THORLABS PM10-3 User manual

Operation Manual
Thorlabs Instrumentation
Optical Power Meter System
PM10-3
PM10-10
2006

Version: 1.04 M0009-510-405
Date: 12.05.2006
Copyright©2005, Thorlabs

Contents Page
1Safety 1
2Description 3
2.1 Parts List – Accessories 3
2.2 Operating Elements 4
2.3 Operating Instruction 5
1. Connect the Thermal Sensor 5
2. Connect the PM10 to a DVM 5
3. Switch on the PM10 5
4. Zero the Meter 6
5. Measure the Optical Power 6
2.4 Technical Data 7
2.4.1 PM10 Thermal Head Interface 7
2.4.2 S210A 3W Thermal Sensor 8
2.4.3 S212A 10W Thermal Sensor 9
3Calibration and Warranty 10
3.1 Calibration 10
3.2 Warranty 10
4Service and maintenance 12
4.1 General Care 12
4.2 Cleaning 12
4.3 Battery replacement 12
4.4 Repair 13
4.5 Certifications and Compliances 14
4.6 Thorlabs “End of Life” policy (WEEE) 15
4.6.1 Waste treatment on your own responsibility 15
4.6.2 Ecological background 16
4.7 Addresses 17

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
Attention
This manual contains “WARNINGS” and “ATTENTION” label in this
form, to indicate danger for persons or possible damage of equip-
ment.
Please read these advises carefully!
NOTE
This manual also contains “NOTES” and “HINTS” written in this form.

2.1 Parts List – Accessories
PM10 / page 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.
Use only the power cord specified for the unit.
Do not operate the power meter if its panels are removed or any of
the interior circuitry is exposed
Do not operate the power meter in wet or damp conditions, or in an
explosive atmosphere.
Operate the power meter only within the specified voltage range
Do not apply voltage outside the specified range of the input connec-
tions
Do not operate the power meter if there are suspected failures. Refer
damaged units to qualified Thorlabs service personnel

2.1 Parts List – Accessories
PM10 / page 2
Attention 
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commer-
cial 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.
Standard shielding and filtering measures have to be undertaken to
avoid interferences with other electronic equipment!
NOTE
Please check prior to operation, if the line voltage range, indicated on the
power supply agrees with your local supply

2.1 Parts List – Accessories
PM10 / page 3
2 Description
The Thorlabs PM10 Power Meter system is an easy to use, flexible optical power
measurement system with thermal sensor in combination with any Digital Voltmeter
(DVM) with 19mm connector distance. All operating elements are designed for
easiest use. The circuitry is designed for fast response time.
The Thorlabs’ thermal power meter sensors feature a broad wavelength range with a
flat spectral response from 0.25 to 10.6µm. Please refer to www.thorlabs.com for
new sensors that will enhance the PM10 system.
The unit is powered by a 6V photo battery for long life operating times.
2.1 Parts List – Accessories
The power meter system consists of the following items:
•PM10 thermal head interface
•Operation manual
Depending on the order code the power meter system comes with one of the sensors
given below:
PM10-3: S210A – Thermal Power Head; 20mW – 3W; 250nm – 10.6µm
PM10-10: S212A – Thermal Power Head; 20mW – 10W; 250nm – 10.6µm
When unpacking the PM10 system the first time, please check if all items are present
and in good condition. If any items are missing or damaged please advise Thorlabs
immediately for issuing a Returned Material Authorization (RMA) for this instrument.

2.2 Operating Elements
PM10 / page 4
2.2 Operating Elements
Figure 1 PM10 Front Panel
Figure 2 PM10 Side Panel
On Switch and
Gain Selector
Probe Zero Adjust
Low Battery
Indicator
DB9 Sensor Jack
Analog Output
(DVM in)
GND V+

2.3 Operating Instruction
PM10 / page 5
OFF/Gain Switch Switches the unit on and sets the gain to multiply the
voltage from the thermal sensor by a factor of 100 or 1000.
Model Sensor
Responsivity Gain x100 Resp. – Pmax (UDVM) Gain x1000 Resp. – Pmax (UDVM)
PM10-3 1mV/W 0.1V/W - 3W (0.3V) 1V/W - 2W (2V)
PM10-10 1mV/W 0.1V/W - 10W (1V) 1V/W - 2W (2V)
Probe Zero Adjust Is used to compensate ambient thermal effects by adjusting
the meter to zero.
The adjusting range is about +/- 25 % of each power range.
Low Battery Indicator The red LED lights up when the battery voltage gets under
a level where the measurement gets influenced. When the
LED is flashing it is time to replace the battery.
DB9 Sensor Jack Accepts all Thorlabs S2xxA series detectors.
Analog Output These two banana connectors output a voltage from 0.0 to
2.0V corresponding to the gain setting.
2.3 Operating Instruction
1. Connect the Thermal Sensor
Plug the DB-9 connector of the optical head into the jack located on the side of
the box and secure the two screws.
2. Connect the PM10 to a DVM
Plug the PM10 box into the voltage inputs of a DVM.
3. Switch on the PM10
Switch from the off position to the desired gain setting (x100, x1000)

