O Methods
Resonant Scan Mirror
Scan Range
BNC In (DC)
USB Control (GUI or SDK)
TTL Sync Signal Out BNC Out
TTL Sync Signal Offset
USB Control (GUI or SDK)
Galvo Scan Mirror
Galvo Position In
BNC In (DC or Sine)
NI Connector (DC or Sine)
Galvo Position Out BNC Out
NI Connector
Galvo Velocity NI Connector
Galvo Current NI Connector
Galvo Error NI Connector

Galvo-Resonant Scanner Control

The galvo-resonant scanner has three control I/O methods - BNC, USB, and NI connection - and, depending upon your imaging needs, utilizing different control methods may be necessary. See the table to the right for the different I/O ports for galvo-resonant control, and the Pin Diagrams and Software tabs for specifics.

Uni-Directional Scanning
The resonant scan mirror continuously swivels the mirror at a fixed frequency. Only the maximum scan angle is adjustable, which will adjust the width of the scan field. The galvo positioning signal will need to be synchronized with the TTL signal output from the resonant scan mirror in order to map the field of view in X and Y. As the resonant scan mirror scans in the X direction, we recommend a sawtooth signal to adjust the scan angle in Y, creating a zig-zag motion through the scan field. Uni-directional scans do not require tuning the TTL sync signal offset, nor the galvo velocity, current, or error, but can be used to maximize the usable image field size and minimize image distortions.

Bi-Directional Scanning
To utilize both the forward and backward lines of the resonant mirror scan, the TTL signal output from the resonant scan mirror needs to be tuned such that the rising edge of the TTL signal is synchronized to the beginning of the acquired forward scan line (see left image below).

Please note for the LSK-GR12(/M), the TTL clock is pre-tuned and does not require adjustment. For the LSK-GR08(/M), the timing can be tuned manually using the GUI or through the SDK. If the TTL signal is not tuned correctly, the forward scan line will be offset with respect to the return scan line, resulting in a jagged scan pattern (see right image below). Bi-directional scans do not require the galvo velocity, current, or error outputs, but can be used to maximize the frame rate.

Resonant Scanner TTL Clock Out
Click to Enlarge

Resonant Scanner TTL Clock Compared to Scan Angle
Synchronizing the TTL Clock with Line Scan
Click to Enlarge

Bi-Directional Scan Lines With Synced and Unsynced TTL Offset

Shipping List

Each Galvo-Resonant Scanner Includes the Following:

  • Scan Head
  • Controller
  • DB-25 Scan Head Control Cable
  • Region-Specific Power Cord
  • USB Cable (A to B)
  • Galvo/Resonant Scanner Software CD
  • Manual (Not Shown)

Note because the galvo-resonant scanner can be steered using multiple input signals depending upon scanner functionality, neither BNC cables nor an NI 68-pin cable are included.

Galvo-Resonant Scanner, Cables, and Accessories
Click to Enlarge

Item # Shown: LSK-GR08
Galvo-Resonant Scanner, Cables, and Accessories
Click to Enlarge

Item # Shown: LSK-GR12
Scanning Methodologies
Galvanometer-Based Scanning Advantage: Flexible Scan Positioning
Disadvantage: Slow
Resonant
Scanning
Advantage: Scan Speed
Disadvantage: Unable to Adjust Center of Resonant Scan Area; Nonlinear Dwell Time

Galvo Versus Resonant Scanning

Galvo and resonant scanning provide orthogonal advantages due to their respective scanning mechanisms. As a result, it is important to choose the scanning methodology that is ideal for the intended application. For instance, galvo-galvo scanning is optimal for user-defined scanning paths and shapes, while galvo-resonant scanning is optimal for high-speed scans.

Galvanometer-based scanning uses a galvanometric mirror steered by an assembly system of a servo-controlled motor and a positioning actuator. The angle of the mirror is tightly controlled in the system and can be controlled via an external signal for accurate positioning and scanning, providing the flexibility for user-defined scan lines and areas. Due to inertia, the velocity of a galvo scanner has a low upper limit.

While resonant scanning also utilizes a galvanometric mirror, the scanning method differs significantly. In a manner similar to that of a tuning fork, the mirror assembly is driven at its resonant frequency in order to reach over 10X faster scan speeds than that of galvo scanning. The speed of the resonant galvanometric mirror varies sinusoidally with the scanning angle in order to maintain smooth motion over the course of the scan, which results in longer dwell times at the edges of the FOV and shorter dwell times at the center of the scan. The combination of this effect and the fixed center position and frequency of the resonant scanner results in an inability to scan complex patterns or adjust the scanning speed. The only user-variable parameter of the resonant scan mirror is the maximum scan angle.


Posted Comments:
Kevan Bell  (posted 2020-11-26 11:13:46.817)
Would you be able to offer this with a UV-enhanced coating on the mirror?
YLohia  (posted 2020-12-01 10:30:41.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Custom versions of these can be requested by emailing techsupport@thorlabs.com. We will discuss the possibility of offering this customization directly.
user  (posted 2018-06-21 03:52:26.613)
Hello. I want to know whether the resonant mirror's scanning velocity is variable or not.
YLohia  (posted 2018-06-26 10:12:42.0)
The scan velocity is variable from 0-500 Hz for non-resonant mode. The resonant mode, however, is 7910 ± 15 Hz.

