THORLABS BC207UV User manual

Thorlabs Camera Beam
Profiler
Beam Analyzing Software
BC207UV(/M), BC207VIS(/M),
with M2MS(-AL)
Operating Manual
2022

Copyright © 2022 Thorlabs
Version:
Date: 8.1 10-Jan-2022

Foreword Table of Contents
1 General Information 1
11.1 Ordering Codes and Accessories 21.2 Requirements
2 Getting Started 3
32.1 Parts List BC207UV(/M) and BC207VIS(/M)
3 Operating Elements 4
43.1 BC207 Series 43.1.1 Operating Elements BC207 Series 53.1.1.1 Filter Wheel 73.1.1.2 CMOS Sensor Protective Glass Window 73.1.1.3 Trigger Input 73.1.2 Mounting BC207 Series 93.2 BC207 Series with M2MS Extension Set 93.2.1 Operating Elements M2MS 93.2.2 Mounting BC207 Series on M2MS(-AL) 123.2.2.1 M2MS with BC207UV(/M) and BC207VIS(/M)
4 Installation 13
134.1 Software Installation 134.2 Connection to the PC 144.3 Start the Application
5 The Graphics User Interface (GUI) 16
165.1 Menu Bar 165.1.1 File Menu 175.1.2 Control Menu 185.1.3 Options Menu 225.1.4 Windows Menu 225.1.5 View Menu 235.1.6 Help Menu 245.2 Tool Bar 255.3 Status Bar 255.4 Save Settings 265.5 Beam Settings 275.5.1 Optical Setup 275.5.1.1 Wavelength 285.5.1.2 Attenuation 285.5.1.3 Power Correction 295.5.1.4 Ambient Light Correction

305.5.1.5 Intensity Threshold 315.5.2 Beam Profiler Information 315.5.3 Camera Beam Profiler Parameter 325.5.3.1 Binning 335.5.3.2 Exposure Control 335.5.3.3 Gain Control 345.5.3.4 Hot Pixel Correction 345.5.3.5 Trigger 385.5.3.6 Region of Interest 405.5.4 Calculation Parameter 405.5.4.1 Calculation Area 425.5.4.2 Averaging Mode 425.5.4.3 Clip Level 425.5.4.4 Hold Maximum 435.5.4.5 Approximate Ellipse 435.5.4.6 Autoscale to Peak 435.5.4.7 Profile Cut Position 435.5.4.8 Reference Position 445.5.4.9 Unit 445.5.5 Plot Over Time Parameter 455.5.6 Translation Stage Control 475.6 Child Windows 485.6.1 2D Projection 515.6.2 3D Profile 525.6.3 X and Y Profiles 535.6.4 Zooming and Panning Diagrams 545.6.5 Calculation Results 585.6.6 Manual Vergence Measurement 605.6.7 Tuning View 625.6.8 Beam Overlapping 645.6.9 Plots 655.6.9.1 Plot Positions 665.6.9.2 Plot Power 675.6.9.3 Plot Diameters 675.6.9.4 Plot Gaussian Fit 695.6.9.5 Plot Orientation 705.6.9.6 Plot Environment Data 715.6.9.7 Beam Stability
6 Operation Instructions 73
736.1 Setup BC207 Series 736.2 Measurement with the Beam Profiler 746.2.1 Operating the Instrument

