THORLABS BC106-VIS User manual

2011
Operation Manual
Thorlabs Beam
Beam Analyzing Software
BC106-VIS
BC106-UV

Version:
Date:
4.0
11.04.2011
© 2011 Thorlabs
© 2011 Thorlabs

© 2011 Thorlabs
Table of Contents
Foreword 4
Part I General Information 5
................................................................................................................................... 51 Safety
Part II Getting Started 6
................................................................................................................................... 61 Ordering Codes and Accessories
................................................................................................................................... 62 Unpacking
................................................................................................................................... 63 Preparation
................................................................................................................................... 84 Operating Elements
......................................................................................................................................................... 8Mounting and Sensor Position
......................................................................................................................................................... 9Filter Wheel
......................................................................................................................................................... 11Connectors
......................................................................................................................................................... 12Trigger Input
Part III Operating the Beam Profiler 13
................................................................................................................................... 131 Requirements
................................................................................................................................... 132 Installation
......................................................................................................................................................... 13Softw are Installation
......................................................................................................................................................... 23Connection to the PC
......................................................................................................................................................... 24Start the Application
................................................................................................................................... 263 The Graphics User Interface (GUI)
......................................................................................................................................................... 26GUI Overview
......................................................................................................................................................... 31Child Window s
.................................................................................................................................................. 332D Projection
.................................................................................................................................................. 363D Profile
.................................................................................................................................................. 37X,Y Profiles
.................................................................................................................................................. 39Calculation Results
........................................................................................................................................... 40Pass/Fail Test
.................................................................................................................................................. 41Plots
........................................................................................................................................... 42Plot Positions
........................................................................................................................................... 43Plot Pow er
........................................................................................................................................... 44Plot Gaussian Fit
........................................................................................................................................... 45Plot Orientation
........................................................................................................................................... 46Beam Stability
......................................................................................................................................................... 47Save Settings
................................................................................................................................... 484 Measurement with the Beam Profiler
......................................................................................................................................................... 49Operating the Instrument
......................................................................................................................................................... 50Device Settings
......................................................................................................................................................... 59Application Settings
......................................................................................................................................................... 65Pow er Correction
......................................................................................................................................................... 66Ambient Light Correction
......................................................................................................................................................... 67Hot Pixel Correction
......................................................................................................................................................... 69Measurement Results
......................................................................................................................................................... 70Save Measurement Results
......................................................................................................................................................... 75Pow er Ranges
......................................................................................................................................................... 76Pulsed Laser Sources
.................................................................................................................................................. 76No Trigger
.................................................................................................................................................. 76Softw are Trigger

© 2011 Thorlabs
.................................................................................................................................................. 78Hardw are Trigger
................................................................................................................................... 815 Beam Quality (M²) Measurement
......................................................................................................................................................... 81General
......................................................................................................................................................... 85M² Application recommendations
......................................................................................................................................................... 87Selecting Focal and Stage Length
......................................................................................................................................................... 89Extension Hardw are
.................................................................................................................................................. 89BC1M2 Extension Set for M² measurement
.................................................................................................................................................. 90Recommended Accessories
......................................................................................................................................................... 93Setting up
.................................................................................................................................................. 93Mechanical Setup
.................................................................................................................................................. 95Electrical Connections
........................................................................................................................................... 95Installation of USB to RS232 Converter
......................................................................................................................................................... 98M² Measurement
.................................................................................................................................................. 98Initialize
.................................................................................................................................................. 100Beam Alignment
.................................................................................................................................................. 104M² Panel
.................................................................................................................................................. 107M² Settings
.................................................................................................................................................. 111Running The Measurement
.................................................................................................................................................. 112Numerical Results
.................................................................................................................................................. 117Troubleshooting
......................................................................................................................................................... 119Divergence Measurement
.................................................................................................................................................. 119Divergence Measurement Panel
.................................................................................................................................................. 121Divergence Measurement Settings
.................................................................................................................................................. 123Running The Measurement
.................................................................................................................................................. 123Numerical Results
Part IV Computer Interface 126
................................................................................................................................... 1261 Libraries
................................................................................................................................... 1282 Sample Programs
................................................................................................................................... 1313 Thorlabs Beam Library
Part V Maintenance and Repair 132
................................................................................................................................... 1321 Version and other Information
................................................................................................................................... 1322 Warnings and Errors
................................................................................................................................... 1333 Cleaning
................................................................................................................................... 1354 Troubleshooting
Part VI Application Note 137
................................................................................................................................... 1371 Ambient Light Correction
................................................................................................................................... 1372 Coordinate systems
................................................................................................................................... 1383 Raw Data Measurements
................................................................................................................................... 1404 Ellipse (fitted)
................................................................................................................................... 1405 X-Y-Profile Measurement
................................................................................................................................... 1416 Gaussian Fit Measurement
................................................................................................................................... 1427 M² Theory
......................................................................................................................................................... 145Focal and stage length calculation
Part VII Appendix 146
................................................................................................................................... 1461 Certifications and Compliances
................................................................................................................................... 1472 Warranty

