MKS Ophir LaserStar User manual

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www.ophiropt.com/photonics
Ophir Optronics Solutions Ltd.
LaserStar
Laser Power/Energy Meter
User Manual
LaserStar
LaserStar

1
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction: How to Use This Manual .................................................. 3
Chapter 2 Quick Reference ........................................................................................ 4
2.1 Getting Started.................................................................................................. 4
2.2 Thermal Heads.................................................................................................. 6
2.3 Photodiode Heads............................................................................................ 9
2.4 Pyroelectric Heads ........................................................................................ 11
Chapter 3 The Laserstar Display Unit ..................................................................... 15
3.1 General Description....................................................................................... 15
3.2 Smart Connectors and Multi head Operation ........................................... 16
3.3 Soft Keys .......................................................................................................... 16
3.4 Power up and Shut Down ............................................................................. 18
3.5 Laserstar Functions which are independent of Head Type ................... 18
3.6 Hardware Functions ...................................................................................... 21
Chapter 4 Operation with Thermopile Absorber Heads....................................................... 23
4.1 Thermopile Absorber Heads ........................................................................ 23
4.2 Selecting Settings from the Laserstar Screen.......................................... 24
4.3 Startup and Configuration of Defaults........................................................ 25
4.4 Power Measurement..................................................................................... 26
4.5 Energy Measurement .................................................................................... 34
4.6 Advanced Display Screens .......................................................................... 40
4.7 Special Thermopile Heads............................................................................ 42
Chapter 5 Operation with Photodiode Type Heads.............................................. 44
5.1 Photodiode Heads.......................................................................................... 44
5.2 Setting up the PD300 to display the user's chosen wavelengths ......... 45
5.3 Startup Defaults.............................................................................................. 46
5.4 Selecting Settings from the Laserstar Screen.......................................... 47
5.5 Special Photodiode Heads ........................................................................... 51
Chapter 6 Operation with Pyroelectric Heads ...................................................... 53
6.1 Pyroelectric Detector Heads ....................................................................... 53
6.2 Selecting Settings from the Laserstar Screen.......................................... 53
6.3 Startup and Configuration of Defaults........................................................ 56
6.4 Energy, Power or Exposure Measurement................................................ 57
6.5 Measuring Repeating Pulses of High Energy ........................................... 62
6.6 Energy Log....................................................................................................... 63
6.7 Pyro Scope Adapter....................................................................................... 63

2
Chapter 7 Operation with RP heads........................................................................ 64
7.1 General Description....................................................................................... 64
7.2 Principle of Operation.................................................................................... 64
7.3 Advantages of the RP .................................................................................... 66
7.4 Temporal Pulse Shape .................................................................................. 67
7.5 Measuring Repetitively Pulsed Lasers with the RP ................................. 67
7.6 Setup for RP - Rapid Pulse measurement.................................................. 68
7.7 Choosing Default Pulse Width Setting ....................................................... 71
7.8 Configuration for Power and Single Shot Energy..................................... 72
7.9 Zeroing ............................................................................................................. 73
7.10 Customizing Gain............................................................................................ 73
7.11 Data Logging ................................................................................................... 74
Chapter 8 Operation with the Dual Channel Laserstar........................................ 78
8.1 Operation with One Head Plugged in Only ................................................ 78
8.2 Single Head Operation with Two heads Plugged In ................................ 78
8.3 Dual Head Operation with Two heads Plugged In. .................................. 78
Chapter 9 Circuit Description................................................................................... 80
Chapter 10 Calibration, Maintenance and Troubleshooting............................... 82
10.1 Calibration of Thermopile or RP Heads ...................................................... 82
10.2 Calibration of Photodiode type Heads........................................................ 90
10.3 Calibration of Pyroelectric type Heads ...................................................... 92
10.4 Error Messages .............................................................................................. 95
10.5 Troubleshooting.............................................................................................. 95
10.6 Maintenance................................................................................................... 97
Chapter 11 Laserstar Specifications..................................................................... 100
11.1 Laserstar System/Display Specifications................................................ 100
11.2 Head Specifications..................................................................................... 101

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Chapter 1 Introduction: How to Use This Manual
The Ophir Laserstar is a microprocessor-based Laser Power/Energy Meter providing a
broad range of measurements, displays, and data handling options. It operates with
thermopile, pyroelectric and photodiode heads, and uses smart connector technology.
Just connecting the head configures and calibrates the instrument. The Laserstar also
is available with the multihead option where it can work with 2 heads at once as well
as other options.
This manual tells you what you need to know to make full use of the Laserstar for all
your laser measurement needs. It includes a "Quick Reference", (Chapter 2) to allow
you to perform basic measurements immediately, without reading the whole manual.
The main measurement sections, Chapters 4, 5 and 6 include a general description and
a section detailing operating options.