766.2.2 Pass/Fail Test 776.2.3 Save Measurement Results 786.2.3.1 Export Device Data 816.2.3.2 Print Windows 826.2.3.3 Save Test Protocol 836.3 Beam Quality (M²) Measurement 836.3.1 General 856.3.2 M2MS Operating Principle 866.3.3 Beam Diameter Requirements 876.3.4 M² Meter Extension Set 886.3.5 M² Meter Set with BC207 Series Camera Beam Profiler 896.3.6 Setup M2MS 916.3.6.1 Mounting the Beam Profiler 926.3.6.2 Connecting M2MS to the PC 936.3.7 M² Measurement 946.3.7.1 Beam Alignment 1036.3.7.2 M² Measurement Panel 1066.3.7.3 M² Settings 1096.3.7.4 Saving the M² Measurement Results 1136.3.7.5 Running the M² Measurement 1146.3.7.6 M² Measurement Results 1196.3.7.7 M² Troubleshooting 1226.3.7.8 Live Adjustment 1236.3.8 Divergence Measurement 1236.3.8.1 Beam Alignment 1326.3.8.2 Divergence Measurement Panel 1356.3.8.3 Divergence Measurement Settings 1366.3.8.4 Saving the Divergence Measurement Results 1366.3.8.5 Running the Divergence Measurement 1376.3.8.6 Divergence Measurement Results 1396.3.8.7 Live Adjustment 1406.3.9 M² Theory
7 Write Your Own Application 143
1447.1 32 bit Operating System 1477.2 64 bit Operating System
8 Maintenance and Repair 149
1498.1 Version and Other Information 1498.2 Cleaning 1508.3 Troubleshooting 1528.3.1 Warnings and Errors
9 Application Note 154
1549.1 Ambient Light Correction

1549.2 Coordinate Systems 1549.3 Raw Data Measurements 1569.4 Ellipse (Fitted) 1579.5 X-Y-Profile Measurement 1579.6 Gaussian Fit Measurement 1589.7 Bessel Fit
10 Appendix 159
15910.1 Technical Data BC207x 16110.2 Dimensions BC207UV(/M) and BC207VIS(/M) 16210.3 Filter Wheel 16310.4 Technical Data M2MS Extension Sets 16310.5 Wavelength Response 16410.6 Power Ranges 16510.7 Initial Settings 16510.8 Compatibility with Older Hardware 16610.9 List of Acronyms 16710.10 Safety 16810.11 Certifications and Compliances 16910.12 Return of Devices 16910.13 Manufacturer Address 16910.14 Warranty 16910.15 Exclusion of Liability and Copyright 17010.16 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

© 2022 Thorlabs
We aim to develop and produce the best solutions for your
applications in the field of optical measurement techniques. To help
us to live up to your expectations and constantly improve our
products, we need your ideas and suggestions. We and our
international partners are looking forward to hearing from you.
Thorlabs GmbH
Warning
Sections marked by this symbol explain dangers that might result in
personal injury or death. Always read the associated information
carefully, before performing the indicated procedure.
Please read this advice carefully!
This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.
Attention
Paragraphs preceded by this symbol explain hazards that could
damage the instrument and the connected equipment or may cause
loss of data.
Note

BC207 Series Chapter 1: General Information
Page 1 MTN026962-D02
1 General Information
The BC207UV(/M) and BC207VIS(/M) camera-based Beam Profilers allow identification of
complex mode patterns (like flat top and donut) while optimizing a laser system. Compared to
scanning slit beam profilers like the Thorlabs BP209 Series, camera beam profilers can capture
a more detailed beam profile and provide a true 2D analysis of the beam's power density distri-
bution.
The Thorlabs BC207UV(/M) and BC207VIS(/M) camera beam profilers are suited for use within
the UV range or visible light range, respectively. The high resolution in a relatively large field of
view and the thermal stability make the BC207 Series Camera Beam Profilers a superior
product. Several trigger modes allow flexible capturing of beam profiles from pulsed light
sources. This includes a TTL input for triggered pulse detection of signals.
Both beam profilers BC207UV(/M) or BC207VIS(/M) can be purchased as an imperial version
(BC207UV, BC207VIS) or a metric version (BC207UV/M, BC207VIS/M). For the purpose of this
manual, BC207UV(/M) or BC207VIS(/M) refers to both versions, respectively.
The Beam Software versions 8.0 and higher support all features for a full beam analysis with
the BC207 Series Camera Beam Profiler. The Beam Software is provided for download from
the software tab on the Thorlabs BC207 website. With the integrated power meter, power and
beam shape can be observed through the software simultaneously. To compensate for ambient
light, a measured mean value of the ambient light intensity is subtracted from the beam profile
measurement. The automatic exposure and gain control feature adapts the camera settings to
the actual beam intensity. The USB 3.0 interface allows for a high frame rate. Measurements at
very high frame rates can be transferred with reduced frame sizes.
To convert Thorlabs camera beam profilers into a fully-automated M² measurement system,
Thorlabs offers the M2MS(-AL) extension sets. For more information please contact Thorlabs
technical support.
1.1 Ordering Codes and Accessories
BC207UV
CMOS Camera Beam Profiler, Protection Glass and ND Filter Set for Ap-
plications in the Wavelength Range of 245 - 400 nm, Imperial Mounting
Threads: 1/4''-20
BC207UV/M
CMOS Camera Beam Profiler, Protection Glass and ND Filter Set for Ap-
plications in the Wavelength Range of 245 - 400 nm, Metric Mounting
Threads: M6 x 1 mm
BC207VIS
CMOS Camera Beam Profiler, Protection Glass and ND Filter Set for Ap-
plications in the Wavelength Range of 350 - 1100 nm, Imperial Mounting
Threads: 1/4''-20
BC207VIS/M
CMOS Camera Beam Profiler, Protection Glass and ND Filter Set for Ap-
plications in the Wavelength Range of 350 - 1100 nm, Metric Mounting
Threads: M6 x 1 mm
For beam quality (M²) measurements, Thorlabs offers M2MS hardware extension sets to
BC207 Series and BP209 Series as well as complete M² Measurement Systems consisting of
M2MS and BC207 Series or BP209 Series beam profilers. The M2MS extension sets can be
purchased through the M2MS website.
Recommended Accessories:
A mounting adapter for the former BC106N-UV(/M) or BC106N-VIS(/M) Camera Beam Profilers
can be purchased by contacting Thorlabs directly.

