OPHIR NOVA II User manual

NOVA ||
LASER POWER/ENERGY METER
USER MANUAL
NOVA
NOVA
OPHIR OPTRONICS
www.ophiropt.com/photonics
147x200mm

1
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction: How to Use This Manual 4
Chapter 2. Quick Reference ..................................5
2.1 Getting Started..............................................................5
2.2 Functions with no Sensor Connected .......................6
2.3 Thermal Sensors...........................................................9
2.4 Photodiode Sensors.................................................. 14
2.5 Pyroelectric Sensors .................................................16
Chapter 3. The Nova II Meter..............................21
3.1 General Description ................................................... 21
3.2 Smart Connectors ......................................................22
3.3 Soft Keys......................................................................22
3.4 Power Up and Shut Down........................................ 24
3.5 Nova II Functions, which are independent of
Sensor Type...................................................................25
3.6 Hardware Functions ................................................28
Chapter 4. Operation with Thermopile Absorber
Sensors ..............................................................32
4.1 Thermopile Absorber Sensors..................................32
4.2 Selecting Settings from the Nova II Screen ...........33
4.3 Startup and Configuration of Defaults ...................35
4.4 Power Measurement.............................................36
4.5 Energy Measurement...............................................45
4.6 Advanced Meter Screens .......................................50

2
Chapter 5. Operation with Photodiode Type
Sensors ..............................................................54
5.1 Photodiode Sensors...................................................54
5.2 Setting up the PD300 to display the user's chosen
wavelengths ..................................................................55
5.3 Startup Defaults..........................................................56
5.4 Selecting Settings from the Nova II Screen ...........57
Chapter 6. Operation with Pyroelectric Sensors .64
6.1 Pyroelectric & Photodiode Energy Sensors..........64
6.2 Selecting Settings from the Nova II Screen ...........65
6.3 Startup and Configuration of Defaults ....................69
6.4 Energy, Power or Exposure Measurement.............71
6.5 Measuring Repeating Pulses of High Energy......... 77
6.6 Energy Log...................................................................77
6.7 Pyro Scope Adapter...................................................79
6.8 PE-DIF Diffuser Sensors............................................79
Chapter 7. BeamTrack Features..........................81
7.1 Track Screen...............................................................81
7.2 Menu Screen...............................................................82
7.3 Stability Screen ..........................................................82
7.4 Statistics Screen ........................................................83
7.5 Optimizing Measurements ........................................83
Chapter 8. Crcuit Description ..............................85

3
Chapter 9. Calibration, Maintenance and
Troubleshooting..................................................87
9.1 Calibration of Thermopile or RP Sensors................87
9.2 Calibration of Photodiode type Sensors .................91
9.3 Calibration of Pyroelectric type Sensors................93
9.4 Error Messages ..........................................................97
9.5 Troubleshooting..........................................................98
9.6 Maintenance...............................................................99
Chapter 10. Nova II Specifications ....................100
10.1 System/Meter Specifications .............................. 100
10.2 Sensor Specifications .......................................... 101

4
Chapter 1.
Introduction: How to Use This Manual
The Ophir Nova II 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
sensors, and uses smart connector technology. Just
connecting the sensor configures and calibrates the
instrument.
This manual tells you what you need to know to make
full use of the Nova II 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.

5
Chapter 2.
Quick Reference
2.1 Getting Started
The Nova II is equipped with "soft keys." That is the
functions of the keys change as indicated by the legend
above each key. (See Figure 2.2).
To connect sensor to the Nova II Meter
Insert the 15 pin D type connector of the measuring
sensor cable into the socket marked "Head Input" on
the rear panel of the Nova II meter. (See Figure 2.1)
Nova II Rear Panel View
Figure 2.1
12VDC AN OUT HEAD INPUT USB/RS232 OUTPUT

6
2.2 Functions with no Sensor Connected
2.2.1. Turning on and off.
To switch the Nova II on:
Briefly press the on/off/backlight switch. (Figure 2.2)
The unit will switch on, and the display will appear.
Note:
The sensor must be plugged in before the unit is
switched on.
Figure 2.2

7
To switch the backlight on and off:
After the Nova II is switched on, press the
on/off/backlight switch briefly again. The backlight will
switch on. To switch off the backlight, press the switch
again.
To switch the Nova II off:
Press the on/off/backlight switch and hold it for ~ 3
seconds until the display blanks.
If you wish to save the current Nova II configuration,
use the "configure" function. (See section 2.2.2).
Display Options
To zero instrument:
1. Disconnect the sensor, turn off then on again.
“Head Disconnected" will be displayed. displayed. skj
2. Make sure instrument is not in an electrically noisy
environment and is undisturbed.
3. Press zero and then start.
To set the Display Modes:
1. Disconnect the sensor and switch off then on
again. “Head Disconnected" will appear.
2. Select “display mode” and enter. Choose the
desired mode and press save. The Nova II will
now be in this display mode for all sensors.
3. Select “date” and press the enter button. Using
the navigation keys set to the correct date. Press
save.
4. Select “time” and enter. Using the navigation keys,
set to the correct time. Press save.
5. For adjusting RS232 baud rate and An. Ouput
voltage see sections 3.5.2 and 3.5.3.
2.2.2.