2.3 Operating Instruction
PM10 / page 6
4. Zero the Meter
Set the gain according the power to be measured and zero the voltage reading
of the DVM with the Zero Adjust potentiometer.
5. Measure the Optical Power
Place the sensor in the path of the laser beam and read the optical power on
the display of the connected DVM. Note: The decimal point of the voltage
reading may not correspondent to the decimal point of the optical power.
Attention 
Refer to the sensor data sheet and pay attention to the optical
damage threshold!
Exceeding these values will permanently destroy the sensor!

2.4 Technical Data
PM10 / page 7
2.4 Technical Data
(All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5°C and 45 ±15% humidity)
2.4.1 PM10 Thermal Head Interface
General
Dimensions (H x W x D) 57 x 42 x 46.5 mm³
(2.24” x 1.65” x 1.83”) With banana connectors
Weight 0.1 kg
Operating Temperature 5°C – 40°C
Storage Temperature -20°C – 70°C
Meter Specifications
Measurement Range 10mW to 100W Sensor dependent
Gain Stages X 100
X 1000
Power Resolution 0.1% full scale DVM dependent
Meter Response Time < 1 sec Within 2% of final value
Analog Output 0 to 2.2V Corresponding to Gain Setting
Accuracy +/- 1% full scale
Power Supply
Battery Operation 6V Lithium
V28PXL – 2CR1/3N Customer Replaceable
Low Battery indicator LED in front panel Battery voltage < 5.5V
Battery Life time 150 hrs
Safety CE compliant

2.4 Technical Data
PM10 / page 8
2.4.2 S210A 3W Thermal Sensor
Part of PM10-3 optical power meter system
Mechanical Drawing:
Specifications:
Spectra range: 250nm – 10.6µm
Sensor: Thermal
Input aperture: ∅19mm (3/4”)
Distance to detector: 8.0mm (0.315”)
Aperture thread: 3/4”-32
Optical power range: 20mW – 3W
Resolution: 1mW
Measurement Standard: NIST traceable
Measurement uncertainty: +/- 5%
Optical damage threshold: 200W/cm² CW
3.3J/cm² (1ms pulse @ 1064nm)
50mJ/cm² (20ns pulse @ 1064nm)
Size: 33.0mmx∅63.5mm (1.3” x ∅2.5”)
Weight: 0.51kg (1.13lbs)

2.4 Technical Data
PM10 / page 9
2.4.3 S212A 10W Thermal Sensor
Part of PM10-10 optical power meter system
Mechanical Drawing:
Specifications:
Spectra range: 250nm – 10.6µm
Sensor: Thermal
Input aperture: ∅12.7mm (1/2”)
Distance to detector: 55.9mm (2.20”)
Aperture thread: none
Optical power range: 20mW – 10W
Resolution: 1mW
Measurement Standard: NIST traceable
Measurement uncertainty: +/- 5%
Optical damage threshold: 200W/cm² CW
3.3J/cm² (1ms pulse @ 1064nm)
50mJ/cm² (20ns pulse @ 1064nm)
Size: 81.3mmx∅63.5mm (3.2” x ∅2.5”)
Weight: 0.51kg (1.13lbs)

3.1 Calibration
PM10 / page 10
3 Calibration and Warranty
3.1 Calibration
Thorlabs optical power meters and sensors are precise instruments that are designed
to deliver very accurate measurements and provide useful service over a long period
of time. For maintaining this high level of performance, Thorlabs recommends to
have the measurement system serviced and recalibrated once a year.
Thorlabs will service and recalibrate the power meter and sensor head for a nominal
fee. Please contact Thorlabs customer service to make the appropriate arrange-
ments.
3.2 Warranty
Thorlabs warrants material and production of the PM10 power meter system for a
period of 24 months starting with the date of shipment. During this warranty period
Thorlabs will see to defaults by repair or by exchange if these are entitled to
warranty.
For warranty repairs or service the unit must be sent back to Thorlabs (Germany)or
to a place determined by Thorlabs . The customer will carry the shipping costs to
Thorlabs , in case of warranty repairs Thorlabs will carry the shipping costs back to
the customer.
If no warranty repair is applicable the customer also has to carry the costs for back
shipment.
In case of shipment from outside EU duties, taxes etc. which should arise have to be
carried by the customer.
Thorlabs warrants the hard- and software determined by Thorlabs for this unit to
operate fault-free provided that they are handled according to our requirements.
However, Thorlabs does not warrant a faulty free and uninterrupted operation of the
unit, of the soft- or firmware for special applications nor this instruction manual to be
error free. Thorlabs is not liable for consequential damages.

