MKS Ophir BeamWatch AM Quick start guide

BeamWatch AM User Note
Document No. 50394-001
Rev H
3-Feb-2020
Page 1
BeamWatch AM
User Notes
For Sales, Service or Technical Support
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Service Email
[e-mail]
Sales Email
[e-mail]
Ophir-Spiricon, LLC
3050 North 300 West
North Logan, Utah 84341
©2020 Ophir-Spiricon, LLC

BeamWatch AM User Note
Document No. 50394-001
Rev H
3-Feb-2020
Page 2
Dear Ophir-Spiricon Customer,
Thank you for your recent purchase of the BeamWatch AM system.
At Ophir-Spiricon we strive to provide the highest level of leading edge photonic measurement technology and
service possible. We hope that your experience with us is a pleasant one, and anticipate the relationship we
build will serve your photonic measurement needs for years to come.
As a valued customer, your comments and opinions are always very important to us. If you have any
concerns, questions, or comments, bring them to our service department’s attention. We are ready to help
with everything from basic setup to working with you to find solutions for your most complex photonics
measurement needs.
Please let us know if there is any way we can be of service. Thank you once again for your business.
Sincerely,
Ophir-Spiricon, LLC
Ophir-Spiricon, LLC
3050 North 300 West
North Logan, UT 84341, USA
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.ophiropt.com/photonics

BeamWatch AM User Note
Document No. 50394-001
Rev H
3-Feb-2020
Page 3
How to Use this Guide
Symbol Notation
Indicates general information that poses no risk.
Indicates important information about the product with little or no risk.
Indicates warning information. Failure to follow instruction may result in harm to the user or product
damage.

BeamWatch AM User Note
Document No. 50394-001
Rev H
3-Feb-2020
Page 4
Safety
While the BeamWatch AM alone does not present the user with any safety hazards, this instrument is intended
for use with laser systems. Therefore, the user should be protected from any hazards that the laser system
may present. The greatest hazards associated with laser systems are damage to the eyes and skin due to laser
radiation.
Optical Radiation Hazards
BeamWatch AM is designed for use with high power lasers and therefore safety precautions must
be taken. Users must be protected against accidental exposure. Exposure to personnel other than
the user must also be considered. Hazards include direct beam exposure and reflected radiation.
Protective eye shields and clothing must be worn.
Electrical Hazards
BeamWatch AM utilizes only low voltages, derived from the USB and camera power supplies. Thus
there is little risk of electrical shock presented to the user.
When installing or removing any hardware from a PC, the power to the computer should always be
disconnected.
The computer should always be operated with its covers in place and in accordance with its
manufacturer’s recommendations.
The computer should always be operated with a properly grounded AC power cord.

BeamWatch AM User Note
Document No. 50394-001
Rev H
3-Feb-2020
Page 5
Chapter 1 General Information
Introduction
BeamWatch AM is the next version in Ophir-Spiricon’s family of non-interfering beam monitoring systems.
Designed specifically for the additive manufacturing industry, BeamWatch AM sports a new compact design
and provides real-time measurement of the beam at the working plane location. Measurement of the beam’s
caustic is taken by imaging the Rayleigh scatter of the beam from the side. A dust shutter is implemented to
prevent contamination of internal components and can only be opened when the purge gas is flowing. A light
trap and power sensor are also included in the design to fully contain and provide absolute power
measurement of the beam.
BeamWatch AM provides simultaneous measurements of multiple profiles along the beam caustic in the
camera field-of-view (FOV). Real-time measurements are performed at video rates. They include:
•waist (focus spot) width and location
•focal shift
•centroid
•M2or K
•divergence
•Beam Parameter Product
•Rayleigh length
•absolute power
Real-time performance also allows for measurement of dynamic focal shift during laser startup.
The technique is based on Rayleigh scattering of laser light by oxygen and nitrogen molecules in the air as the
beam propagates. Measurement of this scattered light provides an equivalent slit scan of the laser beam in the
direction of the view observed. The scattered light is measured using conventional CCD cameras and image
capture systems.
BeamWatch AM has USB connectivity to Windows personal computers for data acquisition, analysis, and
display.
Make sure to save the BeamWatch AM Shipping case and key. This makes it easier to ship when the
unit needs to be recalibrated.

