THORLABS PM100USB User manual

Optical Power Meter
PM100USB
Operation Manual
2020

Version:
Date: 1.5 13-Mar-2020
Copyright © 2020 Thorlabs

Foreword
Contents 3
1 General Information 4
2 First Steps 5
52.1 Parts List
3 Operating Instruction 6
63.1 Operating Elements 63.2 Connecting a Power Sensor
4 Software 8
84.1 Requirements
5 Sensor Dependent Functions 9
95.1 Photodiode Sensors 95.1.1 Wavelength Setting 95.1.2 Bandwidth Setting (Signal Filtering) 95.1.3 Custom Photodiodes 105.2 Thermal Power Sensors 105.2.1 Wavelength Setting 115.2.2 Read-out Acceleration 115.2.3 Custom Thermal Sensors 115.3 Pyroelectric Energy Sensors 125.3.1 Auto Range 125.3.2 Trigger Level 125.3.3 Average Power Measurement 125.3.4 Density Calculation 125.3.5 Custom Pyroelectric Sensors
6 Measurement Considerations 14
146.1 Choosing the Right Sensor 156.2 Reducing Noise for High Accuracy Measurements 166.3 Power Measurement of Pulsed Signals 166.4 Line Width of Light Sources 166.5 Temperature Effects on Thermal Sensors 176.6 Ambient and Stray Light 176.7 Back Reflection 176.8 Beam Diameter vs. Active Sensor Area 176.9 Fiber Based Measurements
7 Computer Interface 18
187.1 SCPI Commands 187.1.1 Introduction to the SCPI Language

227.1.2 IEEE488.2 Common Commands
22
7.1.2.1 Command Summary
23
7.1.2.2 Command Reference
24
7.1.2.3 PM100USB specific SCPI Command Reference
8 Maintenance and Service 31
9 Appendix 32
329.1 Technical Data 359.2 Pin Assignment of the Sensor Connector 369.3 Tutorial 369.3.1 Definitions and Explanations
36
9.3.1.1 Power Meter Specifications
37
9.3.1.2 Sensor Specifications
399.3.2 Calculations 429.4 Safety 439.5 Certifications and Compliances 449.6 Warranty 449.7 Copyright and Exclusion of Liability 459.8 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts and WEEE policy

© 2020 Thorlabs
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 constantly improve our products 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
Warning
Sections marked by this symbol explain dangers that might result in
personal injury or death. Always read the associated information
carefully before performing the indicated procedure.
Please read this advice carefully!
This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.
Attention
Paragraphs preceded by this symbol explain hazards that could
damage the instrument and the connected equipment or may cause
loss of data.
Note
3

© 2020 Thorlabs4
PM100USB
1 General Information
The PM100USB Optical Power and Energy Meter measures the optical power of laser light or
other monochromatic or near monochromatic light, detected by an appropriate sensor and is
compatible with all Thorlabs “C-Series” Photodiodes, Thermal Sensors, Pyroelectrics Energy
Sensors, and respective custom sensors.
The PM100USB is run through the utility software Optical Power Monitor OPM from a PC,
tablet or laptop that is connected via a fast USB interface which makes it easy to integrate the
instrument in test and measurement systems. The OPM software, including the instrument
drivers, is available for download from the Thorlabs website. For previous TL software versions,
please visit the Thorlabs software website.
These features, combined with its space saving design, enable a wide range of applications in
Manufacturing, Quality Control, Quality Assurance, and R&D for stationary and field use.
Please refer to the user manual of the OPM software for detailed function description.
Attention
Please find all safety information and warnings concerning this product in the chapter Safety in
the Appendix.
8

© 2020 Thorlabs
2 First Steps
5
2 First Steps
Inspect the shipping container for damage.
If the shipping container seems to be damaged, keep it until you have inspected the contents
for completeness and tested the PM100USB mechanically and electrically.
Verify that you have received the following items within the package:
2.1 Parts List
1. PM100USB power/energy meter
2. USB cable, type ‘A’ to ‘mini-B’
3. Quick Reference
4. Certificate of Calibration

© 2020 Thorlabs6
PM100USB
3 Operating Instruction
·Download and install the software Optical Power Monitor on the steering device (PC,
laptop or tablet)
Note
Install the software prior to connecting the Power Meter to the PC.
·Connect a suitable sensor to the PM100USB.
·Connect the PM100USB to the PC using the supplied USB cable.
·For detailed instructions on steering the PM100USB through the software, please down-
load the manual for the application software OPM.
3.1 Operating Elements
1 DE-9 connector for power / energy sensors
2 USB connector to remote steering device (PC or tablet)
3 LED: sensor detected and PM100USB ready for operation
4 LED: USB connection to remote steering device (PC or tablet) established
3.2 Connecting a Power Sensor
The PM100USB supports all Thorlabs C-Series photodiode, energy, and thermal sensors, that
can be easily identified by the red connector-housing of the DE-9 connector, compared to older
versions of Thorlabs power sensors. Sensor type and calibration data are saved in the non-
volatile memory of the DE-9 connector. Upon connection, this information is automatically sent
to the PM100USB and to the steering device and software. The software will automatically rec-
ognize the sensor. For help to choose the most appropriate sensor, please refer to the chapter
Choosing the Right Sensor .
To plug-in or remove a sensor, slightly press on the two bolts in the connector housing, that fix
it by tension.
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14

© 2020 Thorlabs
3 Operating Instruction
7
DE-9 connector
Sensors can be hot-swapped to the power meter. After recognizing a new valid sensor, the type
and calibration data will be downloaded to the power meter in approximately 2 seconds and the
unit is ready to operate with the new sensor.
Note
Although the power meter recognizes the sensor, this sensor information may not automatically
be passed on to the utility software OPM. Please disconnect and reconnect the power meter to
the PC to have the software recognize the power meter with the new sensor.
Note
Older Thorlabs Sensors without a DE-9 connector
The PM100USB will NOT automatically recognize sensors lacking a DE-9 connector, as for the
case of the 'A' and 'B' series. Please contact Thorlabs for an upgrade of old sensors with
DE-9 connectors.
Note
Custom Sensors
To use sensors without a DE-9 connector, manufactured by Thorlabs or else, please provide an
appropriate adapter. To build the adapter, refer to the pin-out of the DE-9 connector shown in
the Appendix . The adapter will be automatically recognized by the application software
Optical Power Monitor as "Photodiode adapter". For more information, please refer to the re-
spective subsections in the manual chapter Sensor Dependent Functions for Custom Photo-
diodes , Custom Thermal Sensors and Custom Pyroelectric Sensors .
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35
9
9 11 12

© 2020 Thorlabs8
PM100USB
4 Software
The utility software Optical Power Monitor (OPM) easily enables remote operation of the
PM100USB from a PC, laptop or tablet. The software is available for download from the
Thorlabs website and provides a Graphic User Interface to view, log, and analyze measure-
ment data.
All information on device steering and data management software can be found in the software
manual downloaded here.
Note
Do not connect the PM100USB prior to software installation!
Note
The PM100USB can also be run using custom made software. For this, please refer to the
chapter Write-Your-Own-Application (WYOA) in the software manual.
Older software versions can still be used to run the PM100USB. Please refer to the software
web page for more information.
4.1 Requirements
The software supplied for remote operation of the PM100USB requires a PC hardware and
software environment as specified in the on the website and software manual.