THORLABS PM100D Installation manual

Operation Manual
Thorlabs Instrumentation
Optical Power and Energy Meter
PM100D
2009

Version: 17654-D02 REV E
Date: 16.11.2009
Copyright©2009, Thorlabs, Germany

Contents page
1General Information 4
1.1Safety 5
1.2Ordering Codes and Accessories 7
2Getting Started 9
3Unpacking 9
3.1Preparation 9
3.2Physical Overview 10
3.2.1Front Panel 10
3.2.2Side Panel 10
3.2.3Bottom 11
3.2.4Rear Panel 11
3.2.5Display Options 12
4Operating the PM100D 15
4.1Connecting a Power or Energy Sensor 15
4.2Controlling the PM100D 15
4.2.1Navigating the Menus 15
4.2.2System Settings 16
4.2.3Power and Energy Measurement in the Numeric Display 17
4.2.3.1Range Control 17
4.2.3.2Wavelength Correction 18
4.2.3.3Readout Configuration 19
4.2.3.4Zeroing 19
4.2.3.5Setting an Attenuation / Gain Factor 20
4.2.3.6Light Intensity Measurements 20
4.2.3.7Min / Max Monitor 21
4.2.3.8Relative Power / Energy Measurements 21
4.2.3.9Sensor Temperature Measurements 21
4.2.3.10Frequency Measurements 21
4.2.4Sensor Dependent Functions 22
4.2.4.1Photodiode Sensors 22
4.2.4.2Thermal Power Sensors 24
4.2.4.3Pyroelectric Energy Sensors 26
4.2.5Display Options 28
4.2.6Statistics Display 28
4.2.7Needle Display 28
4.2.8Tune Graph and Pulse Graph Display 29
4.3Analog Output 29
4.4Tuning Sound 29
4.5SD Memory Card 29
4.6Battery Charging 30
5Measurement Considerations 32
5.1Choosing the right Sensor 32
5.2Reducing Noise for High Accuracy Measurements 32
5.3Power Measurement of Pulsed Signals 33
5.4Line width of Light Sources 33

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5.5Temperature Effects on Thermal Sensors 33
5.6Ambient and Stray Light 34
5.7Back Reflection 34
5.8Beam Diameter vs. Active Sensor Area 34
5.9Fiber Based Measurements 35
6Computer Interface 37
6.1PM100D Utility Software 37
6.1.1Front Panel 38
6.1.2Description of the Front Panel Elements: 38
6.2Firmware Update 41
6.3Using the Instrument Drivers 42
6.3.1Instrument Driver Installation 42
6.3.2Instrument Driver Example 42
6.4PM100D SCPI Commands 43
6.4.1An Introduction to the SCPI language 43
6.4.2IEEE488.2 Common Commands 46
6.4.2.1Command summary 46
6.4.2.2Command reference 47
6.4.2.3PM100D specific SCPI Command Reference 48
6.4.3Simple LabVIEW Example using SCPI Commands 58
7Maintenance and Repair 62
7.1Maintenance 62
7.2Troubleshooting 63
8Appendix 64
8.1Warranty 64
8.2Certifications and compliances 65
8.3Technical data 66
8.4Pin Assignment of the Sensor Connector 69
8.5Thorlabs ‘End of Life’ policy (WEEE) 70
8.5.1Waste treatment on your own responsibility 70
8.5.2Ecological background 71
8.6List of figures 72
8.7Addresses 73

1.1 Safety
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
PM100D handheld optical power and energy 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.
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1.1 Safety
1 General Information
The PM100D Handheld Optical Power and Energy 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, Thermal, Pyroelectric sensors, and custom Photodiode, Thermal and
Pyroelectric detectors, combined 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 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.
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1.1 Safety
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 PM100D 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).
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1.1 Safety
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.
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1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
Order Code Description
PM100D Handheld Power/Energy 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
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1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
Pyroelectric Energy Sensors:
Order Code Type Aperture
mm
Wavelength
nm
Energy
J
ES111C Pyroelectric Sensor with
broadband coating
∅11 185 - 25000 10µ - 150m
ES120C Pyroelectric Sensor with
broadband coating
∅20 185 - 25000 100µ - 500m
ES145C Pyroelectric Sensor with
broadband coating
∅45 185 - 25000 500µ - 2
ES220C Pyroelectric Sensor with
ceramic coating
∅20 185 - 25000 500µ - 3
ES245C Pyroelectric Sensor with
ceramic coating
∅45 185 - 25000 1m -15
Please visit our homepage http://www.thorlabs.com for various accessories like fiber
adapters, posts and post-holders, data sheets and further information.
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