BC207 Series Chapter 1: General Information
Rev: 8.1, 10-Jan-2022 Page 2 © 2022 Thorlabs
To purchase the above products, please visit our homepage http://www.thorlabs.com. For fur-
ther information or custom made solutions, please contact our technical support.
1.2 Requirements
These are the requirements for the PC intended to be used for operation of the BC207UV(/M)
or BC207VIS(/M) using the Thorlabs Beam Software V8.0 or higher. Please find the BEAM
Software for download from the Beam Software website.
Hardware Requirements
·Processor (CPU): 3.0 GHz Intel Core (i5 or Higher)1
·Memory (RAM): 4.0 GB
·Graphic Card Resolution: OpenGL (specification GLX 1.3 up) compatible graphics
adapter:
·Radeon (X100 series X850, X1000 series X1600, HD
series 2400)
·Geforce 7 series 7600, 8 series 8500, 9 series 9600
·Quadro FX series FX770M
·Hard Drive: Min. 2 GB of available disk space
·Interface: Free high-speed USB 3.0 port
·Monitor resolution minimum 1024 x 758 pixel ( 16 bit color depth)
1) Intel Core i3 processors and mobile versions of Intel processors may not satisfy the re-
quirements.
The Thorlabs Beam Software is compatible with the following operating systems:
·Windows®8.1 (32-bit or 64-bit)
·Windows®10 (32-bit or 64-bit)
Recommended for Optimal Performance:
·USB 3.0 high speed port
·Processor: Intel Core 2 i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 (min. 3.0 GHz), 8.0 GB RAM
·OpenGL (specification GLX 1.3 up) compatible graphics adapter:
§Radeon HD series 7000
§Geforce GTX series 500

BC207 Series Chapter 2: Getting Started
Page 3 MTN026962-D02
2 Getting Started
Please inspect the shipping container for damage. Please do not cut through the cardboard.
You might need the box for storage or for returns.
If the shipping container seems to be damaged, keep it until you have inspected the contents
for completeness and tested the BC207 Series device mechanically and electrically.
Verify that you have received the following items within the package:
2.1 Parts List BC207UV(/M) and BC207VIS(/M)
BC207UV(/M) or BC207VIS(/M) Beam Profiler
1. 1 BC207UV(/M) or BC207-VIS(/M) Beam Profiler Instrument with Mounted Filter Wheel
2. 6 Mounted Attenuation Filters, see Section Filter Wheel for further information
3. 1 Filter Cap
4. USB3-MBA-118: USB 3.0 Cable Micro B to A, Length 3.0 m
5. Quick Reference
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BC207 Series Chapter 3: Operating Elements
Rev: 8.1, 10-Jan-2022 Page 4 © 2022 Thorlabs
3 Operating Elements
3.1 BC207 Series
3.1.1 Operating Elements BC207 Series
The components of the BC207UV are labeled in the image below. Aside from the mounting
thread, BC207UV and BC207UV/M are identical. BC207VIS and BC207VIS/M outer
dimensions and components look identical to BC207UV and BC207UV/M. BC207VIS(/M)
differs in the mounted filters and the protection glass.
BC207UV