8 kHz Galvo-Resonant Scanner and Controller

GR Scanner with MM202 DIY Multiphoton Kit
Click for Details

The LSK-GR08 Galvo-Resonant Scanner in our DIY Multiphoton Microscope Kit.
  • 8 kHz Resonant Scanner Frequency for High-Speed XY Scans
  • Max Scan Range for a Square Scan: 10° Mechanical Peak-to-Peak (20° Optical Peak-to-Peak)
  • Protected Silver Coating for High Reflectance in Visible and NIR (350 nm to 7 µm Wavelength Range)
  • NIR Window AR Coated for 660 nm - 1420 nm Reduces System Noise
  • SM-Threaded, 30 mm Cage System Compatible, and Post-Mountable Scan Head

Thorlabs' LSK-GR08(/M) 8 kHz Galvo-Resonant Scanner and Controller is ideal for high-speed imaging. This scanner offers a large scan field with a galvo optical scan range of ±15° (±7.5° mechanical scan range) and a resonant optical scan range of ±10° (±5° mechanical scan range). Intended for plug-and-play operation, the scan head connects to the controller using the included DB25 cable. See the Shipping List tab for additional accessories.

The galvo mirror can be controlled using a BNC cable for simple uni-directional scans or a National Instruments (NI) 68-pin connector for fine positioning. The resonant mirror can also be controlled via a BNC cable for simple uni-directional scans, or with the included control software package for bi-directional scanning; see the Software and Control tabs for more information. Each scan mirror has a protected silver coating that provides high reflectance in the visible and NIR, see the Specs tab for details.

The input face of the scan head has four Ø6 mm bores spaced for our 30 mm cage systemBy removing the NIR window installed on the input face using a SPW801 spanner wrench, internal SM05 (0.535"-40) and internal SM1 (1.035"-40) threads become accessible. The output face is equipped with internal SM1 threads and four 4-40 taps for our 30 mm cage system. The scan head is also post mountable with four 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes located on the bottom. It weighs 0.76 kg, so it may be useful to support it directly using a Ø1" post

Please Note: The scan lens needs to be positioned such that the scanning distance is at the midpoint between the galvo and resonant mirrors. The distance from the input face to the midpoint is 28.655 mm, while the distance from the output face to the midpoint is 28.965 mm; see the image in the Overview tab. To mount an SL50-CLS2, SL50-2P2, or SL50-3P scan lens at the correct distance from the scanner a special adapter is available by contacting Tech Support. For the CLS-SL scan lens, an LCP02(/M) cage system size adapter can be used to convert the 30 mm cage system to a 60 mm cage system to mount and position this scan lens at the correct distance using a LCP8S cage plate. 

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
LSK-GR08 Support Documentation
LSK-GR088 kHz Galvo-Resonant Scanner and Controller, 1/4"-20 Taps
$14,843.31
Lead Time
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
LSK-GR08/M Support Documentation
LSK-GR08/M8 kHz Galvo-Resonant Scanner and Controller, M6 Taps
$14,843.31
Lead Time

12 kHz Galvo-Resonant Scanner and Controller

  • 12 kHz Resonant Scanner Frequency for High-Speed XY Scans
  • Max Scan Range for a Square Scan: 5° Mechanical Peak-to-Peak (10° Optical Peak-to-Peak)
  • Protected Silver Coating for High Reflectance in Visible and NIR (350 nm to 7 µm Wavelength Range)
  • NIR Window AR Coated for 660 nm - 1420 nm Reduces System Noise
  • SM-Threaded, 30 mm Cage System Compatible, and Post-Mountable Scan Head

Thorlabs' LSK-GR12(/M) 12 kHz Galvo-Resonant Scanner and Controller is ideal for high-speed imaging. This scanner offers a large scan field with a galvo optical scan range of ±15° (±7.5° mechanical scan range) and a resonant optical scan range of ±5° (±2.5° mechanical scan range). Intended for plug-and-play operation, the scan head connects to the controller using the included DB25 cable. See the Shipping List tab for additional accessories.

The galvo mirror can be controlled using a BNC cable for simple uni-directional scans or a National Instruments (NI) 68-pin connector for fine positioning. The resonant mirror can also be controlled via a BNC cable for simple uni-directional scans, or with the included control software package for bi-directional scanning; see the Software and Control tabs for more information. Each scan mirror has a protected silver coating that provides high reflectance in the visible and NIR, see the Specs tab for details.

The input face of the scan head has four Ø6 mm bores spaced for our 30 mm cage system. By removing the NIR window installed on the input face using a SPW801 spanner wrench, internal SM05 (0.535"-40) and internal SM1 (1.035"-40) threads become accessible. The output face is equipped with internal SM1 threads and four 4-40 taps for our 30 mm cage system. The scan head is also post mountable with four 1/4"-20 (M6) tapped holes located on the bottom. It weighs 0.76 kg, so it may be useful to support it directly using a Ø1" post

Please Note: The scan lens needs to be positioned such that the scanning distance is at the midpoint between the galvo and resonant mirrors. The distance from the input face to the midpoint is 28.655 mm, while the distance from the output face to the midpoint is 28.965 mm; see the image in the Overview tab. To mount an SL50-CLS2, SL50-2P2, or SL50-3P scan lens at the correct distance from the scanner a special adapter is available by contacting Tech Support. For the CLS-SL scan lens, an LCP02(/M) cage system size adapter can be used to convert the 30 mm cage system to a 60 mm cage system to mount and position this scan lens at the correct distance using a LCP8S cage plate. 

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
LSK-GR12 Support Documentation
LSK-GR1212 kHz Galvo-Resonant Scanner and Controller, 1/4"-20 Taps
$14,843.31
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
LSK-GR12/M Support Documentation
LSK-GR12/M12 kHz Galvo-Resonant Scanner and Controller, M6 Taps
$14,843.31
Lead Time