THORLABS PM100USB User manual

Optical Power Meter
PM100USB
Operation Manual
2017

Version:
Date:
1.3
10-Oct-2017
Copyright © 2017 Thorlabs

Foreword
Contents
2
1General Information 3
31.1 Safety
41.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
2Parts List 5
3Operating Instruction 6
63.1 Operating Elements
73.2 Connecting a Power Sensor
4Measurement Considerations 8
84.1 Choosing the right sensor
84.2 Reducing Noise for high Accuracy Measurements
94.3 Power Measurement of Pulsed Signals
94.4 Line Width of Light Sources
104.5 Temperature Effects on Thermal Sensors
104.6 Ambient and Stray Light
104.7 Back Reflection
104.8 Beam Diameter vs. Active Sensor Area
114.9 Fiber Based Measurements
114.10Energy Measurement using Pyroelectric Sensors
5 Appendix 13
135.1 Technical Data
165.2 Pin Assignment of the Sensor Connector
175.3 Tutorial
175.3.1 Definitions and explanations
17
5.3.1.1 Console Specifications
18
5.3.1.2 Sensor Specifications
215.3.2 Calculations
245.4 Certifications and Compliances
255.5 Warranty
265.6 Copyright and Exclusion of Reliability
275.7 Thorlabs 'End of Life' Policy (WEEE)
285.8 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

© 2017 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 improve 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 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 these advices carefully!
This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.
Attention
Paragraphs preceeded by this symbol explain hazards that could
damage the instrument and the connected equipment or may cause
loss of data.
Note
2

© 2017 Thorlabs
1 General Information
3
1 General Information
The PM100USB Hand-held Optical Power and Energy Meter is designed to
measure the optical power of laser light or other monochromatic or near mono-
chromatic light sources.
The space-saving, battery powered design and compatibility to all Thorlabs “C
Series” Photodiode and Thermal sensors, and custom Photodiode and Thermal
detectors, featured with a fast USB device interface open a wide range of applica-
tions in Manufacturing, Quality Control, Quality Assurance, and R&D for station-
ary 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.
The unit can be recharged with the supplied AC adapter or via USB connection to
a PC or laptop.
1.1 Safety
Attention
The safety of any system incorporating the equipment is the responsibility
of the assembler of the system.
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this in-
struction manual will only apply when the unit is operated correctly as it
was designed for.
The PM100USB must not be operated in explosion endangered environ-
ments!
Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in the housing!
Do not remove covers!
Do not open the cabinet. There are no parts serviceable by the operator in-
side!
This precision device is only serviceable if properly packed into the com-
plete original packaging including the plastic foam sleeves. If necessary,
ask for replacement packaging.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel!
Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single compon-
ents be made or components not supplied by Thorlabs be used.
All modules including control inputs / outputs and the sensor must be con-
nected with duly shielded connection cables.
Attention
The following statement applies to the products covered in this manual, un-
less otherwise specified herein. The statement for other products will ap-
pear in the accompanying documentation.

© 2017 Thorlabs4
PM100USB
Note
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 commercial environment. This equip-
ment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not in-
stalled 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.
Thorlabs GmbH is not responsible for any radio television interference
caused by modifications of this equipment or the substitution or attach-
ment of connecting cables and equipment other than those specified by
Thorlabs GmbH. The correction of interference caused by such unauthor-
ized 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 viol-
ate FCC and ICES rules.
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).
1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
PM100USB

© 2017 Thorlabs
2 Parts List
5
2 Parts List
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 PM100USB mechanically and electric-
ally.
Verify that you have received the following items within the package:
1. PM100USB power/energy meter console
2. USB cable, type ‘A’ to ‘mini-B’
3. Quick-start guide
4. USB memory stick with instrument drivers, user application and operation
manual
5. Certificate of Calibration

© 2017 Thorlabs6
PM100USB
3 Operating Instruction
· Install software from the supplied data carrier (see section Software Installa-
tion).
· Connect a suitable sensor.
· Connect the PM100USB to the PC using the supplied USB cable.
· For detailed instructions, please see section Graphic User Interface.
3.1 Operating Elements
1 Connector for power / energy sensor
2USB connector to PC
3LED: Sensor detected and ready for operation
4LED: USB device ready for operation

© 2017 Thorlabs
3 Operating Instruction
7
3.2 Connecting a Power Sensor
The PM100USB supports all Thorlabs ‘C-Series photodiode, energy and thermal
sensors, that can be easily identified by their red connector housing, compared to
older versions of Thorlabs power sensors. The console will not recognize sensors
from the ‘A’ and ‘B’ series. Please contact Thorlabs for the upgrade of old
sensors with ‘C-Series’ connectors.
To plug or remove a sensor slightly press on the two bolts in the connector hous-
ing, that fix it by resilience.
Sensors can be ‘hot-swapped’ to the console, after recognizing a new valid
sensor the type and calibration data will be downloaded to the console in approx-
imately 2 seconds, and the unit is ready to operate with the new sensor.
The PM100USB also supports custom detectors, please refer to System Settings
for the console measurement settings; the pin-out of the DB9 sensor connector
can be found in Appendix.

© 2017 Thorlabs8
PM100USB
4 Measurement Considerations
4.1 Choosing the right sensor
The question of the right sensor depends on many factors starting with the light
source to measure and the application. No sensor can cover all applications; the
following table shows the main pros and cons of the different power sensor types.
Of course this can only be a rough guide because within each sensor group
there are special models best suitable for specific applications.
Power Sensors:
Light Source
Photo Diode Sensor
Thermal Sensors
Si
Ge
InGaAs
BB
HPB
Volume
Diode Lasers UV - NIR
+++
+
-
++
-
-
Diode Lasers NIR
-
+
+++
++
-
-
High Power Fiber Lasers
-
-
++
++
++
-
ASE Sources
-
-
++
++
-
-
Femtosecond Lasers
-
+
++
++
+
-
Gas Lasers
++
-
-
++
+
-
Excimer Lasers
-
-
-
-
+++
+
YAG Lasers
-
-
-
-
+
+++
LEDs
+
-
-
+++
+
-
4.2 Reducing Noise for high Accuracy Measurements
Noise from grounding, the cable capacitance, temperature effects, stray and am-
bient light and detector noise are interfering the measurement. This impact is the
higher, the lower to measured optical power. Below are given some hints and re-
commendations how to reduce interferences to a minimum:
· The housing of power sensors is connected to the digital ground of the
meter and should be linked to earth ground (e.g. via post mounting).
· Energy sensors should be mounted isolated, because the housing is con-
nected to the meter analog ground.
· The sensor cable conducts very small current or voltage signals. The cable
capacitance induces disturbances when the cable is moved. If very small
power or energy levels are measured, the cable should be fixed in position.
· With photodiode sensors the bandwidth should be set to “Low” setting; with
thermal sensors the acceleration circuit should be shut off.
· The detector noise is lowest with Si or InGaAs sensors.