Aura PDF

Installation, Commissioning
and
Service Manual
Coherent Medical Group

2400 Condensa Street
SANTA CLARA, CA 9501-090, USA
Tel: Main: +1 (408) 764-3000
Service: +1 (800) 367-7899
Fax: +1 (408) 764-3990
Coherent Aura Service Manual

Issue 3.2
PN 8420503
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Terms used in this manual and which are known, or suspected, to be trademarks are listed below. Use of a
term in this manual should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark.
Coherent is a registered trademark of Coherent Medical Group USA.

Aura is a trademark of Coherent Medical Group USA.
This manual describes the installation, commissioning and service procedures of the
Coherent Aura Ophthalmic Nd: YAG laser.
If you have any questions or encounter difficulties do not hesitate to contact the following, or
your local distributor as appropriate:
Coherent Medical Coherent GmbH

2900 Condensa Street Dieselstrasse 5b
SANTA CLARA, CA 95051-0901 D-64807 Dieburg
USA Germany
Tel: Main: (408) 764-3000 Tel: (49) 6071 9680
Service: (800) 367-7899
Fax: (408) 764-3990
This product was manufactured for Coherent Medical Group by Taracan Pty Ltd, ACN 008
276 060, trading as Ellex Laser Systems (as per compliance plate).
Issue 3.2
This manual is Part No: 8420503
Copyright © Coherent, Issue 3.2
This manual contains confidential and proprietary information of Coherent

and may not be reproduced in whole or part without their written approval.

Cautions
Use of controls or adjustments, or performance of procedures other

than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation
exposure.
Use caution in assessing patients who have glass intraocular

lenses implanted. Treatment of such patients with pulsed Nd:YAG
lasers can result in cracked or pitted glass IOLs. Posterior
capsulotomies are contra-indicated for such patients, except for
those whose medical condition precludes invasive surgery. If laser
treatment is selected, use low energies and extreme care. Special
care is also necessary for patients who have plastic IOLs. Refer to
the professional information section of this manual.
This Nd:YAG laser system should be used only by fully trained,

qualified physicians.
We strongly recommend that this instruction manual be read in its

entirety before using the product.

CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION ...................................................................................................... VII

Use of this manual.................................................................................................... vii
Conventions..............................................................................................................viii
Glossary ...................................................................................................................viii
Acronyms and abbreviations .................................................................................... xii
Units of measurement..............................................................................................xiii
R EVISION HISTORY .............................................................................................................XIII
C HAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION AND SAFETY ........................................................................... 1-1

1.1 Introducing the Coherent Aura ..................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Components ................................................................................................ 1-3
1.3 Safety ........................................................................................................... 1-3
C HAPTER 2 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION ............................................................................ 2-1

2.1 Laser and optical systems........................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Control panel ................................................................................................ 2-9
2.3 Power supply console, controls and indicators ......................................... 2-12
2.4 Sockets and fuses ..................................................................................... 2-13
2.5 Energy, aiming and firing controls ............................................................. 2-14
2.6 Slit lamp and controls ................................................................................ 2-16
2.7 Electrical system description..................................................................... 2-20
2.8 Start-up and initialisation processes.......................................................... 2-21
2.9 Firing processes ........................................................................................ 2-22
2.10 Pulse modes.............................................................................................. 2-23
C HAPTER 3 INSTALLATION ................................................................................................ 3-1

3.1 Introduction................................................................................................... 3-1
3.2 Installation .................................................................................................... 3-2
3.3 Optical alignment check ............................................................................ 3-13
3.4 Commissioning checks ............................................................................. 3-14
3.5 Product specification ................................................................................. 3-17
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CHAPTER 4 C ALIBRATION , ALIGNMENT, AND ADJUSTMENT.................................................. 4-1

4.1 Introduction................................................................................................... 4-1
4.2 Optical alignment procedure........................................................................ 4-3
4.3 Setting up the attenuator............................................................................ 4-13
4.4 Calibrating the energy monitor ................................................................... 4-16
4.5 Carrying out a pre-calibration check.......................................................... 4-20
4.6 Resetting the voltage ................................................................................. 4-21
4.7 Checking aiming accuracy ........................................................................ 4-21
4.8 Binocular safety filter.................................................................................. 4-24
4.9 Air breakdown test..................................................................................... 4-24
4.10 Model eye verification test.......................................................................... 4-25
System Energy Monitor Calibration Record Sheet .............................................. 4-27
CHAPTER 5 THEORY OF OPERATION .................................................................................. 5-1

5.1 Introduction................................................................................................... 5-1
5.2 Theory of operation...................................................................................... 5-1
5.3 Modes of operation....................................................................................... 5-7
5.4 Preparing the instrument - cleaning and disinfection .................................. 5-7
5.5 Preparing the patient.................................................................................... 5-7
5.6 Using the Aura for ophthalmic surgery ........................................................ 5-8
CHAPTER 6 C ARE AND MAINTENANCE ............................................................................... 6-1

6.1 Introduction................................................................................................... 6-1
6.2 Routine care schedule................................................................................. 6-1
6.3 Routine care procedures ............................................................................. 6-2
6.4 Cleaning the casing ..................................................................................... 6-3
6.5 Cleaning the external optics......................................................................... 6-3
6.6 Slit lamp maintenance ................................................................................. 6-4
6.7 Verifying correct performance..................................................................... 6-5
6.8 Checking the alignment ............................................................................... 6-5
6.9 Checking the calibration............................................................................... 6-5
6.10 Routine table pedestal testing...................................................................... 6-5
CHAPTER 7 TROUBLESHOOTING....................................................................................... 7-1

7.1 General system checks............................................................................... 7-1
7.2 Troubleshooting table................................................................................... 7-3
7.3 Status flags .................................................................................................. 7-9
7.4 Operator test (user diagnostic test)........................................................... 7-11
7.5 Engineering diagnostic test........................................................................ 7-13
7.6 Resetting the voltage manually.................................................................. 7-17
7.7 Module description and replacement procedures ..................................... 7-18
7.8 Laser head modules .................................................................................. 7-22
7.9 Table modules ........................................................................................... 7-41
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C HAPTER 8 SPARE PARTS LIST AND SERVICE TOOL KIT ...................................................... 8-1
8.1 Spare parts .................................................................................................. 8-1
8.2 Consumables ............................................................................................... 8-3
8.3 Service tool kit.............................................................................................. 8-3
C HAPTER 9 SERVICE BULLETINS ...................................................................................... 9-1

9.1 Service bulletins issue list............................................................................ 9-1
C HAPTER 10 SCHEMATICS AND DRAWINGS ..................................................................... 10-1

10.2 System diagrams....................................................................................... 10-1
10.3 Electrical diagrams .................................................................................... 10-2
INDEX
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure 1–1: General view of the Aura ...................................................................... 1-2

Figure 1–2: Safety labels and positions ................................................................1-11
Figure 1–3: Front of view of the slit lamp showing positions of safety labels .......1-12
Figure 1–4: Safety labels on stand and table, label variations on the 120 V and 240 V
models 1-12
Figure 1–5: 120 V and 240 V fuse labels...............................................................1-13
Figure 2–1: Position of the laser within the system ................................................ 2-3
Figure 2–2: Optical block diagram .......................................................................... 2-4
Figure 2–3: Functional block diagram ..................................................................... 2-5
Figure 2–4: Posterior YAG offset............................................................................. 2-7
Figure 2–5: Control panel ........................................................................................ 2-9
Figure 2–6: Liquid crystal display ..........................................................................2-11
Figure 2–7: Power supply console........................................................................2-12
Figure 2–8: Energy, firing and intensity controls ...................................................2-14
Figure 2–9: General view of slit lamp ....................................................................2-17
Figure 3–1: Shipping carton label............................................................................ 3-3
Figure 3–2: Shipping carton contents ..................................................................... 3-4
Figure 4–1: Diode aiming module ........................................................................... 4-6
Figure 4–2: Beam expander module ....................................................................... 4-8
Figure 4–3: Folding mirror module arm adjusting nuts .........................................4-10
Figure 4–4: Loosening the locking screws............................................................4-12
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Figure 4–5: Energy meter...................................................................................... 4-17

Figure 4–6: Alignment target in position ................................................................ 4-22
Figure 4–7: Checking aiming accuracy................................................................. 4-23
Figure 5–1: Plasma formation(................................................................................5-2
Figure 5–2: Typical laser components ....................................................................5-4
Figure 5–3: Flash lamp voltage vs Nd:YAG energy output......................................5-5
Figure 7–1: Laser head modules .......................................................................... 7-19
Figure 7–2: Module mounting rails ........................................................................ 7-21
Figure 7–3: YAG laser (cavity) module.................................................................. 7-24
Figure 7–4: Trigger module ................................................................................... 7-27
Figure 7–5: Diode aiming module block diagram .................................................. 7-31
Figure 7–6: Diode aiming module ......................................................................... 7-31
Figure 7–7: Attenuator modules ............................................................................ 7-35
Figure 7–8: Attenuator module and interconnection block diagram...................... 7-35
Figure 7–9: BET module ....................................................................................... 7-38
Figure 7–10: Folding mirror module ........................................................................ 7-39
Figure 7–11: YAG power supply module................................................................. 7-42
Figure 7–12: DC power supply module................................................................... 7-45
Figure 7–13: Microprocessor/display module ......................................................... 7-48
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1–1: Safety features .....................................................................................1-5

Table 1–2: Additional safety features .....................................................................1-7
Table 1–3: Description of safety labels ................................................................ 1-14
Table 3–1: Treatment laser specifications ........................................................... 3-17
Table 3–2: Aiming laser specifications ................................................................ 3-18
Table 3–3: Slit lamp specifications ...................................................................... 3-19
Table 3–4: General specifications........................................................................ 3-20
Table 3–5: Power supply specifications .............................................................. 3-20
Table 3–6: Cooling specifications ........................................................................ 3-21
Table 3–7: Weight specifications ......................................................................... 3-21
Table 3–8: Environmental conditions for transport and storage .......................... 3-22
iv Coherent Aura Service Manual
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Table 3–9: Environmental conditions for system operation.................................3-22

Table 3–10: Aura accessories specifications ........................................................3-22
Table 4–1: Burn pattern.......................................................................................... 4-8
Table 8-1: Routine care schedule......................................................................... 6-1
Table 7–1 Error codes .......................................................................................... 7-2
Table 7–2 Troubleshooting guide.......................................................................... 7-3
Table 7–3 Status flags .......................................................................................... 7-9
Table 7–4 System operating parameters ...........................................................7-13
Table 7–5: YAG laser module details ...................................................................7-23
Table 7–6: YAG laser module checks..................................................................7-24
Table 7–7: Trigger module details........................................................................7-26
Table 7–8: Trigger module checks ......................................................................7-28
Table 7–9: Diode aiming module (DAM) details...................................................7-30
Table 7–10: Diode aiming module checks .............................................................7-32
Table 7–11: Attenuator module details...................................................................7-34
Table 7–12: Attenuator module checks .................................................................7-36
Table 7–13: Energy monitor module checks .........................................................7-37
Table 7–14: Nd:YAG power supply I/Os.................................................................7-41
Table 7–15: YAG power supply module checks ....................................................7-43
Table 7–16: DC power supply I/Os........................................................................7-44
Table 7–17: DC power supply module checks......................................................7-44
Table 7–18: Microprocessor/display module details..............................................7-46
Table 7–19: Microprocessor/display module checks ............................................7-47
Table 8–1: Spare parts list..................................................................................... 8-1
Table 8–2: Consumables list................................................................................. 8-3
Table 9–1: Service bulletins issue list.................................................................... 9-1
Table 10–1: System diagrams...............................................................................10-1
Table 10–2: Electrical diagrams ............................................................................10-2
Coherent Aura Service Manual v

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This page is left blank intentionally.
vi Coherent Aura Service Manual

Issue 3.2

G ENERAL INFORMATION
USE OF THIS MANUAL

This manual describes the use, maintenance, service and repair
requirements for the Coherent Aura Ophthalmic Laser System. It is
intended for the use of service personnel.
The manual contains the following information:
⇒ a list of conventions, a glossary, and an explanation of

abbreviations and acronyms used
⇒ an introduction to the Coherent Aura and an explanation of how
it works
⇒ safety information
⇒ installation instructions
⇒ calibration, alignment and adjustment instructions
⇒ theory of operation
⇒ troubleshooting information, including descriptions of the
instrument modules and replacement procedures
⇒ specifications
⇒ appendices containing lists of spare parts and consumables,
forms, and other useful information
⇒ field service bulletins
⇒ schematics and drawings
⇒ a comprehensive index
Caution Before using the instrument for the first time, you should read the
safety requirements outlined in Chapter 2, and then become
familiar with the controls. These are described in detail in Chapter
3.
Coherent Aura Service Manual vii

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General information
CONVENTIONS
The following symbols and conventions are used:
⇒, → a list item
m, • an action to take
1. a step in a procedure requiring many steps
italics a new term, emphasis, or a cross-reference
GLOSSARY
The following terms are associated with laser technology. Not all of these
terms appear in this manual, but they are included here for
completeness.
Term Description
Active medium A material in which lasing (stimulated emission) will
take place under the proper kind of excitation. Includes
solids, gases, dyes and other liquids.
Aiming beams Low-power beams of light from a medical laser system
to indicate where and over what area the high-power
laser treatment beam will contact the tissue to be
irradiated.
Amplification An optical process that intensifies the laser beam in the
resonator (optical cavity) of a laser. As the radiation is
reflected back and forth between the mirrors at the end
of the cavity, it is amplified through stimulated emission
on each trip through the active medium.
Anode The positive electrode in the laser, which attracts
electrons from its opposite, the negative cathode.
Axis or optical axis The optical centre line passing through a handpiece,
lens system, laser tube, or optical fibre.
Beam diameter The width of the ‘working’ portion of a laser beam.
About 86% of the power is contained in this area
(unless the beam has an irregular pattern).
Brewster windows Transparent windows at the ends of gas laser tubes
that are mounted at Brewster’s angle to allow radiation
to pass through them with minimum optical losses
(that is, minimum reflection).
Cathode The negative electrode in a laser tube.
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Term Description
Class 1 equipment Equipment that provides protection against electric
(electrical shock by providing an earth system that prevents
classification) accessible metal parts from becoming live.
Class 2 laser Laser safety classification — laser that emits visible
radiation that can be continuous wave (CW) or pulsed,
with a maximum power of 1 mW. This is not
considered safe, but aversion reflexes such as the
blink reflex normally afford eye protection.
Class 3B laser Laser safety classification — laser that emits visible or
invisible radiation and for which direct viewing of the
beam is always considered hazardous. Viewing of
diffuse reflections is normally safe as long as a
minimum viewing distance of 130 mm and a maximum
viewing time of ten seconds is maintained.
Coherent light or Collimated, or parallel rays of light of the same
Coherence wavelength and phase. In other words, laser light.
Depth of field The working range for a laser beam either side of the
focal point. The depth of field depends on the focal
length of the objective lens in the laser head, the laser
wavelength, and laser beam diameter. For small spot
sizes with high power densities, the depth of field is
very small.
Electromagnetic A radio wave, visible light, ultraviolet ray, X-ray, gamma
wave ray, infrared ray or other wave travelling outward from a
changing electric field.
Energy density The amount of energy incident upon a surface divided
by the area of the surface being irradiated. Usually
given in terms of joules per square centimetre (J/cm2).
Energy meter A meter used to measure the energy of the treatment
laser beam.
Focal length The distance from the centre of a lens, lens system or
mirror to the point of principal focus.
Focal point The point at which a laser beam produces the smallest
spot size.
Focus To adjust the placement of a lens or the focal length of
a combination of lenses for the best resolution of an
image; also, the point at which a laser beam produces
the smallest spot size (focal point).
Frequency The number of vibrations made by an electromagnetic
wave (such as light in one second; specified in hertz
(Hz); the frequency of a wave is inversely proportional
to its wavelength.
Coherent Aura Service Manual ix

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Term Description
Gain Same as amplification; usually used to indicate the
efficacy of a lasing medium.
Gaussian The normal distribution curve, exemplified by a laser
beam in the ‘fundamental’ mode (see TEM). The
intensity of the light across the beam is least at the
edges and rises smoothly at a maximum at the centre.
Irradiation Exposure to radiation, such as light, heat or X-rays.
Laser An acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated
Emission of Radiation. A simple laser is an optical
cavity with mirrors at both ends and a solid, liquid or
gaseous lasing medium between the mirrors. Atoms
molecules, or ions in this medium are stimulated to
high energy levels by intense light or an electrical
discharge, as they return to the normal ground state,
they give off photons of radiation. The continuation of
this process builds up a standing wave of coherent
radiation that forms the laser beam.
Light Visible electromagnetic radiation; the wavelength range
from about 400 to 750 nanometres (nm). Sometimes
also used to refer to infrared and ultraviolet radiation,
both of which are outside the visible range.
Micron or One-millionth of a metre (1x10-6 m). The more precise
Micrometre term is micrometre.
Mode Describes the standing-wave pattern in the laser cavity
and determines the cross-sectional intensity (or shape)
of a laser beam (see TEM). Also used to describe
types of system operation, such as pulsed mode or
CW mode.
Monochromatic Light of single color or wavelength. The colors
light produced by laser light are the purest obtainable, but no
light is totally monochromatic, and even these colors
are composed of a narrow band of wavelengths
instead of a single one.
Nanometre (nm) One-billionth of a metre (1x10-9 m).
Nanoseconds (ns) One-billionth of a second (1x10 -9 s).
Nd: YAG Laser A laser that uses a crystalline rod composed of yttrium,
aluminium and garnet doped with neodymium as the
active medium. May be either a pulsed or CW laser.
Often referred to simply as a ‘YAG’ laser.
Optical An optical process that intensifies the laser beam in the
amplification resonator (optical cavity) of a laser. The radiation is
reflected back and forth through the active medium by
the mirrors at the ends of the cavity. During this
process it is amplified, by stimulated emission.
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General information
Term Description
Optical fibre or fibre A filament of optical material such as glass or quartz
optic that can carry light long distances without significant
losses.
Optical pumping See “Pump or pumping”.
Output coupler or The mirror in the laser cavity through which the output
transmitter beam is transmitted. This mirror is partially reflective
and partially transmissive, while the mirror at the other
end of the cavity is usually made as reflective as
possible.
Output power The amount of power (energy per second) contained in
the laser beam, measured in watts (W).
Parfocal When the focus point of two or more objective lenses
lies on the same plane they are said to be parfocal.
Photon The basic ‘element’ of light in quantum theory. It
exhibits both wave and particle behaviour and has
motion but no charge or rest mass.
Power density The amount of optical power incident upon a surface
divided by the area of the surface been irradiated.
Usually specified as watts per square centimetre
(W/cm2 ).
Power meter An instrument used to measure the power in a laser
beam. There are several different kinds, and the one
used depends upon the type of laser and its maximum
power.
Pulse energy The energy contained in a single, brief emission (pulse)
of laser radiation, measured in joules (J).
Pump or pumping The means employed to excite the lasing medium,
such as an electrical discharge or a flash of light. The
latter case is referred to as ‘Optical pumping’.
Repetition interval The time interval between successive laser pulses,
usually given in seconds (s) or milliseconds (ms).
Repetition rate The frequency with which laser pulses are emitted,
given as pulses per second (pps).
Resonator An assembly consisting of the laser rod or tube, the
mirrors and the supporting structures for them.
Stimulated The process by which an excited atom, ion or molecule
emission is triggered into emitting a photon by another photon
passing close by. The emitted photon has the same
wavelength, phase and direction as the triggering
photon, and hence is coherent with it.
Coherent Aura Service Manual xi

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General information
Term Description
Threshold energy The point at which just enough energy has been
supplied to the active medium for lasing to begin.
Transmitter See “Output coupler”.
Transverse The cross-sectional intensity (or shape) of a laser
electromagnetic beam. Many shapes are possible but only a few are
mode (TEM) generally used. Subscript number (TEM00 , TEM01, and
so on) identify the mode of the beam; generally, the
lower the numbers, the smaller the spot to which the
beam can be focused.
Type B equipment Equipment that provides protection against electric
shock by limiting the leakage current and by providing a
protective earth connection.
Wavelength The distance from crest to crest in an electromagnetic
wave; usually given in nanometres (nm), micrometres
(µm) or in older texts, in Ångstroms (Å).
Window A glass seal with plane-parallel sides that allows light to
pass through an optical system but keeps out
contaminants.
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

The following acronyms and abbreviations are referred to in this manual:
Acronym or Meaning
abbreviation
BET Beam expanding telescope
COP Computer operating properly
COR Centre of rotation
CW Continuous wave
DAM Diode aiming module
EMC Electromagnetic compatibility
FMM Folding mirror module
FWHM Full width half maximum
IOL Intraocular lens
LCD Liquid crystal display
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Acronym or Meaning
abbreviation
PCB Printed circuit board
PFN Pulse forming network
PSU Power supply unit
TEM Transverse Electromagnetic Mode (see glossary entry)
YAG Yttrium Aluminium Garnet
UNITS OF MEASUREMENT
The following units of measurement are referred to in this manual:
Unit Description
A Amperes (current)
Å Ångstrom (10 -10 metres)
Hz Hertz (frequency)
J, mJ Joules, millijoules (10-3 Joules) (energy)
J/cm 2 Joules per square centimetre (energy density)
mm, µm, nm Millimetres (10-3 m), micron or micrometre (10-6 m), and
nanometres (10-9 m)
ns Nanosecond (10-9 s)
Pa, hPa Pascal, hectopascal (102 Pascal)
pps Pulses per second
V, V AC, V DC Volts, Volts — alternating current, Volts — direct current
W, mW Watts, milliwatts (10-3 W) (power)
W/cm2 Watts per square centimetre (power density)
REVISION HISTORY
Issue No. Issue date Changes/reason for issue Authorized
by
3.2 24 June 2001 New manual. Based on issue 2.1 and GP/TP
organized according to Coherent table of
contents.
Coherent Aura Service Manual xiii
Issue 3.2

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION AND SAFETY
1.1 INTRODUCING THE COHERENT AURA

The Aura is a surgical laser instrument designed for the use of
ophthalmologists in performing posterior capsulotomies, posterior
membranectomies, and other surgical procedures that seek to rupture or
disrupt a structure within the eye.
The Aura is supplied with a specially designed table and chin rest
support.
The instrument is illustrated in Figure 1-1. Also see the Aura System
Diagram included at the rear of this manual.
Warning Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures

other than those specified in this manual may result in hazardous
radiation exposure.
U.S. Law restricts this device for sale to, or on the order of, a
physician.
Coherent Aura Service Manual 1-1

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Introduction
Figure 1–1: General view of the Aura
1-2 Coherent Aura Service Manual

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Introduction
1.2 COMPONENTS
The major components and accessories of the Aura are:
⇒ laser head — containing the laser, optics and modules

⇒ binoculars
⇒ table — incorporating a power supply console and control panel
⇒ joystick and fire switch — used to move the slit lamp and fire the
laser
⇒ pedestal
⇒ base on castors
The laser head components are installed inside a cast metal housing,
which is sealed to maintain a clean dry atmosphere.
Refer to Chapter 2 for a complete functional description of the instrument

and its components. Electrical and mechanical drawings are bound in
the rear of this manual.
Refer to Chapter 5 for a description of the theory of operation, and a

discussion of how lasers work.
1.3 SAFETY
1.3.1 Safety classification and warnings

The Aura is classified as a Class 3B laser product in compliance with:
⇒ IEC standard 825-1-1993

⇒ USA standards 21CFR 1040.10, 21CFR 1040.11-1999
⇒ ANSI ZI36.1-1986
⇒ British standard BS4803
⇒ Australian/New Zealand standard AS/NZS2211-1997

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Introduction
In accordance with this safety classification the following laser safety

warnings apply.
Warning Nd:YAG Laser Emission Warning

Invisible laser radiation is emitted from the laser aperture when
the system is in laser READY mode and the fire switch is
pressed. Do not look into the beam. Do not expose tissue to the
beam.
Any other personnel in the area should wear protective glasses to

eliminate the risk of eye damage from stray or accidental
emissions.
Warning Reflection Warning

Objects that can reflect visible light will also reflect 1064 nm laser
light. Avoid placing reflective materials such as glass, metal and
polished plastic in the laser beam.
Warning Explosion Hazard Warning

Do not use the treatment laser in the presence of flammable
anaesthetics or volatile organic fluids as the focused beam may
cause ignition.
Some materials, such as cotton wool saturated with oxygen, may

be ignited by the high temperatures produced by the focused
beam. The solutions of adhesives and flammable solutions used
for cleaning and disinfecting should be allowed to evaporate
before the laser equipment is used.
Warning Aiming Laser Emission Warning

Visible laser radiation is emitted from the laser aperture when the
system is switched ON. Do not stare into the beam unless under
the control of a qualified surgeon.

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Introduction
1.3.2 Safety features

The Aura includes a number of safety features. Some are provided in
accordance with the requirements of the appropriate standards, but the
Aura includes safety features in addition to these.
Features relating to standards

The safety features built into the Aura comply with the following
standards:
European Medical Device Directive (MDD)

⇒ 93/42/EEC for CE marking.
Electrical Standards
⇒ International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard 601-1
1988
⇒ Australian standard AS2500, 1995 and AS3200, 1986
⇒ USA standard Underwriters Laboratories UL544 1993
Laser Product Standards

The laser product standards were listed in Section 1.3.1.
The safety features provided in accordance with these standards include

those described in the following table:
Table 1–1: Safety features
Feature Description
Lockable Power The laser can only be turned on with the correct key. The
On key switch key cannot be removed while in the ON position, so the laser
cannot operate without the key in place. When the system is
on the indicator lamp on the control panel is lit. The Aura can
be protected against unqualified use by removal of the key
from the key switch panel.
Laser E-stop This is a red mushroom-shaped button mounted on the key
push button switch panel. When pushed in it cuts power to all functions.
Laser READY/ When power is applied by rotating the key switch, and with
STANDBY the Emergency Stop button disengaged, the display is
indicator illuminated and the STANDBY indicator is lit. The system
must be manually switched to laser READY mode before
the treatment laser is ready to fire.

