MC2000 In Stock

The MC2000 by ThorLabs is an advanced optical chopper system designed for superior operation for the most demanding applications. The MC2000 is a reliable and precise system consisting of a slotted chopper wheel, control console, and motor head assembly.

The MC2000 stands out for its PLL (phase-locked loop) motor speed control design, which ensures an accurate and consistent chopping speed and phase synchronization with a reference signal. This design features an inbuilt frequency synthesizer featuring crystal-stabilization, delivering a stable and precise reference frequency for extended performance. Additionally, an optical switch is used to obtain the reference signal when the chopper blades pass through and interrupt the beam path. The switch includes an LED with a wavelength range of 850 nm - 940 nm, which is operated at a 15 mA threshold current to minimize light output from the LED.

The PLL speed control design of the MC2000 chopper is an upgrade from existing open-loop control designs and permits synchronization with other MC2000 choppers or external reference sources, like DSP lock-in amplifiers. The MC2000 boasts a DC motor, a powerful rare earth magnet, and an accurate optical chopper wheel blade constructed from 0.01" thick blued clock spring steel for optimal accuracy. This small optical head boasts a wide, stable base with two 1/4"-20 mounting screws spaced 2" apart. Plus, the interface cable has LIMO snap-on connectors for effortless installation.

The MC2000 is most frequently used in the internal frequency synthesizer mode where the chopper wheel frequency is locked to an internal crystal stabilized frequency reference. The PLL motor speed control circuit maintains a precise lock to the frequency and phase of the internal reference frequency, creating an ultra-stable chopping signal. Additionally, the chopper wheel phase can be continuously adjusted to meet the specific needs of the application.

The MC2000 controller includes a 240 x 128 pixel graphics display for setting and monitoring chopper functionality. All functions are accessible through a front panel control knob with turn and push control, and multiple setups made by the user can be easily saved and recalled from a memory that is non-volatile. The MC2000 also includes a USB interface as a standard feature for remote PC control, and a software package with a GUI to control the MC2000 can be downloaded from the Software tab. The package also supports controlling the MC2000 via programs written in C++ or LabVIEW.