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Chapter 2 Quick Reference
2.1 Getting Started
The Laserstar is equipped with "soft keys." That is, the functions of the keys change
as indicated by the legend above each key. (See Figure 2).
To connect head to the Laserstar Display
Insert the 15 pin D type connector of the measuring head cable into the socket marked
"Head Input" on the rear panel of the Laserstar display. (See Figure 1) If you are using
the multihead version of the Laserstar and are using only one head, it is preferable to
use head input A .
Standard Model Rear Panel
Ratio/Multihead model rear panel showing head input A and head input B
Figure 1
Laserstar Rear Panel View
LCD OUTPUT HEAD INPUT 12VDC BACK
LIGHT
OFF/ON
HEAD INPUT B LCD OUTPUT HEAD INPUT A 12VDC BACK
LIGHT
OFF/ON

5
Figure 2
LaserStar Top View
To switch the Laserstar on:
1. Flick the toggle switch on the right side of the rear panel up. Note that there are
three positions, down is off, the center is on and the upper position is on with
backlight on. (See Figure 2).
The unit will switch on, and the display will appear. Note that the head must be
plugged in before the unit is switched on.
To switch the Laserstar off:
1. Return the toggle switch to its lowest position.
2. If you wish to save the current Laserstar configuration, use the "configure"
function. (See section2.2.2).
12.34 mW
off/on/backlight
energy zoom offset range menu

6
To set line frequency:
1. Disconnect the head and switch off then on again. "Head Disconnected" will
appear.
2. Select “line frequency”.
3. Press "value" to change to the correct line frequency.
4. Press "save" and the line frequency will be saved.
To zero instrument:
1. Disconnect the head, turn off then on again. "Head Disconnected" will be
displayed.
2. Make sure instrument is not in an electrically noisy environment and is
undisturbed.
3. Press "zero" and then press “go”. When zeroing is completed, “zeroing
completed will be displayed.
4. For thermal heads, zeroing with the head may also be necessary. See section
3.5.6.
2.2 Thermal Heads
2.2.1 Use of Laserstar with thermal type heads
To set type of laser being used:
1. While the Laserstar is off, plug in the head then switch it on again.
2. From the main measurement screen, press the menu button. "laser" will be
highlighted. Press "go" and select the appropriate laser wavelength.
3. If you want to save this new wavelength as the startup default, press "save".
4. Return to main screen by pressing "exit" then "esc".
To choose manual or automatic ranging in power measurement:
1. From the main measurement screen, press "range".
2. Select the appropriate manual range or autorange.
3. If you want to save this new range as the startup default, press "save".
4. Press "exit" to return to the main measurement screen. The range will be
displayed in the lower right corner of the main measurement screen.

7
To choose power or energy measurement:
1. To go from the main power measurement screen to the energy measurement
screen, press "energy".
2. To go from the energy measurement screen to power measurement, press
“power”.
2.2.2 Setting and Saving the Startup Configuration
1. Turn on the Laserstar with the head disconnected and press “value” to select
the type of screen you wish to start up with. (This choice is saved in the
instrument and not the head so the Laserstar will start up from the screen
selected for all heads).
2. Connect the head, turn the Laserstar off and on and from the main
measurement screen, press "menu".
3. Using the arrow keys, select "config". Press "go".
4. Press "value" to choose "power" or "energy" for the desired startup screen.
5. Select “Laser”: Now press "value" to select the laser type you wish to be the
default.
6. Now select “Average over” to select what period you wish to average power
over or select the default, "none". See section 4.4.2.4 for details.
7. Now select “Power range” and press "value" to choose the manual power
range you wish to be the default or choose autorange.
8. Now select “Energy Range” and choose the default energy range.
9. Now select “Energy threshold” if you wish to change the energy threshold. See
section4.5.3 for details.
10. Press "save" to save all present settings then "exit" and "esc" to get back to the
main measurement screen.
Further details on configuration in section 4.3.