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Introduction
Feature Description
Safety interlock This is a user-installed feature. A socket is provided on the
side of the power supply tray for connection to a theatre door
interlock switch. When the door is opened the aiming beams
are switched off and user controls are disabled. The
treatment laser cannot fire while the door is open. These
functions are returned two seconds after the door is closed
or interlock otherwise satisfied. The unit is supplied with a
shorting plug to bypass the interlock if it is not required. A
recommended wiring diagram for the interlock is supplied in
the Appendix.
Safety shutter A spring-loaded safety shutter is mounted in the laser head
to keep the treatment laser optical path blocked unless the
system is manually switched to laser READY mode and the
fire switch is pressed.
Excess energy The system will shut down if more than double the set pulse
detection energy is delivered.
Energy deviation The system will warn the operator with a double beep if the
warning delivered energy deviates by more than ±20% from the set
value.
Protective Protective housings on the laser and optical system, as well
housings as the control and display systems, are fully sealed to
prevent the operator being inadvertently exposed to laser
emission or high voltage shock. The protective housings
cannot be opened without special tools and should never be
opened except by a Coherent Service Representative.
Location of All the operator controls are positioned so that there is no
controls risk to the operator of inadvertent laser exposure.
Ocular filters The operator viewing port on the laser and optical system
modules contains an infrared absorbing glass safety filter to
limit the exposure level to the operator's eyes to below Class
1 limits.
Any standard Aura slit lamp viewing accessory can be used
with the Aura slit lamp without hazard.
FDA and IEC For location and illustrations of the safety compliance labels
compliance see Figures 1–2, 1–3 and 1-4.
labels
Electrical An isolation transformer is built into the adjustable work
leakage table. This ensures that the complete instrument, including
protection the slit lamp power supply meets the requirements of IEC
601-1 for earth leakage protection.

Issue 3.2

Introduction
Additional safety features

The Aura is equipped with safety features in addition to the mandatory
requirements, as shown in the table below:
Table 1–2: Additional safety features
Feature Description
Memory test When the Aura is turned on the microprocessor memory is
checked and the system will halt if a fault is detected.
Self-test After the memory test the system automatically performs a
self-test program to confirm the safe and correct operation
of the internal modules. During this procedure the
microprocessor fires seven test shots with the shutter
closed. If this test routine is satisfied the LCD is cleared and
the energy of the last test shot is displayed. If a malfunction
is detected an error code is displayed and the laser cannot
be fired.
The first six test shots are used to detect degradation of the
laser, which could lead to over pulsing. If degradation is
detected, the system automatically adjusts the laser
operating voltages to restore optimum operation. This test
sequence greatly reduces the chance of over pulsing during
treatment and is adaptive to the characteristics of each laser
module.
STANDBY When the self-test routine is successfully completed the
mode system automatically switches into STANDBY mode. In this
mode the aiming laser is made operable, as are all the
controls, but the fire switch is disabled. This minimizes the
risk of accidental firing during patient set up.
Over pulse The automatic over pulse correction system used during the
correction power up test sequence is also active during normal
operation. It adjusts the laser voltages if an over pulse is
detected and returns the system to the STANDBY mode.
Shutter monitor A dual sensor shutter monitor checks the correct opening
and closing of the shutter. In the event of a shutter
malfunction the laser fire switch is disabled and an error
code is shown on the display. See Chapter 7 for a
discussion of error codes.
Automatic test Every time an energy setting is changed, either by the
fire thumbwheel or by selection of the number of pulses, an
automatic test fire occurs. During this test fire the shutter
remains closed so there is no risk of exposing the patient or
operator to laser radiation. Following a test fire, the resultant
energy is shown on the display.

Issue 3.2

Introduction
1.3.3 Safety precautions

The safety precautions in this section must be clearly understood and
followed by anyone using or servicing this equipment.
Treatment beam safety precautions

In normal use, the user is protected from hazards while in the normal
operating position because the instrument is fitted with protective infrared
absorption filters.
Warning Nd:YAG Laser Emission Warning

Invisible laser radiation is emitted from the laser aperture when
the system is in laser READY mode and the fire switch is
pressed. Do not look into the beam. Do not expose tissue to the
beam.
Any other personnel in the area should wear protective glasses to

eliminate the risk of eye damage from stray or accidental
emissions.
Viewing through all slit lamp optical accessories including camera

adaptors and co-observation tubes is safe for the viewing eye because
the built-in filter provides protection.
Protection at an optical density (OD) of at least 5 at 1064 nanometres

(nm) must be provided for the eye that is not directly viewing through the
accessory. The optical density is marked on safety glasses in a form
such as:
⇒ OD 5 at 1064 nm
⇒ Neodymium — YAG
Glasses without such a marking are not suitable for eye protection.
Suitable glasses are available as an accessory.
Never look directly into the laser beam or at its reflections, even when
wearing safety glasses.
The door to the treatment room should be kept closed when the laser is
in use and a warning sign placed on the outside of the door to alert
personnel of the optical hazard. It is recommended that safety glasses
be placed outside the door for personnel to put on before entering the
room. We also recommend that the door interlock be fitted to
automatically disable the laser when the treatment room door is opened.

Issue 3.2

Introduction
Warning Reflection Warning

Objects that can reflect visible light will also reflect 1064 nm laser
light. Avoid placing reflective materials s uch as glass, metal and
polished plastic in the laser beam.
Aiming beam safety precautions

The aiming beam inside the system is a Class 2, 670 nm (nominal) red
diode laser with power less than 1 milliwatt (mW). For such a laser the
blink reflex is considered sufficient protection. Precautions are advisable
to protect people in whom normal aversion responses are impaired or
disabled.
The two diode aiming beams are attenuated to 100 microwatts (µW)
maximum (200 µW in total for the two beams) before the exit aperture of
the instrument. Even though damage to the retina from the aiming laser
is most improbable, it is advisable not to stare into the system unless
under controlled conditions.
Warning Aiming Laser Emission Warning

Visible laser radiation is emitted from the laser aperture when the
system is switched ON. Do not stare into the beam unless under
the control of a qualified surgeon.
Fire safety precautions

The energy density of the focused treatment beam is high enough to
ignite flammable liquids or gases, so the system should not be used in
the presence of these materials.
Warning Explosion Hazard Warning

Do not use the treatment laser in the presence of flammable
anaesthetics or volatile organic fluids as the focused beam may
cause ignition.
Some materials, such as cotton wool saturated with oxygen, may

be ignited by the high temperatures produced by the focused
beam. The solutions of adhesives and flammable solutions used
for cleaning and disinfecting should be allowed to evaporate
before the laser equipment is used.

Issue 3.2

Introduction
Physical safety precautions

Do not use or service this instrument unless you understand the potential
hazards inherent in laser technology.
Never place your hands, arms, or any other body parts or tissue in the
path of the treatment laser beam.
When the instrument is unattended, turn it off and remove the key. Store
the key in a safe place.
1.3.4 Electrical safety precautions
Warning Danger! High Voltage.
Switch off the instrument and disconnect it from mains power before
servicing. Re-connect to power only if it is necessary for the particular
servicing procedure involved.
Warning Do not attempt to service the instrument if you are not familiar
with precautions against electrical shock.
Ensure all safety precautions against electrical shock are followed as the
laser system is powered from a 90 – 120 V AC or 220 – 240 V AC
supply. Voltages of up to 12 kV are generated internally.
Warning This system contains high voltage capacitors. Check that the
capacitors have been discharged by the automatic dump circuit
or bleed resistors before servicing.
1.3.5 Safety labels

This section contains a facsimile of every safety label and voltage/power
rating attached to the Aura together with its location. This information is
provided In compliance with:
⇒ FDA Z1 CFR guidelines

⇒ European Standard IEC 60601-1-1988
⇒ Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2211:1997

Issue 3.2

Introduction
Figure 1–2: Safety labels and positions

Issue 3.2

Introduction
Figure 1–3: Front of view of the slit lamp showing positions

of safety labels

Issue 3.2

Introduction
Figure 1–4: Safety labels on stand and table, label

variations on the 120 V and 240 V models
Manufactured for
B y
Taracan Pty Ltd. A.C.N. 008 276 060
258 Halifax Street, Adelaide, S.A. 5000
CAUTION
U.S. FEDERAL LAW RESTRICTS THIS DEVICE
TO SALE BY OR ON ORDER OF A PHYSICIAN
THIS PRODUCT COMPLIES WITH 21 CFR,

CHAPTER I, SUBCHAPTER H
MADE IN AUSTRALIA U.S. AND
INTERNATIONAL PATENTS PENDING
REF
SN
90-120 V AC
220-240 V AC
93/42/EEC 50/60 Hz
A
P 0805
520VA
IP 20
LASERCLASS3B/IIIb
Nd:YAG: 1064 nm, 45mJ Max, 4 ns pulse
LASER CLASS 2/II
Diode Laser: 670 nm, <1mW Max CW
VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION

AVOID DIRECT EXPOSURE TO BEAM
CLASS 3B LASER PRODUCT per IEC 60825-1:1993
CLASS IIIb LASER PRODUCT per 21 CFR 1040
T - 6.3A 250V
90-120 V ,1φ
T - 6.3A 250V
90-120 V , 1φ

Issue 3.2

Introduction
Figure 1–5: 120 V and 240 V fuse labels
The Aura is factory configured as a 120 V or 240 V system and is fitted

with the appropriate labels as shown in the figure above.

Issue 3.2

Introduction
Table 1–3: Description of safety labels
Label Explanation
Warning label indicating the position of the
laser aperture. Complies with IEC 825-1
(1993).
Label indicating the safety interlock

connector. Complies with IEC 601-2-22
(1995).
Label indicating the accessories interlock

connector.
(This function is normally factory disabled.)
Manufactured for Compliance label showing type B

equipment symbol. This symbol indicates
By
Taracan Pty Ltd. A.C.N. 008 276 060
that the equipment provides protection
258 Halifax Street, Adelaide, S.A. 5000
against electric shock through the limiting
CAUTION
U.S. FEDERAL LAW RESTRICTS THIS DEVICE of leakage current and the provision of a
TO SALE BY OR ON ORDER OF A PHYSICIAN
protective earth connection. Complies with
THIS PRODUCT COMPLIES WITH 21 CFR,
CHAPTER I, SUBCHAPTER H IEC 601-1 (1998).
MADE IN AUSTRALIA U.S. AND
INTERNATIONAL PATENTS PENDING Symbol indicating that the user must read
REF and comprehend the Operator's manual
SN before use.
90-120 V AC
Warning label indicating the possible
220-240 V AC explosion hazard if equipment is used in
93/42/EEC 50/60 Hz
AP 0805
520VA the presence of flammable anaesthetics.
IP 20
LASER CLASS 3B/IIIb

Symbol indicating level of ingress
Nd:YAG: 1064 nm, 45mJ Max, 4 ns pulse
LASER CLASS 2/II

protection.
Diode Laser: 670 nm, <1mW Max CW
VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION

Warning label indicating laser radiation
AVOID DIRECT EXPOSURE TO BEAM
CLASS 3B LASER PRODUCT per IEC 60825-1:1993
hazard and the class of the treatment and
CLASS IIIb LASER PRODUCT per 21 CFR 1040
aiming beam lasers. Complies with IEC
825-1 (1993).

Issue 3.2

Introduction
Label Explanation
Label indicating the mains voltage range for
the 110 V model and the type and rating of
T - 6.3A 250V user-accessible fuses.
90-120 V ,1
Label indicating the mains voltage range for

the 240 V model and the type and rating of
user-accessible fuses.
,1
Label relating to the type of bulb fitted to the

slit lamp.
Label indicating the position of the laser fire

button and the joystick operation.
Symbol indicating the Mains on position of

the key switch.
Symbol indicating the Mains off position of
the key switch.
Symbol indicating the Laser E-stop push
button.
Symbol indicating the treatment beam

energy level adjustment thumbwheel.
Symbol indicating the posterior offset

adjustment thumbwheel.

Issue 3.2

Introduction
Label Explanation
Label indicating the slit width and aperture
size controls for the slit lamp.
Label indicating the slit lamp filter selection

control.
Label indicating the aiming beam intensity

control.
Label indicating the slit lamp illumination

intensity control and the illumination boost
control.
Symbol on the control panel indicating that

the laser system is in STANDBY mode.
Symbol on the control panel indicating that

the laser system is in READY mode.
Symbol on the control panel indicating the

laser emission status button.

Issue 3.2

Introduction
Label Explanation
reset button.

pulse selection button.

contrast control.
1.3.6 Calculating nominal ocular hazard distance

The nominal ocular hazard distance (NOHD) for the Aura is 5.5 metres
(18 ft).
The nominal ocular hazard distance is calculated from the output energy,
beam divergence and diameter, and the maximum permissible exposure
energy. The calculation is made using formulae from the American
Standard ANSI Z1361-1986 (page 66), the equivalent Australian Standard
AS/NZS2211.1:1997 (page 74), and EN60825-1:1993 (page 143).

Issue 3.2

Introduction

Issue 3.2

CHAPTER 2
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
2.1 L ASER AND OPTICAL SYSTEMS

The Aura ophthalmic laser system is a compact, easily moved and self-
contained unit. It is a photodisruptive surgical instrument designed to
provide the physician with a precise, safe means for performing posterior
capsulotomy, pupillary membranectomy and iridotomy. The primary
design criteria were operational safety and reliability. The laser and
delivery system are integrated into the slit lamp microscope, which is
mounted on a power lift table. A control panel display is mounted on the
tabletop, and the system power supply console is mounted under the
table.
The system contains a Nd:YAG laser, which produces the treatment

pulses, a diode laser for the aiming beams, sensors, shutters, filters,
lenses to control/focus the beams, and a microprocessor to control the
system. These components are described in further details in this
Chapter.
The Aura produces infrared pulses at a wavelength of 1064 nm focused

to a point approximately 8 microns in diameter. The energy of the pulses
is adjustable and the energy density at the focal point is sufficient to
create a small ionisation site (plasma) in the vitreous cavity. The plasma
produces an acoustic wave that radiates anterior from the focal point and
ruptures or disrupts adjacent tissue. This is known as the
'photodisruptive effect ' and is unlike the surgical action of some other
ophthalmic lasers, which use heat to burn tissue.

Issue 3.2

Functional description
The laser has the following characteristics:
⇒ wavelength 1064 nm
⇒ high quality pulse of energy up to approximately 15 mJ per pulse
(45 mJ for triple pulse)
⇒ 3 mm (approx. 1/10 in) beam diameter
⇒ well polarized (ratio: 100:1)
⇒ 4 ns pulse width, directed along the optical axis of the system
⇒ spot size 11 microns (calculated 84% energy in this diameter; full
width half maximum (FWHM)) spot size 8 microns
⇒ focal length 92 mm (3.6 in), working distance 55 mm (2.1 in), and
a cone angle of 16 degrees
⇒ twin beam diode laser aiming system
⇒ adjustable posterior offset up to 250 microns between the
Nd:YAG and the diode focus (refer to Section 3.5.1 for actual
offsets at each setting on the dial)
Figure 2-1 shows the position of the laser within the system.
Figure 2-2 is an optical block diagram.
Figure 2-3 is a control block diagram.
Figure 2-4 is a functional block diagram.
The laser and optics follow three distinct paths paths:
⇒ treatment beam path — the path of the Nd:YAG laser beam used
for treating the patient
⇒ aiming beam path — the path of the dual red diode laser beam
used for aiming the laser beam
⇒ viewing path — the path from the eye of the patient to the eye of
the operator
These paths are described later in this Chapter and are illustrated in the
optical block diagram.

Issue 3.2

Figure 2–1: Position of the laser within the system
2.1.1 Optical system components

The optical system of the Aura comprises the following major
components (refer to Figure 2-2):
⇒ Nd:YAG laser module

⇒ attenuator module
⇒ beam expanding telescope
⇒ aiming lasers
⇒ folding mirror module
⇒ objective lens
⇒ binoculars
⇒ slit lamp
⇒ pulse monitor

Issue 3.2

The relationship between these components is illustrated in the optical

block diagram (Figure 2-2) and the functional block diagram (Figure 2-3).
The functions of these modules and components are described in the
remainder of this chapter. Procedures for testing and replacing them,
along with further details about them are included in Chapter 7.
Figure 2–2: Optical block diagram

Issue 3.2

Figure 2–3: Functional block diagram

Issue 3.2

2.1.2 Illumination path

The illumination system comprises a 30W halogen lamp. The light from
this lamp is delivered to the viewing plane through various lenses and
prisms.
2.1.3 Nd:YAG treatment beam path

Pulses of laser light leave the Nd:YAG module where they are created
and enter polarisation-sensitive optics within an attenuator module. The
optics transmit only the selected energy level.
The operator selects the energy level using the energy thumbwheel on
the laser head. The thumbwheel rotates a polarisation-sensitive element.
The reflected energy enters the pulse detector and is absorbed. The
detector is interrogated by the microprocessor to measure the number of
pulses emitted from the laser.
The transmitted energy passes through an energy monitor beam splitter,

where a further 15% is reflected to the energy monitor for a direct reading
of the laser energy. The beam then enters the shutter. When the shutter
is closed a total beam block absorbs the incident energy, but when it is
open the beam passes through to a beam expanding telescope (BET).
The shutter contains a flash filter to remove visible light from the beam
and prevent it from disturbing the patient when the laser is fired. The
flash filter transmits the Nd:YAG wavelength with minimal loss.
The beam expanding telescope enlarges the beam diameter from 3 to 27

mm (approx. 1/8 to 1.1 in), which allows the beam to be focused to a
small spot by the objective lens.
After leaving the beam expander the beam is reflected 90° to be coaxial
with the surgeon’s viewing axis. It is focused by the objective lens to an
11 micron diffraction limited spot (8 microns FWHM).
Internal shutter
An internal shutter prevents pulses from the treatment laser from
reaching the objective lens and being emitted unless the laser is in
READY mode.
Measurement of pulse energy

When a pulse is fired the energy is measured by an internal energy
monitor and displayed on an LCD on the control panel. After the set
number of pulses (one, two or three) is fired the shutter closes. The laser
can be fired again after a minimum time of one second.

Issue 3.2

Posterior Nd:YAG offset

The Aura has an adjustable posterior YAG offset of 100 to 250 microns
between the treatment laser focus and aiming beams, as shown in
Figure 2-4 below. This offset is adjusted using the Posterior YAG offset
thumbwheel on the front of the laser head. The normal initial setting is
150 microns.
Figure 2–4: Posterior YAG offset

Treatment beam positions
at detent dial settings
Aiming beam 1
Aiming beam 2 150 # 100 #

Micron Micron
250 #
Focal plane
Micron
# Note that distances shown reflect measurements in air.
2.1.4 Diode aiming beam path

The Aura is aimed by means of a visible red diode laser beam. This low
power laser is coaxial with the Nd:YAG treatment beam and is delivered
from the objective lens as two beams of converging spots that are
parfocal with the slit lamp focal plane.
The diode aiming module, like the laser module, is pre-aligned in its
carriage so that the beam lies on the aiming beam optical axis. The
module contains:
⇒ laser diode and collimating lens

⇒ laser diode drive circuit including a 5 V regulator and a monitor
signal output that connects to a PCB on the attenuator module
⇒ aiming beam focusing adjustment to enable the aiming beams to
be focused in the viewing plane

Issue 3.2

The beam leaves the module and hits an aiming beam mirror, which
reflects approximately 50%. The remainder is reflected by a second
mirror, which is totally reflective. In each case the reflected light is coaxial
with the treatment beam. The two beams are then focused by the
objective lens into the viewing plane.
The intensity of the aiming beams is controlled by a knob at the base of

the slit lamp, at the right hand side.
Small focus adjustments can be made with the spring-loaded lens at the
top of the diode aiming module to ensure the aiming beams are smallest
when the system is focused. Refer to Section 4.2 for further information.
The X-Y position of the aiming beam can be adjusted with the hex nut
adjustments on the aiming mirror arms. Refer to Section 4.2 for details.
These two adjustments enable you to accurately position the two beams
on top of each other, and the treatment beam, to ensure they are
focused in the correct plane.
If the treatment and aiming beams are not centred in the illumination slit,
refer to Section 4.2 for instructions.
2.1.5 Viewing path

The viewing path consists of a binocular assembly (delivered with 12.5 x
eyepieces), safety filter, folding mirror and objective lens. The
magnification of this standard system is 16 times.
The right hand eyepiece has a crosshair. The treatment and aiming
beams should be centred in the cross. If they are not, refer to Section 4.2
for the adjustment procedure.
Optical filters in the view path between the binoculars and folding mirror
module limit the infrared exposure to the operator’s eyes to a level below
the Class 1 safety limit.
When the treatment laser is turned off the instrument can be used as a
normal diagnostic slit lamp (see Chapter 5).

Issue 3.2

2.2 CONTROL PANEL

The control panel and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) (see Figure 2–6) are
located within a housing mounted on the table. They are covered by a
durable polycarbonate membrane that provides a sealed, flush surface
for protection and ease of cleaning. Each tactile push button beeps when
pressed so the operator knows a setting has been changed.
A microprocessor controller is located behind the control panel. The

microprocessor initiates the test routine, monitors, and controls the
function of the critical components. If a fault occurs it prevents the fire
switch on the joystick from functioning and shows an error message on
the LCD. (See Chapter 7 for a description of the error codes.)
Extreme cases of electrostatic discharge can cause

segments of the LCD to go blank. If this happens, turn the
mains power off then on again.
Figure 2–5: Control panel
2.2.1 Laser ready indicator

The laser ready indicator illuminates to show that the instrument is fully
enabled and ready to fire treatment laser pulses. (To fire the laser, press
the fire switch mounted on top of the joystick.)

Issue 3.2

2.2.2 Standby indicator

The Standby indicator illuminates to show that the laser system is in
STANDBY mode. In this mode the treatment beam is disabled and the
safety shutter will not open. The aiming laser is on and all the treatment
laser control switches will operate except for the fire trigger switch.
2.2.3 Reset button

This membrane push button resets the cumulative energy display and
the pulse number display. It should be pressed at the beginning of each
procedure so the total energy and number of pulses is reset to zero.
2.2.4 Status button

This is membrane push button that permits the selection of one of two
mutually exclusive modes:
⇒ STANDBY — standby mode

⇒ READY — laser ready mode
2.2.5 Pulse button

This membrane push button selects whether the laser fires single,
double or triple pulse bursts when the fire switch is pressed.
When the system is switched on single pulse mode is automatically

selected. Pressing the switch once selects double pulse mode and
pressing it again selects triple pulse mode. Pressing it once more
selects single pulse mode again. The current selection is shown on the
LCD at the Pulses Display (see Figure 2-6).
Every time the pulse button is pressed an automatic test fire occurs with
the shutter in the closed position.
2.2.6 Contrast adjustment

This adjustment (on the right hand edge of the housing) allows the
operator to adjust the LCD so that it gives the best contrast and can be
seen clearly.

Issue 3.2

2.2.7 Liquid crystal display

When the laser has been fired this display indicates the measured
energy of the shot just fired to within ±15% of the actual energy. When
more than one pulse per burst (pbb) is selected, the display indicates a
cumulative measured energy ±10%.
When the energy is selected, the display indicates the predicted energy
set by the operator and the system then “test fires” and indicates the
actual energy ±30% of predicted energy.
The LCD is illustrated below:
Figure 2–6: Liquid crystal display
Energy display
In laser READY mode part of the display shows the energy delivered
when the laser is fired.
In STANDBY mode or following a change in pulse selection or treatment

beam energy, it shows the energy that would have been delivered if the
shutter had been open.
The display is accurate to within 15% of the true energy.

Issue 3.2

Total energy register

The total energy register displays the cumulative total energy used during
a procedure. The display is calibrated in millijoules (mJ) and rounded to
the nearest millijoule.
This display is only incremented when a shot is fired with the shutter
open, and allows the surgeon to see how much energy was delivered to
the patient.
Pulses display
This part of the display shows ‘1’, ‘2’ or ‘3’, indicating the selection of
single, double or triple pulses per shot.
Total pulses register

This register records the cumulative total pulses fired. In single pulse
mode the register increments in single pulse; in double pulse mode it
increments two pulses at a time, and in triple pulse mode the register
increments three pulses for each shot.

Issue 3.2

2.3 POWER SUPPLY CONSOLE, CONTROLS AND

INDICATORS
The panel on the power supply console, shown below, contains the key
switch, the Laser E-stop button, a 'system on' indicator lamp and the
table height adjustment switch, which are all described below.
Figure 2–7: Power supply console
2.3.1 Laser E -stop switch

The Laser E-stop switch is used in an emergency and immediately shuts
down the treatment and aiming beam lasers and cuts the power
supplies.
The switch is an approved ‘mushroom’ type. Push the switch in to

activate the emergency stop. Turn in the direction of the arrows to
release and allow the laser to operate.

Issue 3.2

2.3.2 Laser system active indicator

The indicator lamp is illuminated when the system is turned on to
indicate that the laser system and slit lamp are activated.
2.3.3 Key switch

The key switch is the main power switch for the Aura. Rotate the key
through 90 degrees to turn the system on. The key cannot be removed
while in the ON position.
When the key is ON the slit lamp illumination and aiming beams are
switched on. Provided the Laser E-stop switch is in the ON position, the
system will perform a “self-test” and when complete will move to
STANDBY mode.
2.3.4 Table raise/lower

This is a rocker switch with a spring return to the centre (OFF) position. It
controls the raising and lowering of the slit lamp table.
To raise the table push the switch in the direction of the up arrow. To
lower the table push the switch in the direction of the down arrow. When
the switch is in the centre, the table remains in position and cannot
move.
2.4 SOCKETS AND FUSES

The connections, sockets and fuses are:
⇒ interlock connection (at side of the power supply tray)

⇒ accessory interlock (at side of the power supply tray)
⇒ fuses (at base of table)
⇒ power connector (at base of table)
These, and other components of the electrical system, are described

fully in Section 2.7.

