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Laser Compliance Recommends Ophir Laser Power Meters
www.ophiropt.com
Most manufacturer's of certified laser products need to measure the laser output power of their products as they are built as part of the federally required quality assurance program. Ophir has a meter for every laser power measurement need.
We've used most of the commercial laser power and energy meters available and find Ophir's to be the easiest laser measurement system to use and best thought out for design and productivity.
Due to the vast array of laser beam types, there is not a single meter that will cover all applications. Therefore, Ophir makes dozens of different laser measurements systems. But, many of our customers are well served with just one meter type. (see below)
Laser Power Meter Basics
Laser power measurement "meters" consist of two parts, the first is the "detector head" which is inserted in the laser beam and actually measures the laser power. The second is the "display" which reads the signal from the detector head and indicates the power.
Detectors
Detectors are selected for their sensitivity to the laser wavelength (or "color") of light to be measured. Other parameters which affect the selection of a detector are the power of the beam to be measured and even if the beam is CW (continuous wave, not-pulsed) or pulsed.
Displays
Displays are chosen based on the type of measurement features required. Some displays are quite simple, while others may provide additional features such as statistical analysis, digital recording and computer interfaces.
Most of the Ophir displays can be connected to a wide variety of detector heads. Before you can choose a system which is right for you, you'll need to know the parameters of your beam such as needed measurement diameter, maximum power or energy, pulse parameters if your laser is not CW (Continuous Wave output).
Scenario #1
If your laser beam is continuous wave, smaller than about 9mm in diameter and between 400nm and 1100nm (visible light is 400nm blue to 700nm red), then the following laser power meter combination would likely serve your needs:
Detector = PD300-1W datasheet here
Display = StarLite datasheet here
Scenario #2
A display which supports a broad range of wavelengths and higher power measurements but with reduced computer interfacing and other features, the following combination is a middle of the road approach to measure laser power.
Detector = PD300-1W datasheet here
Display = Vega datasheet here
Scenario #3
If your beam parameters are like those described above in scenario #1, but you need a very economical approach with few features, low power handling, and you will only ever need to measure one or two wavelengths of light the following combination should work:
Combined system datasheet here
If your laser power meter needs are for pulsed lasers or much higher power consult Ophir or a distributor.
Overview data for the full line of Ophir products can be found here:
Detectors (silicon photodetectors) datasheet here: PD300.pdf
Detectors (thermal, for higher power) datasheet here: Ophir
Displays datasheet here: displays.pdf
Laser Compliance® does not sell these laser power measurement products, find links to distributors here: www.ophiropt.com & www.rli.com
Ophir's Web Page www.ophiropt.com
Before you choose your laser measurement system
Before you purchase a laser power meter please confirm your specific laser measurement needs with our staff at Laser Compliance®. If you fully understand your measurement needs, the Ophir/Spirion staff, or other distributors can assist you in determining which detector and display will best meet your measurement needs.
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