THORLABS BC207UV User manual

BC207UV(/M), BC207VIS(/M), and
BC210CU(/M), BC210CV(/M)
with M2MS(-AL)
Camera Beam Profiler
2023
User Guide

Version:
Date: 8.2 14-Aug-2023
Copyright © 2023Thorlabs

BC207 and BC210C Series Camera Beam Profiler
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Safety 1
Chapter 2 Intended Use 3
Chapter 3 Introduction 4
4
3.1 Ordering Codes and Accessories
5
3.2 Requirements
Chapter 4 Getting Started 5
6
4.1 Parts List BC207UV(/M) and BC207VIS(/M)
6
4.2 Parts List BC210CU(/M) and BC210CV(/M)
Chapter 5 Operation Instructions 6
6
5.1 Operating Elements
6
5.1.1 BC207and BC210C Series
65.1.1.1 Operating Elements BC207 Series
85.1.1.2 Operating Elements BC210C Series
95.1.1.3 Filter Wheel
125.1.1.4 Change Filter Wheel
155.1.1.5 Status LED
155.1.1.6 CMOS Sensor Protective Glass Window
155.1.1.7 Trigger Input
165.1.1.8 Mounting BC207 Series
175.1.1.9 Mounting BC210C Series 18
5.1.2 Camera Beam Profiler Series with M2MS Extension Set
185.1.2.1 Operating Elements M2MS
195.1.2.2 Mounting BC207 Series on M2MS(-AL)
215.1.2.3 Mounting BC210C Series on M2MS(-AL)
23
5.2 Setup BC207and BC210C Series
23
5.3 Installation
23
5.3.1 Software Installation 24
5.3.2 Connection to the PC 25
5.3.3 Start the Application
27
5.4 The Graphics User Interface (GUI)
27
5.4.1 Menu Bar
285.4.1.1 File Menu
29
5.4.1.2 Control Menu
30
5.4.1.3 Options Menu

BC207 and BC210C Series Camera Beam Profiler
335.4.1.4 Windows Menu
335.4.1.5 View Menu
345.4.1.6 Help Menu 34
5.4.2 Tool Bar 36
5.4.3 Status Bar 36
5.4.4 Save Settings 36
5.4.5 Beam Settings
385.4.5.1 Optical Setup
5.4.5.1.1 Wavelength 38
5.4.5.1.2 Attenuation 38
5.4.5.1.3 Power Correction 38
5.4.5.1.4 Ambient Light Correction 38
5.4.5.1.5 Intensity Threshold 38
425.4.5.2 Beam Profiler Information
435.4.5.3 Camera Beam Profiler Parameter
5.4.5.3.1 Binning 43
5.4.5.3.2 Exposure Control 43
5.4.5.3.3 Gain Control 43
5.4.5.3.4 Hot Pixel Correction 43
5.4.5.3.5 Trigger 43
5.4.5.3.6 Region of Interest 43
505.4.5.4 Calculation Parameter
5.4.5.4.1 Calculation Area 50
5.4.5.4.2 Averaging Mode 50
5.4.5.4.3 Clip Level 50
5.4.5.4.4 Hold Maximum 50
5.4.5.4.5 Approximate Ellipse 50
5.4.5.4.6 Autoscale to Peak 50
5.4.5.4.7 Profile Cut Position 50
5.4.5.4.8 Reference Position 50
5.4.5.4.9 Unit 50
545.4.5.5 Plot Over Time Parameter
555.4.5.6 Translation Stage Control 57
5.4.6 Child Windows
585.4.6.1 2D Projection
615.4.6.2 3D Profile
625.4.6.3 X and Y Profiles
635.4.6.4 Zooming and Panning Diagrams
645.4.6.5 Calculation Results
685.4.6.6 Manual Vergence Measurement