Issue 3.2

2.5 ENERGY , AIMING AND FIRING CONTROLS

The following controls are located on the slit lamp:
⇒ aiming beam intensity

⇒ treatment laser energy
⇒ posterior YAG offset
⇒ fire switch
2.5.1 Aiming beam intensity control

The aiming beam intensity control is located on the right side at the base
of the slit lamp (see Figure 2-8). (See also Figure 2-9 for location and
identification of other items.)
Figure 2–8: Energy, firing and intensity controls
The aiming beam intensity control varies the aiming beam intensity up to
a maximum of 200 microwatts total output for the two beams.

Issue 3.2

2.5.2 Treatment laser energy control

The treatment laser energy is controlled by a continuously variable
thumbwheel, located on the front of the laser head. The control adjusts
the laser output energy from 0.3mJ to 10 mJ (typical).
As the thumbwheel is rotated the energy display on the LCD shows the
approximate energy at that position. When an energy level is selected the
system performs an automatic test fire at the new thumbwheel position
and the energy display shows the actual energy level.
The value may vary slightly from the initial indicated position, but
this is not a fault condition.
If the delivered energy deviates from the last test fire energy by more
than ±20% the unit will beep twice in rapid succession to alert the
operator, but the system can be used normally. If this warning occurs
frequently, or if the delivered energy is more than double the last test fire
energy, an E12 error will be displayed and the system will shut down.
See Chapter 7 for details of this error code.
2.5.3 Posterior YAG offset

The offset thumbwheel is located directly above the energy select
thumbwheel, and adjusts the focal position of the treatment laser in
relation to the aiming lasers. The offset control is continuously variable
between minimum and +250 microns, with detents at MIN, +150 and
+250 microns.
With the offset control at MIN, Aura delivers a preset offset

equal to 100 microns in air.
The posterior YAG offset control allows the physician to change the
Nd:YAG energy focus in relation to the aiming beams as energy levels
are altered. As energy is increased the offset should be increased to
ensure that no damage occurs to the IOL.
The Aura is factory adjusted to provide optimum performance at 1.5mJ

energy output with +150 microns offset. Thus, if a lower energy is
selected (such as 0.5mJ) the offset control should be reset to MIN offset
position. Conversely, if energy is increased the offset should be
increased to +250 microns.

Issue 3.2

2.5.4 Fire switch

The fire trigger switch is located on top of the joystick. This switch is only
active when all the following conditions are met:
⇒ key switch is in the ON position

⇒ Laser E-stop switch is in the ON position (released)
⇒ system is in laser READY mode
The fire switch should be released quickly after each firing action. If not,
the system will automatically return to STANDBY mode giving an audible
warning. The system can be manually returned to READY mode once
the fire switch has been released.
Warning When the fire switch is pressed, with the unit in laser READY
mode, dangerous laser radiation is emitted from the aperture.
2.6 SLIT LAMP AND CONTROLS

The Aura slit lamp has been modified from the standard slim -line
binocular head support arm and magnification changer, to a special
enlarged support arm containing all the laser optics. All slit lamp features
and controls remain unchanged.
The standard Aura is supplied with fixed magnification of 16 x using

12.5 x eyepieces. An optional three-step magnification changer (12 x,
16 x and 28 x) can be fitted between the binocular head and the support
arm. See Section 3.5 for specifications of the optional accessories.
A general view of the slit lamp and its components is shown below:

Issue 3.2

Figure 2–9: General view of slit lamp
Illumination on/off
The halogen lamp illumination is controlled by the key switch on the
power supply console panel.
Spectacle wearer
The eyepieces are fitted with rubber eyecups. If you wear spectacles,
fold the eyecups back.
Interpupillary distance adjustment

The separation of the eyepieces is adjustable to suit the interpupillary
distance of the user.

Issue 3.2

Adjusting the eyepieces

Adjust the slit lamp binocular eyepieces to suit by performing the
following:
m Remove this standard 12.5 x eyepieces and install the 20 x

eyepieces if available.
m Look into the eyepiece with the cross hair (reticule) and turn the
eyepiece adjusting ring clockwise then counter-clockwise until the
cross hair appears as sharp as possible.
m While looking through the eyepiece with the cross hair, move the
target on the alignment jig backwards and/or forwards until the
target is seen as clearly as possible.
m Look through the eyepiece with no cross hair and turn the
eyepiece adjusting ring until the target is seen as clearly as
possible.
Chin rest adjustment

Adjust the chin rest height for the patient's eye by rotating the chin rest
height adjustment knob. Align the eye of the patient between the marks
on the chin rest support.
X, Y, Z joystick movement
The slit lamp base can be moved backwards, forwards, left and right by
manipulating the joystick. The slit lamp base moves in the direction of the
joystick. To adjust the slit lamp height, rotate the joystick.
Illumination intensity
To adjust the illumination brightness use the illumination intensity control
on the slit lamp base. Turning clockwise increases the brightness and
turning counter-clockwise reduces the brightness. This knob only adjusts
the brightness. To switch the illumination lamp on or off use the key
switch on the power supply control console.
If high illumination is not required, keep the lamp at minimum

intensity to reduce heat build-up. Do not leave the illumination
intensity at maximum for more than ten minutes.
Illumination boost
The illumination boost button is a non-locking push button that overrides
the illumination intensity to give maximum illumination while pressed.

Issue 3.2

Slit width control

The slit is opened and closed by rotating the inner section of the slit
adjustment control on either side of the illumination tower. The control
can be rotated through 360 degrees and there is a detent at the fully open
position.
Rotating the slit

To rotate the slit turn the knurled black section of the illumination tower.
This control adjusts the slit rotation through 180 degrees (that is, 90
degrees either side of the vertical position).
Illumination aperture
To select an illumination field turn the illumination field adjustment turret
(the top wheel on the front of the illumination tower). A continuously
variable aperture and the following illumination fields are available:
0.5 mm, 5 mm, 8 mm and 12 mm.
Filters
To select the blue, green or neutral density (ND) filters, turn the filter
turret, which is the top wheel on the front of the illumination tower.
Clamp screws
The clamp screws for the illumination assembly, the slit lamp support
arm and the cross slide are located at the right side of these
components (viewed from the operator’s side). Turn the screws
clockwise to clamp each part.
Hand rest
The patient hand rests are mounted to the left and right sides of the chin
rest supports. The hand rests also provide the method of securing the
chin rest supports.
Illumination tower
The illumination assembly can be moved either side of the centre
position (on axis) approximately 60 degrees when the slit lamp is in the
forward position and 120 degrees when in the backward position.

Issue 3.2

Binocular support arm

This arm can be moved approximately 20 degrees to either side of the
centre position so that the operator can view parts of the eye not easily
seen from the centre position.
Prism head
The Aura has a short illumination tower with an angled prism head to
reflect light from the slit lamp into the eye.
2.7 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

This section describes the electrical functions, electronic functions, and
event sequences of the Aura. Refer to Section 2.3 for a description of the
power supply console controls.
2.7.1 Electrical power cord

The Aura is fitted with an IEC approved power cord connection socket in
the base.
A hospital grade power cord and plug are supplied for use within the
USA.
For use outside the USA a hospital grade power cord is also provided,
but without a plug attached. International plug requirements vary, so
contact a local plug supplier to supply a plug that complies with local
standards.
Once connected, the power cord is held in place with a metal strain relief
to ensure that the cord is not accidentally dislodged from the socket.
2.7.2 Theatre door interlock

The interlock is an optional accessory, and therefore not normally
supplied.
The interlock socket (which accepts a standard DIN plug) is located on

the power supply console. It is intended for use with an optional theatre
door circuit to disable the laser when the door is opened.
The interlock is a safety feature. If the interlock is fitted and the theatre
door is opened, the treatment and aiming beam lasers are disabled and
the shutter is closed. A beeper in the unit sounds until the door is closed.
The controls and lasers will not function until two seconds after the
interlock connection is re-established.

Issue 3.2

A pre-wired DIN plug is supplied to act as a blanking plug if the interlock

is not required. If the theatre door interlock is to be installed the blanking
plug is removed and a DIN plug connected and wired to a micro-switch
circuit fitted to the room door. The circuit diagram is included among the
electrical drawings at the rear of this manual.
2.7.3 Fuses
The Aura has two fuses: one mains power, and one secondary. The
mains fuses are located in the base of the stand by the mains power
socket, which is accessible by removing the power socket door.
When checking fuses, check the mains fuse first. Make sure the mains
power is disconnected and that the correct type and rating of fuse is
used.
Refer to Section 3.5 for fuse specifications.
2.7.4 Accessory interlock

The accessory interlock is used when connecting an accessory on the
laser. The interlock allows the Aura to be disabled whenever the
accessory is being used, to avoid damaging the accessory.
2.8 START -UP AND INITIALISATION PROCESSES

The following self-testing and initialisation steps occur when the key
switch is turned ON. They are controlled and monitored by the
microprocessor.
m The LCD comes on with the welcome message: “Coherent Aura

Ver 3.2” for two seconds.
m The system is set to single pulse mode and displays the
thumbwheel energy setting.
m The microprocessor checks that the shutter is closed.
If the shutter is open, the microprocessor shuts down the laser
system and displays an error code.

Issue 3.2

m If the shutter is closed the microprocessor checks that the

Nd:YAG storage capacitor is charged.
m As soon as the capacitor is fully charged the power supply sends
a ‘charging complete’ signal to the microprocessor.
m The microprocessor sends signals ordering an auto test fire of
seven test shots to be fired.
The shutter is closed during test firing.
m The sampled energy from the last test fire is displayed on the
LCD.
m The microprocessor checks for any over-pulse condition (see
Chapter 7).
If an over-pulse is detected, the system shuts down and an ‘E04’
error message is displayed.
m The microprocessor checks the aiming laser detector signal to
ensure that the aiming laser is operational.
After performing the initial set up and test fire described above, the
microprocessor continually monitors the following:
⇒ the four display controls

⇒ treatment energy selection
⇒ aiming laser detector signal
⇒ pulse selection
⇒ fire switch operation
If the operator changes any of these controls the microprocessor detects

the change and responds accordingly.
The aiming laser detector signal is a status signal, which is not controlled
by the operator. It is a safety feature to ensure that the treatment laser
cannot be fired if the aiming laser is not operational.

Issue 3.2

2.9 FIRING PROCESSES

When the start-up and initialisation processes are complete and all
required conditions are met (see Section 2.8), READY mode must be
selected to enable firing. The laser is fired by pressing the fire switch on
the joystick. Whenever an attempt is made to fire, the following
processes occur:
m The microprocessor reads READY mode is selected.

m The microprocessor reads the fire instruction.
m The microprocessor sends a ‘fire’ signal to the YAG trigger
module
m The Nd:YAG trigger module sends a high voltage trigger pulse to
the flash lamp in the YAG laser.
Two sensors inside the Nd:YAG attenuator module detect the
shutter position. If the shutter malfunctions the microprocessor
shuts down the Nd:YAG power supply, disables the unit and
displays an error code.
m The flash lamp converts the energy in the storage capacitor into a
flash of light.
m This flash in turn energizes the laser rod.
m The shutter motor opens the shutter.
m The Nd:YAG cavity outputs a pulse(s).
m The shutter motor then closes.
2.10 PULSE MODES

The system can be set to single, double or triple pulse mode. If the
number of pulses is increased the microprocessor sends a control
voltage to the Nd:YAG power supply module, which increases the
required voltage of the storage capacitor accordingly.
If the number of pulses is decreased the microprocessor sends a signal

to the Nd:YAG power supply module, which discharges the storage
capacitor in three seconds and re-charges it to the required level.

Issue 3.2


Issue 3.2

CHAPTER 3
INSTALLATION
3.1 INTRODUCTION
The installation described here assumes the unit has been delivered to
the location where it will be unpacked, assembled and used.
Installation consists of:
m Checking the shipping carton and unpacking the contents to

determine if any damage has occurred during shipping.
m Assembling the unit.
m Commissioning the unit.
m Completing the installation check list, install report and service
report (all packed with the unit), and returning them in an
envelope to the Coherent Medical Group Service Department.

Issue 3.2

Installation
3.2 INSTALLATION
3.2.1 Tools and materials

The following tools and materials are recommended for the installation,
commissioning and servicing of the Aura:
⇒ Phillips head screwdrivers; small, medium and large

⇒ flat blade screwdrivers; small, medium and large
⇒ set of Allen keys (hex wrenches), metric and imperial
⇒ jeweller's flat blade screwdriver
⇒ penlight torch
⇒ 22 mm box spanner for chin rest nuts
⇒ offset alignment jig
⇒ binocular offset jig
⇒ burn paper
⇒ model eye
⇒ model eye membranes
⇒ distilled or sterile water
⇒ modified 5 mm nut driver
⇒ medium adjustable spanner
⇒ voltmeter with 1000 V DC range and leads
⇒ container of AR grade methanol
⇒ cotton buds such as Q-tips
⇒ optical lens tissues
⇒ silicon adhesive (Silastic or equivalent)
⇒ spirit level
⇒ laser energy meter
3.2.2 Inspecting the carton

Before unpacking the unit, inspect the shipping carton for any signs of
damage. If damage exists contact the freight company and Coherent to
make arrangements to allow the installation to proceed with the minimum
of delay.

Issue 3.2

Installation
3.2.3 Opening the carton
Warning Only authorized Coherent personnel are permitted to unpack

the unit from its shipping carton.
Unauthorized opening of the carton will void the warranty.
A notice (as shown in Figure 3-1) is placed on all shipping cartons to

warn the user that unauthorized opening of the carton will void the
warranty.
If the unit has been unpacked by unauthorized personnel, record this on

the commissioning sheet. Under such circumstances the warranty is
provisionally voided and the matter should be referred to the factory for
discussion with the customer. If no damage or loss is evident you may
continue with the installation if the customer accepts the voided warranty.
The customer's signed acceptance of the voided warranty is

required.
Figure 3–1: Shipping carton label
WARRANTY VOIDED
if opened by
UNAUTHORIZED PERSONNEL

Issue 3.2

Installation
3.2.4 List of contents

The Aura is normally supplied in a shipping carton with the contents
packed as shown below.
Do not unpack the carton yet.
Figure 3–2: Shipping carton contents
T - 3
A6
. 2
5
0
V
90-120V 1, φ

Issue 3.2

Installation
The contents of the carton are:
Main crate
⇒ stand
⇒ table with chassis and control panel
⇒ magnification changer box
⇒ chin rest box
⇒ foam box
⇒ key (attached to table top)
Chin rest box

⇒ chin rest with fixation lamp
⇒ table drawer
⇒ dust cover
⇒ Aura user guide
⇒ patient handles
⇒ power c ord
⇒ packaging cart
⇒ installation check list
Foam box
⇒ laser head/slit lamp
⇒ cross shaft
⇒ gear covers
⇒ hardware (screws, washers)
⇒ chin rest papers
⇒ spare slit lamp globe
⇒ spare fuses
⇒ chin rest target
⇒ spare fixation globe
⇒ binocular
Accessories box (if ordered)

Contents depend on the accessories ordered and may include a three-
position magnification changer.
Issue 3.2

Installation
3.2.5 Unpacking the contents

Refer to Figure 3-2 and the list of contents in Section 3.2.4 while
unpacking the contents.
Warning Take extreme care throughout the following procedures not to

jar the optical assembly or scratch any paintwork.
Before unpacking the unit, inspect the shipping carton for any signs of
damage. If damage exists contact the freight company and Coherent to
make arrangements to allow the installation to proceed with the minimum
of delay.
Retain the shipping carton, boxes and packing materials as these may
be used for later transportation.
To unpack the instrument:
m Remove the carton straps.

m Open the top of the carton.
m Remove the table cover (cardboard and Styrofoam).
m Lift cardboard carton (mass 7 kg) off pallet.
m Release straps to remove the chin rest box and accessories box
(if included).
m Release straps to remove the ophthalmic laser slit lamp box.
You will need to lift the table slightly to release the box.
m Release the stand strapping and lift the unit from the pallet.
m Remove wrapping from the stand and tabletop.
m Unpack the laser system and chin rest.
m Re-assemble the crate and stow wrapping material in the crate.

Issue 3.2

Installation
3.2.6 Stages in assembly

The equipment is assembled in the following stages:
⇒ check mains voltage

⇒ locate and level the table top
⇒ optical assembly
⇒ chin rest assembly
⇒ interlock connection
⇒ mains power cable attachment
3.2.7 Checking mains voltage
Warning Do not plug in the unit until you have confirmed the correct
voltage.
The laser system is powered from either a 90 - 120 V AC or

220 - 240 V AC supply. Before assembly check that the operating voltage
of the unit is compatible with local mains voltage. The operating voltage
is stated on a label on the base of the stand next to the mains power
cable socket.
If the operating voltage indicated is incorrect for the local supply, change
the voltage setting as follows:
m Switch unit off.

m Flip down the power supply tray by removing the two front side
screws.
m Using a small flat-blade screwdriver, turn the primary voltage
selector switch on the transformer terminal plate to the desired
voltage (240 V or 110 V).
m Ensure the correct rating fuses are used for the voltage selected:
• 3.15 A fuse for 220-240 V
• 6.3 A fuse for 90-120 V
m Ensure that the correct voltage label is on the bottom of the
stand.

Issue 3.2

Installation
3.2.8 Locating and levelling the table top

To level the unit:
m Locate and orient the table according to the customer's

preference.
m Apply the castor brakes.
m Place a spirit level on top of the table on the white joystick pad
and adjust the height of the four castors by unlocking the top nut
and adjusting the bottom nut to level the table and prevent
rocking.
m Re-lock the top nut.
m Check that the table cannot rock.
m Check both along and across that the table is level.
m Repeat the procedure if necessary.
This procedure is carried out at the factory and will not

normally require adjustment.
3.2.9 Assembling the optics

Before carrying out the optical assembly, make sure that the mains
voltage is correctly selected.
Warning Take extreme care throughout the following procedures not to

jar the optical assembly or scratch any paintwork.
Assemble the optics as follows:
m Gently remove the laser head from its foam container.

Do not remove the plastic wrapping until the assembly is
complete.

Issue 3.2

Installation
Assembling the cross slide

The cross slide is now assembled to the base of the slit lamp as follows:
m Remove the cross slide shaft from the foam container.

m Remove one of the black gearwheels attached to one end.
m While holding the laser head, feed the cross slide through the
base of the slit lamp (ensuring that the locking screw is not
blocking the shaft).
m Attach the second gearwheel to the shaft with the screw and
washer using the Allen key provided.
Warning Ensure that the gear wheel is correctly keyed into the slot in
the end of the cross slide shaft before tightening the screw.
m Hold the laser head above the centre of the table and feed the two
laser head cable connectors (high voltage and 'D') through the
slot in the right hand side of the metal tray under the hole in the
table top, and on to the power supply console area.
m Lower the slit lamp on to the table and locate the cross slide
gears on the gear tracks.
Connecting the high voltage and signal cables

The high voltage and signal cables can now be connected to the power
supply console, as follows:
m Take the blue and white high voltage connector, that is now within
the power supply console area (under the table), and locate it into
the mating socket at the rear of the power supply chassis and
rotate to lock in place.
m Push the 'D' connector into its socket alongside the high voltage
connector, and finger-tighten the slide retaining screws.
m Feed any excess cable back into the metal tray under the table so
that it loops towards the front of the unit.
Assembling the binoculars to the slit lamp

The slit lamp must be able to move freely, without catching on the cable:
m Loosen the cross slide locking screw on the right hand side of the
base and check that the slit lamp can move smoothly in all
directions without catching on the cable.
m Push the gear covers over the cross slide track on each side.
m Attach the binoculars to the slit lamp and secure with the locking
screw.

Issue 3.2

Installation
3.2.10 Assembling the chin rest

Assemble the chin rest as follows:
m Remove the nuts, washers and star washers from the chin rest
legs, leaving the two black collars in place.
m Place the legs through the holes in the table, with the cables
through the hole above the power supply console.
m Fix the washer, star washer and nut over the leg that is not above
the power supply and tighten using the 22 mm box spanner.
m Connect the green earth wire ring from the earth ground terminal
strip to the chin rest above the power supply console.
m Fix the washer, star washer and nut to the leg and tighten.
m Connect the white 2-pin connector from the chin rest to the X44
socket.
m Connect the green earth wire from the chin rest to the spade on
the earth ground terminal strip.
m Fit the black patient handles to the chin rest arms.
m Check that the chin rest can be raised and lowered smoothly.
m Slowly raise the power supply console chassis while checking
that both the laser head cable and black power cable locate in the
slot at the side of the chassis.
m Replace both screws at the front of the power supply console.

Issue 3.2

Installation
3.2.11 Installing the interlock or plug

The Aura is fitted with two interlock connectors (safety and accessories)
on the side of the back of the power supply tray.
The safety interlock connector is factory installed with a blanking plug. If

the blanking plug is not fitted the laser will beep continuously until the
blanking plug is installed. The customer is responsible for deciding how
the system is to be interconnected. To connect to an external safety
interlock door switch, the blanking plug must be removed and the switch
connected using a suitable two core cable (such as two core mains
figure eight flex or speaker wire).
At the customer's request the safety interlock may be bypassed; the

customer must accept responsibility for that decision.
If the theatre door interlock is not installed:
m Ensure that the blanking DIN plug is installed in the port labeled
INTERLOCK and fastened down with the screw collar.
The safety interlock should only be bypassed on customer

request, and the customer must accept responsibility for
that decision. Make a note to this effect on the acceptance
sheet.
If the interlock is to be installed:
m Remove the blanking plug.

m Install a DIN plug wired to a microswitch circuit fitted to the room
door.
The circuit diagram for the room door switch is included among the
electrical drawings at the rear of this manual.
The accessories interlock connector is factory disabled. If this function is

required to interlock other slit lamp or laser delivery accessories, follow
the procedure below:
m Remove the blanking plug.

m Install a DIN plug connected and wired to a microswitch circuit
fitted to the slit lamp or laser delivery accessories.
The circuit diagram for slit lamp or laser delivery accessories is included
among the electrical drawings at the rear of this manual.

Issue 3.2

Installation
3.2.12 Installing the mains power cable

The unit is supplied with a mains power cable from the factory. An
acceptable mains plug should be fitted to the cable supplied.
m Plug the cable into the base of the stand and secure with the
metal clip.
m Bend the cable under the base and fix in place with the two black
clips in the middle and at the side under the base.
3.2.13 Testing the system

Apply mains power and use the key to turn the system on. When the
system is turned on check that the following actions occur:
⇒ the green power-on indicator lamp alongside the key switch is

illuminated
⇒ the green fixation lamp on the chin rest is illuminated
⇒ the yellow STANDBY indicator LED on the control panel is
illuminated
⇒ the LCD screen displays 'COHERENT V3 .2' (the display contrast
is adjustable via the control wheel on the right hand side of the
control panel box)
⇒ the system performs a test routine, during which a series of
seven clicks will be heard as test shots are fired with the shutter
in the closed position
⇒ when the test routine is completed the normal operating display
appears on the LCD screen
The instrument is now installed. The optical alignment check can be

carried out (see Section 3.3).
3.2.14 Completing the installation check list

When the installation is complete, fill in the Installation check list. A copy
is included in the shipping carton.
When the assembly of the unit has been completed satisfactorily carry
out the commissioning checks.

Issue 3.2

Installation
3.3 OPTICAL ALIGNMENT CHECK

The laser system should be fully operational before this check is carried
out. Using burn paper affixed to a target, make an out-of-focus burn at
maximum energy. Check the burn pattern produced by the laser is
circular.
If the pattern is non-circular to a major extent, the Nd:YAG module may

be out of alignment and should be re-aligned or returned to the factory for
re-alignment.
Check that the aiming spots are of equal brightness and are completely
circular. If the spots are not circular and equal brightness, the fault must
be rectified before continuing. Refer to Section 4.2.
Procedure
To carry out the optical alignment check:
m Insert a new membrane in the model eye and fill the model eye
with sterile water.
m Attach the model eye to the chin rest.
m Look through the binoculars and observe the aiming spots at the
centre of the membrane.
m Move the slit lamp back and forth with the joystick until the two
spots converge.
m Move the slit lamp slightly back and forth from this position while
observing the aiming spots and check that they move apart by the
same amount when the slit lamp is moved forward as they do
when the slit lamp is moved backward by the same distance.
The focus should be sharpest when the spots are exactly
converged. If the two spots will not converge, optical alignment
must be performed, refer to Section 4.2.
m Switch the system into READY mode and select an energy
setting of 1.3 to 1.5 mJ, since this is where the laser is most
commonly used.
m Set the posterior YAG offset thumbwheel to the +150 µm setting.
m Aim the laser at the centre of the membrane and fire the
treatment laser.
If the laser is fired in the periphery of a model eye with a curved

cornea it will make the treatment laser appear to be misaligned
to the aiming laser. A flat lens will not produce this effect.

Issue 3.2

Installation
m Ensure that the hole created in the membrane is coaxial and

parfocal with the converged aiming spots.
If it is not, proceed to the optical alignment procedure in Section

4.2. If satisfactory the system is ready for use. Proceed to the
commissioning checks.
3.4 COMMISSIONING CHECKS

The following checks should be carried out to verify that the system is
operating satisfactorily:
⇒ table pedestal check

⇒ aiming accuracy check
⇒ air breakdown check
⇒ energy monitor check
3.4.1 Table pedestal check

The centre pedestal has a motor-driven electric lift mechanism for
raising and lowering the table. The motor, drive gear box mechanism,
and mains input voltage connection are all in the base of the pedestal. To
make the table pedestal check:
m Ensure that the table is able to raise and lower smoothly and
freely.
The table is raised and lowered using the switch on the power
supply console panel.
m Ensure there is no twisting motion of the table.
If operation is satisfactory proceed to Air Breakdown Check (see Section

4.9). If not, adjust the table.