© 2011 Thorlabs
................................................................................................................................... 1483 Copyright
................................................................................................................................... 1494 Technical Data
......................................................................................................................................................... 149Technical Data BC106
......................................................................................................................................................... 151Wavelength Response
......................................................................................................................................................... 154Accessories
......................................................................................................................................................... 155Drawings
.................................................................................................................................................. 155BC106-UV
.................................................................................................................................................. 156BC106-VIS
.................................................................................................................................................. 157BC1M2 Mounting Adapter
.................................................................................................................................................. 158Translation Stage VT-80
................................................................................................................................... 1595 Thorlabs "End of Life" Policy (WEEE)
......................................................................................................................................................... 159Waste Treatment on your ow n Responsibility
......................................................................................................................................................... 159Ecological Background
................................................................................................................................... 1606 Listings
......................................................................................................................................................... 160List of Acronyms
......................................................................................................................................................... 160List of Symbols
......................................................................................................................................................... 161Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts
Index 162

We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application
in the field of optical measurement technique. To help us to come up
to your expectations and develop our products permanently we need
your ideas and suggestions. Therefore, please let us know about
possible criticism or ideas. We and our international partners are
looking forward to hearing from you.
Thorlabs GmbH
© 2011 Thorlabs
WARNING
Sections marked with this heading explain dangers that might result
in personal injury or death. Always read the associated information
carefully before performing the indicated procedure.
This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.
ATTENTION
Paragraphs preceeded by this symbol in the manual explain hazards
that could damage the instrument and connected equipment or may
cause loss of data.
NOTE

© 2011 Thorlabs
5General Information
1General Information
This chapter contains general information about the Beam Profiler's safety, warranty
and waste treatment.
1.1 Safety
Attention
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.
Before applying power to your PC system used to operate the Beam Profiler,
make sure that the protective conductor of the 3 conductor mains power
cord is correctly connected to the protective earth contact of the socket
outlet! Improper grounding can cause electric shock with damages to your
health or even death!
The Beam Profiler must not be operated in explosion endangered
environments!
The instrument must only be operated with a duly shielded and low
resistance USB cable delivered by Thorlabs.
Do not cover the Beam Profiler in order to prevent heating the instrument.
Changes to single components may be carried out or components not
supplied by Thorlabs be used. Only with written consent from Thorlabs may
This precision device is only transportable if duly packed into the complete
original packaging. If necessary, ask for a replacement package.
Be very carefully when removing one of the four filter holders on the filter
wheel, they act also as dust protection cover. Prevent any kind of dust
entering the entrance aperture!
Do not stick anything into the Beam Profiler aperture, you may damage the
image sensor chip because there is no protective glass in front of it.