8
Setting Contrast:
1. Disconnect the sensor, turn off then on again.
“Head Disconnected" will be displayed.
2. With the navigation keys go into the contrast
setting menu with the icon .
3. Press enter and with the up/down navigation keys
increase or decrease. Press enter when finished.
Language options:
Nova II has two language options, English and
Japanese. In order to switch from English to Japanese:
1. "Language" is found either in “Head Disconnected"
screen (without a sensor connected) or in
"Instrument" screen (with sensor connected).
2. With the navigation keys go to "Language".
3. Press enter and with the down key choose
"Japanese".
4. Press enter when finished.
Warning:
In the event that you mistakably saved the
Japanese language as the Nova II startup
language, the way to switch back to English is:
a. Disconnect the sensor from the Nova II.
b. Turn the Nova II off and on again. You will reach
the instrument setup screen (titled “Head
disconnected” in Japanese).
c. Press the down arrow 4 times.
d. Press enter (central key). This will open a
window to select the instrument language.
e. Select "English" and press enter (central key).
f. Press the “save” soft key and English will now
be saved as your startup language.

9
2.2.3. Updating the firmware of the Nova II.
1. Download the latest firmware version of the
Nova II from the Ophir website:
www.ophiropt.com/photonics and copy to
your target directory.
2. Turn on the Nova II.
3. Connect the USB communication cable to the
Nova II and the PC.
4. Using the StarLab software press "select
device".
5. Select Nova II. The device name will be
highlighted in blue.
6. Select "upgrade Nova II".
7. Browse and select the file N2AXXX.BIN,
where XXX is the latest firmware version of
the Nova II.
8. Press "start".
9. The status will show "programming" for
several minutes.
10. The status will show a green V sign and state
"finished".
11. Press "Done".
2.3 Thermal Sensors
2.3.1. Use of Nova II with thermal type sensors.
Most Thermopile sensors have somewhat different
absorption at different wavelengths. In order to
compensate for this, each sensor has been calibrated
by laser at several wavelengths. When you choose the
correct laser wavelength, the correction factor for that
wavelength is automatically introduced. Note that the
laser wavelength correction in use is displayed in the
upper left corner of the display.
Thermopile sensors with the LP1 absorber have large
variation of absorption at different wavelengths.
Therefore a continuous spectral curve is inserted into
the sensor, enabling the user to choose the desired
wavelength from the range specified in the
specification sheet and the correction factor for that

10
wavelength is automatically introduced (This feature is
available using the Nova II meter with software v 1.59
and above).
To set type of laser being used:
With sensors with fixed wavelengths:
1. While the Nova II is off, plug in the sensor then
switch it on again.
2. Press the navigation keys until "laser" is highlighted.
Press the enter key and select the appropriate laser
wavelength.
3. If you want to save this new wavelength as the
startup default, press "save" or return to main
screen by pressing the enter key.
With continuous spectral curve:
1. While the Nova II is off, plug in the sensor then
switch it on again.
2. From the main measurement screen, press
"laser" to select the correct laser wavelength. If
you want to save this new wavelength as the
startup default, press “save” before exiting. If
the wavelength you want is not among the
wavelengths in the six wavelength list and you
want to change or add a wavelength, see
section 3.
3. Changing Chosen Wavelengths:
3.1. From the power measurement screen
select “laser” and enter. Move to the
wavelength you wish to change or add. Press
the right navigation key.
3.2. Using the up/down navigation keys to
change each number and the right left keys to
move to the next number, key in the wavelength
you want. Press enter to exit. If you wish to
save this new wavelength as a startup default,
press “save”. Now press enter.