Issue 3.2

Installation
3.4.2 Aiming accuracy check

Refer to Section 4.5 for instructions.
3.4.3 Air breakdown check

The air breakdown check is a quick way of evaluating the Nd:YAG laser
performance. Refer to Section 4.9.
3.4.4 Energy monitor check

The energy monitor calibration should be checked when the unit is first
installed, and when the energy monitor module, attenuator module or
microprocessor module is changed. The calibration should be checked
routinely at least once every six months. Refer to Chapter 4 for the
complete calibration procedure.
Equipment required
The following equipment is required:
⇒ appropriate eye protection (Optical Density at least 5.0 at 1064

nm)
⇒ calibrated laser energy meter to measure Nd:YAG laser energy,
with a pulse width of 4 ns, within an energy range of 0.2 mJ to
45 mJ, such as:
Molectron JD500 or EM500, Ophir Energy Meter model 03A-P-
CAL-DG-P/E. OR: Laser Precision Energy Meter model LP-7610
with detector head RjP-735 and attenuator RkA-312
OR: an equivalent energy meter
Any meter used to calibrate the laser energy must be

traceable to N.I.S.T. (U.S. National Institute of Standards and
Technology).
⇒ appropriate clamps to fix energy detector to the chin rest stand

⇒ burn paper, Kodak linagraph CAT 198 6140
⇒ energy calibration check record sheet

Issue 3.2

Installation
Procedure
To carry out the energy monitor checks:
m Turn the system on.

m Verify the laser is in STANDBY mode.
m Attach the detector head to the chin rest support. (Place in
approximately the same position as a patient's eye.)
Warning Do not fire the laser yet as it may damage the detector.
m Position the slit lamp so that both the aiming beams are centered
on the meter head face before focus approximately 10 to 15 mm
(approx. 1/2 in) apart.
m Select SINGLE PULSE mode and READY mode.
m Turn the ENERGY thumbwheel to minimum energy.
m Fire the laser and verify the displayed energy is ±15% of delivered
energy as seen on the external energy meter. (Refer to page 4-27
to verify energy settings as stated on the Calibration Record
Sheet.)
If the energy display average is within ± 15% of the external energy meter
average re-calibration is not necessary.
Adjusting the calibration

If the average values are not within ± 15% re-calibration is necessary.
Refer to Section 4.4.3, page 4-19, and then perform the following:
m Fire the laser again at a range of energy readings and compare

the results of the laser and external energy monitor as before,
entering the results on a fresh calibration record.
m Repeat the calibration adjustment and the reading comparison as
necessary until the calibration is correct and all display readings
are within 15% of the external energy meter readings. (Fill out a
new calibration record each time.)
If the system cannot be calibrated, contact Coherent.

Issue 3.2

Installation
3.5 PRODUCT SPECIFICATION
3.5.1 Treatment laser
Table 3–1: Treatment laser specifications
Specification Details
Type Q-switched Neodymium Yttrium
Aluminium Garnet Nd:YAG
Safety class 3B
Wavelength Near infrared 1064 nanometres (nm)
Air breakdown ≤ 4 mJ
Test cell breakdown > 50% at 1 mJ
Q-switch Solid state
Pulse width 4.0 nanoseconds
Mode structure Fundamental, diffraction limited
Energy selector ≤ 0.3 to ≥ 10 millijoules, continuously
variable
Maximum energy 45 millijoules at triple pulse. Single
pulse energy is generally >10 mJ
Burst mode 1, 2 or 3 pulses per shot with a pulse
separation of approximately 20
microseconds
Repetition rate 2.3 Hz in single pulse mode
2.0 Hz in double pulse mode
1.5 Hz in triple pulse mode
Spot size 8 microns (µm) FWHM (Full Width
Half Maximum) calculated
84% of energy contained within
11 µm diameter
Cone angle 16 degrees (nominal)
Beam divergence 16°, solid cone angle; tolerance + 0°
to -1.6°
Nominal ocular hazard distance 5.5 metres (18 ft)
(NOHD)

Issue 3.2

Installation
Focusing system Continuously variable posterior offset
between treatment and aiming
beams with three detent positions:
Dial settings Actual offset
Measured in air In eye (approx)
MIN 100 ± 50 µm 59 µm
+ 150 250 ± 25 µm 137 µm
+ 250 350 ± 50 µm 189 µm
Safety filter Schott KG-3
Optical density = 3 at 1064 nm
3.5.2 Aiming laser
Table 3–2: Aiming laser specifications
Type Semi-conductor laser diode
Continuous wave (CW)
Twin spot, intersecting beams
Safety class 2
Wavelength 670 nm (nominal)
Power output Continuously variable intensity up to
200 microwatts maximum (total of
two beams)

Issue 3.2

Installation
3.5.3 Slit lamp specifications
Table 3–3: Slit lamp specifications
Type Galilean stereoscopic microscope
with converging optics
Objective lens 1.25 x
Eyepiece lens 12.5 x, dioptre adjustable in range
± 5 D (one with KOWA-style cross
hair reticule)
Total magnification 16 x (12.5 x eyepiece)
Interpupillary distance 55-88 mm (2.16 to 3.5 in)
adjustment
Working distance 55 mm (2.16 in)
Focal length 92 mm (3.6 in)
Binoculars Removable with set screws to
enable cross hair alignment
Chin rest Adjustable, vertical travel 50 mm (2
in)
Slit lamp source
Slit width 0 to 12 mm (0 to ½ in)
Illumination view field 0.5 mm, 5 mm, 8 mm, 12 mm,
continuously variable
Slit rotation 180 degrees endless
Illuminating angle 180 degrees at horizontal plane (90
degrees for right/left)
Filters Green, cobalt-blue, neutral density
(ND) (28% attenuation)
Bulb Halogen lamp, 12 V, 30 W
pre-centred bulb
Fixation lamp Green incandescent lamp

Issue 3.2

Installation
Cross slide table
Vertical adjustment of binocular 26 mm (1 in), by rotation of joystick
arm
Fine horizontal movement By tilting joystick lever, fine
movement of 11 mm.
Coarse horizontal movement By moving the slit lamp base, coarse
movement of 103 mm (4 in)
longitudinal and 103 mm lateral
travel.
3.5.4 General system specifications
Table 3–4: General specifications
Height To top of work area:
fully extended: 0.96 m (38 in)
fully retracted: 0.708 m (28 in)
To top of chin rest:
fully extended: 1.440 m (57 in)
fully retracted: 1.188 m (47 in)
Work area 0.495 x 0.918 m (20x36 in)
Connectors Mains power socket, safety interlock
connector, accessories interlock
connector (optional function)

Issue 3.2

Installation
3.5.5 Power supply
Table 3–5: Power supply specifications
Voltage 90-120 or 220-240 V AC; 50/60 Hz
Maximum current consumption: 4.7 A
(90-120 V); 2.1 A (220-240 V)
Mains fuse 6.3 A anti-surge TDS540 for 90 -
120 V AC
3.15 A anti-surge TDS540 for 220 -
240 V AC
Secondary fuses 6.3 A, 250 V slow -blow fuse (anti-
surge) is provided to protect the 18 V
AC slit lamp voltage.
4 A fuse labeled F1 is located inside
the DC power supply module.
Note: Secondary fuses are not

user-accessible.
Shock protection Class 1, type B (IEC 601-1 6.8.1)
Type B equipment provides protection against electric shock by limiting

the leakage current and by the provision of a protective earth
connection.
3.5.6 Cooling
Table 3–6: Cooling specifications
Type Air convection

Issue 3.2

Installation
3.5.7 Total system weight
Table 3–7: Weight specifications
Packed weight 86 kg (190 lb) (approx)
Unpacked weight 60 kg (132 lb) (approx)
3.5.8 Environmental conditions

The following environmental conditions are recommended to avoid
system degradation during transport and storage.
Table 3–8: Environmental conditions for transport and

storage
Ambient temperature range - 10°C to + 40°C (10°F to 104° F)
Humidity range 10 to 75% RH (non-condensing)
Atmospheric pressure range 700 hPa to 1060 hPa
The following environmental conditions are recommended to avoid

system degradation during operation.
Table 3–9: Environmental conditions for system operation
Ambient temperature range + 10°C to + 40°C (50° to 104°F)
Humidity range 30 to 75% RH (non-condensing)
Atmospheric pressure range 700 hPa to 1060 hPa

Issue 3.2

Installation
3.5.9 Aura accessories
Table 3–10: Aura accessories specifications
Specification Details Coherent

Part number
Safety glasses 3303-0330
Magnification changer 12 x, 16 x, 28 x 0638-180-01
Beam splitter 0638-181-01
Photographic 35 mm camera 0638-237-01
adaptor
Video camera adaptor 0638-238-01
Co-observation tube 0638-182-01

Issue 3.2

CHAPTER 4
CALIBRATION, ALIGNMENT, AND ADJUSTMENT
4.1 INTRODUCTION
Alignment and calibration of the Aura takes place in the following stages:
⇒ optical alignment
→ cross hair (eyepieces) focus
→ center of rotation check
→ aiming beam focus
→ aiming spots centerd
→ YAG burn centerd
→ posterior YAG offset adjustment
→ slit aligned to cross hair
⇒ attenuator set up
→ energy prediction adjustment
→ half wave plate setting
⇒ pre-calibration check
⇒ voltage reset
⇒ final calibration check
⇒ air breakdown check

Issue 3.2

Calibration, alignment, and adjustment
4.1.1 Equipment required

⇒ complete Aura system

⇒ alignment jig
⇒ model eye
⇒ membranes
⇒ saline solution
⇒ Allen keys
⇒ 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 1.5 mm ball driver
⇒ cross head jeweler’s screwdriver
⇒ small flat blade screwdriver
⇒ burn paper: Kodak linagraph; cat 198 6140
⇒ double sided adhesive tape
⇒ 5 mm nut driver (modified)

Issue 3.2

4.2 OPTICAL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE

The objective of optical alignment is to accurately align the following three
optical systems to the optical axis of the illumination slit lamp:
⇒ viewing (slit lamp binoculars)

⇒ treatment laser (Nd:YAG)
⇒ aiming laser (Diode)

⇒ complete Aura system

⇒ alignment jig
⇒ model eye
⇒ membranes
⇒ distilled water or 9% saline solution
⇒ Allen keys
⇒ 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 1.5 mm ball driver
⇒ cross head jeweler’s screwdriver
⇒ small flat blade screwdriver
⇒ burn paper: Kodak linagraph; cat 198 6140
⇒ double sided adhesive tape
⇒ 5 mm nut driver (modified)

Issue 3.2

4.2.2 Procedure
Ensure that the laser system is operating correctly before proceeding.
Check that the burn pattern is circular. If it is non-circular to a major
extent, the laser module may be out of alignment and should be returned
to the factory for re-alignment.
Check also that the aiming spots are of even brightness and are
completely circular. If they are not circular the fault must be rectified
before continuing. If all is well, proceed as described in the following
sections.
Taking shortcuts in this procedure will result in misalignment.

Always follow every step in this procedure if the alignment is to
be adjusted.
4.2.3 Aligning the slit lamp

To align the slit lamp:
m Turn the laser ON using the key switch.

m Remove the front cover of the unit by releasing the countersunk
socket head screw underneath it with a 2 mm Allen key.
Warning There are dangerous voltages inside the laser head wh en the
system is on.
m Using double-sided tape, attach a clean piece of burn paper to the

target on the alignment jig.
m Attach the alignment jig to the top of the laser head using the tool
attachment jig mounting holes.
m Remove the binoculars by loosening the thumb screw on the top
of the laser head.
m Remove the laser safety filter plate by removing the two socket
head retaining screws with a 2.5 mm Allen key.
m Attach the binocular offset jig to the laser head as you would
attach the binoculars.
m Attach the binoculars to the offset jig.
A safety filter is built into the binocular offset jig.

Issue 3.2

Adjusting the eyepieces

Adjust the eyepieces to suit by performing the following:
m Look into the eyepiece with the cross hair (reticule) and rotate the
eyepiece fully counter-clockwise.
m Turn the eyesight adjusting ring clockwise until the cross hair is
focused.
m Repeat at 3-5x to confirm the setting.
target is in focus.
m Look through the eyepiece with no cross hair and rotate the
m Turn the eyesight adjusting ring clockwise until the target is

focused.
Adjusting the slit  center of rotation

m Set the slit to its minimum visible width in the vertical position.
m While looking through the binoculars, swing the slit lamp
illumination tower ± 30 degrees off axis around its central
position.
m Adjust the target on the alignment jig backwards or forwards,
while swinging the slit-lamp until the slit appears to be stationary,
or as close as possible to stationary.
This point is known as the center of rotation of the slit lamp.
If the slit moves in one direction from center and not in the
opposite direction when the tower is swung, the prism assembly
needs adjustment. To do this, loosen the prism locking screws
and rotate the prism until the slit position remains central when
the tower is swung. This may cause the slit to be slightly off
vertical, which can be corrected by loosening the three screws
holding the Illumination Tower into the Illumination Base and
rotating the tower to compensate for the rotation of the prism.
m Open the slit to its maximum width.

m Swing the illumination off axis approximately 30 degrees.
m Verify the field of view is in focus where the slit is stationary and
does not move when the illumination is moved off axis.
If not properly focused, proceed to the following section.

Issue 3.2

Adjusting the focus

m Remove the two plugs covering the objective lens locking
screws.
m Loosen the two objective lens locking screws.
m Move the slit lamp off axis approximately 30 degrees.
m While viewing the burn paper surface through the binoculars,
adjust the focus by rotating the objective lens assembly housing
so that the background comes into sharp focus.
Do not touch the optical surface of the lens with your fingers.
The cross hairs must also be in focus. If they are not the
eyepieces will have to be adjusted and the above focusing
procedure repeated.
If the slit lamp is rotated 30 to 60 degrees from center, the

shadows produced on the burn paper may make focusing
easier.
4.2.4 Aligning the treatment laser

The following procedure sets the posterior offset. Refer to Figure 4-1.
m Attach the posterior offset alignment jig (part number 3122012) to

the top of the slit lamp.
m Place a piece of matt black electrical tape on the metal target
plate, and place this on the magnetic target area of the jig.
m Direct a desk lamp or flashlight at the target.
m Turn on the system.
m Set the slit lamp and aiming beam intensities to minimum.
m Adjust the slit width to remove the slit illumination.
A magnification changer may be used if required to view the burn
spots.

Issue 3.2

Figure 4–1: Diode aiming module
Focus locking screw
Focus adjustment
screw
m Move the Z adjustment of the jig to mid-position.

m Bring the aiming beams together exactly by further turning the Z
adjustment.
m Move the Z adjustment clockwise by 12.5 divisions on the dial.
The target will now be set at 250 micron posterior. Note that the
dial has 20 microns per division.

Issue 3.2

m Set the energy to minimum, single pulse (0.2 or 0.3 mJ) and set
the posterior offset of the laser to the +150 position.
m Repeatedly fire the laser (slightly moving the target to the side
after each laser fire, and adjusting the starwheel on the BET) to
obtain the smallest possible burn spot on the target. (See Figure
4-2.)
Always re-lock the focus locking screw of the BET after an
adjustment is made.
m Once the starwheel position is correct, select a clear area of the

target and bring the aiming beams exactly together using the Z
adjustment.
m Set the posterior offset to the MIN position.
m At the 100 micron adjustment position:
• Turn the Z adjustment by 5 divisions clockwise (which
moves the target 100 micron posterior), slightly move the
target to a clear area and fire the laser.
• Set the posterior offset to +150 and slightly move the target,
aiming below the previous burn spot, then fire the laser.
• Set the posterior offset to +250 and aim below the previous
burn spot, then fire the laser.
• Turn the Z adjustment by 7.5 divisions clockwise (which
moves the target 150 micron posterior).
• Set the posterior offset to MIN and slightly move the target,
aiming to the left side of the first burn spot of the previous
step, then fire the laser.

Issue 3.2


• Turn the Z adjustment by 5 divisions clockwise, slightly
move the target to a clear area and fire the laser.
Adjust the target position in this and the following two steps
so the laser burn spots follow the pattern shown in the
following table.
On completion the burn spots should follow the pattern shown in the
table below.
Table 4–1: Burn pattern
Posterior offset Z adjustment position

-100 -250 -350
Ÿ Ÿ
MIN
Ÿ
+150
Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
Ÿ
+250
Ÿ Ÿ

Issue 3.2

Figure 4–2: Beam expander module
Thumbwheel
Locking screw
Focusing screw
Star wheel
4.2.5 Aligning the aiming beams
Warning There are dangerous voltages inside the laser head.
To align the aiming beams:
m Set the ENERGY thumbwheel to minimum energy.

m Set the offset to +150.
m Fire the laser once on to the burn paper.
If the burn mark is too large to accurately judge the center of the
burn, it is possible the Beam Expander focus should be adjusted.
To do this, refer to Section 4.2.4.
m Examine the aiming spots through the binoculars.

If the spots are small enough so that the centers can accurately
be judged, then no focus adjustment is necessary at this stage. If
the spots have blurry edges the Diode Aiming Module focus
should be adjusted.
m Install the binocular offset jig and remove the safety filter.
m To focus the aiming beams, loosen the focus locking screw and
rotate the focusing screw. (See Figure 4-2.)
The adjus ting screw can be reached from above through the
binocular opening with a 1.5 mm ball driver, and by removing the
safety filter and installing the binocular offset jig.
Issue 3.2

m Adjust the focus to achieve the smallest aiming beam spots.

m Tighten the focus locking screw.
m Center the lower aiming beam on the laser burn by adjusting the
lower mirror arm on the Folding Mirror Module using a 5 mm nut
driver.
m Adjust the upper aiming beam to coincide with the lower aiming
beam at the center of the laser burn by adjusting the upper mirror
arm on the Folding Mirror Module (see Figure 4-3, below).
Figure 4–3: Folding mirror module arm adjusting nuts
DO NOT ADJUST
PIVOT NUT!
Upper horizontal adjustment
Lower vertical adjustment
Upper vertical adjustment
Lower horizontal
adjustment
DO NOT ADJUST
PIVOT NUT!
m To be certain that both aiming spots are in the center of the burn,
gently push down on the alignment jig while looking through the
binoculars.
The aiming spots should separate but still be vertically aligned.
Any horizontal displacement means that the spots are not
correctly aligned.
When the alignment jig is returned to the upper position, you

should see the spots move back on top of each other again,
otherwise, more adjustment is required.

Issue 3.2

4.2.6 DAM polarisation adjustment procedure

In some cases, when replacing a diode aiming module one of the aiming
beams will be considerably brighter than the other. This is due to the
orientation of the laser diode with respect to the lower aiming beam
mirror. The newer DAMS have the provision to rotate the laser diode to
accommodate for any polarization differences.
m Replace the DAM if needed as described in Section 7.8.4.
If the aiming beams are approximately the same

brightness do not continue this procedure. The correction
is only necessary if one aiming beam is obviously
brighter than the other.
m Turn off the system.

m Loosen the two diode retaining screws (with nylon washers) on
the underside of the diode located at the bottom of the DAM.
m Rotate the laser diode 90 degrees to the right.
m Tighten the two diode retaining screws.
m Turn the system on and check the aiming beam brightness.
If they are still significantly different readjust the rotation until the
beams are of approximately equal brightness.
If no further adjustments are required at this stage, remove the

offset jig and make sure the safety filter is refitted to ensure safe
use of the instrument.
4.2.7 Aligning the viewing optics

To align the viewing optics:
m Remove the model eye and replace the alignment jig.

m Reduce the illumination slit width to the minimum visible vertical
width.
m Look through the binoculars and check that the aiming spots line
up with the slit.
If not, move the objective lens by carefully translating the objective
lens with the top two objective locking screws to move the aiming
spots to the slit.
Make several small adjustments. If the objective lens becomes

loose it may move forwards or backwards and change the focus
of the system. After adjustments to the objective lens, re-verify
the system focus.

Issue 3.2

If the aiming spot is a long way off the slit it may not be possible
to align the aiming spots to the slit using the objective lens. In this
situation centralize the objective lens then loosen the locking
screws on the prism mount (see Figure 4-4). Move the prism until
the slit is correctly aligned. This may cause the slit to be slightly
off vertical, which can be corrected by loosening the three screws
holding the Illumination Tower into the Illumination Base and
rotating the tower to compensate for the rotation of the prism.
Figure 4–4: Loosening the locking screws
m Open the slit up to full illumination.

m Remove the binoculars and binocular offset jig.
m Replace the laser filter plate and the two M3 x 6 Lg socket head
screws using a 2.5 mm Allen key.
m Replace the binoculars.
If the aiming spots do not lie at the center of the cross hairs,
adjust the binoculars off-setting screws with a 1.5 mm Allen key.
Adjust the screws a small amount at a time, loosening and
re-tightening the knurled binocular thumbscrew between each
adjustment to prevent the screws from digging into the aluminum
casting.

Issue 3.2

If the binocular off-setting screws are disturbed, apply a small amount of

Loctite 242 before readjusting them to ensure they cannot move
afterwards.
m Turn the unit off.

m Replace the front cover and the M3 x 6Lg countersunk socket
retaining screw using a 2 mm Allen key.
m Remove the offset jig.
m Replace the objective lens adjusting screw covers with a small
amount of SILASTIC (white silicon).
This enables the screw covers to be removed if required at a later
date.
m Turn the unit on and re-check the alignment, paying special

attention to the laser focus.
4.3 SETTING UP THE ATTENUATOR

The attenuator is set up in two stages:
⇒ adjusting the energy prediction

⇒ setting the half wave plate
4.3.1 Adjusting the energy prediction

The energy prediction is the value displayed while the ENERGY
thumbwheel is being moved. When it stops moving the system test fires
and displays the actual energy. If the actual energy is more than double
or less than half of the predicted value, a warning message is displayed
to indicate the energy calibration of the prediction could be in error and
should be checked.
The range of prediction values is adjusted automatically when a voltage

reset is carried out (see Section 4.6). The minimum energy prediction
point may need to be manually adjusted, as described below.

Issue 3.2

To make this adjustment:

m Select SINGLE PULSE mode and enable.
m Turn the ENERGY thumbwheel to maximum energy and note the
predicted energy displayed.
m Check that the actual measured energy displayed after the test
shot is within ±30% of the predicted energy.
m Repeat this procedure at several energy settings ranging from the
minimum to maximum settings.
m If the energy prediction is within ±30%, skip to the section
Checking the actual energy (see below).
If the energy prediction is out by >±30%…

m Adjust the energy prediction following the procedures given in
Section 6.2.1.
m Reset the voltage (see Section 6.4).
m Re-check the energy prediction.
Checking the actual energy

m Position the detector head of an appropriate calibrated energy
meter (see above) in front of the LQ2106 and clamp the detector
head to the chin rest support. (Place in approximately the same
position as a patient's eye.)
Caution Do not fire the laser yet as it may damage the detector.
m Ensure the aiming spots cover approximately 80% of the detector

aperture.
m Turn the external meter on and set it to read at 45 mJ.
m Turn the energy thumbwheel to maximum.
m Set to READY mode.
m Fire the laser.
m Confirm that the delivered energy display on the LQ2106 is within
±15% of the external energy meter reading.
m Repeat this procedure at several energy settings ranging from
minimum to maximum settings.

Issue 3.2

m If the energy display is with ±15% of the external energy meter

reading, the energy monitor check is complete.
m If the energy display is out by more than ±15%, verify/adjust,
referring to Section 4.3.2, then reset the voltage, as described in
Section 4.6.
4.3.2 Setting the half wave plate

If the energy measured on an external energy meter is not within 0.25
and 0.35 mJ at the minimum energy position of the thumbwheel the
mechanical position of the half wave plate inside the attenuator module
may need to be adjusted.
To check this setting:
m Position the detector head of an appropriate energy meter about

60 mm (2.4 in) in front of the objective lens of the laser head and
clamp it to the chin rest support.
m Adjust the position of the detector head until both the aiming
beams are on the active area of the head and are approximately
10 to 15 mm (approx. ½ in) apart.
m Set the ENERGY thumbwheel to minimum.
m Fire the laser.
m Check that the energy measured by the external energy meter is
between 0.25 and 0.35 mJ.
If it is, no further adjustment is necessary. If it is not, continue as
follows:
m Locate the bracket that mounts the ENERGY thumbwheel and

potentiometer on to the attenuator module.
m Set the thumbwheel to minimum energy and loosen the two
2 mm Allen key screws at each end of the bracket until the
thumbwheel gear and the half wave plate gear separate from
each other.
m Fire the laser repeatedly while using a small flat blade
screwdriver to rotate the half wave plate gear slightly until a value
of 0.25 to 0.35 mJ is obtained on the external energy meter.
Turning the gear counter-clockwise decreases the energy output.
m Tighten the set screw above the half wave plate gear.
m Gently move the bracket back into place so the gears mesh
together.
m Verify that the external reading is still correct.
m Tighten the two screws.
m Re-check that the external reading is still correct.
Issue 3.2

4.4 CALIBRATING THE ENERGY MONITOR

In the Aura the only calibration procedure required is to calibrate the
energy monitor, as described below.
Warning Observe all safety precautions during calibration.
The energy monitor should be re-calibrated whenever the laser module,

attenuator module or control module (microprocessor) is changed.
The calibration should be checked routinely at least every six months and
the instrument should be re-calibrated at least annually.