BC207 Series Chapter 3: Operating Elements
Page 5 MTN026962-D02
3.1.1.1 Filter Wheel
The Thorlabs BC207UV(/M) and BC207VIS(/M) Camera Beam Profilers are equipped with a fil-
ter wheel containing six different neutral density (ND) optical attenuation filters. The filter wheel
is designed to quickly and easily adapt the light source power to a power level within the dy-
namic range of the CMOS camera. Please make sure to stay below the saturation power of the
camera.
The filters come in a fixed configuration. A small window on the housing above the input aper-
ture shows which filter is selected. The filter types and their nominal losses are model depend-
ent as they are optimized for the wavelength of the BC207 Series model. Please find informa-
tion on the pre-configured filters and links to the respective website in the tables below.
Model BC207UV(/M) accommodates for a wavelength range between 245 - 400 nm. Please
use the reflective filters NDUVxxB for applications between 245 nm and 350 nm with the
BC207UV(/M). For applications above 350 nm, absorption filters can be used alternatively.
BC207UV(/M)
Name on Filter Wheel
Filter Type
NDUV20B
20 dB UV Fused Silica Reflective ND Filter, 200 nm - 1200 nm
NDUV30B
30 dB UV Fused Silica Reflective ND Filter, 200 nm - 1200 nm
NDUV40B
40 dB UV Fused Silica Reflective ND Filter, 200 nm - 1200 nm
NE20B
20 dB UV Absorptive ND Filter, 400nm - 650 nm 1
NE30B
30 dB UV Absorptive ND Filter, 400nm - 650 nm 1
NE40B
40 dB UV Absorptive ND Filter, 400nm - 650 nm 1
1 These filters are provided for use near the 400 nm upper wavelength range of the
BC207UV(/M).

BC207 Series Chapter 3: Operating Elements
Rev: 8.1, 10-Jan-2022 Page 6 © 2022 Thorlabs
The Model BC207VIS(/M) is equipped with six absorptive neutral density (ND) filters made from
glass. One set of three comes with A-type anti-reflection coating (350 to 700 nm). The other set
has a B-type AR coating for applications between 650 and 1050 nm.
BC207VIS(/M)
Name on Filter Wheel
Filter Type
NE20B-A
20 dB Absorptive ND Filter, AR-Coated: 350-700 nm
NE40B-A
40 dB Absorptive ND Filter, AR-Coated: 350-700 nm
NE60B-A
60 dB Absorptive ND Filter, AR-Coated: 350-700 nm
NE20B-B
20 dB Absorptive ND Filter, AR-Coated: 650-1050 nm
NE40B-B
40 dB Absorptive ND Filter, AR-Coated: 650-1050 nm
NE60B-B
60 dB Absorptive ND Filter, AR-Coated: 650-1050 nm
Attention
Be sure to have manually selected the appropriate ND filter corresponding to the actual
operating wavelength! Beware of the reflected light from reflective UV filters!
Choosing the optimal attenuation
To adapt a light source with unknown power level to the Camera Beam Profiler it is highly re-
commended to use the automatic exposure control (see chapter Camera Beam Profiler Para-
meters ) of the camera. In addition, it is advisable to start with the highest loss attenuation fil-
ter (40 or 60 dB) in order to prevent damage to the camera.
In case the Beam Software displays an error "Power too high, camera saturated!" the light in-
tensity exceeds the maximum detectable power of the BC207 Series Beam Profiler. In this case
additional means for external beam attenuation in front of the beam profiler are required. The
prism based Thorlabs ATT30x laser beam attenuators are particularly suitable as they preserve
the polarization, size, and shape of the beam.
In case the Beam Profiler Software does not show a "Power too high" error it can be operated
with this setting and the measurement results are reliable. However, in order to minimize beam
distortions introduced by the ND filters, it is recommended to select the lowest possible attenu-
ation.
Rotate the filter wheel in a 60 degree revolution to bring the nearest lower attenuation filter in
front of the camera aperture. If a "Power too high" error appears, rotate the filter wheel back to
the previous filter as this will be the optimal filter to use. If no error appears, rotate the wheel
further until the lowest attenuation filter is in use.
When using a high loss attenuation filter in conjunction with a low power light source the soft-
ware will display the warning "Power too low". This means the source is attenuated too much
so that the camera's gain and exposure regulation is not able to achieve an evaluable signal
level. In this case reduce the optical attenuation down to the lowest available filter loss (20 dB).
Alternatively, exchange or remove a filter from the filter wheel. To do so, unscrew the plate in
front of the filters. Be very careful to avoid dust. Please be aware that when removing the filter,
the label of the filter slot will not change. Please note which filter was removed.
The front plate can also be removed to clean the filters.
Attention
The BC207 Series Beam Profiler must not be cleaned from dust using ethanol, cleaning tissue,
cotton tipped applicators or any other mechanical tools! Using these chemical and/or mechan-
ical tools voids warranty! Remove dust using only oil- and water-free compressed gas, such as
31