11
Note:
If you save in the Modify wavelength screen, the new
wavelength will automatically be saved as the startup
wavelength. Therefore, you must separately save the
modified wavelength and then, in the next higher menu,
the wavelength selected as startup from the 6 default
wavelengths.
To choose manual or automatic ranging in power
measurement:
1. Select "range" with the navigation keys. Press the
enter key.
2. Select the appropriate manual range or AUTO.
3. If you want to save this new range as the startup
default, press "save" or press the enter key to return
to the main measurement screen.
To choose power or energy measurement:
1. To go from the main power measurement screen to
the energy measurement screen, press the lower
left soft key "energy".
2. To go from the energy measurement screen to
power measurement, press “power”.
2.3.2. Setting and Saving the Startup Configuration
1. Turn on the Nova II with the sensor connected,
select “menu” and enter. Select “configure” and
enter.
2. Now, with the navigation keys select “Startup
mode”, press the enter key and select “power” or
“energy” as the startup mode. Press enter again to
exit. If you want this mode to be permanent, Press
save after pressing enter.
3. Now, with the navigation keys select “display
mode”. Press the enter key and select the type of
screen you wish to start up with. Press save and
exit. If you do not want to save this as the startup
mode but only change for now, press enter and
exit without save. (This choice is saved in the

12
instrument and not the sensor so the Nova II will
start up from the screen selected for all sensors).
4. Now select “Power range”, press enter and
choose the manual power range you wish to be
the default or choose auto range.
5. Now select “average” to select what period you
wish to average power over or select the default,
"none". See section 4.4.2.4 for details.
6. Now select “Energy Range” and choose the
default energy range.
7. Now select “Energy threshold” if you wish to
change the energy threshold. See section 4.5.3 for
details.
8. Select “Laser” and select the laser type you wish
to be the default.
9. Press "save" to save all present settings then "exit"
to get back to the main measurement screen.
Further details on configuration in section 4.3.
2.3.3. Power or Single Shot Energy Measurement
Warning:
Do not exceed maximum sensor limits for power,
energy, power density and energy density as listed
in Table 5. and Table 6. in Chapter 10. Otherwise,
there is a risk of damaging the absorber.
To select an analog needle type display for the
Nova II:
1. Select “menu” and enter. Select “needle” and
enter. The display will now show a simulated
analog needle type display.
2. In order to expand the display, press “expand”.
To use the Nova II to measure Laser power:
1. Verify that the display shows “Menu: Power” in the
upper right hand side of the display.
2. If the display shows "Menu: energy" and units of J,
mJ etc. then press "power" to switch to the power
measurement mode.

13
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. See Section 4.4.2.1 for full
details.
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 Nova II to fine-tune Laser power:
1. From the main power measurement screen select
“menu” and enter. Now select "tune" and enter.
2. Set the percentage range of the power scale to be
displayed by repeatedly pressing the ±50% key.
3. Now select the horizontal sweep time you desire by
selecting “graph” and choosing the time scale.
4. You may now use the screen to tune the laser power.
See Section 4.4.2.3. for full details.
5. Press “power” to exit to the main measurement
screen.
To use the Nova II 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. Select "range",
enter then use the navigation keys to select the
proper range. Press save if you want this range to
be the startup default. 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.

14
4. When the Nova II screen flashes "ready," on and off,
fire the laser. See Section 4.5 for full details.
To save configuration:
1. To save configuration, follow directions in Section
2.2.2 above.
2.4 Photodiode Sensors
2.4.1. Selecting Wavelengths
1. While the Nova II is off, plug in the sensor then
switch it on again.
2. From the main measurement screen, press "laser" to
select the correct laser wavelength. If you want to
save this new wavelength as the startup default,
press “save” before exiting. If the wavelength you
want is not among the wavelengths in the six
wavelength list and want to change or add a
wavelength, see section 2.4.2 below.
3. Follow the directions on configuration in section
2.4.4 below.
2.4.2. Changing Chosen Wavelengths
1. From the power measurement screen select “laser”
and enter. Move to the wavelength you wish to
change or add. Press the right navigation key.
2. Using the up/down navigation keys to change each
number and the right left keys to move to the next
number, key in the wavelength you want. Press
enter to exit. If you wish to save this new
wavelength as a startup default, press “save”. Now
press enter.
Note:
If you save in the Modify wavelength screen, you
will save this wavelength as one of the startup
wavelengths. If you press save in the next higher
menu, you will save the selected wavelength as the
chosen one for startup. Therefore, you must
separately save the modified wavelength and the

15
wavelength selected as startup from the 6 default
wavelengths.
2.4.3. To choose manual or automatic ranging or dBm
in power measurement
Select "range" and enter. Using the navigation keys,
select the appropriate manual range autorange or
dBm (logarithmic scale).
2.4.4. Setting the Startup Configuration
1. Select menu and press enter. Select “configure”
and enter.
2. Select “filter” and enter. Choose filter in or out to
be the default. If you want to save this as default
startup, press save. If you only want to change for
now, exit without saving.
3. Now select “display mode” and choose which
screen you want the instrument to start up in.
Press enter. (Note that this is an instrument
setting and will be valid for all sensors.)
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:” and choose which period
to average power over or leave the default
“NONE”.
6. Now select “laser” to choose the startup laser
wavelength. See Section 2.4.2 above for details.
7. When finished exit. For further details on
configuration see Section 5.3 .
2.4.5. Power Measurement
Warning:
Do not exceed maximum sensor limits for power,
energy, power density and energy density as listed
in Table 5. and Table 6. in Chapter 10. Otherwise,
there is a risk of damaging the absorber.
To expand the bargraph scale ±5x about the present
reading:

16
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 5.4.5 for
full details.
To use the Nova II to fine-tune Laser power:
1. From the main power measurement screen select
“menu” and enter. Now select "tune" and enter.
2. Set the percentage range of the power scale to be
displayed by repeatedly pressing the ±50% key.
3. Now select the horizontal sweep time you desire
by selecting “graph” and choosing the time scale.
4. You may now use the screen to tune the laser
power. Press “power” to exit to the main
measurement screen. See Section 4.4.2.3 for full
details .
2.5 Pyroelectric Sensors
2.5.1. Zeroing Instrument against Sensor
For most accurate calibration, you must zero the
pyroelectric sensor against the Nova II it is being
used with. Proceed as follows: Make sure the
sensor is in a quiet environment and not subject to
pulsed radiation. Plug sensor into Nova II and turn
on. Press “menu”, select “zero” and enter. Press
“start”. When “zeroing completed” appears, press
“save”. Press “exit” and then choose the screen
from the menu that you wish to use. After you have
done zeroing, you do not have to do it again when
used with the same type of meter. If you have
zeroed it against a different type of meter, then a

17
different value has been saved and when used with
a Nova II again you should zero it again.
2.5.2. Changing Chosen Wavelengths (metallic type
only)
1. Select "laser" and enter.
2. Select the wavelength you wish to use and enter. If
you wish to save this wavelength as the startup
default, press save before exiting.
3. If you wish to modify one of the wavelengths, select
the wavelength and press the right navigation key.
4. Now, using the up/down navigation keys to change
the numbers and the right/left keys to move to the
next number, modify to the wavelength you want.
5. When finished, press “save” and exit. If you only
want a temporary change, exit without “save”.
2.5.3. To set type of laser being used
From main measurement screen, select "laser" and
enter. Choose the desired laser type or wavelength.
If you want this one to be the startup wavelength,
press save before exiting.
2.5.4. Setting Startup Configuration
1. Turn on the Nova II with the sensor connected,
select “menu” and enter. Select “configure”.
2. Now, with the navigation keys select “Startup
mode”, press the enter key and select “power” or
“energy” as the startup mode. Press enter again to
exit. If you want this mode to be permanent, press
save after pressing enter.
3. Now, with the navigation keys select “display
mode”. Press the enter key and select the type of
screen you wish to start up with. Press save and
exit. If you do not want to save this as the startup
mode but only change for now, exit without save.
(This choice is saved in the instrument and not the
sensor so the Nova II will start up from the screen
selected for all sensors).

18
4. Now select “energy range”, press enter and
choose the manual energy range you wish to be
the default.
5. Now select “average” to select what period you
wish to average power over or select the default,
"none".
6. If the sensor is a diffuser sensor, now select
diffuser in or out.
7. Now select “max pulse len” and choose the
shortest pulse length setting longer than your
laser’s pulse length.
Warning:
Incorrect readings will result if pulse length is not
set up correctly.
8. Select “Laser” and select the laser type you wish
to be the default.
9. Press "save" to save all present settings then "exit"
to get back to the main measurement screen.
Note:
Some sensors have only one pulse length setting for
all pulse lengths. In that case N/A appears. For
further details on configuration see Sections 6.2
and 6.3.
2.5.5. Energy or Average Power Measurement
Warning:
Do not exceed maximum sensor limits for power,
energy, power density and energy density as listed
in Table 5. and Table 6. in Chapter 10. Otherwise,
there is a risk of damaging the absorber.
With the pyroelectric sensor, 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.

19
Note:
High sensitivity pyroelectric sensors (PE-9, PE-10)
are very sensitive to vibration, and therefore might
read a false trigger when operating in an
acoustically non-stable environment. Set the
threshold to a high enough value that false
triggering does not occur. Ophir also offers a shock
absorbing mounting post (P/N 7Z08268) that helps
reduce vibration on the sensor.
2.5.5.1. 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".
2.5.5.2. To use the Nova II 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. Select "range", enter then use the navigation keys to
select the proper energy range. The correct range
is the lowest one that is larger than the pulse
energy measured. Press "Save" if you want that
range to be the startup default. Press "Exit".
3. If the sensor triggers from ambient vibration or
noise without a laser signal raise the threshold level
as follows: Select “Threshold”, enter then using the
up/down buttons, raise the threshold until the false
triggering stops. If the sensor does not read the
pulses at all on the lowest range, try to lower the
threshold to minimum.