⇒ appropriate eye protection (Optical Density at least 5.0 at

1064 nm)
⇒ calibrated laser energy meter (see Figure 4-5) to measure
Nd:YAG laser energy, with a pulse width of 4 ns, within an energy
range of 0.2 mJ to 45 mJ, such as:
Molectron JD500 or EM500, Ophir Energy Meter model 03A-P-
CAL-DG-P/E. OR: Laser Precision Energy Meter model LP-7610
with detector head RjP-735 and attenuator RkA-312
Any meter used to calibrate the laser energy must be

traceable to N.I.S.T. (U.S. National Institute of Standards and
Technology).
⇒ appropriate clamps to fix the energy detector to the chin rest

stand
⇒ burn paper: Kodak linagraph CAT 198 6140

Issue 3.2

Figure 4–5: Energy meter
4.4.2 Steps in calibration

The calibration is carried out in the following steps:
m Adjust the upper energy calibration.

m Adjust the lower energy calibration.
m Verify the system calibration.
The calibration results should be recorded on the System Energy

Calibration Record sheet included at the end of this Chapter.
4.4.3 Calibration procedure

Before calibrating the energy monitor, record the following information on
the calibration form:
⇒ date
⇒ name of person performing the calibration
⇒ Aura serial number
⇒ energy meter type
⇒ energy meter calibration status
Record this information only for the final calibration, after

optical alignment has been completed.

Issue 3.2

Checking the calibration

Before beginning the full calibration procedure the system must be
aligned and functioning correctly. If the system is functioning normally,
use the following steps to check the calibration accuracy and proceed to
full calibration if required.
Verify the system is giving predicted energy levels within 30% of the
actual energy when the thumbwheel is moved. If not, refer to Section
4.3.1.
If the displayed energy of test shots or treatment shots has a large error
(more than 50%) a voltage reset should be carried out before calibration
as described in Section 4.6. To check the calibration:
m Remove the two screws on the front sides of the power supply
console and allow it to hinge down.
m Remove the four screws securing the control box to the table.
m Position the detector head of an appropriate energy meter about
60 mm (2.4 in) in front of the objective lens in the laser head, and
clamp the detector head to the chin rest support.
m Adjust the position of the head of the energy meter so that both
the aiming beams are on the active area of the head and are
approximately 10 to 15 mm (approx. ½ in) apart.
m Select LASER READY mode.
m Select SINGLE PULSE mode.
m Put Kodak burn paper in front of the detector head and fire the
laser at maximum energy, moving the slit lamp backwards and
forwards until the burn mark fills about 80% of the detector
aperture.
m Lock the slit lamp at this position and remove the burn paper.
m Turn the energy meter on and set the laser energy thumbwheel to
minimum.
m Fire the laser several times and check that the external energy
meter reads between 0.25 and 0.35 mJ. (If it does not, the half
wave plate should be set as described in Section 4.3.2 before
calibrating the energy monitor.)
m Set the energy meter scale to read a maximum of 45 mJ and set
laser energy to maximum.

Issue 3.2

m Fire the laser at least three to four times and record the results
for each shot for both the energy display reading and the external
energy meter reading.
m Calculate the average for both groups of data, and compare.
If the Aura energy display average is within ±15% of the external
energy meter average, no adjustment is necessary. If the
difference between the two readings is greater than ±15% then
the monitor should be calibrated as described below.
Adjusting the upper energy range calibration

m Locate the ENERGY thumbwheel setting that gives 8 mJ average
on the external meter by turning the thumbwheel and firing the
laser several times.
m Turn the control box over carefully without disconnecting the
cables.
m Adjust the potentiometer marked ‘GAIN’/VR2 until the Aura display
matches the external meter.
m Rotate the thumbwheel to maximum output (fully to the right).
m Compare the Aura display and external energy readings and
adjust the GAIN/VR2 potentiometer if they differ by more than
15%.
m Rotate the thumbwheel to give an energy of 4.6 to 5.0 mJ on the
external meter and again check that the reading is within 15%.
m Vary the energy between 4.6 and maximum and check that all
values are within 15% of the external meter reading, making small
adjustments to the GAIN potentiometer if required.

Issue 3.2

Adjusting the lower energy range calibration

m Adjust the ENERGY thumbwheel to give an energy reading of
4.0 mJ on the external meter.
m Adjust the potentiometer marked ‘OFFSET’/VR5 until the internal
reading is within 15%.
m Rotate the thumbwheel to 1.0 mJ and check the internal reading
is within 15%, adjusting the OFFSET/VR5 potentiometer if
required.
m Rotate the thumbwheel to minimum and check the internal
reading is within 15%, adjusting the OFFSET/VR5 potentiometer
if required.
If the energy measured on the external meter is not between

0.25 and 0.35 mJ at the thumbwheel’s minimum energy
position, adjust the half wave plate position (see Section
4.3.2).
m Check that all values between minimum and 4.5 mJ are

within15%.
m Check that all values between minimum and maximum are
correct within 15%.
m Complete a copy of the calibration record sheet after the system
has been calibrated, and retain for future reference.
Verify system calibration

To verify the system calibration:
m Turn the instrument off.

m Wait ten seconds then turn it back on.
m Check that no error occurs after initialization/self test.
m Fire the laser ten times at various laser energy settings, recording
the Aura display and external energies as per the Calibration
Record Sheet (refer to the end of this chapter).
m Ensure all readings are within 15% of each other at each setting
and that external and Aura display energy readings are within
15% of each other at each setting. If they are not, re-calibrate until
satisfactory.
m If re-calibration has been required, complete another copy of the
calibration record sheet and retain for future reference.
If the system cannot be calibrated contact Coherent

Technical Support..

Issue 3.2

4.5 CARRYING OUT A PRE -CALIBRATION CHECK

Carry out a quick preliminary calibration of the energy monitor before
proceeding further to ensure that the system is functioning correctly and
giving approximately the correct energy readings.
Follow the procedure outlined in Section 4.2.6. At this point the calibration
does not need to be accurate, but it must be giving approximately correct
readings.
4.6 RESETTING THE VOLTAGE

The YAG voltage should be reset before optical alignment and final
calibration.
To reset the voltage:
m Set the ENERGY thumbwheel to maximum.

m Simultaneously press and hold down the RESET, PULSES, and
STATUS buttons to enter service engineering test mode.
m Press STATUS momentarily and release.
m Hold STATUS down for a minimum of three seconds until the unit
beeps.
When the STATUS button is released the control panel will display the
word “TEST” on the ENERGY section of the LCD.
In the PULSES section of the panel, the pulse should be 1 and the
number 350 will appear in the TOTAL PULSES display.
The word “TEST” will remain for the duration of the calibration and the
figure 350 will increment throughout to indicate the temporary setting of
the Nd:YAG laser voltage.
When completed the system will reset itself with the updated operating
conditions, and will return to STANDBY mode.

Issue 3.2

4.7 CHECKING AIMING ACCURACY

The aiming beams pass through the same delivery system as the
treatment beam and are coaxial with it. They provide a good method of
checking the integrity of the delivery system. If the aiming beam spot is
not present at the distal end of the delivery system, or if its intensity is
reduced or it looks diffused, the delivery system may not be working
properly or may be damaged.
It is critical to ensure the laser’s aim is accurate by following the

procedure described below at least every three months, or more
frequently as considered necessary by the operator.
The aiming accuracy should always be checked during any

service visit.

A chin rest target and a photographic burn paper (Kodak linagraph direct
printer or equivalent) are required for this procedure.
4.7.2 Method
To check the aiming accuracy:
m Attach (with double-sided tape) a piece of photographic burn

paper to the alignment target.
m Mount the target on the chin rest so it is vertical, as shown below:
The alignment target is supplied with the system, and is usually

kept in the accessories drawer.

Issue 3.2

Figure 4–6: Alignment target in position
(This diagram is intended to be a guide only.)
m Turn on the system to illuminate the burn paper target.

m Adjust the eyepieces to suit your eyesight.
The rubber eye caps are designed to be folded back if you

wear spectacles.
m Adjust the slit lamp to obtain full circle illumination and low
intensity.
m If desired, swing the illumination tower to one side (approximately
45°).
m View the aiming beams through the binoculars and confirm that
they converge to form one spot on the paper attached to the
target as shown in section (c) of Figure 4-7.
If they do not, move the slit lamp.
m Lock the slit lamp in this position.

Issue 3.2

Figure 4–7: Checking aiming accuracy
(This diagram is intended to be a guide only.)
If the aiming beams do not converge as shown, continue with the

optical alignment.
Warning If the aiming beams cannot be made to coincide, the system

must not be used on patients. Re-align the instrument, or return it
to the factory for re-alignment

Issue 3.2

m When the beams are converged, select READY mode.

m Select minimum power.
m Check that the aiming beams are still converged to one spot.
m Fire the laser once on to the burn paper.
m Inspect the burn mark through the binoculars to verify that it is
coincident with the aiming beam spot. See part (d) of Figure 4-7 .
The test can be repeated if necessary on another area of the

burn paper.
Warning If the aiming beam is not centerd in the burn mark, the system
must not be used on patients. Re-align and calibrate the
instrument (see Chapter 6), or return it to the factory for re-
alignment and calibration.
4.8 BINOCULAR SAFETY FILT ER

The binocular safety filter is an essential safety device that provides
protection for the user from inadvertent reflections back through the
binoculars. When performing in optical alignment procedure it is
necessary to remove this filter and attach an offset jig, which has inbuilt
filters. At the completion of the alignment procedure it is essential that the
binocular filter be refitted to ensure continual user safety.
It is essential that the safety filter be treated with care, as the optics are
glass material that can sustain damage if treated carelessly. Before
refitting the filter, inspect the filter optics to ensure no damage has
occurred during the optical alignment that may compromise the safety of
the user.

Issue 3.2

4.9 AIR BREAKDOWN TEST

The air breakdown check is a simple test to allow the doctor and
technician in the field to have an indication of the reliability of the laser
cavity and overall performance of the system.
Definition
Air breakdown is defined as plasma formation in the air (noticeable as a
visible spark and/or a distinctive, audible ‘crack’ sound).
The 50% air breakdown value is the minimum energy value where this
will occur five times when ten shots are fired into the air at 3-4 second
intervals. For a new laser in its early life stage 50% air breakdown should
occur at less than or equal to 4.0 mJ. This reading may increase as the
unit ages.
Procedure
To carry out this check:
m Ensure you are wearing safety glasses and that the objective lens
is clean.
m Place the unit in a position where the objective lens is facing a
dark background
m Clear all objects, including the model eye, jigs and targets, away
from the path of the laser.
For repeatable results ensure the laser has not been subjected
to successive firing and is in a relatively cold, unused
condition.
m Plug into power and switch the unit on.

m Set the energy to read 3 mJ (plus or minus 0.2 mJ).
m Fire the unit ten times at 3-4 second intervals while observing the
laser spark or the distinctive click sound.
m Adjust the energy up if fewer than five of the ten shots produce air
breakdown, or down if more than five shots produce air
breakdown.
The test is complete when five out of ten shots cause air breakdown.
Verify the energy at this point using an energy meter.

Issue 3.2

4.10 MODEL EYE VERIFICATION TEST

To verify the calibration using a model eye:
m Install a new membrane into the model eye and fill with distilled
water or 9% saline solution.
m Attach the model eye to the chin rest.
A new membrane must be used for each alignment

procedure as membranes harden in water and do not
provide consistent results.
m Set the energy to 1.5 mJ and the posterior YAG offset

thumbwheel to +150 µm.
m Focus the laser on the center of the membrane by moving the slit
lamp backwards and forwards.
m Verify that the two aiming dots converge to one spot on the
membrane.
m Fire the laser, checking that the YAG beam punctures a hole in
the membrane at the aiming spot.
m Ensure that the biggest hole is achieved at +150 offset setting;
slightly smaller at +250 and smallest (pin hole) at MIN setting.
If not, check the optical alignment again.

Issue 3.2

SYSTEM ENERGY MONITOR CALIBRATION RECORD SHEET

Date:...........................................................
Name:........................................................ Signature:..........................................................................
System & model: ..................................... Serial No. ..........................................................................
Energy Meter Used:................................. Meter Calibration Status:................................................
Attenuator Energy reading (mJ) Av. Pass/

setting Fail
Min Display
setting
Meter
0.6 mJ Display
Meter
1.0 mJ Display
Meter
4.0 mJ Display
Meter
4.5 mJ Display
Meter
5.0 mJ Display
Meter
9.0 mJ Display
Meter
Max Display
Setting
Meter
‘Display’ refers to system Energy Display. ‘Meter’ refers to calibrated external

meter.

Issue 3.2


Issue 3.2

CH A P T E R 5
THEORY OF OPERATION
5.1 INTRODUCTION
The Aura ophthalmic laser system is designed for performing posterior
capsulotomies, pupillary membranectomies and iridotomies. Patients
may be aphakic or pseudophakic, and may be of any age or sex.
This Chapter describes the theory and modes of operation and how the
system should be prepared and used for the treatment of a patient.
5.2 T HEORY OF OPERATION

When the instrument is ready for firing and the fire switch (on top of the
joystick) is pressed, the microprocessor initiates a series of safety
checks. If these safety checks are successful, it then opens the safety
shutter and sends a signal to the high voltage power supply. This
supplies DC voltage to the flash lamp of the laser, which emits a pulse(s)
of laser energy.
The opened shutter allows the pulse(s) of laser energy to enter a beam
expander, which expands the 3 mm diameter laser beam to 27 mm
(approx. 1/10 to 1 in) diameter. The expanded beam is then reflected 90
degrees to enter the objective lens, which focuses the beam to a high-
energy spot of approximately eight microns (µm) in diameter (full width
half maximum (FWHM).
The Aura, like that of other ophthalmic surgical lasers, produces pulsed
energy of focused infrared light with a wavelength of 1064 nm. The
focused spot can be accurately positioned on the membrane or tissue
within the patient's eye using a slit lamp microscope and a ‘twin dot’
aiming system.
The energy of the laser pulse(s) is continously adjustable, and is

normally set at the lowest possible effective level in order to minimize
unwanted side effects. (These side effects and contraindications for the
use of the instrument are covered in depth in the Aura User Guide.)

Issue 3.2

Theory of operation
5.2.1 The photodisruptive effect

The eight-micron spot produces a small ionisation site (plasma) at the
focal point. This creates an acoustic wave that disrupts nearby tissue in
a process known as the ‘photodisruptive effect’.
Figure 5–1: Plasma formation(
Once formed, the plasma absorbs and scatters further incident light, and
this shields the underlying structures from damage. The beam
divergence after the focal point also protects the retina from damage
that could otherwise occur by the absorption of concentrated treatment
energy.
As the treatment energy is increased, the size of the plasma formed also
increases, which causes a larger, stronger acoustic wave. To avoid the
possibility of the plasma damaging the intraocular lens (IOL) by causing
cracking, pitting or chipping, and to allow the accompanying shock wave
to be most effective, the treatment beam may be offset further behind
the membrane to be penetrated (posterior to the focal plane of the slit
lamp, which is focused on the membrane). A posterior YAG offset
control allows selection of the amount of offset required.
5.2.2 Aiming beams

A visible red diode dual spot laser is used to aim the treatment laser
beam. The aiming beams are coaxial with the treatment beam and the
laser is focused when the two aiming beams converge to form one spot.
During installation of the laser head on the slit lamp, this low power
diode laser light is set to focus at the same plane as the slit lamp
(parfocal with the slit lamp).

Issue 3.2

Theory of operation
5.2.3 What is a laser?

LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of
Radiation.
In its most basic form a laser is a device that converts electrical energy
to light. The conversion efficiency is quite low; on the order of 1-4%, but
the light produced is quite different from other sources such as
fluorescent tubes or the sun. The differences are:
⇒ coherence — all the waves are exactly in phase, with no

interference between waves, so there is no loss of energy
⇒ monochromaticity — the range of wavelengths or energies
present is extremely small
All other sources of light or heat have a broad range of energy
(or wavelengths). Since lasers have a narrow range a beam can
be selected with a wavelength well matched to the absorption
properties of the tissue of interest, for best effect.
⇒ collimation — the beam does not diverge and can therefore
travel a long distance and still maintain a small spot size
5.2.4 Stimulated emission

The laser beam is produced by the process of stimulated emission.
During this process atoms are excited above their ground state by an
energy source (a flash lamp in the Aura). When the excited atoms return
to their ground state they emit photons, which are then reflected by
mirrors back and forth over the laser medium within the laser cavity.
When a photon hits an already excited atom in the laser medium the
atom emits another photon. In other words, one photon enters and two
leave, both in the same direction as that of the incoming photon, and
both with exactly the same phase in relation to each other (that is,
coherent), and at the same wavelength.
5.2.5 Medical advantages

For medical use the differences between laser light and other sources
offer the following major advantages in their clinical applications:
⇒ significantly higher power densities at the target tissue

⇒ ability to match the wavelength to the absorption properties of the
tissue of interest for a desired effect
⇒ ease of focusing a parallel beam to small spot size
These same properties also give laser radiation a greater

potential to cause injury than light from other sources.

Issue 3.2

Theory of operation
5.2.6 Elements of a laser

A laser has three major components :
⇒ laser medium — a solid, liquid or gas where the energy from the
source is absorbed and photons are emitted
⇒ energy source or pump — such as a flash lamp
⇒ resonant laser cavity — in which the photons are reflected back
and forth, producing pulses of laser light
Figure 5-2 illustrates the components of a typical laser.
Figure 5–2: Typical laser components
Laser medium
The laser (or lasing) medium used in the Aura is a solid-state crystal of
Neodymium -doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (Nd:YAG).
Energy source or pump

The energy source for the Aura is a flash lamp containing ionized gas. It
receives pulses of electrical energy, which are conducted by the ionized
gas, causing a discharge of high voltage energy. The energy is released
as a bright flash of light. The laser medium absorbs and re-emits certain
wavelengths, forming the laser beam by the process of stimulated
emission (see Section 5.2.4).

Issue 3.2

Theory of operation
Laser cavity
The cavity contains the flash lamp, the laser medium, and a series of
totally and partially reflective mirrors that reflect the photons and allow a
polarized beam of laser light to exit.
Pulsed operation and Q-switching

The Aura uses a pulsed mode of operation commonly called Q-
switching. In this system a component called a Q-switch is added to the
laser system to cause the laser to produce a short pulse (on the order of
a few nanoseconds) each time the laser is fired.
The Q -switch can produce a number of laser pulses for a single firing of
the flash lamp. The number of pulses emitted is proportional to the
energy input to the flash lamp, which is provided by a conventional
capacitor-charging power supply.
The main discharge capacitor is a 50 microfarad 900 V pulsed device.

The energy entering the flash lamp is proportional to the square of the
capacitor voltage characteristic, as shown in the illustration below, which
shows flash lamp voltage versus Nd:YAG energy output.
It is important that when the laser is being operated, the

voltage to the flash lamp must be set correctly to prevent the
possibility of too few or too many pulses..
Figure 5–3: Flash lamp voltage vs Nd:YAG energy output

Issue 3.2

Theory of operation
5.2.7 Intended uses

The Aura ophthalmic laser is intended to be used for dissection of the
posterior capsule of the eye (posterior capsulotomy), dissection of the
pupillary membrane of the eye (posterior membranectomy), as well as
other surgical procedures such as iridotomy (opening a hole in the iris).
Like all Nd:YAG ophthalmic laser surgery, there are risks involved and
use of the laser may be contraindicated for patients with certain pre-
existing ocular pathologies. Objective assessment of candidate patients
for this procedure must be done in light of the risks, which are discussed
in detail in the User Guide supplied with the instrument.
5.2.8 General description of treatments

Treatment procedures are dealt with in detail in the User Guide supplied
with the instrument.
In summary, the laser is focused on the membrane or tissue of the

patient’s eye using the aiming beams. The energy is set to the lowest
possible effective level, then the laser is fired.
If the capsule is tough or scarred, higher energy levels may be required,

but the energy is increased in small increments and the minimum
number of shots required to obtain an adequate opening is used.
Once an opening has been established, it is enlarged as required until it

is of adequate size.
5.2.9 Clinical effects

The Aura has a cutting or disrupting effect with the capability to damage
any tissue or structure on which the beam is focused.
Unlike other lasers commonly used in ophthalmology (such as argon,

krypton and ruby laser coagulators), it does not rely on thermal effects.
Warning The laser is designed to damage tissues. Make sure it is

focused only on tissues that are to be operated on. Do not
focus it on or near iris blood vessels because the shock wave
may produce bleeding and induce astigmatism. The beam
should never enter the eye at greater than 30 degrees from
the visual axis.

Issue 3.2

Theory of operation
5.3 MODES OF OPERATION

The Aura has the following modes of operation:
⇒ STANDBY mode — automatically selected when the instrument

is turned on and prevents ac cidental firing of the treatment laser
⇒ READY mode — selected when the status button is pressed;
allows the treatment laser to be fired when the joystick fire switch
is pressed
⇒ firing mode — selected when the fire switch is pressed when the
system is in READY mode
STANDBY and READY modes are selected using the STATUS button
on the control panel.
For calibration and faultfinding the service engineering test mode is

used, described in Chapter 7.
5.3.1 Protective measures

Nd:YAG laser generates a highly concentrated, invisible beam of light,
which can be dangerous if improperly used. Before operating the laser
system carefully read and comprehend this and all previous sections,
partic ularly Chapter 1. Take note of the warnings and cautions listed
throughout this manual.
5.4 PREPARING THE INSTRUMENT - CLEANING AND

DISINFECTION
The Aura needs regular routine cleaning and disinfection to ensure
continued efficient operation. Contact areas may also need to be
cleaned and disinfected between patients to avoid cross-contamination,
even though the use of the Aura involves only brief skin contact. The
contact areas are the chin rest, head rest and steadying handles. Refer
to Section 6.3 for instructions.
5.5 PREPARING THE PATIENT

During treatment, the physician should be seated with easy and
comfortable access to the slit lamp and system controls.
The Aura slit lamp, chin rest assembly, and lift table are adjustable.
After the patient is seated, adjust the motorized lift table to the
appropriate height using the raise/lower switch. Then adjust the chin and
head rests to orientations comfortable to the patient so the patient's eyes
are aligned between the marks on the chin rest support.

Issue 3.2

Theory of operation
5.6 USING THE AURA FOR OPHTHALMIC SURGERY

This section describes how the Aura should be set up and used for
ophthalmic laser surgery. See the User Guide for information on specific
treatment procedures, contraindications, precautions and possible
adverse effects.
The physician should select the treatment approach desired.
A Nd:YAG contact lens is recommended for some treatments to

minimize risk to non-target sites such as the cornea or IOL, and to
stabilize the patient's eye. Since contact lenses alter the energy density
at the treatment site, the energy setting should be readjusted
accordingly.
5.6.1 System alignment

If there is any doubt about the optical alignment of the system or if the
physician wants to confirm the ocular settings for refractive error, the
aiming accuracy should be verified as instructed in Chapter 4.
Warning The use of controls, adjustments, or performance of procedures

other than those specified herein may result in hazardous
radiation exposure. See Chapter 2 for location of controls and
indicators referred to in these instructions. If a fault message or
service message occurs refer to Chapter 7.
5.6.2 Using as a slit lamp

To use the system as an observational slit lamp:
m Ensure the Laser E-stop switch is OFF (pulled out).

m Plug the power cord fully into the socket in the base of the table
and into the mains supply source.
m Insert the key in the key switch and turn to ON.
The slit lamp illumination and fixation lamp will operate.
If high intensity is not required, set the lamp to minimum intensity to

reduce heat build-up. Do not leave at maximum intensity for longer than
ten minutes.
The state of the theatre door interlock or other safety

interlocks do not affect operation of the slit lamp.
Refer to the User Guide for full instructions on using the assembly in this
mode.
Issue 3.2

Theory of operation
Off-axis illumination
For off-axis illumination, move the illumination tower to the proper angle
to provide the desired effect.
On-axis illumination
Some slit lamps have been modified to allow the laser to be used with
on-axis illumination. Refer to the slit lamp documentation for further
information.
5.6.3 Using as a treatment laser system

Refer to the User Guide for full instructions on using the laser system for
treating patients. The information included here is for completeness
only, and is not intended to provide operating instructions for surgical
procedures.
To turn on the laser and prepare for firing:
m Ensure the Laser E-stop switch on the power supply console

panel is OFF (pulled out).
m Plug the power cord fully into the socket in the base of the table
and into the mains supply source.
m Insert the key in the key switch and turn to ON.
The following actions occur:

• the green indicator alongside the key switch illuminates,
indicating that the laser system is active
• the standby indicator on the control panel illuminates,
indicating the current status of the laser system
• the LCD screen illuminates and displays the Coherent
name with logo (adjust the contrast control as required)
• the slit lamp becomes active and available for use
• the red diode laser aiming beams are turned on
The system then performs a sequence of tests to check safety
circuits including seven test shots with the shutter closed. This
process takes about 30 seconds. At the end of the self-tests the
LCD resets all registers to zero and displays the energy of the
last test fire.
Warning This instrument emits dangerous laser radiation. Please read

Chapter 1 before using the Aura for the first time.

Issue 3.2

Theory of operation
5.6.4 Setting energy and posterior offset

The energy is adjusted with the lower thumbwheel on the slit lamp
binocular support arm. When the thumbwheel is rotated, a changing
value will be displayed on the LCD screen on the control panel, giving a
prediction of the energy selected. When the movement of the
thumbwheel stops, the laser automatically performs a test fire and
displays the actual energy level.
As a general practice, the energy settings for the treatment should be

the lowest possible to perform the treatment. The Aura is factory-
adjusted to provide optimum performance at 1.5 mJ pulse energy with
the offset set at +150. Thus, if the lower energy level is the selected (for
example 0.5 mJ), the offset should be reset to MIN for best effect.
Conversely, if a higher energy level is selected, such as 2.5 mJ, the
offset should be increased to +250.
With the offset control set at MIN, Aura delivers a preset offset
equal to 100 microns in air.
5.6.5 Selecting pulses

The number of treatment pulses per burst (from one to three) is selected
using the PULSE button on the control panel. Each depression of the
PULSE button increases the number of pulses per burst by one. At the
three pulses per burst position, pressing the PULSE button returns the
setting to one pulse per burst. Each time the burst selection has been
changed the laser automatically performs a test fire and displays the
new energy level on the LCD screen. One pulse per burst is the default
setting for the Aura.
The energy display is the cumulative total for all pulses within the
burst.
5.6.6 Selecting READY mode

When the desired energy level and number of pulses per burst have
been selected, use the STATUS button on the control panel to select
READY mode. The red laser ready indicator on the control panel will
illuminate and the laser is now available for treatment.
To reset to STANDBY mode from READY mode, press the

STATUS button; this will illuminate the yellow standby indicator.

