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!