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2.2.3 Power or Single Shot Energy Measurement
Warning:
Do not exceed maximum head limits for power, energy, power density and
energy density as listed in tables 6 and 7 in section 11.2 Otherwise, there is a
risk of damaging the absorber.
To use the Laserstar to measure Laser power:
1. Verify that the display shows "power" in the upper right hand side of the display.
2. If the display shows "energy" and units of J, mJ etc. then press "power" to
switch to the power measurement mode.
To expand the bargraph scale ±5x about the present reading:
1. Press the "zoom” button .
2. Press the "zoom” button again to return to the ordinary bargraph..
To subtract background and set current reading to zero:
1. From the main power measurement screen press "offset".
2. Press "offset" again to cancel. See Section 4.4.2.2 for full details.
To use the Laserstar to fine-tune Laser power:
1. From the main power measurement screen press the menu button then select
"tune". Now press "go" then "setup".
2. Set the percentage range of the power scale to be displayed by repeatedly
pressing the value key.
3. Now select the horizontal sweep time you desire. Now select if you want an
audio tone for tuning or not.
4. Now press "exit" and use the screen to tune the laser power. See Section 4.4.2.3
for full details.

9
To use the Laserstar to measure Laser energy:
1. Verify that the display shows "energy" in the upper right hand side of the display.
2. If the display shows "power" and units of W, mW etc. then press "energy" to
switch to the energy measurement mode.
3. The energy mode is manual ranging. Press "range" then use the arrow soft keys
to select the proper range. Press save if you want this range to be the startup
default. Now press "exit". The correct range is the lowest one that is larger than
the pulse energy measured. Note that the range will be displayed in the lower
right corner of the main display.
4. When the Laserstar screen flashes "ready," on and off, fire the laser. See
Section 4.5 for full details.
To save configuration:
To save configuration, follow directions in Section 2.2.2 above.
2.3 Photodiode Heads
2.3.1 Use of Laserstar with photodiode type heads:
1. While the Laserstar is off, plug in the head then switch it on again.
2. From the main measurement screen, press "laser" to select the correct laser
wavelength. If the wavelength you want is not listed, see section 0 below.
3. If you want to save this new wavelength as the startup default, follow the
directions on configuration in section 2.3.3 below.
To choose manual or automatic ranging or dBm in power measurement:
1. Press "range" and then select the appropriate manual range, autorange or dBm
(logarithmic scale).
2. Press "exit" to return to the main measurement screen. If you wish to save the
selected range as the startup default, press "save" before exiting.

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2.3.2 Selecting Chosen Wavelengths
1. From the power measurement mode, press "menu" and select "wavelength".
Press "go".
2. Select the wavelength you wish to change and press "go.
3. Using the up/down buttons, change to the desired wavelength. Now press exit.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for other wavelengths desired. Up to 6 wavelengths may
be selected.
5. When finished, press "save", “exit”, "esc" to return to the main measurement
screen. If you only want a temporary change, Press “esc” without “save”.
2.3.3 Setting the Startup Configuration
1. From the power measurement mode, press the menu button and select
“configure”.
2. Press "go".
3. Now press "value" to select filter in or out to be the default.
4. Now select “Power Range:” and choose the manual power range you wish to be
the default or choose autorange or dBm.
5. Now select “Average Over:” and choose what period to average power over or
leave the default “NONE”.
6. Now select “Wavelength” to choose the startup laser wavelength.
7. When finished press “save” and “exit”. If you wish to save these values only
until the instrument is turned off exit without saving. For further details on
configuration see Section 5.3.
Power Measurement
Warning:
Do not exceed maximum head limits for power, energy, power density and
energy density as listed in tables 6 and 7 in section 11.2 Head Specifications.
Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the absorber.
To expand the bargraph scale ±5x about the present reading:
1. Press the "zoom” button.
2. Press the "zoom” button again to return to the ordinary bargraph.