Issue 3.2

Theory of operation
5.6.7 Adjusting the eyepieces

Adjust the eyepieces to suit by performing the following:
m Look into the eyepiece with the cross hair (reticule) and rotate
the eyepiece fully counter-clockwise.
m Turn the eyesight adjusting ring clockwise until the cross hair is
focused.
target is in focus.
m Look through the eyepiece with no cross hair and rotate the
m Turn the eyesight adjusting ring clockwise until the target is

focused.

Issue 3.2

Theory of operation
5.6.8 Adjusting the chin rest

Adjust the chin rest height for the patient's eye by rotating the chin rest
height adjustment knob. Align the eye of the patient between the marks
on the chin rest support.
5.6.9 Positioning the slit lamp microscope

The slit lamp microscope and laser system can be moved backwards,
forwards, left and right by manually moving the complete assembly to
the desired position. The joystick can then be tilted to provide fine
position adjustment in any direction. Rotate the joystick to adjust the
height.
5.6.10 Aiming the laser and adjusting illumination

The focal point of the aiming beams can be located accurately by finding
the point at which the two red dots merge into a single spot. Better depth
perception results when the slit lamp illumination is positioned slightly
off-axis to the aiming beams. The focal point of the invisible Nd:YAG
treatment beam will be posterior to that of the aiming beams, and can be
adjusted by the posterior OFFSET thumbwheel. The treatment beam
focus has a minimum posterior offset in air of 100 microns (dial setting
MIN) and can be increased to a maximum of 350 microns (dial setting +
250).
The slit lamp illumination and aiming beam intensities can be adjusted
using the illumination and aiming beam intensity controls respectively,
on the right of the slit lamp base.
Warning To protect the patient from possible retinal damage, use the
lowest practical aiming beam intensity during treatment.
5.6.11 Firing the laser

When the system is in READY mode and the fire button is pressed, the
laser will fire. The safety shutter will open with an audible "click" and
Nd:YAG laser energy will be delivered to the treatment site. As soon as
the energy has been delivered, the safety shutter will close.
The Aura will deliver the selected number of pulses every time the fire
button is pressed. The physician will know if the laser is fired because of
the audible click. Firing can also be verified by the READY indicator
turning off and the STANDBY indicator turning on momentarily while the
laser recharges. When the READY indicator turns back on, the system is
ready to fire again. The energy and pulse totals will also increment after
a treatment fire. Pressing the RESET button will reset these totals to
zero.

Issue 3.2

Theory of operation
5.6.12 Turning the system off

When the treatment is completed or is to be interrupted, turn the system
off as follows:
m Turn the system power on/off key switch to the OFF position.
m Remove the key from the instrument and store safely for future
use.
Only authorized personnel should have access to the laser system key.
To remove the power cord, lift the strain relief and remove the cord.

Issue 3.2

CHAPTER 6
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
6.1 INTRODUCTION
The Aura has been designed to provide trouble-free operation with a
minimum of down time. As a result very little user maintenance is
required, but the routine maintenance procedures described here should
be carried out at the recommended prescribed intervals.
6.2 ROUTINE CARE SCHEDULE

The following table outlines the procedures required for routine care and
cleaning of the Aura, as carried out by the operator. These routine care
procedures should always be carried out during service visits.
Table 8-1: Routine care schedule
Procedure Minimum frequency

Cleaning the Aura As regularly as necessary. Frequency depends
on the requirements laid down by the health
service owning/operating the instrument.
Cleaning the external optics At least every three to six months.
Checking aiming accuracy Six months.
Checking optical alignment Six months.
Calibrate the energy monitor Six months.
Replacing fuses As required.
Location and levelling of the system Six months.
Table pedestal procedure Six months.
Verify correct function of the system Six months.
Issues 3.2

Care and maintenance
6.3 ROUTINE CARE PROCEDURES

Most of the routine care procedures are described in the remaining
sections of this chapter. They are:
⇒ cleaning the Aura — Section 6.4

⇒ cleaning the external optics — Section 6.5
⇒ calibrating the energy monitor—Section 4.4
⇒ checking optical alignment  Section 4.2
6.3.1 Responsibilities for cleaning and disinfection

The health care facility owning the instrument is responsible for:
⇒ determining the level of cleaning and disinfection of patient contact

areas required between patients
⇒ appropriate education and training of staff in cleaning and
disinfection
⇒ ensuring that routine cleaning and disinfection methods used in the
facility are compatible with the instrument
⇒ routine cleaning of the entire system
Steam sterilisation and heat disinfection are not recommended, and no

component of the instrument should be immersed in liquid.
Refer to the Aura User Guide for further information.
Warning Avoid using flammable anaesthetics or oxidising gases such

as nitrous oxide (N2 O) and oxygen near the laser as the high
temperatures produced in normal laser use may ignite
materials such as cotton wool, when saturated with oxygen.
Allow all solvents and flammable solutions used for cleaning
and disinfecting to evaporate before using the laser.

Issues 3.2

6.4 CLEANING THE CASING

To clean the system at any time, wipe over with a damp cloth, avoiding
any optical surfaces (see Section 6.5).
Warning Ensure that the power is switched off before cleaning.
Clean the display panel with a damp cloth, but avoid pressing too hard.
Warning Do not use solvents to clean the Aura.
When the equipment is not in use, always cover it with the dust cover.
6.5 CLEANING THE EXTERNAL OPTICS

The slit lamp objective lens, the oculars, and the slit lamp prism face
window must be kept clean or performance is compromised. The
operator should check the optics regularly — the decision on frequency
required is the responsibility of the health service owning/operating the
instrument.
The external optics should always be cleaned during any

service visit.

⇒ lint-free optical tissues (available from a photographic store)

⇒ cotton swabs (Q-tips or similar) without glue
⇒ pure or AR grade ethanol or methanol

Issues 3.2

6.5.2 Method
To clean the optics:
m Turn off the system.

m Unplug from the power source.
m Moisten an optical tissue or cotton swab in the solvent.
m Using a linear stroke, gently wipe the moistened tissue or swab
once across the optical surface.
Caution Never use dry tissues or swabs as this may damage the optical
surface.
m Discard the tissue or swab.

m Repeat the process as needed until the optical surface is clean,
using one tissue or one swab per wipe, then discarding and using
a fresh one for the next wipe.
6.6 SLIT LAMP MAINTENANCE

The only maintenance requirement is to replace the halogen lamp if it
fails.
To change the lamp:
m Turn off the system and wait a few minutes for the lamp to cool
down.
m Loosen the retaining screw at the right side of the illumination
tower and lower the door to gain access to the lamp.
m Remove the lamp using a cloth or gloves.
Do not touch the glass surface of the lamp directly with your
fingers as this may shorten its life.
m Set the new lamp so that its groove matches precisely with the
spring of the lamp housing.
m Ensure the new lamp is clean and free from oil and dust, and
clean if necessary using ethanol on a clean swab or tissue.
m Close the access door and tighten the retaining screw.

Issues 3.2

6.7 VERIFYING CORRECT PERFORMANCE

To check the general performance of the instrument, carry out the
following checks:
m Set up an appropriate external energy meter.

See Section 4.8 for specifications of a suitable meter and
instructions for setting it up.
m Turn the instrument off.
m Wait ten seconds then turn it back on.
m Check that no error occurs after initialisation.
If an error occurs refer to Chapter 7 for a description of the error
codes and their meanings.
m Press the STATUS button to select READY mode.
m Set the laser energy to maximum using the ENERGY
thumbwheel.
m Record the predicted energy displayed on the LCD.
m Ensure the external energy monitor is in position with the aiming
beams defocused on its detector.
m Press the fire switch to fire the laser.
m Record the energy displayed on the LCD and the external meter
reading.
Verify the two readings to be within 15% of each other. If not, the
instrument should be re-calibrated. Refer to Chapter 4. If the instrument
cannot be successfully calibrated, contact the Coherent Technical
Support.
6.8 CHECKING THE ALIGNMENT

Refer to the procedure described in Section 4.2.
6.9 CHECKING THE CALIBRATION

Refer to the procedure described in Section 4.4.

Issues 3.2

6.10 ROUTINE TABLE PEDESTAL TESTING

We recommend that at least every six months a maintenance check for
correct smooth operation of the up/down travel of the tabletop is required.
If the movement of the table assembly is not acceptable, replace the

pedestal assembly.

Issues 3.2


Issues 3.2

CHAPTER 7
TROUBLESHOOTING
Troubleshooting information may also be provided in service

bulletins after this manual is issued. Please check the bulletins
in Chapter 9 for any additional information.
7.1 G ENERAL SYSTEM CHECKS

If the Aura malfunctions this section will help you diagnose the fault. If
you need further assistance to diagnose a fault contact Technical
Support at Coherent.
7.1.1 Electrical power cord

The Aura power cord is plugged into the base of the pedestal. Ensure
that the power cord is plugged fully into the socket and into the mains
supply source.
7.1.2 Interlock
Ensure that the connector is inserted correctly if being used and that the
shorting plug is firmly in place if the interlock is not being used.
7.1.3 Fuses
The user-accessible fuses are located in a removable holder at the top of
the mains input socket. When replacing a fuse ensure that the correct
type and rating is used. Refer to Section 3.5.5 for fuse specifications.
Ensure that the unit is turned off and disconnected from power
sources before replacing fuses.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
7.1.4 Error messages

The system has a built-in microprocessor that monitors the critical
system components. If a system malfunction occurs an error message
appears on the display. In this condition the laser fire switch is disabled
and the unit defaults to STANDBY mode.
If a message has occurred for the first time, reset the system by turning
the power key switch OFF, waiting for five seconds then switching it on
again.
If the error message disappears and the system functions normally, the
fault was momentary and you may continue to use the system.
If the same error message appears again refer to Table 7-1 and the
remainder of this Chapter to try to identify the cause.
The system will shut down until the fault is rectified.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
Table 7–1 Error codes
Error Meaning
code
E01 Single pulse voltage >600 V.
E02 Quadruple pulse voltage >860 V.
E03 Single pulse voltage changed by >55 V.
E04 Over-pulsing.
E05 Faulty connections, shutter malfunction, or faulty
control module.
E06 Shutter malfunction.
E07 DAM malfunction.
E08 Shutter motor problem or shutter malfunction.
E09 Shutter malfunction.
E10 Over-pulsing or pulses detector malfunction.
E11 No energy or incorrect energy detec ted.
E12 More than double energy delivered than set.
P01 Status flag after operator test. Energy decrease
>20%.
P02 Status flag after operator test. Threshold voltage
shift 30-55 V.
P03 Status flag at power on. 10 000 shots warning.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
7.2 TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE

The following table outlines the faults you may encounter with possible
causes and remedies:
Table 7–2 Troubleshooting guide
Fault Possible causes Remedy

System will not turn ON Not properly prepared for Plug in mains power. Plug
(no indication of power). use. in main cable between
laser head and power
supply control console.
Turn key switch. Turn
Laser E-stop button out.
Cable disconnected or Check cables to mains
loose. and between power supply
control console and laser
head.
Fuse blown. Check fuses (with power
removed).
No slit lamp illumination. Cable not plugged in. Check cables to and
between laser head and
power supply control
console are firmly plugged
in.
No power. Turn power on at wall.
Key switch off. Turn on key switch.
Slit closed. Open slit.
Laser E-stop button Turn button to release.
engaged.
Contact between Check contacts.
receptacle of lamp house
and pins of halogen lamp
are loose.
Fuse blown. Replace fuse.
Globe blown. Replace globe, see
Section 6.6.
Power supply cord faulty. Replace cord.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting

Slit lamp illumination poor Lamp not properly seated Open bulb housing door
or blurred. in slit lamp housing. and re-seat lamp. If this
does not correct the
problem, replace the lamp.
See Section 6.6.
No aiming beam, error No power to DAM. Check for +12 V DC at
message E07. X52 and at X50.
Faulty diode aiming Replace DAM.
module (DAM).
X16 not connected Check X16 connection at
properly. attenuator module.
No aiming beam, no error Slit lamp tower is blocking Swing tower out of the
message. the laser aperture. beam path.
Faulty diode aiming Replace both modules.
module (DAM) and faulty
attenuator module.
Aiming beam path blocked Turn system off, remove
inside housing. DAM and folding mirror
module and inspect beam
path.
Aiming beam out of focus . Eyepieces not correctly Mount target and adjust
set. each eyepiece separately
while the two beams are
coincident.
Eyepieces not inserted Check insertion is correct.
fully into the binoculars.
Dirty objective lens. Clean objective lens.
System out of focus. Adjust DAM focus — see
Section 7.8.4.
Objective lens not focused Carry out optical
correctly. alignm ent.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting

Laser fires but poor effect Dirty objective lens. Clean objective lens.
in eye.
Slit lamp tower is clipping Swing tower out of beam
treatment beam. path.
System out of focus. Re-focus system.
YAG optical path dirty. Check and clean YAG
module mirror, attenuator
optics, YAG beam
expander and folding
mirror optics as required.
Faulty YAG module. Replace module.
Slit illumination and table X2 not connected to Connect X2 to control
operate, but nothing else; control module. module.
no display.
Faulty control module. Replace control module.
DC power supply faulty. Replace DC power supply
unit.
Slit illumination and table X5 not connected to YAG Connect X5 to YAG power
operate, display appears, power supply. supply.
but nothing else operates
YAG power supply faulty. Replace YAG power
supply.
Slit lamp microscope does Eyepieces not correctly Confirm that eyepieces are
not focus. set. correctly inserted and
adjust eyepieces to suit
user’s correction.
System switches from Joystick fire switch held Release fire trigger switch
READY mode to down for more than 0.5 faster.
STANDBY mode. seconds.
Segments of the LCD Source of extreme Turn mains power off then
blank. electrostatic discharge on again.
nearby.
Single beep during power Automatic over pulse None.
up self tests. correction and power up.
Single beep after firing Automatic over pulse None.
laser, followed by a test correction.
fire.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting

System beeps twice in Energy deviation warning. The system can be used
rapid succession. The delivered energy has normally with additional
deviated by more than attention being paid to the
20% from the energy of the energy setting. Check the
last test fire. calibration. Re-calibrate
the system.
If frequent, replace the
YAG laser module or
attenuator.
Continual beep at power Safety interlock on. Check that the shorting
up and system does not plug is fitted.
start.
Check the wiring on the
interlock switch.
Beep at power up and Accessories interlock Check wiring to
'YAG SYSTEM DISABLED' function is active and is on. accessories interlock
displayed. connector.
'SERVICE REQUIRED' Energy of test fire is Reset voltages using
warning message. greatly different from that engineering diagnostic
expected from the test, ensuring that the
thumbwheel position. thumbwheel is set to
maximum.
Replace attenuator.
Low YAG laser energy Attenuator not set Set attenuator to correct
correctly. setting.
YAG optical path dirty. Check and clean YAG
module mirrors, attenuator
optics, YAG beam
expander, folding mirror
and objective lens optics
as required.
Energy meter not Calibrate energy meter.
calibrated.
Faulty YAG laser. Replace YAG laser
module.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting

No YAG laser energy (0.0) Under-pulsing. Reset YAG voltages.
but operates flash lamp.
Faulty YAG power supply. Check for 350 V to 900 V
output from X9; replace
YAG power supply.
Faulty trigger module . Replace trigger module.
Faulty energy meter. Replace energy monitor or
attenuator module if
energy is detected at
objective lens but control
module display energy is
0.0.
module.
No YAG laser energy (0.0), X15 not connected to Connect X15.
shutter operates but flash attenuator.
lamp does not fire
X43 not connected in Connect X43.
console box.
Trigger not correctly Check trigger to YAG
connected to YAG module. module connections.
X13 (power) connectors to Ensure both connectors
trigger not inserted are pushed firmly into
properly. trigger module.
Break in X13 to X43 cable Check continuity of cable.
(YAG power supply to If a fault is found, contact
trigger cable). distributor.
Faulty YAG power supply. Check for 350 V to 900 V
output from X9.
Faulty trigger module. Replace trigger module.
module.
P01 status flag (after Energy decrease >20%. Re-calibrate energy (see
operator test) Section 4.4).
Check YAG laser module.
P02 status flag (after Threshold voltage shift 30 Reset voltages (see
operator test) to 55 volts. Section 4.4).
P03 status flag (at power 10 000 shots warning. Operator Test (see
on) Section 7.4).

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting

E01 error (after operator Single pulse voltage > 600 Replace YAG laser module
test) volts. or trigger.
E02 error (after operator Quadruple pulse voltage Replace YAG laser module
test) >860 volts. or trigger.
E03 error (after operator Single pulse voltage has Reset voltages.
test) changed by more than 55
volts.
E04 error Over-pulsing (more pulses Reset voltages.
delivered then set).
E05 error X1 not connected to Connect X1.
control module.
X8 not connected to Connect X8.
attenuator.
X45 not connected in Connect X45.
console.
Shutter malfunction; right Replace attenuator
sensor senses shutter not module.
fully closed.
E06 error Shutter malfunction; left Replace attenuator
fully closed.
Loose X8 connector on Re-seat X8 connector.
attenuator module.
E07 error DAM malfunction (no Replace DAM.
aiming beam).
E08 error Shutter motor not Replace attenuator
operating. Shutter module.
malfunction; left sensor
senses shutter not fully
closed.
E09 error Shutter malfunction; right Replace attenuator
fully closed.
E10 error Over-pulsing and pulses Replace attenuator
detector malfunction. module.
E11 error No energy or incorrect Replace attenuator
energy detected. module. Replace YAG
laser module.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting

E12 error More than double energy Check calibration.
delivered than set. (Optic
Replace attenuator
coating failure.) module.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
7.2.1 Calibration error warning

The message "SERVICE REQUIRED, Press any key to continue." is
displayed if the actual energy of the test fire is greatly different to the
energy that should be obtained at a particular thumbwheel position. Refer
to Table 7-1 for information on how to correct this problem.
7.2.2 Energy deviation warning

If the delivered energy deviates by more than ± 20% from the energy of
the last test fire the unit will beep twice to warn the operator. Refer to
Table 7-1 for information on how to correct this problem.
7.3 STATUS FLAGS

Status flags indicate that one or more operating parameters has
changed. They do not prevent system use but signal the user that
changes have been made to the operating characteristics of certain
modules in the unit. Refer to the table below:
Table 7–3 Status flags
Flag Meaning Action required

PO1 Energy deterioration — This flag indicates minor changes to the
single pulse operating operating characteristics of the laser module
voltage has c hanged by and is only displayed at the end of the
30-55 V and energy has operator test. Clear it by switching the system
degraded by more than off and on again. Normal operation continues.
20%.
PO2 Single pulse operating This flag indicates minor changes to the
voltage has changed by operating characteristics of the laser module
30-55 V from the last and is only displayed at the end of the
calibration operator test. Clear it by switching the system
off and on again. Normal operation continues.
PO3 Treatment laser count has This flag occurs when 10 000 treatment laser
increased by 10 000 shots. shots have been fired, and is displayed during
normal operation. It does not indicate an error
or unsafe condition has occurred, and the
system may continue to be used. Carry out
the procedure below to clear this flag.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
7.3.1 Clearing the P03 status flag

P03 is a status code that occurs when 10,000 or more treatment shots
have been fired by the treatment laser. This status code does not
indicate that an error or unsafe condition has occurred. You may
continue using the system until you can carry out the user diagnostic test
procedure to clear this status code, as described below
To clear the P03 status flag and verify correct operation of the system:
During the test fire the system may display a flashing P03
message.
m At the completion of the warm -up procedure initiate the operator

test (see Section 7.4).
It is not necessary for the operator test to run its full time. As soon
as the test has been initiated turn the system off.
m Turn the system on again.
m Set to READY mode.
m Fire 15 shots by pressing the joystick fire switch.
The P03 status flag will now be cleared and the system is ready for use.
The status flag will reappear when 10 000 shots have been fired.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
7.4 OPERATOR TEST (USER DIAGNOSTIC TEST)

The operator test confirms that the system is operating correctly by
checking the single, double and triple pulse voltages and the average
maximum energy from the laser in single pulse mode. The operator test
is also part of the procedure to clear the P03 status flag (see Section
7.3.1).
This test is used for diagnostic purposes and may be carried out to allow
an initial diagnosis of a fault by the service engineer and a decision
whether or not to arrange a service visit. It cross-references previously
stored parameters from the last calibration with the present values.
The test is normally carried out if one of the following conditions occurs:
⇒ a P03 status flag appears (see Section 7.3.1)

⇒ an E04 error code appears (indicating the laser has over-pulsed)
⇒ the maximum energy of the system has decreased
⇒ the system performance appears to have decreased (meaning
that more energy is regularly required to perform procedures than
previously used)
During the test the microprocessor compares the measured values with
those stored in the memory. The new average energies are calculated
and stored if the result of the test is PASS, P01 or P02. The possible
results of the test are:
PASS No fault condition in voltages or energy.

P01 Energy for single pulse mode has degraded 20% or
more since the last calibration.
P02 Operating voltage for a particular pulse setting has
changed by 30-55 V since the last calibration.
E01 Single pulse threshold voltage exceeded 600 volts.
E02 Quadruple pulse threshold voltage exceeded 860 volts.
E03 Single pulse voltage has changed by at least 55 volts.
If one of the error codes E01, E02 or E03 is displayed, the laser would
need to be checked by a service engineer.
If one of the status flags, P01 or P02 is displayed the characteristics of

the laser module have changed since the last calibration. A service call
may be needed.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
7.4.1 Test procedure

The test takes 20 minutes to complete.
To initiate the test:

m Wait until the start-up processes are complete.
m Set the ENERGY thumbwheel to maximum (completely to the
right).
m Press STATUS and RESET buttons simultaneously.
The word ‘DIAGNOSTIC’ appears on the LCD and remains for the
duration of the test. The figure ‘350’ appears and increments during the
test to indicate the temporary setting of the Nd:YAG laser voltage.
At this point the system can be left idle for approximately 20 minutes to
complete the test.
7.4.2 PASS result

If successful, the control panel LCD will read ‘PASS’ in the pulses
section.
m Cycle the system off/on using the key switch.
The system can now be used normally and should be working

satisfactorily.
7.4.3 P01 or P02 result

If the display shows a flashing P01 or P02 status flag this indicates there
is some degradation in the unit, but it is not an unsafe condition. To clear
these status flags, cycle the system off then on again.
The system can be used normally, but it has some deterioration and
should be checked by a service engineer.
7.4.4 E01, E02 or E03 result

If the display shows a flashing E01, E02 or E03 error message the laser
module should be checked.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
7.5 ENGINEERING DIAGNOSTIC TEST

Engineering Diagnostic Test Mode consists of two sections:
⇒ diagnostic mode — in which the system voltages, stored average

energies, shot count and serial number can be viewed
⇒ active mode — in which the system voltages, stored average
energies, shot count and serial number can be modified
Engineering Diagnostic Test Mode enables the service engineer to:
m Inspect the current single, double and triple pulse voltages and
average energy levels.
m Calibrate the single, double and triple pulse operating voltages
and store the new average energies for the unit.
m View and record or reset the shot count and treatment laser serial
number.
Note The operating parameters of the system can be changed as a

result of this test mode. Record the initial parameters on the
record sheet below before any calibration.
Table 7–4 System operating parameters
Date
Voltage Vs
Vd
Vt
Average energy Es
Ed
Et
Shot count

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
7.5.1 YAG laser voltage and energy inspection

Engineering Diagnostic mode allows the service engineer to inspect the
present operating voltages and energy levels for single, double and triple
pulse mode.
To enter into Engineering Diagnostic mode:
m Press the RESET, PULSES, and STATUS buttons

simultaneously.
Note: The display should read DIAGNOSTIC (ENG.) not

DIAGNOSTIC (USER). If the latter is displayed switch the
machine off and on again then carry out the above step to enter
the Service Engineer Diagnostic mode.
DIAGNOSTIC (ENG.)
volt pulse av.E
____ 1 _____
The Diagnostic (ENG.) display (above) shows the voltage and

average energy for the displayed number of pulses.
m Press the PULSES button to advance through pulses 1, 2 and 3.
m To exit Diagnostic mode turn the system off.
7.5.2 YAG laser voltage and energy reset

This procedure sets the voltages automatically by the microprocessor. It
takes up to 20 minutes.
When the calibration procedure is started the microprocessor resets the

laser voltage to 350 volts, then increments the voltage in 6 volt steps and
fires the laser. The microprocessor interrogates the pulse detector to find
the voltage at which a single pulse is detected. When it detects the first
laser pulse it increments the voltage in 3 volt steps and finds the voltage
at which five out of five shots produces a single pulse. This is the single
pulse threshold.
The microprocessor then adds 70 V and begins to increment again at 6

volt steps interrogating the pulse detector for a double pulse. This
process continues until all thresholds are found, then the microprocessor
calculates the operating voltages and stores them in memory
(EEPROM).

