THORLABS PM100A User manual

Operation Manual
Thorlabs Instrumentation
Optical Power Meter
PM100A
2011

Version: 17655-D02 REV C
Date: 21.04.2011
Copyright©2011, Thorlabs, Germany

Contents page
1General Information 4
1.1 Safety 5
1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories 7
2Getting Started 8
3Unpacking 8
3.1 Preparation 8
3.2 Physical Overview 9
3.2.1 Front Panel 9
3.2.2 Side Panel 9
3.2.3 Rear Panel 10
3.2.4 Bottom 10
3.2.5 Display 11
4Operating the PM100A 12
4.1 Connecting a Power Sensor 12
4.2 Controlling the PM100A 12
4.2.1 Navigating the Menus 12
4.2.2 System Settings 12
4.2.3 Power Measurement 14
4.2.3.1 Range and Scale Control 14
4.2.3.2 Wavelength Correction 14
4.2.3.3 Zeroing 15
4.2.3.4 Setting an Attenuation / Gain Factor 16
4.2.3.5 Relative Power Measurement 17
4.2.4 Display Options 17
4.2.5 Sensor Dependent Functions 18
4.2.5.1 Photodiode Sensors 18
4.2.5.2 Thermal Power Sensors 19
4.3 Analog Output 21
4.4 Tune Sound 21
4.5 Battery Charging 22
5Measurement Considerations 23
5.1 Choosing the right Sensor 23
5.2 Reducing Noise for High Accuracy Measurements 23
5.3 Power Measurement of Pulsed Signals 24
5.4 Line width of Light Sources 24
5.5 Temperature Effects on Thermal Sensors 24
5.6 Ambient and Stray Light 25
5.7 Back Reflection 25

2
5.8 Beam Diameter vs. Active Sensor Area 25
5.9 Fiber Based Measurements 26
6Computer Interface 27
6.1 PM100 Utility Software 27
6.1.1 Front Panel 28
6.1.2 Description of the Front Panel Elements: 28
6.2 Firmware Update 31
6.3 Simple LabVIEW Example using SCPI Commands 32
6.4 Using the Instrument Drivers 36
6.5 SCPI Commands 37
6.5.1 An Introduction to the SCPI language 37
6.5.2 IEEE488.2 Common Commands 40
6.5.2.1 Command summary 40
6.5.2.2 Command reference 41
6.5.2.3 PM100D specific SCPI Command Reference 42
6.6 Maintenance and Repair 52
6.7 Maintenance 52
6.8 Troubleshooting 53
7Appendix 54
7.1 Warranty 54
7.2 Certifications and compliances 55
7.3 Technical data 56
7.4 Pin Assignment of the Sensor Connector 58
7.5 Thorlabs „End of Life‟ policy (WEEE) 59
7.5.1 Waste treatment on your own responsibility 59
7.5.2 Ecological background 60
7.6 List of figures 61
7.7 Addresses 62

1.1 Safety
3
We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application in the
field of optical measurement technique. To help us to live 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
This part of the instruction manual contains every specific information on the
PM100A handheld optical power meter. A general description is followed by
explanations of how to operate the unit manually. You will also find information about
a simple remote control of the unit.
Attention
This manual contains „WARNINGS” and „ATTENTION” labels in this
form, to indicate danger for persons or possible damage to equip-
ment.
Please read these advises carefully!
NOTE
This manual also contains „NOTES” and „HINTS” written in this form.

1.1 Safety
4
1 General Information
The PM100A Handheld Optical Power Meter is designed to measure the optical
power of laser light or other monochromatic or near monochromatic light sources and
the energy of pulsed light sources.
The space-saving, battery powered design and compatibility to all Thorlabs “C-Type”
Photodiode and Thermal sensors, and custom Photodiode and Thermal detectors,
featured with a fast USB device interface open a wide range of applications in
Manufacturing, Quality Control, Quality Assurance, and R&D for stationary and field
use.
The unit combines a precise 4 digit power readout with a mechanical, mirror
supported analog needle meter to perform laser tuning tasks or watching trends.
Please refer to the user manual on the data carrier supplied with the unit for detailed
function description.
The provided software, including drivers and applications for LabVIEW and C makes
it easy to integrate the instrument in test and measurement systems.
A rechargeable lithium polymer battery allows long intervals between the charging
cycles. The unit can be recharged with the supplied AC adapter or via USB
connection to a PC or laptop.