11
To subtract background and set current reading to zero:
1. From the main power measurement screen press "offset".
2. Press "offset" again to cancel. See Section 5.4.5 for full details.
To use the Laserstar to fine-tune Laser power:
1. From the main power measurement screen press the menu button then select
"tune". Now press "go" then "setup".
2. Set the percentage range of the power scale to be displayed by repeatedly
pressing the value key.
3. Now select the horizontal sweep time you desire.
4. Now choose audio tone to be on or off.
5. Now save and exit to use the tune screen. See Section 4.4.2.3 for full details.
2.4 Pyroelectric Heads
2.4.1 Zeroing Instrument Against Head
For most accurate calibration, you should zero the pyroelectric head against the
Laserstar it is being used with. Proceed as follows:
Make sure the head is in a quiet environment and not subject to pulsed radiation. Plug
head into Laserstar and turn on. Press “menu”, select “advanced”, press “go” and
“go” again. Press “start”. When “zeroing completed” appears, press “save”.
2.4.2 Selecting Chosen Wavelengths (metallic type only)
1. Press "menu" and select "wavelength". Press "go".
2. Select the wavelength you wish to change and press "go.
3. Using the up/down buttons, change to the desired wavelength. Press “exit”.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for other wavelengths desired. Up to 6 wavelengths may
be selected.
5. When finished, press “save”, “exit” and “esc” to return to the main
measurement screen. If you only want a temporary change, Press “esc” without
“save”.

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2.4.3 To set type of laser being used
From main measurement screen, press "laser" until the correct laser type or
wavelength is displayed.
2.4.4 Setting Startup Configuration
1. With the head disconnected, switch on the Laserstar and press the “value”
button to select the type of startup screen you wish. (Note that this choice is
stored in the Laserstar and not the head so will be operative for all heads).
2. Now switch the Laserstar off, connect the head and switch on again. From the
main energy measurement mode, press “menu” and select “configure”. Press
“go”.
3. Press "value" to choose "power" or "energy" for the desired startup screen.
4. With the arrow keys select “Laser” and with “value” select the laser type you
wish to be the default.
5. Now select “Max PulseLen” and with “value” select the maximum pulse length
you wish to allow. Only choose the long value if your laser pulse is too short for
the short value.
Warning:
Incorrect readings will result if pulse length is not set up correctly.
Note:
Some heads have only the long pulse setting for all pulse lengths. In that case
N/A appears.
6. Now select “Mode” and with “value” select the mode of operation. Select
“scope” if you wish to use the scope adapter.
7. Now select “Energy Range” and with “value” select the energy range you wish
for the startup default.
8. Now select “Average Over” and with “value” select the time period you wish to
average over or leave the default “NONE”.
9. When finished press “save” and “exit”. If you wish to save these values only
until the instrument is turned off, exit without saving. For further details on
configuration see Sections 6.2 and 6.3.

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2.4.5 Energy or Average Power Measurement
Warning:
Do not exceed maximum head limits for power, energy, power density and
energy density as listed in tables 6 and 7 in section 11.2 Head Specifications.
Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the absorber.
With the pyroelectric head, you have been supplied a test slide with the same coating
as on your pyroelectric detector. You can also obtain this slide from your dealer. You
should use this slide to test the damage threshold with your laser pulses. If the slide is
damaged, then either enlarge your beam or lower the laser energy until damage is no
longer seen.
2.4.5.1 To choose Energy or Average Power Measurement:
1. To go from the main energy measurement screen to power measurement, press
"power".
2. To go from the main power measurement screen to energy measurement, press
"energy".
2.4.5.2 To use the Laserstar to measure Laser Energy and Frequency:
1. In measurement mode, verify that the units are mJ, µJ etc. and “energy” is
displayed in the upper right corner. If not, press the “energy” key.
2. Press "range" then use the arrow keys to select the proper energy range. The
correct range is the lowest one that is larger than the pulse energy measured.
See Section 6.4 for details.
3. Press "exit" to return to the bargraph measurement screen.
2.4.5.3 . To use the Laserstar to measure Average Power:
1. Verify that the display shows power units in W, mW etc. and “power” is
displayed in the upper right corner.
2. If the display shows energy units of J, mJ etc. then press "power" to switch to
the power measurement mode.

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2.4.5.4 To measure Total Energy Exposure:
1. Press the menu button and select “exposure”. Press “go”.
2. Select parameters then press “start”. Press “start” again. The Laserstar will
start summing laser energy exposure. If you wish to stop before the chosen
period, press ”stop”.
3. If you wish to reset the reading to zero before another reading, press
"reset".
4. To return to the main screen, press “exit” and “esc”.