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
After a short delay the system automatically fires ten test shots in single,
double and triple pulse mode and stores the ten shot averages in its
memory. Before beginning this test it is important to set the ENERGY
wheel to maximum energy.
Voltage calibration should be performed if:
⇒ an over pulse error E04 error code is displayed

⇒ a laser and/or attenuator module is exchanged
⇒ degradation in the system requires the system to be recalibrated
To recalibrate the voltages use the following procedure:
m Set the ENERGY thumbwheel to MAXIMUM.

m Enter YAG laser voltage and energy inspection mode by pressing
the STATUS, RESET, and PULSES buttons simultaneously.
m Press the STATUS button momentarily and release.
m Hold the STATUS button down for a minimum of three seconds
until a 'beep' is heard.
When the button is released the LCD panel will display pulse setting one
and voltage 350, as shown below:
DIAGNOSTIC (ENG.)
volt pulse calib'n
350 1 test
The figure '350' will increment throughout the calibration routine to

indicate the temporary setting of the YAG laser voltage. When completed
the system will reset itself to STANDBY mode, with the updated
operating conditions.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
7.5.3 Shot count/laser serial number, inspection and

reset
The microprocessor can record the laser serial number and shot count
to help the service engineer maintain the unit. The serial number and
shot count are factory set so at installation there is no need to adjust
these settings. The serial number should be checked and recorded in the
installation documents.
Note: Every 10 000 shots a status flag (P03) alerts the user that this
increment has been reached.
The shot count and serial number will only need to be altered if the laser
module is replaced (see Section 7.8.2).
7.5.4 Viewing the shot count/serial number

To view the shot count/serial number at any time:
m Press the STATUS and PULSES buttons simultaneously.

The shot count is displayed on the LCD in HEXADECIMAL. The
least significant bit of the shot count is displayed but is not stored
when the system is switched off. The serial number is also
displayed on this panel. (The microprocessor only stores
1024400 if the unit was switched off at this point.)
The unit is capable of recording shot counts in excess of one

million using the hexadecimal system.
The serial number is shown on the right of this display.

DIAGNOSTIC (SET.)
Shot cnt ser no.
FA19E 0000
Example: F A 1 9 E = 1024414
F = 15 x 164 A = 10 x 163 1 = 1 x 162 9 = 9 x 161 E=
14 x 160
m To exit press the STATUS and PULSES buttons simultaneously.
7.5.5 Modifying the laser serial number

The serial number consists of four digits, which are displayed in the
PULSES section of the LCD.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
The serial number should be changed only when the laser module is
replaced. To modify the number:
m Record the current laser serial number for future reference.

m Press the STATUS button to increment the first digit by one.
m Press the PULSES button to activate the next digit.
m Reset the system by pressing STATUS and PULSES buttons
simultaneously.
7.5.6 Resetting the shot counter

To reset the treatment laser shot counter:
m Turn the system ON.

m Record the current shot count for future reference.
m Press RESET.
m Press the STATUS and PULSES buttons simultaneously to exit
this mode.
m The shot counter is now cleared and the system is ready to be
used.
7.6 RESETTING THE VOLTAGE MANUALLY

In some cases it may be necessary to reset the voltages manually rather
than using the automatic routine in the Engineering Diagnostic Test
described in Section 7.5.2. To do this:
m With the system on, enter the Engineering Diagnostic Test by

pressing RESET, PULSES and STATUS buttons simultaneously.
m Record the voltage settings for single, double & triple pulses.
m Exit the Engineering Diagnostic Test.
m Turn the system off.
m Turn the system back on and immediately press and hold the
STATUS button until you hear a beep, then release the button.
A "1" for single pulse is now displayed in the "PULSES" window,
and the single pulse voltage is displayed in the "PULSES TOTAL"
window. By moving the ENERGY thumbwheel control you will be
able to change the single pulse voltage setting.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
m When the single pulse voltage is set press the PULSES button to
increment to double pulse voltage setting.
m Adjust the double pulse voltage to the required value.
m Press the PULSES button again to increment to the triple pulse
voltage setting.
m Adjust the triple pulse voltage to the required value.
m Press the PULSES button again and the system will reset itself to
these new voltages.
7.7 MODULE DESCRIPTION AND REPLACEMENT

PROCEDURES
Important Note
Information may also be provided as service bulletins after this
manual is issued. Please check the service bulletins in Chapter
9 for any additional information on module replacement
procedures.
The Aura ophthalmic YAG laser is a module-based system with six laser
head modules and three modules mounted in the table.
If a fault occurs in the system, identify the fault to a specific module then
replace that module.
Warning If you replace any laser head modules you must check the
system alignment and calibration before using the instrument
again. See Chapter 6 for instructions.
Each module section within this chapter includes a description of checks

to be made to determine whether the module is working correctly. Some
of these checks may be made with the laser operational and before it is
dismantled.
Figure 7-1 shows the positions of the laser head modules in the laser
head unit.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
Figure 7–1: Laser head modules

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
7.7.1 Transportation
When the Aura is transported the laser head/slit lamp assembly must be
removed from the table console and packed appropriately to protect it
from shock and vibration damage.
Warning Failure to remove the laser head from the control console
before it is transported will void the warranty.
Disassembly is a reversal of the assembly procedure described in

Chapter 3.
The Aura should be packed in the original cartons for transportation.
Decontamination of returned equipment

To comply with United States postal and transportation law, equipment
shipped to Coherent Medical Group US offices for repair or return must
be properly decontaminated with a chemical germicide that is
commercially available and cleared for use as a 'Hospital Disinfectant'.
To ensure all equipment has been properly decontaminated, a signed

Decontamination Certificate (provided in Chapter 11) must be enclosed
in the package, or Coherent will assume that the product is
contaminated and will charge the customer with cleaning costs. Any
decontamination inquiries should be directed to the Coherent Medical
Group US service offices.
7.7.2 Module overview

There are six laser head modules:
⇒ laser (cavity) module

⇒ trigger module
⇒ diode aiming module (DAM)
⇒ attenuator module
⇒ beam expander module (BET)
⇒ folding mirror module

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
There are three table modules:
⇒ microprocessor/display control module

⇒ YAG power supply module
⇒ DC power supply unit module
Faults in the system should be analysed down to a specific module level.

Then replace the module.
Laser head modules

The laser head modules are mounted on a set of accurately machined
and positioned rails, which define the position of the optical axes of both
the treatment and aiming beams.
Each module is designed with two feet (V grooves) on the right, and one
foot (flat) on the left for mounting on the rails (see Figure 7-2).
Figure 7–2: Module mounting rails
The axis of the module is then either machined accurately with respect to
the V and flat, or aligned with the use of special jigs to the V and flat. For
example, the optical axis of the laser is aligned to the laser module
carriage on a factory jig and the module is then factory set to prevent
movement of the laser with regard to the V and flat.
This gives two advantages over competitors’ systems:
⇒ interchangeability of modules between Aura units

⇒ minimal re-alignment needed when changing modules
The following sections contain detailed procedures for replacing the laser
head modules in the system. Replacement should be approached at a
module level rather than a component level.

Issue 3.2

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Table modules
As with the laser head modules, repair of the table-mounted power
supplies console is also module based. Access to these modules is via
a hinged power supply console.
7.8 LASER HEAD MODULES

Warning High voltages and dangerous laser radiation are accessible
inside the housing so great care should be taken when opening
the laser head.
7.8.1 Access to laser head modules

To gain access to the laser head modules, which are located in the
binocular support arm:
m Turn the system off.

m Use a 2 mm Allen key to remove the counter-sunk screw at the
bottom of the binocular support arm (holding the cover in place).
m Lift the cover out from the bottom first. Place it on something soft
to avoid damaging it or the table.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
7.8.2 YAG laser (cavity) module

The major details of the YAG laser (cavity) module are described in the
table below and illustrated in Figure 7-3.
Table 7–5: YAG laser module details
Parameter Details
Type Q-switched Neodymium doped Yttrium
Aluminium Garnet (Nd:YAG)
Q-switch Solid state
Mode structure Fundamental TEM00
Maximum output energy <45 mJ
Typical optical single pulse width 4 nanoseconds
(FWHM) (Full Width Half Maximum)
Wavelength 1064 nm
Trigger voltage 12 kV
Associated (Pulse Forming 50 µF (V max = 900 V)
Network) PFN 25 µH
PFN pulse width (700 V) 95 µs
Cooling Convective air
Theory of operation
The YAG laser body contains a flash lamp to optically pump a solid state
crystal material made of Yttrium, Aluminium and Garnet. A high voltage is
applied to the anode and cathode connections of the flash lamp.
When the fire button is pressed the microprocessor sends a signal to the
trigger module. This signal fires a pulse transformer inside the trigger
module, which produces a 12 kV trigger pulse to the trigger connection of
the flash lamp
This trigger pulse ionises gas inside the flash lamp, which causes the
gas to electrically conduct, discharging the high voltage from the cathode
to the anode. The energy is released as a bright flash from the flash
lamp.
Various portions of the emitted wavelength spectrum are absorbed by

the laser rod, which re-emits the light. The light bounces backward and
forward between the laser mirrors, forming a pulsed laser light.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
Figure 7–3: YAG laser (cavity) module
Determining proper operation

To determine the proper operation of the YAG laser module make the
checks described in the following table.
Table 7–6: YAG laser module checks
Check Description
Flash lamp During the seven -shot warm up and any time the laser is
fired, the flash lamp flashes to provide optical energy to the
YAG crystal. Since the YAG crystal gets its energy from the
flash lamp, check that the flash lamp flashes every time the
fire button is pressed. This is seen as a white flash lighting
inside the laser cavity. If the flash lamp fires intermittently or
not at all, the module should be replaced.
Energy output The single pulse energy output (maximum energy setting)
when new, should be between 10 and 15 mJ. Energy levels
lower than this indicate laser degradation or obstruction of
the beam.
Air breakdown Air breakdown can be seen as a blue flash approximately
92 mm (3.6 in) from the objective lens, which is where the
YAG beam is focused. When new, the laser causes air
breakdown at less than 4 mJ. If the system does not
consistently break the air down at ≤4 mJ, verify that
maximum energy is 8 mJ or more before replacing the laser
module.
Laser module See below.
test

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
Laser module test (burn pattern)

The burn pattern produced by the laser is a good indication of the beam
quality and general condition of the laser. A burn that is 10 to 14 mm
(approx. ½ in) in diameter is best for this purpose. It may be necessary
to use triple pulse, maximum energy setting to get a dark burn. To test
the burn pattern:
m Set the system to maximum energy, single pulse.

m Clear any targets or other obstacles from the front of the slit
lamp.
m Place a piece of burn paper in front of the slit lamp at the point
where the two aiming beams form a single spot.
m Move the paper closer to the slit lamp until the beams separate to
about 1 mm (1/25 in) apart.
m Fire the laser to get a burn on the paper.
m Move the paper closer until the beams are about 5 mm (¼ in)
then make a burn on a different area of the paper.
m Repeat at 10 mm (approx. ½ in) apart.
Each burn should appear as a group of well-defined concentric circles

that look like a ‘target’. If the edges are not well defined, are not circular,
or there are section missing, there is some laser degradation. If some
part is missing (“clipping”), there may also be a possibility of some
accumulation of dirt/particles along the beam path.
Replacement procedure
Important Note:
The use of non-standard, unauthorised and modified parts
would render invalid the comprehensive product and public
liability insurance we have for our products and would leave the
distributors and users of the unauthorised part unprotected.
Please be aware that all system optics, safety

monitoring/detecting systems and software are designed for
our laser cavity, which is produced in our factory. In addition,
the continuous improvements we make to our products,
including laser cavities, are considered with reference to the
entire laser system.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
The YAG laser cavity module is usually replaced with the trigger module
(described in Section 7.8.3). To remove and replace the module:
m Obtain access to the laser head modules as described in Section

7.8.1
m Remove the attenuator as described in Section 7.8.5.
m Using a 2 mm Allen key, remove the three screws fixing the
module to the housing rails.
m Gently withdraw the module part-way with the trigger module
attached.
m Disconnect the black and red high voltage cables plugged into the
bottom of the trigger module.
m Unscrew the earth wire (green) on the module, using a medium
Phillips screwdriver.
m If the module is being returned without the trigger module, remove
the two screws (2.5 mm Allen key) fixing the trigger to the YAG
laser module (see Section 7.8.3) and remove the wires going
from the trigger module to the side of the YAG laser body.
To insert the replacement module, reverse the above procedure. Make

sure the cables are correctly positioned under the YAG laser (cavity)
module or re-assembly may be difficult and the alignment may be
affected. Reset the YAG laser voltages (see Section 4.6) and confirm the
optical alignment (see Section 4.2).
7.8.3 Trigger module

The major details of the trigger module are described in the table below
and illustrated in Figure 7-4.
Table 7–7: Trigger module details
Parameter Details
Input voltage 350 to 900 V DC
Input trigger signal Active low to fire (>15 mA)
Output trigger voltage -12 kV (typical)
Output pulse width 1 µs (typical)

Issue 3.2

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Theory of operation
The trigger module transfers the voltage (350–900 V DC) from the power
supply to the laser flash lamp anode and cathode connections. A thick
wire connects the 12 kV output pulse from the trigger module to the flash
lamp trigger connection.
There are two low voltage inputs to the trigger module. Both are at
+5 V DC. One is momentarily switched to ground, which then fires a
pulse transformer producing the 12 kV output pulse to trigger the flash
lamp.
Figure 7–4: Trigger module

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting

To determine the proper operation of the trigger module make the checks
described in the following table.
Table 7–8: Trigger module checks
Check Description
Input Verify high voltage is between 350 and 900 V DC at the red
and the black input wires to the trigger module.
Verify that both low voltage inputs are at 5 V DC, (X15-1 &
X15-2). X15-1 should drop to 0 volts momentarily when the
fire button is pressed.
Output This is difficult and dangerous to measure.
At this stage we recommend that a new trigger module be
installed to determine proper operation of the original trigger
module. The outputs of the original module can be checked
if necessary. There should be 350 to 900 V DC between the
anode and cathode connections at the YAG laser. These
are the two thinner output wires from the trigger module,
X17-1 & X17-3.
When the fire button is pressed there should be a 12 kV
output pulse from the trigger module, X17-2, to the YAG
laser module. This is the thickest wire.
We strongly recommend that the output voltages are
not investigated as special test equipment is required,
and in any case this module has no serviceable
components.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
The trigger module is mounted on the laser (cavity) module, and the two
modules are usually replaced as a single unit. To remove the trigger
module by itself:

7.8.1.
m Remove the attenuator as described in Section 7.8.5.
m Remove the YAG laser module with trigger module attached, as
described in Section 7.8.2.
m Disconnect the three wires going from the trigger module to the
side of the YAG laser body.
Wiring connections are:

• thin black lead  top connector on laser module (cathode)
• thick black lead  middle connector (cathode trigger)
• red lead  lower connector (anode)
m Using 1.5 and 2.5 mm Allen keys (hex wrenches), remove the
two screws fixing the trigger to the YAG laser module.
m Gently lift out the module.

sure the cables are correctly positioned or re-assembly may be difficult
and the alignment may be affected.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
7.8.4 Diode aiming module (DAM)

The major details of the diode aiming module are described in the table
below and illustrated in Figures 7-5 and 7-6.
Table 7–9: Diode aiming module (DAM) details
Parameter Details
Type Semi-conductor laser diode continuous
wave (CW)
Safety class II
Wavelength 670 nm
Input 12 V DC, 100 mA
Power output Continuously variable to a maximum
200 µW
Mode Fundamental
Theory of operation
This module consists of a diode laser, beam monitor, collimator lens and
associated circuitry. Power input comes from +12 volts applied at X50A-
2 and 0 volts (ground) on X50A-1. This is regulated to +5 volts to power
the laser diode.
The diode emits a 0.5 mm (0.02 in) diameter red laser beam. The beam
is then put through a 14 times beam expander to increase the beam to
7 mm (0.28 in) diameter. The final focus of the aiming beams is
accomplished by adjusting the position of the top lens of this beam
expander module.
Circuitry within the module regulates the voltage and current to the laser
diode, monitors the output of the laser diode, and controls the intensity of
the laser diode output.
The intensity is controlled by the potentiometer positioned on the slit lamp

base and connected to the DAM via the three-pin connector, X50B.

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Figure 7–5: Diode aiming module block diagram
Figure 7–6: Diode aiming module

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting

To determine the proper operation of the diode aiming module make the
The DAM is a static sensitive device. Take care when handling this
module. The circuit board should not be touched or handled at any
time without taking adequate ESD precautions.
Table 7–10: Diode aiming module checks
Check Description
Input Verify the +12 V DC input on X50A-2 and 0 volts (ground) on
X50A-1
Output Visually confirm a dual red light output from the module.
Do not look directly into the module output.
Control Check the resistance between pins 1 and 2 on X50B varies
as the intensity control knob is rotated.
If the laser diode is damaged it may still emit a low level output
of red light but the module will draw greater than 100 mA
current. In this case replace the module.
To check the diode aiming module and determine if it is faulty:
m Turn off the system and disconnect from power sources.

m Remove the front cover of the binocular support arm.
m Disconnect the DAM monitor wires from the attenuator module.
These are the blue and brown wires from the DAM to connector
X16 on the attenuator PCB.
m Connect a 1.5 k ohm jumper (supplied in the service kit) into the
X16 connector on the attenuator PCB.
This will bypass the DAM monitor circuit and allow the unit to
operate without the DAM.
You may just short across these two pins if a 1.5 k ohm
jumper is not available.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
m Re-connect to power and turn on the system.

m After the seven-shot warm-up routine, verify the following:
• no error messages appear
• it is possible to select laser READY mode
• there is a dim red light output from the DAM
(if there is no light output, verify there is a 12 V DC input to
the DAM)
• the aiming beam intensity control can adjust the aiming
beam intensity
(if the intensity is not adjustable the DAM is faulty)
To remove the DAM module:
The DAM is a static sensitive device. Take care when handling this
module. The circuit board should not be touched or handled at any
time without taking adequate ESD precautions.

7.8.1.
m Disconnect the aiming laser detect circuit from the X16 connector
on top of the attenuator module printed circuit board.
m Disconnect X50A and X50B connectors from the DAM circuit
board.
m Using a 2 mm Allen key undo the three screws. securing the DAM
to the rails.
To insert the replacement module, reverse the above procedure. After

installing the replacement, check the aiming beam laser focus and
alignment.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
7.8.5 Attenuator module

The major details of the attenuator module are described in the table
below, and illustrated in Figure 7-7. See also the block diagram in Figure
7-8.
Table 7–11: Attenuator module details
Parameter Details
Attenuator Type: Rotating polariser
continuously variable
Shutter Drive voltage: 12 V DC
Drive current: 350 mA
Shutter return: torsion spring
Position detector: two sensors
LED/photodiode detector
Over-pulse detector Photo-diode detector
Energy monitor module See Table 7-13
Theory of operation
The attenuator module is an optical assembly that controls the YAG laser
energy output delivered to the treatment site. The YAG laser module
output is fixed and the energy is optically ‘attenuated’ to control the
amount delivered.
The laser beam is generated from the YAG laser module as a polarised
beam. It passes through a half wave plate that rotates the polarisation of
the beam. The thumbwheel of the attenuator is connected to the half
wave plate, which serves as a beam attenuator. Rotating the
thumbwheel rotates the half wave plate. The beam then passes through
a polarising beam splitter, which allows only one plane of polarisation to
pass through.
The portion of the beam deflected by the polarising beam splitter is sent
to a detector on the front of the module to test for an over-pulse condition
(pulse detector).
The beam that passes through the polarising beam splitter has now been
attenuated and passes through another beam splitter that samples 15%
of the beam and directs it into the energy monitor to read the energy level
of the attenuated laser beam.

Issue 3.2

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A 15% sample of the attenuated laser beam is directed into the energy
monitor module, where it passes through various filters on to a photo-
diode detector. The detector output is amplified, and this signal is sent to
the control module where it is calibrated to read actual system output.
Figure 7–7: Attenuator modules
Figure 7–8: Attenuator module and interconnection block

diagram

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting

To determine the proper operation of the attenuator module make the
Table 7–12: Attenuator module checks
Check Description
Input Check that all connectors are connected properly and that
there is no interference with the shutter and return spring.
Verify that the coils of the return spring do not cross over
each other. Verify 12 volts are applied to the shutter motor
when the fire switch is activated.
Output Verify that the shutter opens when the fire switch is
activated. Verify that the voltage (0-5 V DC) on X8-2 and X8-
6 changes as the thumbwheel is rotated.
To remove the module:

7.8.1.
m Disconnect X8, the 20-pin cable to the microprocessor.
m Disconnect the aiming laser detect circuit from the X16 connector
on top of the attenuator module PCB.
m Disconnect the trigger leads from the X15 connector on the
bottom of the attenuator module PCB.
m Disconnect the DAM +12 V DC from the X50A connector on the
DAM.
m Using a 2 mm Allen key, remove the three screws securing the
module to the rails.
Do not loosen the two screws on either side, just below the
thumbwheel.
m Gently lift out the module, noting the position of the cables under
the module.

sure the cables are correctly positioned under the module or the
alignment may be affected. After installing the replacement, reset the
YAG voltages, re-calibrate the YAG output energy monitor and confirm
the optical alignment (see Chapter 4).

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting

Make the checks described in the following table.
Table 7–13: Energy monitor module checks
Check Description
Input: optical Verify that the YAG laser is firing by verifying there is air
breakdown at maximum energy setting or that it is possible
to obtain a burn pattern on burn paper. Verify the inputs:
+12 V DC on X19-4
-8 V DC on X19-1
GND on X19-2
Output Verify signal voltage is 0.1 V/mJ on X19-3 and signal ground
on X19-2. There should be an energy display reading
corresponding to the actual energy output.
Calibration is adjusted by the pot VR2/VR5 reached
via a hole marked ‘GAIN’ and ‘OFFSET’ respectively
on the bottom of the control module.
To remove this module:

7.8.1.
m Remove the attenuator module.
m Disconnect the electrical connector between the attenuator
module and the energy monitor module.
m Using a flat blade screwdriver, undo the two screws securing the
energy monitor module to the attenuator module.
m Inspect all optics for cleanliness or damage, cleaning if
necessary.
Installation of the replacement is the reverse of the procedure above.

Before assembly, ensure all wires are free of rail mounts and screws.
Ensure wires are free from kinks and crimping.
After installing the replacement, re-calibrate the YAG output energy

monitor, reset the YAG voltages and confirm the optical alignment (see
Chapter 4).

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
7.8.6 Beam expanding telescope (BET) module

The YAG beam expander module is an optical module that accepts the
3 mm (approx. 1/10 in) diameter laser beam and expands it to
approximately 27 mm (approx. 1 in) in diameter. It is illustrated below:
Figure 7–9: BET module
Thumbwheel
Locking screw
Focusing screw
Star wheel
Due to the inverse relationship between diameter of the beam entering

the objective lens and focused spot size, the laser beam is expanded to
the largest possible size to decrease the focused spot size and increase
the performance of the instrument.
This module incorporates a star wheel adjusting mechanism that allows

the laser focus to be adjusted with respect to the aiming beam and
viewing focal planes. The focus adjustment is locked with a 2.5 mm
nylon tipped socket set screw.
The BET module provides an offset control that is adjusted using the
YAG POSTERIOR OFFSET thumbwheel. The posterior defocus can be
accurately set by changing the optical separation of the positive and
negative lens sets in the beam expanding telescope with the adjusting
star wheel. It allows repeatable positioning of the focuses at the three
indent positions.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
To remove the beam expander module:

7.8.1.
m Remove the diode aiming module as described in Section 7.8.4.
m Using a 2 mm Allen key, remove the three screws fixing the
module to the rails.
To insert the replacement module, reverse the above procedure. After

replacement, check the treatment beam alignment and focus (see
Chapter 4).
7.8.7 Folding mirror module (FMM)

The folding mirror module bends both the YAG laser and aiming beams
through 90 degrees to be coaxial with the operator’s viewing axis and exit
the system through the objective lens. It is illustrated below:
Figure 7–10: Folding mirror module
The module consists of two systems:
⇒ laser folding mirror

⇒ aiming beam alignment mirrors

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
The YAG laser folding mirror is the largest optic in the module and
reflects the expanded YAG laser beam through 90 degrees. The mirror is
highly reflective at the YAG laser wavelength yet transmits the visible
aiming laser wavelengths. This mirror is not adjustable.
The aiming beam alignment mirrors are the two smaller mirrors in the
module. The mirror closest to the diode aiming module reflects
approximately 50% of the incident light and the remainder is totally
reflected from the second mirror. Both these mirrors are mounted at 45
degrees on adjustable arms, which allows the position of each arm to be
set separately with respect to the YAG laser beam. Refer to Chapter 4
for the aiming beam alignment procedure.
This module does not normally need to be replaced in the field, but can
be removed as follows:

7.8.1
m Remove the diode aiming module, as described in Section 7.8.4.
m Remove the YAG beam expander module, as described in
Section 7.8.6.
m Remove the binoculars by undoing the knurled screw on top of
the binocular mount.
m Using a 2.5 mm Allen key, undo the two screws securing the
safety filter plate to the laser head, and remove the plate.
m Using a 2 mm Allen key, undo the three screws securing the
folding mirror module to the rails.
These screws can be reached through holes in the aiming

beam steering arms.
m Pull the module towards you as far as it will go, pulling it off the
locating pins that hold it on to the rails.
m When the module is loose, drop it down to the centre section of
the support arm to remove it.
Take care not to touch any of the optics with your fingers.
To install the replacement module, reverse the above procedure. Check

the optical alignment after installation. See Chapter 4.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
7.9 T ABLE MODULES
7.9.1 Access to table modules

To gain access to the table modules:
m Unplug the system.

m Hold the power supply console from underneath and remove the
two Allen key head screws at the front left and right sides of the
console.
m Lower the console from the rear hinge.
As with the laser head modules, the repair philosophy of the table
modules is also module based.
7.9.2 YAG power supply module

The YAG power supply module inputs and outputs are described in the
table below. The unit is shown in Figure 7-11.
Table 7–14: Nd:YAG power supply I/Os
Input/Output Details
Inputs +12 V DC
V Control 5 V DC max
Laser ON/OFF TTL high or low
Reset TTL high or low
Outputs
Capacitor change voltage 900 V max
Capacitor output 50 µF
Charge times 500 V, 0.5 s
700 V, 0.7 s
900 V, 0.8 s
Ready TTL high or lows

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
Figure 7–11: YAG power supply module
Theory of operation
The YAG power supply converts a 12 V DC input into a high voltage that
is used to charge a storage capacitor. The energy from the storage
capacitor is supplied to the flash lamp, which is controlled by the trigger
module.
The laser operates on single, double and triple pulse modes, which are
differentiated by different voltage levels output from the storage capacitor.
The capacitor voltage is determined by the voltage level of the input ‘V
CONTROL input from the microprocessor.
When the system is turned on power is applied via the ‘+12 V INPUT’ to
the ‘Power on/off’ section of the supply. The ‘LASER ON/OFF’ line is
used by the microprocessor. When the microprocessor is powered up
and determines that no faults exist the ‘LASER ON/OFF’ line goes low,
turning on V2, which then activates the relay K1 charging up capacitor
C13 (the main storage capacitor in the OUTPUT STAGE).
If the microprocessor detects a fault the ‘LASER ON/OFF’ line goes high,
shutting the YAG power supply down, and the ‘RESET I/P’ line goes high
turning on V7. This in turn pulls the D line low, which turns off V27
(DUMP/RESET CCT) and turns on V29, which discharges C13 through
the DUMP/RESET CCT.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
When the fire switch is pressed, the microprocessor sends a signal to

the Trigger module and the YAG laser is triggered to fire. This causes the
main storage capacitor (C13) to discharge across the flash lamp. The
storage capacitor immediately starts to charge up again. The ‘FIRE
DETECT’ section of the power supply detects when the capacitor is
charged. This turns V8 on, which pulls the ‘READY O/P’ line low. This
low ‘READY O/P’ line tells the microprocessor that the YAG power
supply is ready to be fired again.