BC207 Series Chapter 3: Operating Elements
Page 7 MTN026962-D02
Thorlabs Duster CA4-US or CA6-EU (Tetrafluoroetane). Keep the gas nozzle at least at a dis-
tance of 4 inches (10 cm) from the filter surface, otherwise liquid gas drops may hit the surface
and leave visible traces on the filter surface; moreover the air pressure might damage the mir-
ror.
Attention
For proper power measurement results, the actually chosen ND filter loss (in dB) must
be entered into the Beam Profiler Software! See section Device Settings .
For correct beam profiling results it is highly recommended to shield ambient light from entering
the Beam Profiler aperture. Using attenuation filters provided within the filter wheel will attenu-
ate ambient light but will also absorb power of the light source by the same amount so that the
ratio between both remains unchanged.
3.1.1.2 CMOS Sensor Protective Glass Window
The CMOS sensor is protected by a glass window. The type of window depends on the BC207
Series model:
Camera Beam Profiler
Coating
Thickness
BC207UV(/M)
UV Fused Silica + UV AR coating
1 mm
BC207VIS(/M)
ND Filter NG3 1.0 OD
1 mm
3.1.1.3 Trigger Input
A TTL trigger input is provided for synchronizing the BC207 Series Camera Beam Profiler's
global shutter with laser pulses. The appropriate BNC connector to connect to a trigger out of a
laser driver is located on the back side of the instrument body, see the chapter Operating Ele-
ments BC207UV(/M) and BC207VIS(/M) . More Information on how to use the trigger input is
described in the chapter Trigger in the software section of the manual.
3.1.2 Mounting BC207 Series
Post Mounting and Sensor Position
On the bottom side of the BC207 Series Camera Beam Profilers, a mounting thread is
provided. All metric models have M6 x 1 mm threads while the imperial models feature a 1/4"-
20 thread.
31
4
34

BC207 Series Chapter 3: Operating Elements
Rev: 8.1, 10-Jan-2022 Page 8 © 2022 Thorlabs
Mount the BC207UV(/M) or BC207VIS(/M) Camera Beam Profiler to your optical system using
a Thorlabs post, post holder and a base or clamping fork.
Sensor Position on BC207UV(/M) and BC207VIS(/M)
The sensor is centered with respect to the mounting thread holes on the bottom of the device.
Its depth measured from the front surface of the filter wheel is 20.7 mm (0.82 '').
This is also indicated by a fine white line engraved in the housing. This line is labeled "Optical
Measurement Plane" in the drawings .
Please see the dimensions of BC207UV(/M) and BC207VIS(/M) for the precise position of
the sensor on the camera beam profilers.
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BC207 Series Chapter 3: Operating Elements
Page 9 MTN026962-D02
3.2 BC207 Series with M2MS Extension Set
3.2.1 Operating Elements M2MS
The components or M2MS M2Measurement System are labeled in the image below. These
components are identical to M2MS-AL.
3.2.2 Mounting BC207 Series on M2MS(-AL)
Please use the mounting adapter for BC207 Series to M2MS in order to mount the
BC207UV(/M) or BC207VIS(/M) beam profiler to the M2MS Measurement Extension. For a
mounting adapter for BC207 onto a preexisting M2MS Extension Set, please contact Thorlabs.
1. Place the BC207 Series device onto the mounting adapter for the BC207 Series such that
the dowel pins on the adapter fit into the holes for the dowel pins on the BC207 Series
device.