© 2011 Thorlabs
6 Thorlabs Beam 4.0
2Getting Started
This section is provided for those interested in getting the Beam Profiler up and
running quickly. The more detailed description and advanced features are described
in the following sections.
2.1 Ordering Codes and Accessories
Ordering code
Short description
BC106-UV
CCD Camera Beam Profiler, 190 - 350 nm*
BC106-VIS
CCD Camera Beam Profiler, 350 - 1100 nm
*Design range of Lumigen coating, sensitivity is given throughout 1100 nm but shows
increased non-uniformity and noise compared to uncoated BC106-VIS.
Wavelength range of supplied UV ND filters start at 220 nm.
For beam quality (M²) measurement, extension sets including a translation stage and
mounting adapter for the beam profiler are available:
Extension Set Model
BC1M2-150
BC1M2-300
Length of translation stage
150 mm
300 mm
Please visit our homepage http://www.thorlabs.com for further information.
2.2 Unpacking
Inspect the packaging for damage. If the shipping container seems to be damaged,
keep it until you have inspected the contents and you have inspected the Camera
Beam Profiler mechanically and electrically.
Verify that you have received the following items:
1 BC106 Camera Beam Profiler instrument with mounted filter wheel
containing
o4 Attenuation filters, see Filter Wheel
o4 Filter caps in front of filters
1 USB 2.0 Cable A to Mini B, length 2 m
1 Distribution CD-ROM
1 BC106 Operation Manual
1 SM1BC Adapter
2.3 Preparation
1. Install the Thorlabs Beam software to your computer as described in Software
Installation .
2. Connect the camera using the supplied USB cable to the PC as described in
Connection to the PC .
3. Remove the filter caps screwed on the attenuation filters.
4. Rotate the filter wheel to set the highest loss optical ND filter (40 dB) in front of the
9
13
23

© 2011 Thorlabs
7Getting Started
camera aperture which is behind the bottom attenuation filter. This prevents
damage to the camera sensor.
5. Mount the Camera Beam Profiler instrument so that its optical aperture is
exposed to the optical beam you like to measure.
6. Switch on your light source but be sure to not exceed the max. allowed optical
power to the instrument. See Power Ranges for details.
Attention
Please, install the software prior to connect the instrument to your PC via
USB interface. Use only the supplied high speed (USB 2.0) cable, not full
speed (USB 1.1) cables or thin profile cables with increased resistance, this
can cause transmission errors and improper instrument operation!
75

© 2011 Thorlabs
8 Thorlabs Beam 4.0
2.4 Operating Elements
2.4.1 Mounting and Sensor Position
The Beam Profiler provides at the bottom side a mounting plate with 2 holes and
different thread - M6 (ahead) and UNC8-32 (rear).
Mount the Beam Profiler on your optical board using Thorlabs post, post holder and
base. See Accessories .
The following drawing shows the sensor position with respect to the Beam Profiler
housing edge:
The sensor is centered with respect to the holes in the mounting base, its depth
measured from the front surface of a filter holder is 16.5 mm [0.65 inches].
154

© 2011 Thorlabs
9Getting Started
2.4.2 Filter Wheel
The Thorlabs BC106 Camera Beam Profiler is equipped with a filter wheel
containing four different neutral density (ND) optical attenuation filters. The filter types
and its nominal losses are model dependent. These filters are designated for a
quick and easy adaptation of the light source power (which may exceed the
saturation power of the camera) to a power level within the dynamic range of the
CCD camera. The following image shows the BC106-UV filter wheel.
The following table gives you an overview:
Model
BC106-UV
BC106-VIS
Attenuation filters
1x 20 dB UV, reflective
1x 20 dB VIS, absorptive
1x 40 dB UV, reflective
1x 40 dB VIS, absorptive
1x 10 dB VIS, absorptive
1x 20 dB VIS, absorptive
1x 30 dB VIS, absorptive
1x 40 dB VIS, absorptive
Model BC106-VIS is equipped with four absorptive neutral density (ND) filters made
from glass, that's why they are applicable only for the visible and near infrared
wavelength range 350 - 1100 nm.
Model BC106-UV offers a wavelength range of 190 - 350 nm and therefore is
equipped also with reflective filters made from fused silica. Two absorptive filters are
similar to the VIS model and two filters for the UV are added. Because these filters
are AR coated they are only applicable for the UV range (220 - 350 nm). See
chapter Wavelength Response for detailed data.
Attention
Be sure to have selected the appropriate ND filter corresponding to the
actual operating wavelength! Keep attention to the light reflected from
reflective UV filters!
151