BC207 and BC210C Series Camera Beam Profiler
705.4.6.7 Tuning View
725.4.6.8 Beam Overlapping
745.4.6.9 Plots
5.4.6.9.1 Plot Positions 74
5.4.6.9.2 Plot Power 74
5.4.6.9.3 Plot Diameters 74
5.4.6.9.4 Plot Gaussian Fit 74
5.4.6.9.5 Plot Orientation 74
5.4.6.9.6 Plot Environment Data 74
5.4.6.9.7 Beam Stability 74
83
5.5 Measurement with the Beam Profiler
83
5.5.1 Operating the Instrument 85
5.5.2 Pass/Fail Test 87
5.5.3 Save Measurement Results
875.5.3.1 Export Device Data
905.5.3.2 Print Windows
915.5.3.3 Save Test Protocol
92
5.6 Beam Quality (M²) Measurement
92
5.6.1 General 94
5.6.2 M2MS Operating Principle 95
5.6.3 Beam Diameter Requirements 96
5.6.4 M² Meter Extension Set 96
5.6.5 Setup M2MS
985.6.5.1 Mounting the Beam Profiler
995.6.5.2 Connecting M2MS to the PC 100
5.6.6 M² Measurement
1015.6.6.1 Beam Alignment
5.6.6.1.1 Coarse Alignment 101
5.6.6.1.2 Fine Alignment 101
5.6.6.1.2.1 M² Beam Alignment Wizard 101
5.6.6.1.2.2 Alignment of the Focusing Lens 101
1115.6.6.2 M² Measurement Panel
1145.6.6.3 M² Settings
116
5.6.6.4 Saving the M² Measurement Results
5.6.6.4.1 Saving M² Test Results 116
5.6.6.4.2 Saving Beam Profile Data During M² Measurement 116
1195.6.6.5 Running the M² Measurement
1205.6.6.6 M² Measurement Results
1255.6.6.7 M² Troubleshooting
1285.6.6.8 Live Adjustment

BC207 and BC210C Series Camera Beam Profiler 129
5.6.7 Divergence Measurement
1295.6.7.1 Beam Alignment
5.6.7.1.1 Coarse Alignment 129
5.6.7.1.2 Fine Alignment 129
5.6.7.1.3 Divergence Beam Alignment Wizard 129
1375.6.7.2 Divergence Measurement Panel
139
5.6.7.3 Divergence Measurement Settings
140
5.6.7.4 Saving the Divergence Measurement Results
1405.6.7.5 Running the Divergence Measurement
1415.6.7.6 Divergence Measurement Results
1425.6.7.7 Live Adjustment 143
5.6.8 M² Theory
Chapter 6 Write Your Own Application 146
147
6.1 32bit Operating System
149
6.2 64bit Operating System
Chapter 7 Specifications BC207x and BC210Cx 152
155
7.1 Dimensions BC207UV(/M) and BC207VIS(/M)
156
7.2 Dimensions BC210CU(/M) and BC210CV(/M)
157
7.3 Specifications Filter Wheel
158
7.4 Wavelength Response
159
7.5 Power Ranges
Chapter 8 Specifications M2MS Extension Sets 161
Chapter 9 Initial Software Settings 162
Chapter 10 Maintenance and Service 162
163
10.1 Version
163
10.2 Cleaning
164
10.3 Troubleshooting
165
10.3.1 Warnings and Errors
Chapter 11 Compatibility with Older Hardware 166
Chapter 12 List of Acronyms 167
Chapter 13 Application Note 168
168
13.1 Ambient Light Correction
168
13.2 Coordinate Systems
169
13.3 Raw Data Measurements
171
13.4 Ellipse (Fitted)
171
13.5 X-Y-Profile Measurement
172
13.6 Gaussian Fit Measurement

BC207 and BC210C Series Camera Beam Profiler
172
13.7 Bessel Fit
Chapter 14 Certifications and Compliances 173
Chapter 15 Warranty and RMA Information 175
175
15.1 Return of Devices
175
15.2 WEEE Policy
Chapter 16 Manufacturer Address 175
Chapter 17 Copyright and Exclusion of Liability 176
Chapter 18 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts 177

Page 1 MTN026962-D02
BC207 and BC210C Series Camera Beam Profiler Chapter 1Safety
Chapter 1 Safety
Attention
The safety of any system incorporating the equipment is the responsibility of the assembler of the
system.
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual will only
apply when the unit is operated correctly as it was designed for.
The BC207 and BC210C Series must not be operated in explosion endangered environments!
Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in the housing!
Do not remove covers!
Do not open the cabinet. There are no user-serviceable parts inside!
This precision device is only serviceable if returned and properly packed into the complete original
packaging including the cardboard inserts. If necessary, ask for replacement packaging.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel!
Changes to this device cannot be made nor may components not supplied by Thorlabs be used without
written consent from Thorlabs.
Attention
Prior to applying power to the BC207and BC210C Series, make sure that the protective conductor of the
3 conductor mains power cord is correctly connected to the protective earth ground contact of the
socket outlet! Improper grounding can cause electric shock resulting in damage to your health or even
death!
All modules must only be operated with duly shielded connection cables.
Attention
The following statement applies to the products covered in this manual, unless otherwise specified
herein. The statement for other products will appear in the respective accompanying documentation.
Note This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to part 15of the FCC Rules and meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing
Equipment Standard ICES-003for digital apparatus. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Users that change or modify the product described in this manual in a way not expressly approved by
Thorlabs (party responsible for compliance) could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Thorlabs is not responsible for any radio television interference caused by modifications of this
equipment or the substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment other than those
specified by Thorlabs. The correction of interference caused by such unauthorized modification,
substitution or attachment will be the responsibility of the user.
The use of shielded I/O cables is required when connecting this equipment to any and all optional
peripheral or host devices. Failure to do so may violate FCC and ICES rules.
This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits according to IEC 61326-1 for using
connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).