3.2 Warranty
PM10 / page 11
Restriction of warranty
The warranty mentioned before does not cover errors and defects being the result of
improper treatment, software or interface not supplied by us, modification, misuse or
operation outside the defined ambient conditions stated by us or unauthorized
maintenance.
Further claims will not be consented to and will not be acknowledged. Thorlabs does
explicitly not warrant the usability or the economical use for certain cases of
application.
Thorlabs reserves the right to change this instruction manual or the technical data of
the described unit at any time.

4.1 General Care
PM10 / page 12
4 Service and maintenance
4.1 General Care
Protect the PM10 from adverse weather conditions. The PM10 is not water resistant.
Attention 
To avoid damage to the PM10, do not expose it to spray, liquids or
solvents!
4.2 Cleaning
To clean the unit, use a mild detergent and damp cloth. Do not soak the unit in water
or use solvent base cleaners.
The sensors on the thermal heads cannot be cleaned. Gently blow off any debris
using compressed air. If any scratches or other signs of damage remain on the
sensor area, contact Thorlabs service department for repair or replacement.
4.3 Battery replacement
To change the battery open the two screws in the bottom of the interface box and lift
off the cover. Replace battery only with same type and rating. Attend to the right
polarity, insert the battery as shown in figure 3.
Figure 3 Battery Replacement
+

4.4 Repair
PM10 / page 13
4.4 Repair
The power meter system does not contain any components to be repaired by the
user. If any disturbances in function should occur, please contact Thorlabs prior to
sending the respective unit to Thorlabs Germany for repair.

4.5 Certifications and Compliances
PM10 / page 14
4.5 Certifications and Compliances
Category Standards or description
EC Declaration
of Conformity -
EMC
Meets intent of Directive 89/336/EEC for Electromagnetic Compatibility.
Compliance to the following specifications as listed in the Official Journal of the
European Communities is given:
EN 61326 EMC requirements for Class A electrical equipment
for measurement, control and laboratory use,
including Class A Radiated and Conducted
Emissions and Immunity.1,2
IEC 61000-4-2 Electrostatic Discharge Immunity (Performance
criterion C)1
IEC 61000-4-3 Radiated RF Electromagnetic Field Immunity
(Performance criterion A)1
IEC 61000-4-4 Electrical Fast Transient / Burst Immunity
(Performance criterion C) 1
1 For full compliance with these standards this unit
must be operated in a grounded and shielded
housing. The power supply must be propperly
filtered!
2 Emissions which exceed the levels required by
these standards, may occur when this equipment is
connected to a test object.

4.6 Thorlabs “End of Life” policy (WEEE)
PM10 / page 15
4.6 Thorlabs “End of Life” policy (WEEE)
As required by the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive) of
the European Community and the corresponding national laws, Thorlabs offers all
end users in the EC the possibility to return “end of life” units without incurring
disposal charges.
This offer is valid for Thorlabs electrical and electronic equipment
•sold after August 13th 2005
•marked correspondingly with the crossed out “wheelie bin” logo (see fig. 1)
•sold to a company or institute within the EC
•currently owned by a company or institute within the EC
•still complete, not disassembled and not contaminated
As the WEEE directive applies to self contained operational electrical and electronic
products, this “end of life” take back service does not refer to other Thorlabs
products, such as
•pure OEM products, that means assemblies to be built into a unit by the user
(e. g. OEM laser driver cards)
•components
•mechanics and optics
•left over parts of units disassembled by the user (PCB’s, housings etc.).
If you wish to return a Thorlabs unit for waste recovery, please contact Thorlabs or
your nearest dealer for further information.
4.6.1 Waste treatment on your own responsibility
If you do not return an “end of life” unit to Thorlabs, you must hand it to a company
specialized in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public
waste disposal site.

4.6 Thorlabs “End of Life” policy (WEEE)
PM10 / page 16
4.6.2 Ecological background
It is well known that WEEE pollutes the environment by releasing toxic products
during decomposition. The aim of the European RoHS directive is to reduce the
content of toxic substances in electronic products in the future.
The intent of the WEEE directive is to enforce the recycling of WEEE. A controlled
recycling of end of live products will thereby avoid negative impacts on the
environment.
Figure 4 Crossed out “wheelie bin” symbol