© 2011 Thorlabs
10 Thorlabs Beam 4.0
The nominal filter loss and also the appropriate wavelength range (UV / VIS) is
engraved to the filter housing. Note that the filter loss is wavelength dependent and
may diverge largely from its nominal value, especially for operating wavelengths at
the border of the Beam Profiler wavelength range. See chapter Wavelength
Response for details.
Which attenuation to choose?
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 Device
Settings ) of the camera. In addition, it is advisable to start with the highest loss
attenuation filter (40 dB) in order to prevent damage to the camera.
In case the Beam Profiler software displays an error "Power too high, camera
saturated!" the light intensity exceeds the maximum detectable power of the BC106
Beam Profiler. In this case additional means for external beam attenuation are
required.
In case the Beam Profiler software doesn't show a "Power too high" error you can
work with this setting and the measurement results are reliable. But, in order to
minimize beam distortions by the ND filters you should work with the lowest possible
attenuation.
Rotate the filter wheel a quarter revolution to bring the nearest lower attenuation filter
in front of the camera aperture. Whether now a "Power too high" error appears,
rotate the filter wheel back to the previous filter which was optimal. If no error
appears, rotate the wheel further until the lowest attenuation filter is in use.
If the optical beam power is low enough you can operate the Beam Profiler camera
also without any attenuation filter in front of it. For this, unscrew a filter holder out of
the filter wheel.
Attention
Be very carefully when operating the Beam Profiler without a protective filter
in front of it! Since the CCD camera sensor is freed from its protective
window it is extremely vulnerable! It is absolutely required to prevent dust
and other contaminations from entering the Beam Profiler aperture. See
Cleaning chapter for details.
When using a high loss attenuation filter in conjunction with a low power light source
the software will display a "Power too low" warning. 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 (10 dB) or remove one filter completely.
Attention
You need to enter the actually chosen ND filter loss in dB into the Beam
Profiler software as a precondition for proper power measurement results!
See Device Settings chapter.
151
50
133
50

© 2011 Thorlabs
11Getting Started
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. Increasing
the laser power will help to increase the dynamic between wanted and unwanted
light portions.
2.4.3 Connectors
The BC106 Camera Beam Profiler provides two connectors at its left side of the
instrument body.
Mini B USB connector, labeled with USB symbol
For connection to your PC, see chapter Connection to the PC
TTL Trigger input, labeled with
For synchronizing a Pulsed Laser Sources to the Beam Profiler, see
Trigger Input for specifications.
23
76
12

© 2011 Thorlabs
12 Thorlabs Beam 4.0
2.4.4 Trigger Input
An electrical TTL trigger input is provided for synchronizing the Camera Beam
Profiler's global shutter to Pulsed Laser Sources . The appropriate BNC
connector is situated on the left side of the instrument body, see Connectors .
The following table summarizes important electrical data for a compatible signal
source.
Parameter
Value
Save static voltage level
-0.5V ≤ U ≤ 6.5V
Max. low level
1.5 V
Min. high level
3.5 V
Input impedance
> 100 k
Min. pulse width
10 µs
Min. slew rate
5 ns/V
Applicable safety standards
IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD 15kV air, 8kV contact)
IEC 61000-4-5 (Lightning 12A 8/20µs)
IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT 40A 5/50ns)
Attention
Be sure to enter only a TTL compatible signal to the BNC jack not exceeding
the range (-0.5 V … +6.5 V). Higher or lower voltages may damage the Beam
Profiler input!
Note
Use shielded coaxial cables for connecting the trigger source only. Do not connect a
trigger cable without a signal source because it may capture disturbing trigger
pulses.
76
11