BC207 Series Chapter 3: Operating Elements
Rev: 8.1, 10-Jan-2022 Page 10 © 2022 Thorlabs
Bottom View BC207 Series
M2MS Adapter for BC207UV(/M) and BC207VIS(/M)
2. Hold the BC207 Series device to the mounting adapter and turn both together upside down.
Insert the 8mm long M4 x 0.7 cap screw into the mounting how on the bottom of the moun-
ting adapter and secure the BC207 Series device on the adapter.
3. Place the adapter with the BC207 Series onto the M2MS Measurement Extension such that
the three Ø4 mm dowel pins protruding from the M2MS Measurement Extension will fit into
the respective holes in the mounting adapter. With that, the input aperture of the BC207 Ser-
ies faces the output aperture of the M2MS.

BC207 Series Chapter 3: Operating Elements
Page 11 MTN026962-D02
4. Secure the adapter with the two enclosed M4 cylinder head screws onto the M2MS Mea-
surement Extension.
The BC207UV(/M) or BCVIS(/M) is now securely mounted to the M2MS Measurement Exten-
sion.

BC207 Series Chapter 3: Operating Elements
Rev: 8.1, 10-Jan-2022 Page 12 © 2022 Thorlabs
3.2.2.1 M2MS with BC207UV(/M) and BC207VIS(/M)
The operating elements of the combined setup with BC207 Series Camera Beam Profiler
mounted to the M2MS Extension Setup for full M2measurements are as follows:

BC207 Series Chapter 4: Installation
Page 13 MTN026962-D02
4 Installation
4.1 Software Installation
The Beam Software can be downloaded from the Thorlabs website:
http://www.thorlabs.com/software_pages/ViewSoftwarePage.cfm?Code=Beam
Please check for updates to the Thorlabs Beam Software and always use the latest Software
version.
The Beam software versions 8.0 or higher support the beam profiler series BP209, BC106N,
and BC207. Software versions below V8.0 do not support the BC207 Series.
·Save the ZIP file to your computer and unpack the archive. The Install Shield Wizards starts
by double-clicking the setup.exe.
·The installation contains 2 main parts - the NI-VISA™ Runtime V17.0 and the Beam Software
itself, including drivers and the manual.
·Please read the license agreements carefully, choose "I agree" and click 'Next'.
·Windows Security will ask your confirmation to install the Thorlabs USB driver.
·You may check the box "Always trust software from "Thorlabs GmbH".This will shorten the in-
stallation. However, if you do not want to do that, please click the "Install" button. You will
then be asked to confirm the installation of further Thorlabs software components. Please in-
stall the instrument driver packages as well as the Firmware Loader Driver Package.
·When all drivers are installed, the "Read Me" comes up.
·Click "Next", then "Finish" to complete the software installation.
4.2 Connection to the PC
Connect the BC207 Series Beam Profiler to a USB 3.0 port of your computer. Use only the
cable that comes with the beam profiler or a cable qualified for high speed USB 3.0 standard.
Attention
Use only the supplied (USB 3.0) cable. USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 cables can cause transmis-
sion errors and improper instrument operation!
Please make sure, that the USB cable is connected to a USB 3.0 port.
After connecting the instrument to the PC, the operating system loads the appropriate USB
drivers for the Beam Profiler instrument.
Once connected, an icon will appear in the task bar indicating that the driver installation is in
progress
To verify the correct driver installation, check the presence of the instrument in the Device Man-
ager: From the Start button select Control Panel to Device Manager.
If you cannot see an entry please check the troubleshooting section.
150