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Chapter 3 The Laserstar Display Unit
3.1 General Description
The model Laserstar laser power/energy meter represents a new level of
sophistication, sensitivity, compactness and accuracy, coupled with ease of operation.
It can operate with thermal, pyroelectric and photodiode heads. It has smart
connector technology. Simply plugging in the head configures and calibrates the
Laserstar to operate with that head.
The Laserstar can graph power or energy vs. time. It displays power measurements in
both digital and analog form at the same time. It will also autorange, so you do not
have to set scales; or it can manual range if you wish. It will remember what mode you
were using before you turned it off and will return to that mode when turned on. You
can zoom in on the present reading, or subtract background. Although the calibration
information is stored in the smart connector, you can recalibrate from the screen and
store the new calibration in the head. You can also zero the Laserstar at the touch of a
button.
The main instructions are clearly shown on the screen so you should not have to refer
to this manual very often. Above all, the Laserstar has advanced circuitry and digital
signal processing for excellent sensitivity, signal to noise ratio, accuracy, and
response time. It also has special circuitry to reject electromagnetic interference.
The multi head version of the Laserstar also allows you to measure two heads
independently or measure the ratio sum or difference of two heads. The Laserstar is
also available with IEEE 488 GPIB interface as an optional extra. Contact your Ophir
agent for details.

16
3.2 Smart Connectors and Multi head Operation
The Laserstar display is versatile and can operate with either thermal, pyroelectric or
photodiode type laser measuring heads. The head configuration and calibration
information is stored in an EEROM in the head connector plug. This means that when
the head is plugged in, the Laserstar automatically identifies the head type, calibration
and configuration. The user does not have to adjust anything.
Note:
The Laserstar automatically loads the head information when first turned on, so
when changing heads, the display should be turned off, the new head plugged in
and then be turned on again.
When no head is plugged in and the Laserstar is turned on, the display indicates "Head
Disconnected" and gives the user the opportunity to change the power line frequency
and baud rate, re-zero the instrument or other features. See section 3.5.
3.3 Soft Keys
3.3.1 Soft Keys- An Instruction
The soft keys accessed by the menu button have functions defined by the legend
above the key. The legend usually indicates what will happen when pressing the key.
For example, if "energy" appears above a key, pressing that key will change the
Laserstar into energy mode. Some functions operate when the key is pressed and are
canceled when the key is pressed again. Those keys show reverse highlighting when
operational. Pressing the same key again cancels the operation and the highlighting.

17
3.3.2 Key Functions
The Laserstar has certain conventions as to the meaning of standard keystrokes and
these are as follows:
Highlighted item : The highlighted item is the item presently active.
<--,--> These buttons move to the next active item leftwards,
rightwards.
--> or select This selects available values of present item choice in acyclical
fashion as button is pressed repeatedly.
go This puts into operation the active item.
esc This gets you to the previous screen and does not save any
changes made.
exit This gets you to the previous screen and saves changes made
until instrument is turned off.
save This saves changes permanently. The change is implemented
now and is also saved for future use of the instrument.
up/down These keys allow continuous changing of values as in adjusting
calibration.
off/on/backlight switch
Laserstar Top View
Figure 3
12.34 mW
energy zoom offset range menu

18
3.4 Power up and Shut Down
To turn the Laserstar on:
Flick the toggle switch on the left side of the rear panel up. The unit will switch on, and
the display will appear. If no head is connected, a display showing "Head
Disconnected" will appear. If a head is connected, the appropriate default
measurement screen will appear.
Note:
There are three positions, the center is on and the upper position is on with the
backlight lit (See Figure 4).
To switch the Laserstar off:
1. Return the toggle switch to its lowest position.
2. If you wish to save the current Laserstar configuration, use the "configure"
function before switching off. For measurements of the same type, the
Laserstar does not need to be set up each time. See the appropriate section
in the chapter dealing with the head type you intend to use.
3.5 Laserstar Functions which are independent of Head Type
When no head is connected to the Laserstar and it is turned on, the message "Head
Disconnected" appears. In this mode, the user can adjust the startup screen, either
the standard power/energy screens or other specialized screens. He can choose the
power line frequency so the instrument can be adjusted for minimum interference at
the power line frequency. He can also adjust the baud rate for optimum
communication with PC, or the user can zero the instrument to eliminate any offsets.
He also can set the Laserstar to give an audible warning if the head power/energy
limits are exceeded and if the battery is low.