© 2011 Thorlabs
13Getting Started
3Operating the Beam Profiler
This section gives a more detailed description for operating the Thorlabs Beam
Profiler.
3.1 Requirements
To operate the Beam Profiler on a PC your system needs to fulfill the following
Minimum hard- and software requirements:
Operating system: Windows XP® SP2 (32bit), Windows Vista®, Windows 7®
(32 or 64 bit)
USB 2.0 high speed port
Monitor resolution minimum 800 x 600 pixel (>= 16 bit color depth)
Processor: Pentium 4 ≥ 2,6 GHz, 3,0 GHz Intel or A64 3000+ AMD, 1,0 GB
RAM
OpenGL (specification GLX 1.3 up) compatible graphics adapter:
oRadeon (X100 series ≥ X850, X1000 series ≥ X1600, HD series ≥ 2400)
oGeforce 7 series ≥ 7600, 8 series ≥ 8500, 9 series ≥ 9600
oQuadro FX series ≥ FX770M
For optimal performance Thorlabs suggests to follow these
Recommended hardware features:
USB 2.0 high speed port
Processor: Core 2 Duo E4300 or A64 X2 3800+ AMD, 2,0 GB RAM
OpenGL (specification GLX 1.3 up) compatible graphics adapter:
oRadeon HD series ≥ 3870
oGeforce 8 series ≥ 8800, 9 series ≥ 9800, GTX series ≥ 260
oQuadro FX series ≥ 2700M
3.2 Installation
3.2.1 Software Installation
Insert the "Thorlabs Beam CD 4.0" (or higher) CD-ROM in your CD/DVD drive. It
automatically starts up and displays the installation start screen.
In case this 'auto start' feature is disabled on your computer please execute the
"Autorun\Autorun.exe" file on the CD.
Quick Overview
The installation CD contains of 3 parts - Software and Drivers, NI-VISA Runtime and
Manual. Starting with the Topic"Install Software and Drivers", the Beam software is
being installed to your computer, with a subsequent check for NI-VISA Runtime: If no
NI-VISA Runtime is installed to your computer, or the installed version is older than 4.
x, you will be prompted to install it. Therefore you may use the appropriate installer
on the CD 4.0 (NI-VISA Runtime 5.0.2).
Finally, you can find this manual in PDF format on the CD.

© 2011 Thorlabs
14 Thorlabs Beam 4.0
Installation
The following procedure is described for installation to a Windows 7® operating
system.
Click to the first topic.
It is recommended to follow the recommended path, click Next.

© 2011 Thorlabs
15Operating the Beam Profiler
Please read this license agreement carefully, choose "I agree" and click 'Next'.
Click "Next", the software installation starts.

© 2011 Thorlabs
16 Thorlabs Beam 4.0
A new window appears, click "Next" to continue.
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 installation. However, if you do not want to do that, please click the "Install
button.
Thorlabs USB driver is now installed. Further, you will be asked to confirm the

© 2011 Thorlabs
17Operating the Beam Profiler
installation of another two device software. Please proceed as described above.

© 2011 Thorlabs
18 Thorlabs Beam 4.0
Now, the Beam software including device drivers is installed to your computer.
Click "Next",
and "Close" to complete the software installation.
After finishing, the installer runs a check for installed NI-VISA Runtime. If you have a
Version 4.x up already installed to your computer, you can proceed immediately with
Connection to the PC , else please proceed with second topic as per the
screenshots below.
23