Rev: 8.2, 14-Aug-2023 © 2023Thorlabs Page 2
BC207 and BC210C Series Camera Beam Profiler Chapter 1Safety
The instrument must only be operated with a duly shielded and low resistance USB cable delivered by
Thorlabs.
Attention
Do not stick anything into the input aperture of the Camera Beam Profilers! You may damage the
neutral density (ND) optical attenuation filter.
Attention
The M2MS and M2MS-AL M² Measurement System comes with an alignment laser that is powered by a
M2MS and M2MS-AL internal driver. Be careful when using this laser!
Laser modules can deliver up to several 0.4 mW of even invisible laser radiation! When operated
incorrectly, this can cause severe damage to your eyes and health! Be sure to pay strict attention to the
safety recommendations of the appropriate laser safety class, as stated for the used light source.
The device is a class 1laser sources.

Page 3 MTN026962-D02
BC207 and BC210C Series Camera Beam Profiler Chapter 2Intended Use
Chapter 2 Intended Use
The BC207 and BC210C Camera Beam Profiler measures the shape, size and position of laser beams.
They are used in photonics research and development applications.
The BC207and BC210C Camera Beam Profilers are designed for laboratory use only. These products may
not be used or integrated into equipment that is applied in pharmaceutical, medical, or military
applications. Thorlabs, Inc. Life Support and Military Use Application Policy is stated below:
THORLABS’ PRODUCTS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED FOR USE AS CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN LIFE SUPPORT
DEVICES OR SYSTEMS OR IN ANY MILITARY APPLICATION WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN APPROVAL OF
THE PRESIDENT OF THORLABS, INC. As used herein:
1. Life support devices or systems are devices or systems which, (a) are intended for surgical implant
into the body, or (b) support or sustain life, and whose failure to perform, when properly used in
accordance with instructions for use provided in the labeling, can be reasonably expected to result in a
significant injury to the user.
2. A critical component is any component in a life support device or system whose failure to perform
can be reasonably expected to cause the failure of the life support device or system or to affect its
safety or effectiveness.
3. The Thorlabs products described in this document are not intended nor warranted for usage in
Military Applications.

Rev: 8.2, 14-Aug-2023 © 2023Thorlabs Page 4
BC207 and BC210C Series Camera Beam Profiler Chapter 3Introduction
Chapter 3 Introduction
The BC207UV(/M), BC207VIS(/M), BC210CU(/M), and BC210CV(/M) Camera 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 BP209Series, Camera Beam Profilers capture
a more detailed beam profile and provide a true 2D analysis of the beam's power density distribution.
Compared to the BC207 Series, the BC210C Series has a larger camera chip, resulting in a higher
resolution, and a smaller camera housing.
The Thorlabs BC207UV(/M), or BC210CU(/M), camera beam profilers are suited for use within the UV
range. The BC207VIS(/M) and BC210CV(/M) are optimized for applications in the visible light range. The
high resolution in a large field of view and the thermal stability make the BC207 and BC210C 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.
The BC207 and BC210C series camera beam profilers can be purchased in an imperial version (BC207UV,
BC207VIS, BC210CU, or BC210CV) and in a metric version (BC207UV/M, BC207VIS/M, BC210CU/M, or
BC210CV/M). For the purpose of this manual, BC207UV(/M), BC207VIS(/M), BC210CU(/M), or
BC210CV(/M) refers to all versions, respectively.
The Beam Software versions 8.0and higher support all features for a full beam analysis with the BC207
Series Camera Beam Profiler. BC210C Series requires software version 9.0or higher.
The Beam Software is provided for download from the software tab on the Thorlabs BC207 and BC210C
website. With the integrated power meter, the 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 3.0interface 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.
3.1 Ordering Codes and Accessories
BC207UV
CMOS Camera Beam Profiler, 245 - 400 nm Wavelength Range,
Ø20µm - Ø7.0mm Beam Diameter, Imperial Mounting
BC207UV/M
CMOS Camera Beam Profiler, 245 - 400 nm Wavelength Range,
Ø20µm - Ø7.0mm Beam Diameter, Metric Mounting
BC207VIS
CMOS Camera Beam Profiler, 350 - 1100nm Wavelength Range,
Ø20µm - Ø7.0mm Beam Diameter, Imperial Mounting
BC207VIS/M
CMOS Camera Beam Profiler, 350 - 1100nm Wavelength Range,
Ø20µm - Ø7.0mm Beam Diameter, Metric Mounting
BC210CU
CMOS Camera Beam Profiler, 245 - 400 nm Wavelength Range,
Ø20µm –Ø10.0mm Beam Diameter, Imperial Mounting
BC210CU/M
CMOS Camera Beam Profiler, 245 - 400 nm Wavelength Range,
Ø20µm –Ø10.0mm Beam Diameter, Metric Mounting
BC210CV
CMOS Camera Beam Profiler, 350 - 1100nm Wavelength Range,
Ø20µm –Ø10.0mm Beam Diameter, Imperial Mounting
BC210CV/M
CMOS Camera Beam Profiler, 350 - 1100nm Wavelength Range,
Ø20µm –Ø10.0mm Beam Diameter, Metric Mounting

Page 5 MTN026962-D02
BC207 and BC210C Series Camera Beam Profiler Chapter 3Introduction
For beam quality (M²) measurements, Thorlabs offers M2MS hardware extension sets to BC207 Series,
BC210C Series, and BP209 Series, as well as complete M² Measurement Systems consisting of M2MS and
BP209Series 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.
To purchase the above products, please visit our homepage http://www.thorlabs.com. For further
information or custom made solutions, please contact our technical support.
3.2 Requirements
The requirements for using a PC to operate the BC207and BC210C Series Camera Beam Profilers are
given below. The BC207 Series requires Thorlabs Beam Software Version 8.0 or higher and the BC210C
Series requires Version 9.0 or higher. Please find the BEAMSoftware 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 (X100series X850, X1000 series X1600, HDseries 2400)
·Geforce 7 series 7600, 8series 8500, 9series 9600
·Quadro FX series FX770M
·Hard Drive: Min. 2GB of available disk space
·Interface: Free high-speed USB 3.0port
·Monitor resolution minimum 1024x 758pixel ( 16bit color depth)
1)Intel Core i3 processors and mobile versions of Intel processors may not satisfy the requirements.
The Thorlabs Beam Software is compatible with the following operating systems:
·Windows®11 (for Beam Software Version 9.0or Higher)
·Windows®10 (32-bit or 64-bit)
·Windows®8.1 (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 1.3up) compatible graphics adapter:
§Radeon HD series 7000
§Geforce GTX series 500
Chapter 4 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 and BC210C Series device mechanically and electrically.
Verify that you have received the following items within the package:

Rev: 8.2, 14-Aug-2023 © 2023Thorlabs Page 6
BC207 and BC210C Series Camera Beam Profiler Chapter 4Getting Started
4.1 Parts List BC207UV(/M) and BC207VIS(/M)
BC207UV(/M) or BC207VIS(/M) BeamProfiler
1. 1 BC207UV(/M) or BC207VIS(/M) Beam Profiler Instrument with Mounted Filter Wheel
2. 6 Mounted Attenuation Filters, See Section Filter Wheel for Further Information
3. 1 Snap-On Dust Cap
4. CABU31: USB 3.0A to Micro B Cable, Length: 3 m
5. Quick Reference
4.2 Parts List BC210CU(/M) and BC210CV(/M)
BC210CU(/M) or BC210CV(/M) Beam Profiler
1. 1BC210CU(/M) or BC210CV(/M) Beam Profiler Instrument with Mounted Filter Wheel
2. 6Mounted Attenuation Filters, See Section Filter Wheel for Further Information
3. 1Snap-On Dust Cap
4. CABU32: USB 3.0A to Right-Angle Micro B Cable, Length: 3m
5. 1Screwdriver to tighten the Locking Screw of the USB 3.0Cable
6. Quick Reference
Chapter 5 Operation Instructions
5.1 Operating Elements
5.1.1 BC207 and BC210C Series
5.1.1.1 Operating Elements BC207 Series
The components of the BC207UV are labeled in the image below. Aside from the mounting thread,
BC207UV and BC207UV/Mare identical. BC207VIS and BC207VIS/Mouter dimensions and components
look identical to BC207UV and BC207UV/M. BC207VIS(/M) differs in the mounted filters and the
protection glass.
157
157

Page 7 MTN026962-D02
BC207 and BC210C Series Camera Beam Profiler Chapter 5Operation Instructions
BC207UV

Rev: 8.2, 14-Aug-2023 © 2023Thorlabs Page 8
BC207 and BC210C Series Camera Beam Profiler Chapter 5Operation Instructions
5.1.1.2 Operating Elements BC210C Series
The components of the BC210CUare labeled in the image below. Aside from the mounting thread,
BC210CUand BC210CU/Mare identical. BC210CV and BC210CV/Mouter dimensions and components
look identical to BC210CUand BC210CU/M. BC210CV(/M) differs in the mounted filters and the
protection glass.
BC210CU

Page 9 MTN026962-D02
BC207 and BC210C Series Camera Beam Profiler Chapter 5Operation Instructions
5.1.1.3 Filter Wheel
The Thorlabs BC207UV(/M), BC207VIS(/M), BC210CU(/M) and BC210CV(/M) Camera Beam Profilers are
equipped with a filter 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 dynamic range of the CMOS camera. Please make sure to stay below the saturation power of the
camera.
BC207 series
BC210C series

Rev: 8.2, 14-Aug-2023 © 2023Thorlabs Page 10
BC207 and BC210C Series Camera Beam Profiler Chapter 5Operation Instructions
The filters come in a fixed configuration. A small window on the housing above the input aperture
shows which filter is selected. The filter types and their nominal losses are model dependent as they
are optimized for the wavelength of the BC207 and BC210C Series model. Please find information on
the pre-configured filters and links to the respective website in the tables below.
Model BC207UV(/M) and BC210CU(/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) or BC210CU(/M). For applications above 350 nm, absorption filters can be used
alternatively.
BC207UV(/M) and BC210CU(/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 nm1
NE30B
30 dB UV Absorptive ND Filter, 400nm - 650 nm1
NE40B
40 dB UV Absorptive ND Filter, 400nm - 650 nm1
1 These filters are provided for use near the 400 nm upper wavelength range of the BC207UV(/M) or
BC210CU(/M).
The Model BC207VIS(/M) and BC210CV(/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 650and 1050 nm.
BC207UV(/M) and BC210CU(/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!

Page 11 MTN026962-D02
BC207 and BC210C Series Camera Beam Profiler Chapter 5Operation Instructions
Choosing the optimal attenuation
To adapt a light source with unknown power level to the Camera Beam Profiler it is highly
recommended to use the automatic exposure control (see chapter Camera Beam Profiler
Parameters ) of the camera. In addition, it is advisable to start with the highest loss attenuation filter
(40or 60dB) in order to prevent damage to the camera.
In case the Beam Software displays an error "Power too high, camera saturated!" the light intensity
exceeds the maximum detectable power of the BC207 or BC210C 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 attenuation.
Rotate the filter wheel in a 60degree 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 software 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 (20dB).
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 and BC210C 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
mechanical tools voids warranty! Remove dust using only oil- and water-free compressed gas, such as
Thorlabs Duster CA4-US or CA6-EU (Tetrafluoroetane). Keep the gas nozzle at least at a distance 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 mirror.
Attention
For proper power measurement results, the currently 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 attenuate
ambient light but will also absorb power of the light source by the same amount so that the ratio
between both remains unchanged.
43
43

Rev: 8.2, 14-Aug-2023 © 2023Thorlabs Page 12
BC207 and BC210C Series Camera Beam Profiler Chapter 5Operation Instructions
5.1.1.4 Change Filter Wheel
The Thorlabs BC207UV(/M), BC207VIS(/M), BC210CU(/M), and BC210CV(/M) Camera Beam Profilers are
equipped with a filter wheel containing six different neutral density (ND) optical attenuation filters. In
case of spatial constraints, the filter wheel can be removed.
When removing the filter wheel, please ensure a dust-free environment and recommended to wear
rubber gloves. Even with gloves, avoid touching any optical surfaces. Please refer to the chapter
cleaning .
1. Loosen the middle screw with a suitable tool. The screw does not need to be removed completely.
2. Remove the cover of the filter wheel. The screw can remain in the cover.
3. Completely loosen and remove the retaining ring of any ND filter using an SPW602 Graduated SM1
Spanner Wrench.
163

Page 13 MTN026962-D02
BC207 and BC210C Series Camera Beam Profiler Chapter 5Operation Instructions
4. Remove the ND filter. Please handle the filter carefully. Always wear gloves when handling filters,
or touch the filter with a lint-free cloth.
5. Turn the filter wheel so that the grip recess is positioned above the first lower screw in order to
remove the filter wheel completely with an Allen key, for example BD-1/16.
6. Turn the filter wheel so that the grip recess is above the second lower screw in order to remove it
completely with an Allen key (for example BD-1/16).