BeamWatch AM User Note
Document No. 50394-001
Rev H
3-Feb-2020
Page 6
User documentation:
•BeamWatch AM User Notes
•Alignment tool User Notes
•Calibration Certificate
•Quick Start Guide
BeamWatch AM
Power Supply Cable
Power Supply Adapter
Software Installation
Disc
Interlock Cable
Y-Distributor for
Interlock
Juno USB Interface
Wiring Harness:
•Power Sensor Cable
•Polyurethane Tubing
•Power Cable
•USB 3.0 Cable
•5/32” - 1/4” Air Hose Adapter
Equipment

BeamWatch AM User Note
Document No. 50394-001
Rev H
3-Feb-2020
Page 7
Additional 1/4" Air Hose
(10ft)
Retaining Ring Pliers
Halo Aperture
Replacement Filters
(x4)
Alignment Tool

BeamWatch AM User Note
Document No. 50394-001
Rev H
3-Feb-2020
Page 8
Getting to know BeamWatch AM
LED Notification Lights
Three LED lights on the top of the BeamWatch AM unit provide information at a glance about operation.
The Power Indicator LED shines green when the unit is receiving power.
The Shutter Indicator LED shines green when the shutter is open and red when the shutter is closed. The
shutter cannot open without the purge gas connected and flowing.
The Fan Indicator LED shines green when the fan is active and does not shine when the fan is inactive. The
fan is the primary method of cooling when the unit gets too hot. When the unit gets too hot a warning
appears in the software. The fan can only be turned on from the software.
The shutter cannot be open when the fan is running and vice-versa.

BeamWatch AM User Note
Document No. 50394-001
Rev H
3-Feb-2020
Page 9
Specifications
Beam Profiling
Wavelength
1060-1080 nm
Minimum Power density
1.5 Megawatts/cm2
Minimum Focus Spot
50 microns
Maximum Beam diameter at
entrance
6 mm
(4.5 mm using the Halo Aperture)
Communication to PC
USB 2.0 & USB 3.0
Power
100-240 Volts AC 50/60Hz
Particulate Purge
Clean dry gas, 3-8 SLPM (35-100 PSI /
250-650 kPa). 1/4" hose fitting included.
Beam Divergence
15-60 mrad
Field of View
11.26mm x 2.99mm
Power Meter/Beam Dump
Measured Power
50 W to 1000 W
Maximum Power Exposure
1000 W for 2 minutes (120 kJ)
Precision
±3%
Cool-down Time
20 minutes with fan cooling if used to
maximum exposure
General
Weight
17 lbs
Dimensions
7.03in x 4.96in x 7.16in
178.57mm x 126mm x 181.92mm

BeamWatch AM User Note
Document No. 50394-001
Rev H
3-Feb-2020
Page 10
Operating Space
The graphic below gives a visual indication of the recommended operating space for BeamWatch AM. If
BeamWatch is operated outside of this space, it may be difficult to see the curvature of the caustic or the
beam may be large enough at the edges of the image that it is out of focus.
•Best results yield the strongest measurements and may be ISO when 3 Rayleigh lengths can be seen
by the camera’s detector.
•Acceptable results do not meet ISO requirements, but can still be strong, accurate measurements.
•Avoid applying lasers that fall within the Danger Zone as these results may lead to damaging fine
components in the BeamWatch AM unit.
In some cases results may fall within the Best Results area of the plot, but not state ISO. If this occurs, the
build plate location can be adjusted so the appropriate amount of Rayleigh lengths can be seen. Only make
adjustments after following the standard setup procedure and achieving an initial understanding of the beam.
The calibrated distance is measured to the center of the FOV and the detector is approximately 11mm
vertically. The build plane location can be adjusted ±5mm with the working plane still in the FOV.
If the beam focus is stable and does not experience a significant focal shift, the best practice for reaching ISO
compliance is to lower the build plate location farther than the calibrated distance by a maximum of 5mm. This
will cause the focal point to occur higher in the detector’s FOV and prevent any possible damage to the turning
mirror.
If the focal point shifts outside of the FOV then the build plate location can be raised a maximum of 5mm from
the calibrated distance to attempt to capture the entire focal shift. If the beam’s focal point falls outside of the
FOV the result accuracy is degraded.