1.1 Safety
5
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.
The power meter PM100A must not be operated in explosion endan-
gered environments!
Sensor, photodiode and control inputs and outputs must only be
connected with duly shielded connection cables.
Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single compo-
nents be carried out or components not supplied by Thorlabs be used.
Do not remove covers!
Refer servicing to qualified personal!
Attention 
Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters are
not to be used within the range of three meters of this unit since the
electromagnetic field intensity may then exceed the maximum
allowed disturbance values according to IEC 61326-1.
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).

1.1 Safety
6
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 accompanying documentation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules and meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment Standard ICES-003 for digital apparatus. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful inter-
ference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
▪ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
▪ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
▪ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
▪ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/T.V. technician for help.
Thorlabs GmbH is not responsible for any radio television interfer-
ence caused by modifications of this equipment or the substitution
or attachment of connecting cables and equipment other than those
specified by Thorlabs GmbH. 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.

1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
7
1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
Order Code
Description
PM100A
Handheld Power Meter Console
Photodiode Power Sensors:
Order Code
Type
Detector
Aperture
mm
Wavelength
nm
Power
W
S120C
Compact Sensor
Si
9.5
400 - 1100
50n - 50m
S120VC
Compact Sensor
UV-Si
9.5
200 - 1100
50n - 50m
S121C
Compact Sensor
Si
9.5
400 - 1100
500n - 500m
S122C
Compact Sensor
Ge
9.5
700 - 1800
50n - 40m
S130C
Slim Sensor
Dual Range
Si
9.5
400 - 1100
5n - 5m
500n - 500m
S130VC
Slim Sensor
Dual Range
UV-Si
9.5
200 - 1100
5n - 5m
50n - 50m
S132C
Slim Sensor
Dual Range
Ge
9.5
700 - 1800
1200 - 1800
5n - 5m
500n - 500m
S140C
Integr. Sphere (1”)
Si
5.0
350 - 1100
1µ - 500m
S144C
Integr. Sphere (1”)
InGaAs
5.0
800 - 1700
1µ - 500m
S142C
Integr. Sphere (2”)
Si
12
350 - 1100
10µ - 20
S145C
Integr. Sphere (2”)
InGaAs
12
800 - 1700
1µ - 3
S145C
Integr. Sphere (2”)
InGaAs
12
800 - 1700
10µ - 20
S150C
Fiber Head
Si
3.6 x 3.6
350 - 1100
100p - 5m
S151C
Fiber Head
Si
3.6 x 3.6
400 - 1100
1n - 20m
S154C
Fiber Head
InGaAs
2.0
700 - 1700
100p - 5m
S155C
Fiber Head
InGaAs
2.0
700 - 1700
1n –20m
Thermal Power Sensors:
Order Code
Type
Aperture
mm
Wavelength
nm
Power
W
S302C
Thermally Stabilized
Thermal Absorber
12
190 - 25000
100µ - 2
S310C
Thermal Surface Absorber
20
190 - 25000
10m - 10
S314C
Thermal Surface Absorber
25
190 - 10600
10m - 60
S322C
Thermal Surface Absorber
25
190 - 10600
100m - 250
S350C
Thermal Surface Absorber
Excimer Coating
40
190 - 1100
and 10600
10m - 60
S370C
Thermal Volume Absorber
for high peak power lasers
25
400 - 5200
10m - 15
Please visit our homepage http://www.thorlabs.com for various accessories like fiber
adapters, posts and post-holders, data sheets and further information.

3.1 Preparation
8
2 Getting Started
3 Unpacking
Inspect the shipping container for damage.
If the shipping container seems to be damaged, keep it until you have inspected the
contents and you have inspected the PM100A mechanically and electrically.
Verify that you have received the following items within the hard-case:
1. PM100A power meter console
2. Plug-In power supply with Interchangeable primary plug for USA, UK, Europe,
and Australia
3. USB cable, type „A‟ to „mini-B‟
4. Quick-start guide
5. USB memory stick with instrument drivers, user application and operation
manual
6. Certificate of Calibration
3.1 Preparation
Configure the plug-in power supply with the primary plug for your local power supply.
Connect a suitable power or energy sensor.
Turn the unit on by pressing the power button in the side panel.
After switching on the unit, the graphics display will show the device status and then
jump to the last measurement screen before power down.
The PM100A is immediately ready to use after turning on.