To determine the proper operation of the YAG power supply module
make the checks described in the following table.
Table 7–15: YAG power supply module checks
Check Description
Inputs
+12 V Input +12 V DC on X5-1 and X5-2
V Control I/P 0-5 V DC on X5-5
Laser ON/OFF TTL low on X5-13
Reset I/P TTL low on X5-3
Outputs
Ready O/P TTL low on X5-11
High Voltage O/P 350-900 V DC

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
To replace the YAG power supply unit:
m Unplug the system.

m Lower the power supply console as described in Section 7.9.1.
m Disconnect the X43 connector plug by pulling back the locking tab
and rotating the plug through 90°.
m Undo the two screws securing the X43 socket to the bracket
inside the control console box and drop it through the opening.
m Undo the two locking screws on the X5 "D" connector and
disconnect it.
m Loosen the four screws at the side of the module and move it to
the side of the keyhole slots.
m If required, cut the cable ties, which secure the X43 cable, and
pull off the earth connection.
m Withdraw the module from the key slots.
Installation of the replacement power supply unit is the reverse of the

removal procedure. After installing a replacement, reset the YAG laser
voltage (see Section 4.6).
7.9.3 DC power supply module

The DC power supply module inputs and outputs are described in the
table below. It is illustrated in Figure 7-12.
Table 7–16: DC power supply I/Os
Input/Output Details
Input 220 to 240 V AC 50/60 Hz
Output +12 V DC
-12 V DC (not used)
+5 V DC (not used)
The DC power supply module is a switch- mode power supply that

converts AC mains to the low DC voltages to operate to the rest of the
system. It includes a transformer to supply the voltage for the slit lamp
illumination.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting

To determine the proper operation of the DC power supply module make
the checks described in the following table.
Table 7–17: DC power supply module checks
Check Description
Input Verify that the input to the DC power supply is 220 to 240 V
AC. Even if the mains input voltage to the system is only 90 to
120 V AC it is transformed into 220-240 V AC going into the
DC power supply. The input to the DC power supply should
always be 220-240 V AC and can be measured on X20-14
and X20-2.
Outputs Verify that all of the output voltages are present.
Verify +12 V DC on X21-1, X21-2, X21-5 and X21-6.
-12 V DC (not used), and +5 V DC (not used).
If no output can be measured with current input applied, the
module should be replaced.
Figure 7–12: DC power supply module

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
To remove this module:
m Obtain access to the table modules as described in Section

7.9.1.
m Disconnect the X21 and X20 cables going to the DC power
supply module.
m Using a 2.5 mm Allen key, loosen the four screws securing the
low voltage power supply module to the underside of the power
supply console and withdraw the module from the box.
To install the replacement reverse the removal procedure.
7.9.4 Microprocessor/display module

The major details of the microprocessor display module are described in
the table below and illustrated in Figure
Table 7–18: Microprocessor/display module details
Parameter Details
Microprocessor controller
inputs
Power +12 V DC
Shutter sense Detects whether shutter is properly
opened or closed
Cap charged Indicates the storage capacitor has
reached the set voltage. The system
cannot be fired until the capacitor is
fully charged.
Energy monitor Provides a measure of the laser output
energy.
Interlock Disables the lasers if the interlock
circuit is opened.
Aiming beam Indicates functionality of the aiming
laser.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
Parameter Details
Microprocessor controller
outputs
Voltage control Sets the voltage of the storage
capacitor.
Shutter sense Supplies +5V power to shutter sensors.
The ±5.12 V is generated on board the
microprocessor circuit.
Laser fire Fires the trigger module.
Reset voltage Discharges the storage capacitor when
the user selects a pulse mode with
fewer pulses, or if the system shuts
down.
Laser off Disables the entire YAG power supply if
the system malfunctions.
Display control and data lines

To determine the proper operation of the microprocessor control module
make the checks described in the following table:
Table 7–19: Microprocessor/display module checks
Check Description
Input Verify that all connectors are properly connected and that
the fuses are not blown. Verify that power is being applied to
the module.
Output Check for proper operation of the function switches, that is,
that the control panel is not ‘locked up’.
Faults in the microprocessor/display module are determined

mostly by a process of elimination, determining that the fault
does not lie with any other modules.
To check the status of the system, initiate the operator test. (See Section
7.4.)
To check for any faults or changes in operation, initiate the Engineering

Diagnostic Test. (See Section 7.5.)

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

The LCD is a 132 x 22 dot addressable liquid crystal display. The viewing
area is centrally backlit with LEDs mounted behind the LCD. The LCD
has on-board display drivers, and the microprocessor supplies the
information and power for the LCD via the 20-line data bus.
Both the microprocessor and LCD are CMOS devices, and

are static -sensitive. Extreme cases of electrostatic discharge
can possibly cause segments of the LCD to go blank. This
condition is remedied by switching the mains power off then on
again.
Figure 7–13: Microprocessor/display module
To replace the module:
m Switch on the unit and wait until it goes into normal mode.
m Inspect and record the YAG voltage and energy values by
entering Service Engineering mode.
m Switch the unit off.
m Unscrew the screws on the side of the control panel under the
table and allow the panel to flip down.
Carefully support the weight of the panel while removing the

screws.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting
m Remove the four mounting screws on the underside of the table

holding the control panel.
m Unclip the cable clamps holding the cable harness on the control
panel.
m Tilt the control panel to allow access to the cable connectors
behind it.
m Disconnect the X1 and X2 connectors from the control panel and
remove the panel.
m Remove the four screws on the rear of the control panel to open
it.
There are now two M2 x 5 mm screws and ‘O’ rings holding the
LCD in place, and two M3 x 10 mm spacers locking the
microprocessor in place. Since the microprocessor and LCD are
hardwired together, both sets must be removed before the
module can be removed from the display cover.
m Remove the microprocessor and LCD fixing screws.
m Gently lift out the module from the cover and disconnect the
flexible lead from the membrane panel.
m Install the replacement control panel by connecting the X1 and X2
connectors.
Do not screw the control panel on the table yet as the
microprocessor would need to be recalibrated.
m When the new panel is installed, reboot the system and the unit
should go through its normal start up sequence.
m Reset the voltage manually and enter the YAG voltages as
recorded in step 2, above.
m Perform an automatic voltage reset.
m Verify the calibration by completing the Calibration Record Sheet.
m Switch the unit off and secure the control panel on the table and
screw in place.
m Switch the unit back on and confirm normal operation.
To insert the replacement module, reverse the above procedure. Ensure

that the thumbwheel adjustments for the viewing contrast and the laser
READY/STANDBY LEDs fit correctly into their apertures.

Issue 3.2

Troubleshooting

Issue 3.2

CHAPTER 8
SPARE PARTS LIST AND SERVICE TOOL KIT
8.1 SPARE PARTS

The following spare parts are recommended.
Table 8–1: Spare parts list
Part No Description Coherent Part

No
Group 1
3017262 FGS YAG CAVITY 0638-441-01
3017264 FGS DAM 0638-443-01
3017268 FGS DC PSU 0638-445-01
3017270 FGS YAG PSU 0638-446-01
3017272 FGS ATTENUATOR 0638-447-01
3017274 FGS BET 0638-448-01
3017276 FGS FOLDING MIRROR 0638-449-01
3017300 FGS Nd:YAG SAFETY GLASS 0638-450-01
OD6@1064nm
3017301 FGS SLITLAMP GLOBE HALOGEN 12V 3901-0123
3017323 FGS LX ILLUM CTRL ASY TYPE B 0638-452-01
3017368 FGS INTERLOCK OVERRIDE PLUG 0638-453-01
3028018 YAG 5106 TOOLKIT 0638-239-01
3122012 FASSY ALIGNMENT JIG 0639-906-01

Issue 3.2

Spare parts list and service tool
Group 2
2720710 MOD CHINREST COHERENT 0638-454-01
3120700 FASSY TABLE 5106 0638-455-01
3120720 FASSY CONTROL BOX 5106 0638-456-01
3216256 CASSY LASER HEAD LQ5106 0639-790-01
3220660 CASSY SIGNAL CONSOLE LQ5106 0639-789-01
3413286 OASSY FILTER YAG BEAM SAFETY TBA
3600030 HIGH TOWER PRISM ASSEMBLY TBA
3617377 BEAM SPLITTER CSO 0638-181-01
3617378 CO-OBSERVATION TUBE CSO 0638-182-01
3617379 MAGNIFICATION CHANGER SL920 0638-180-01
3700120 CASTORS WITH BRAKE 5106 TBA
3700121 CASTORS WITH OUT BRAKE 5106 TBA
3700201 OBJECTIVE LENS ASSEMBLY 0638-458-01
3700204 JOYSTICK ASSEMBLY 0638-459-01
3700222 ILLUMINATION TOWER TBA
3700236 SKID PLATE 0638-442-01
3700239 GEAR WHEEL COVER 0638-461-01
3700241 FIXATION LAMP ASSEMBLY 0638-462-01
3700251 TISSUE CLIP 0638-463-01
3700263 FIXATION LAMP GLOBES 0638-223-01
3700281 CROSS SLIDE SHAFT BEARING CAGE 0638-465-01
3700353 JOYSTICK WIPER BLOCK ASSEMBLY 0638-466-01
3700355 LENS TOWER SHORT TBA
3700358 RAIL MODULE TOOTH 0638-467-01
3700359 CROSS SHAFT NO BOSS 0638-468-01
3700360 GEAR WHEEL KEYED MODULE TOOTH 0638-469-01
3700364 SL980 BINOCULAR ASSEMBLY 0638-460-01
3700365 LAMPADA SL980 OCULAR EYEPIECE 0638-222-01
12.5x
3700366 LAMPADA SL980 OCULAR EYEPIECE 0638-464-01
12.5xC
3800024 35mm CAMERA ADAPTOR 0638-237-01
3800025 VIDEO CAMERA ADAPTOR 0638-238-01

Issue 3.2

Spare parts list and service tool kit
5000022 SWITCHLOCK 90DEG ROTATION ST D 0638-470-01

5000027 SWITCH PUSH BUTTON ILLUMINATE 0638-471-01
5000038 SWITCH EMERGENCY STOP DPST 0638-472-01
5900001 FUSE DIA5x20 3.15A250VAC SEMI 5110-0255
5900002 FUSE DIA5x20 6.3A250VAC SEMI D 5110-0184
7900034 KEY SPARE SWITCHLOCK 0638-440-01
8100002 PACKAGING CARTON 100x150x105x3 0638-473-01
TBA MAIN CABLE ASSEMBLY TBA
TBA SERVICE MANUAL 5106 TBA
TBA OPERATORS MANUAL 5106 TBA
8.2 CONSUMABLES
Table 8–2: Consumables list
Item Part No Description Qty

1 TBA ADHESIVE, LOCTITE 290 1
2 TBA ADHESIVE, H.B.M. X60 1
3 3803-0208 FGS, MODEL EYE CAPSULES 1
4 3207-0091 FGS, BURN PAPER 1
8.3 SERVICE TOOL KIT

Coherent Aura Toolkit part number 0638-239-01.

Issue 3.2

Spare parts list and service tool

Issue 3.2

CHAPTER 9
SERVICE BULLETINS
This Chapter is reserved for the inclusion of service bulletins release

after the manual is issued. This information ensures that the manual is
kept up to date at all times.
9.1 SERVICE BULLETINS ISSUE LIST

The following service bulletins are provided for this manual:
Table 9–1: Service bulletins issue list
Service Description/title Date issued Authorised

bulletin
00-02 Third party replacement laser cavities Feb7, 2000 TP
00-03 System failure to fire — Joystick Feb 16, 2000 S B-M
assembly related
00-04 CE version release of the Aura Mar 10, 2000 S B-M
LQ5106
00-05 System failure to fire — Joystick Apr 3, 2001 S B-M
assembly related: follow-up
00-09 Service procedure update — YAG Apr 28, 2000
treatment beam alignment
01-05 Change of EU authorised Mar 26, 2001 TP
representative

Issue 3.2

Service bulletins

Issue 3.2

C HAPTER 10
SCHEMATICS AND DRAWINGS
This Chapter lists the drawings associated with the Aura. The
schematics and drawings are bound in the rear of this manual in the
order shown here.
10.2 SYSTEM DIAGRAMS

Table 10–1: System diagrams
Drawing number Description

20500 Fgoods Aura 115 V/240 V
20550 FASSY, system LQ5106
20600 FASSY, integration LQ5106
20610 MASSY, head LQ5106
20650 FASSY, power supply console
20660 CASSY, signal console
20670 MASSY, transformer
20710 Mod, chin rest Coherent
20720 FASSY, control box
20751 CASSY, stand LQ5106

Issue 3.2

Schematics and drawings
10.3 ELECTRICAL DIAGRAMS

Table 10–2: Electrical diagrams
Drawing number Sheet Description

20514 1 Block diagram Aura Electrical

Issue 3.2

Issue 3.2

IN D E X
Accessory interlock, 2-21 Calibration, 4-16

Aiming accuracy, 4-21 verifying, 4-20
Aiming beam controls, 2-14 Camera adaptor, 3-22
Aiming beams, 5-2, 7-46 Capacitor, 2-21, 7-42, 7-46
power, 1-9 charge times, 7-41
Aiming laser output, 7 -41
alignment mirrors, 7-40 voltage, 7-41
checking accuracy, 4-21 Capsule, 5-6
checks, 2-22 Cavity, 7-23
intensity, 7-30 replacement, 7-26
out of focus, 7-4 Centre of rotation, 4-5
specifications, 3-18 Charge times, 7-41
Aiming laser detector signal, 2-22 Cleaning, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2
Aiming lasers Clinical effects, 5-6
aligning, 4-9 Coherence, 5-3
Air breakdown, 3-17, 7-24 Collimation, 5-3
Air breakdown check, 3-15, 4-24 Collimator lens, 7-30
Alignment target, 4-22 Commissioning, 3-2, 3-14
Ambient temperature, 3-22 Components, 1-3, 5-4
Argon lasers, 5-6 Cone angle, 2-2, 3-17
Atmospheric pressure, 3-22 Consumables, 8-3
Attenuator module, 2-22, 7-34 Continuous wave, 3-18, 7-30
Automatic test fire, 1-7 Control module, 7-46
Control panel, 2-9
Controls, 1-6
Cooling, 3-21, 7-23
Beam attenuator, 7-34
Beam diameter, 2-2
Beam divergence, 3-17
Beam expanding telescope, 2-6 DAM, 7-30
Beam monitor, 7-30 DC power supply module, 7-44
Beam splitter, 3-22, 7-34 Delivered energy, 2-15
BET, 7-38 Diode aiming beams, 1-9
Bill of materials, 10-1 Diode aiming module. See DAM
Binoculars, 1-3, 2-8 Diode laser, 7-30
Blanking plug, 2-21 Diode laser beam, 2-7
Burn paper, 4-22 Disinfection, 5-7
Burn pattern, 4-3, 7-24 Drawing list, 10-1
Burst mode, 3-17 Drawings, 10-1

Issue 3.2

Index
2 Coherent Aura Service Manual

Issue 3.2

Index
Effects on tissues, 5-6

Electrical leakage protection, 1-6
Electrical safety, 1-10 Illumination, 5-8
Electrical system, 2-20 Initialisation, 2-21
Emergency stop push button, 1-5
Energy, 2-2, 7-23
maximum, 3-17
output, 7-24
test fire, 2-22
thumbwheel, 2-15
Energy deviation warning, 7-6
Energy level, 2-6
Energy meter, 4-16
Energy monitor, 7-46
calibration, 3-15, 4-16
calibration record, 4-27
Energy selector, 3-17
Energy source, 5-4
Environmental conditions, 3-22
Error codes, 7-2
Error messages, 7-2
Eye protection, 1-8
Eyepieces, 2-18, 3-19, 4-4, 5-11
Fault diagnosis, 7-1

FDA and IEC compliance, 1-6
Filters, 1-6
Fire hazard, 6-2
Fire switch, 1-3, 2-9, 2-16, 5-1, 5-7, 7-42
Firing mode, 5-7
Firing processes, 2-22
Fixation lamp, 5-8
Flash filter, 2-6
Flash lamp, 2-22, 5-4, 7-23, 7-24
FMM, 7-39
Focusing system, 3-18
Folding mirror module, 7-39
Footswitch, 5-7
Functional block diagram, 2-5
Fuse, 2-21, 7-1
specifications, 3-20
FWHM, 2-2, 7-23
Gain potentiometer, 4-19
Half wave plate, 7-34

Halogen lamp, 6-4
High voltage, 7-23
Housing, 1-3, 1-6
Humidity, 3-22
Coherent Aura Service Manual 3

Issue 3.2

Index
Input Observation tube, 3-22

DC power supply, 7-44 Ocular filters, 1-6
power supply module, 7-43 Offset, 2-2, 2-7
YAG power supply, 7-41 Offset control, 7-38
Installation, 3-1 Offset potentiometer, 4-19
Installation check list, 3-12
Interlock, 1-6, 7-1, 7-46
Internal shutter, 2-6
Interpupillary distance adjustment, 3-19
Intraocular lens, 5-2
IOL, 5-2
Key switch, 1-5, 2-13

Krypton lasers, 5-6
Label, 1-10
Laser cavity, 5-4, 5-5
Laser head, 1-3
modules, 7-21
Laser medium, 5-4
Laser module test, 7-24
Laser rod, 7-23
LCD, 2-9
blank, 2-9
Levelling, 3-8
Magnification, 3-19
Magnification changer, 3-22
Mains fuse, 3-20
Mains power, 2-21
Mains power cable, 3-12
Mains voltage, 3-7
Maintenance, 6-1
slit lamp, 6-4
Materials, 3-2
Medical advantages, 5-3
Microprocessor, 2-9, 2-21, 7-23, 7-42, 7-46
Mirrors, 2-8, 7-40
Modules, 7-20
laser head, 7-21
Monochromaticity, 5-3
Nd:YAG, 2-6, 5-4, 7-23

Nominal ocular hazard distance, 1-17, 3-17
Objective lens, 2-8, 3-19, 6-3, 7-38

Issue 3.2

Index
Operating voltage, 3-7 Safety

Operation, 5-1 class, 3-17
modes, 5-7 classifications, 1-3
Operator test, 7-11 compliance labels, 1-6
Ophthalmological lasers, 5-6 features, 1-5, 1-7
Optical alignment, 4-3 filter, 1-6, 3-18
Optical density, 1-8 glasses, 1-8
Optical filters, 2-8 interlock, 1-6
Optics, 7-40 label, 1-10
cleaning, 6-1, 6-3 precautions, 1-8
Output shutter, 1-6, 2-6
DC power supply, 7-44 standards, 1-3
power supply module, 7-43 Secondary fuses, 3-20
trigger module, 7-28 Self-test, 1-7
YAG power supply, 7-41 Service bulletins, 9-1
Output energy, 7-23 Servicing, 3-2
Output pulse, 7-27 Shipping carton, 3-2, 3-6
Over-pulse, 2-22 Shock protection, 3-21
Shot count, 7-9
Shutter, 1-6, 2-6, 2-21, 2-23, 5-1
monitor, 1-7
Performance verification, 6-5 position sensors, 2-22
PFN, 7-23 sense, 7-46
Photo-diode detector, 7-34 Single pulse width, 7-23
Photo-disruptive effect, 5-2 Slit lamp
Plasma, 5-2 aligning, 4-4
Plug requirements, 2-20 illumination, 2-13
Polarisation, 7-34 illumination intensity, 5-8
Posterior offset, 2-2 maintenance, 6-4
Power cord, 2-20, 7-1 use as, 5-8
Power output, 3-18 Specifications, 3-17
Power supply Spot size, 3-17
specifications, 3-20 STANDBY mode, 1-7, 5-7
Power supply module, 7-41 Start-up, 2-21
Pulse detector, 7-34 Status flags, 7-9
Pulse mode, 2-23 Stepper motor, 7-34
Pulse width, 2-2, 3-17, 7-23 Sterilisation, 6-2
Pulsed operation, 5-5 Stimulated emission, 5-3
Storage capacitor, 7-42
System diagrams, 10-1
Q-switch, 3-17, 5-5, 7-23
Table modules, 7-41

Table pedestal check, 3-14
READY mode, 5-7 Table up/down switch, 2-13
READY/ STANDBY indicator, 1-5
TEM 00, 7-23
Repetition rate, 3-17 Temperature, 3-22
Reset
Test cell breakdown, 3-17
voltage, 7-46 Test fire, 2-22, 7-24
Resonant cavity, 5-4
automatic, 1-7
Retina, 1-9 Test shots, 2-21
Risks, 5-6
Theatre door interlock, 1-6, 2-20
Routine care, 6-1, 6-2 Thumbwheel, 2-15
Ruby lasers, 5-6
YAG offset, 2-15
Coherent Aura Service Manual 5

Issue 3.2

Index
Tools, 3-2 Voided warranty, 3-3

Transmitted energy, 2-6 Voltage, 3-7, 3-20, 7-23
Transportation, 7-20 capacitor, 7-42
Treating patients, 5-9 reset, 7-46
Treatment beam path, 2-6 storage capacitor, 7-46
Treatment laser
energy, 2-15
Treatment procedures, 5-6
Trigger module, 2-22, 7-23, 7-26, 7-42 Warm up, 7-24
replacement, 7-29 Warranty, 3-3
Trigger switch, 2-16 Wavelength, 2-2, 3-17, 5-1, 7-23
Trigger voltage, 7-23 Weight, 3-21
Troubleshooting, 7-1, 7-3 Working distance, 3-19
Turning on, 5-9
YAG
Unpacking, 3-3, 3-6 laser cavity, 7-23
Uses, 5-6 laser module output, 7-34
laser module replacement, 7-26
offset, 2-2, 2-7
power supply, 7-41
Viewing path, 2-8 YAG trigger module, 2-22

Issue 3.2

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Installation, Commissioning

Coherent Medical Group

Coherent Aura Service Manual

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Coherent is a registered trademark of Coherent Medical Group USA.

Coherent Medical Coherent GmbH

This manual is Part No: 8420503

Copyright © Coherent, Issue 3.2

This manual contains confidential and proprietary information of Coherent

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Use of controls or adjustments, or performance of procedures other

Use caution in assessing patients who have glass intraocular

This Nd:YAG laser system should be used only by fully trained,

We strongly recommend that this instruction manual be read in its

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GENERAL INFORMATION ...................................................................................................... VII

R EVISION HISTORY .............................................................................................................XIII

C HAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION AND SAFETY ........................................................................... 1-1

C HAPTER 2 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION ............................................................................ 2-1

C HAPTER 3 INSTALLATION ................................................................................................ 3-1

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CHAPTER 4 C ALIBRATION , ALIGNMENT, AND ADJUSTMENT.................................................. 4-1

CHAPTER 5 THEORY OF OPERATION .................................................................................. 5-1

CHAPTER 6 C ARE AND MAINTENANCE ............................................................................... 6-1

CHAPTER 7 TROUBLESHOOTING....................................................................................... 7-1

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C HAPTER 9 SERVICE BULLETINS ...................................................................................... 9-1

C HAPTER 10 SCHEMATICS AND DRAWINGS ..................................................................... 10-1

Figure 1–1: General view of the Aura ...................................................................... 1-2

Coherent Aura Service Manual iii

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Figure 4–5: Energy meter...................................................................................... 4-17

Table 1–1: Safety features .....................................................................................1-5

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Table 3–9: Environmental conditions for system operation.................................3-22

Coherent Aura Service Manual v

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This page is left blank intentionally.

vi Coherent Aura Service Manual

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USE OF THIS MANUAL

The manual contains the following information:

⇒ a list of conventions, a glossary, and an explanation of

Coherent Aura Service Manual vii

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1. a step in a procedure requiring many steps

italics a new term, emphasis, or a cross-reference

viii Coherent Aura Service Manual

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Coherent Aura Service Manual ix

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Coherent Aura Service Manual xi

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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS