THORLABS PM160 User manual

USB and Bluetooth
Optical Power Meter
PM160, PM160T, PM160T-HP
User Manual
2019

Copyright © 2019 Thorlabs
Version:
Date: 1.8
14-May-2019

Foreword
Contents
1General Information 1
2
1.1 Ordering Codes and Accessories
2First Steps 3
3
2.1 Parts List 3
2.2 Requirements
3Operating Elements 4
4
3.1 PM160 Operating Elements 5
3.2 PM160T Operating Elements 6
3.3 PM160T-HP Operating Elements 7
3.4 Rear View PM160x
4Operating Instruction 8
8
4.1 Local Operation 12
4.2 Remote Operation (Windows®) 12
4.3 Remote Operation (iOS®) 14
4.4 Firmware Updates
5Appendix 15
15
5.1 Technical Data PM160 16
5.2 Technical Data PM160T, PM160T-HP 17
5.3 Energy Saving 18
5.4 Dimensions 21
5.5 Safety 23
5.6 Certifications and Compliances 25
5.7 Warranty 25
5.8 Copyright and Exclusion of Reliability 26
5.9 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts and WEEE policy

© 2019 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
Note
This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.
Please read this advice carefully!
Paragraphs preceded by this symbol explain hazards that could
damage the instrument and the connected equipment or may cause
loss of data.
Attention
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.
Warning

© 2019 Thorlabs
1 General Information
1
1 General Information
The Thorlabs PM160x Power Meters consist of an ultra-slim sensor connected to a portable
power meter with a built-in graphical organic LED (OLED) display. The ultra-slim sensor end of
the device connects to the handle with a joint mechanism that allows 270° of rotation. The
PM160x can be run as a hand held device or remotely using the Bluetooth or USB connec-
tions.
Settings can be changed either directly on the PM160x or through the utility software Optical
Power Monitor OPM from a PC, tablet or laptop that is connected via a fast USB interface or
Bluetooth. This 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. Please refer to the user manual of the OPM software for detailed function de-
scription.
The PM160x is available in three versions with different sensors:
·PM160: The silicon photodiode detects laser light or other monochromatic or near monochro-
matic light of optical power between 10 nW and 200 mW, and within the wavelength range of
400 - 1100 nm.
·PM160T: The thermal sensor detects light with optical power between 100 mW and 2 mW,
within the wavelength range of 0.19 - 10.6 µm.
·PM160T-HP: The high-power thermal sensor measures light with optical power between 10
mW and 70 W, and within the wavelength range of 190 nm - 20 µm.
PM160T and PM160T-HP are also capable of measuring power of broadband light sources due
to their integrated thermal sensors and flat absorption curve. They are well suited e.g. for LED,
SLED and supercontinuum sources.
Attention
Please find all safety information and warnings concerning this product in the chapter Safety
in the Appendix.
21

© 2019 Thorlabs2
PM160x
1.1 Ordering Codes and Accessories
.
PM160
Handheld Power Meter with attached Silicon Photodiode; Optical Power Range:
10 nW - 200 mW; Wavelength Range: 400 - 1100 nm.
PM160T
Handheld Power Meter with attached Thermal Sensor; Optical Power Range:
100 µW - 2 mW; Wavelength Range: 0.19 - 10.6 µm
PM160T-HP
Handheld Power Meter with attached High-Power Thermal Sensor. Optical
Power Range: 10 mW - 70 W; Wavelength Range: 190 nm - 20 µm.
Accessories:
For fiber coupled applications, we recommend to use the following connectors fiber adapters:
Fiber Connector
Adapter for
internal SM05 thread (PM160)
Adapter for
internal SM1 thread (PM160T)
FC
PM20-FC
S120-FC
SC
PM20-SC
S120-SC
LC
PM20-LC
S120-LC
SMA
PM20-SMA
S120-SMA
ST
PM20-ST
S120-ST
Please visit our homepage http://www.thorlabs.com for various accessories like fiber adapters,
posts and post-holders, data sheets and further information.

© 2019 Thorlabs
2 First Steps
3
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 PM160x mechanically and electrically.
Verify that you have received the following items within the package:
2.1 Parts List
1. PM160x Wireless Handheld Power Meter in the ordered version.
2. USB cable, type ‘A’ to ‘micro USB’
3. SM05 Adapter (PM160) / SM1 Adapter (PM160T, PM160T-HP)
4. 0.9 mm (0.035") Hex Key (PM160T to mount the adapter)
5. Quick Reference
6. Certificate of Calibration
2.2 Requirements
The software Optical Power Monitor (OPM) for remote operation of the PM160x requires a PC
hardware and software environment as specified on the software website.

© 2019 Thorlabs4
PM160x
3 Operating Elements
3.1 PM160 Operating Elements
1
Sensor aperture
2
Slideable optical filter
3
SM05 adapter
5
270° rotatable arm with build-in sensor and optical filter
6
OLED display
7
Combined imperial/metric 8-32 / M4 threads for mounting (3 places)
8 to 11
Push buttons for local control, see chapter Rear View
12
USB connector
13
Integrated bluetooth antenna
The position of the slideable optical filter (2) is detected in order to correct the power read-out
accordingly.
The push buttons 8 to 11 are soft keys, their function is shown in the display. The functions as
stated on the rear panel are the defaults when the PM160 is switched off. The position for the
functions changes when the display orientation is changed.
The SM05 adapter can accommodate a Thorlabs fiber adapter.
10

© 2019 Thorlabs
3 Operating Elements
5
3.2 PM160T Operating Elements
1
Sensor aperture
4
SM1 adapter
5
270° rotatable arm with build-in sensor
6
OLED display
7
Combined imperial/metric 8-32 / M4 threads for mounting (3 places)
8 to 11
Push buttons for local control, see chapter Rear View
12
USB connector
13
Integrated bluetooth antenna
The push buttons 8 to 11 are soft keys, their function is shown in the display. The functions as
stated on the rear panel are the defaults when the PM160T is switched off. The position for the
functions changes when the display orientation is changed.
The SM1 adapter can accommodate a Thorlabs fiber adapter.
10

© 2019 Thorlabs6
PM160x
3.3 PM160T-HP Operating Elements
1
Sensor aperture
4
SM1 adapter
5
270° rotatable arm with build-in sensor
6
OLED display
7
Combined imperial/metric 8-32 / M4 threads for mounting (3 places)
8 to 11
Push buttons for local control, see chapter Rear View
12
USB connector
13
Integrated bluetooth antenna
The push buttons 8 to 11 are soft keys, their function is shown in the display. The functions as
stated on the rear panel are the defaults when the PM160T-HP is switched off. The position for
the functions changes when the display orientation is changed.
The SM1 adapter can accommodate a Thorlabs fiber adapter.
10

© 2019 Thorlabs
3 Operating Elements
7
3.4 Rear View PM160x
8
ON/OFF push button
9
MENU button to go though options
10
HOLD and START a measurement
11
UP/DOWN button to go though the Menu
12
USB connector
14
RESET button
The position for the functions changes when the display orientation is changed. The
PM160T-HP has 4 tapped holed (4-40UNC) on the back of the sensor. This allows mounting of
a 30 mm cage system.
10

© 2019 Thorlabs8
PM160x
4 Operating Instruction
The PM160x can be operated locally as a stand-alone device or remotely , via USB or
wireless (Bluetooth). Choose the operation mode directly on the device, using the inter-
face menu. In any operating mode, the internal battery can be charged by connecting the
PM160x to a PC or to a USB charger using the supplied USB cable.
For remote operation (USB and Bluetooth), download and install the software Optical Power
Monitor on the steering device (PC, laptop or tablet with Windows®operating system). For
more information see chapter Remote Operation .
For Apple® MAC® or iPod® devices (iPad®, iPod® and iPhone®), a bluetooth remote con-
trol for PM160x is available in the AppStore. For more information see chapter Bluetooth Re-
mote Operation (iOS®) .
4.1 Local Operation
·To switch on the PM160x, push the "ON/OFF" button (8) on the side of the device.
·A start-up screen is displayed for a moment, followed by the standard measurement dis-
play.
·In the header, the connection type (USB or Bluetooth) and the battery status are shown.
Select the Local Only mode from the menu (button 9) on the device.
·Battery: The PM160x automatically starts charging the battery when connected via USB.
·Adjust settings directly on the device. Use the up or down button to select settings.
Confirm the selection by pressing the button next to the icon or cancel the entry by
pressing the button next to the ESC icon .
·Turning off the PM160x in Local Only mode: The PM160x shuts down 20 sec after the
last button was pressed. The energy saving feature automatically dims the display.
8 12
10
12
12
7
17

© 2019 Thorlabs
4 Operating Instruction
9
Wavelength Selection
To set the correct wavelength, push the "Wave" button.
Use the up or down button to adjust the wavelength of the incident light. Confirm the entry
by pressing the button next to the icon or cancel the entry by pressing the button next to the
ESC icon .
Max-Hold function: As long as the button Hold is pressed, the PM160x detects the maximum
power. After the button is released, the MAX power is displayed together with the "delta", the
difference between the actual and the MAX value.
Push the Run button to return to the normal measurement mode.
Menus
Push Menu (button 9 ) to scroll through the menu screens. Each time this button is pressed,
the next menu item appears. Return to the measurement screen by pressing the button next to
.
Menu "Zero Adjust"
This function is used to compensate the photo diode's dark current (PM160) or the thermal
sensor's offset voltage (PM160T, PM160T-HP). Cover the sensor aperture and press Run.
4

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PM160x
If zeroing was successfully carried out, the PM160x returns to normal operation, else the error
screen appears:
Menu "Interface"
To operate the PM160x remotely (see sections "Operation via USB" and/or "Operation via
Bluetooth" ), the appropriate interface needs to be selected. Press the menu button until the
"Interface" menu appears. Use the buttons next to up or down icons to select Bluetooth or
USB interface or to disable the interface ("Local Only"). Push the button next to the OK icon to
confirm or to cancel.
Menu "Orientation"
The display can be rotated in 90° steps for convenient reading. Use the up or down button
to select the desired orientation, shown by the smiley, then press the OK button to confirm or
to cancel:
10

© 2019 Thorlabs
4 Operating Instruction
11
Note
The control buttons are soft keys. When changing the display orientation, the soft keys, includ-
ing the switch off button, rotate with the display orientation. Switch the PM160x on again by
pressing button (8) .
Menu "Brightness"
Using the up or down button, the display brightness can be adjusted. When pressing any
button, the brightness will be set to max. for 7 sec.
The value "Min." is the minimum readable brightness in local mode.
Note
If the PM160x is operated remotely via USB or Bluetooth and the brightness is set to "Min.", the
display will be switched off 7 sec after a button was pressed. Wake it up by pressing any but-
ton.
Menu "Sound Output"
Enable or disable the sound output.
4

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PM160x
Menu "System Information"
Displays the item name, serial number, firmware version and most recent calibration date.
4.2 Remote Operation (Windows®)
·Install the application software Optical Power Montor (OPM) prior to connecting the PM160x
to a PC, by USB or Bluetooth. The software Optical Power Monitor (OPM) and the respective
manual can be downloaded from the Thorlabs website. Please see the system requirements
for the OPM software on the respective website.
·Turn on the unit by pushing the ON/OFF button (8) on the side of the PM160x.
·If a wireless operation is desired, set the connection mode on the device to Bluetooth. Other-
wise, connect the enclosed USB cable.
·Operate the device by following the instructions in the OPM software manual.
·Energy Saving function when a remote interface (USB or Bluetooth) is enabled:
a. When the USB cable is connected and the USB remote connection is active, the PM160x
will never shut down.
b. When Active Bluetooth remote connection is established and no USB cable is connected,
the PM160x will only shut down when the battery is down. The display will be dimmed to
save battery and the OLED's life time.
4.3 Remote Operation (iOS®)
This description describes the remote operation of a PM160x from an iPad®, representative for
other iOS® devices.
Connecting the PM160x with the iPad®
1. Make sure the PM160x app has been installed properly.
2. Switch the PM160x on and set the interface to Bluetooth.
3. Open the iPad® settings (the icon can be found in the dock bar) and select the Bluetooth
tab.
4. Switch on the iPad® Bluetooth interface, using the slide button on the top right.
5. In the Devices List, an entry “Thorlabs PM160x xxxxxxxxx” should be found, where
xxxxxxxxx stands for PM160x’s serial number. Compare that number with the serial num-
ber printed on the PM160x’s back or in the PM160x’s System Information menu screen.
Click the "Not Paired" or the "Not Connected" text. It should quickly change to "Connec-
ted".
6. Exit the Settings screen by clicking the Home button.
7. Click the PM160x App Icon in the dock bar. The app will start and immediately show mea-
surement values.
17
10

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4 Operating Instruction
13
Disconnecting the Bluetooth connection
As long as the PM160x is connected to the iPad®, no other Bluetooth connections with the
PM160x (e.g. from a Windows® PC) can be established. Follow the procedure described below
to release the PM160x Bluetooth connection:
1. Press the Home button to set the PM160x App to background.
2. Start the Settings screen.
3. Enter the Bluetooth tab.
4. Find the PM160x entry in the Devices list and click the arrow on the right of this entry.
5. On the following screen click on Forget this Device and confirm.
6. The display returns to the Bluetooth device list and should now show the PM160x’s entry
with the text Not Paired. The PM160x now can connect to other Bluetooth hosts.
7. Note : If you start the PM160xApp now, with no PM160x available, the App will run in a
demo mode with a fake measurement.
8. If you want to reconnect the PM160x with the PM160xApp then proceed as described in
Connect the PM160x with the iPad®.
Troubleshooting
If the app or the connection hang up, a restart might be required. Follow this procedure:
1. Disconnect the Bluetooth connection as described in the previous section.
2. Click the Home button once to set the active App to background.
3. Double Click the Home button. The list of active Apps appears at the bottom.
4. Press and hold the PM160xApp icon until a Minus symbol appears at the top left corner of
the App’s icon:
5. Click the small Minus symbol on the lower left corner. The App is stopped.
6. Click the Home button twice to leave.
7. Connect the PM160x with the iPad® as described above to reestablish the setup.

© 2019 Thorlabs14
PM160x
4.4 Firmware Updates
Find the latest firmware on the product website under the tab software. Click the software icon
and the website to download the software OPM and the firmware will open.
To install new firmware, follow the instructions in the Change Log of the PM160x firmware.

© 2019 Thorlabs
5 Appendix
15
5 Appendix
5.1 Technical Data PM160
Specification
PM160
Sensor Specifications
Wavelength Range
400 to 1100 nm
Optical Power Measurement Range
10 nW to 2 mW (1 µW - 200 mW)1)
Optical Power Resolution
100 pW (10 nW)1)
Measurement Uncertainty
+/- 3% @ 451 to 1000 nm
+/- 5% @ 400 to 450 nm and 1001 nm – 1100 nm
Power Linearity with Optical Power
± 1%
Active Area Uniformity
± 1%
Slideable Optical Filter
Reflective ND [OD1.5] with diffuser
Average Power Density (Max)
1 W/cm² (20 W/cm²)1)
Sensor Aperture
Ø 9.5 mm
Aperture Thread
SM05 with included adapter
Distance to Sensor
1.7 mm (4.2 mm) 1,4)
Sensor Thickness
3.5 mm (6.0 mm) 1,4)
Power Meter Specifications
Analog Measurement Ranges
500 nA, 50 µA, 5 mA 2)
AD Converter
24 bit
Analog Amplifier Bandwidth
10 Hz
Built-in Display
Monochrome white OLED 24.0 mm (0.95") across diagonal, 96 x 64 px
Local Operation
4 push buttons
Remote Interface
USB 2.0, Bluetooth 2.1 (Class II, 10 dBm)
General Data
Overall Dimensions
172.7 mm x 36.4 mm x 13.0 mm
Weight
60 g
Operating Temperature
0°C - 50°C (32 °F - 122 °F)
Power Supply
External: 5VDC via USB
Internal: LiPo+ 380 mAh 3)
Battery-Powered Operation
Up to 20 hours
Mounting Options
8-32 (imperial) and M4 (metric) tap combined, 3 positions
1) Values in ( ) are with filter slided in.
2) The appropriate range is chosen internally by the power meter to achieve the best accuracy.
3) The battery is recharged through the USB connection.
4) See chapter Dimensions for precise distances.
All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5°C and 45 ± 15% rel. humidity (non condensing).

© 2019 Thorlabs16
PM160x
5.2 Technical Data PM160T, PM160T-HP
Specifications
PM160T
PM160T-HP
Sensor Specifications
Wavelength Range
190 nm to 10600 nm
190 nm to 20000 nm
Optical Power Measurement
Range
100 µW to 2 W
10 mW to 70 W 1)
Optical Power Resolution
10 µW
1 mW
Measurement Uncertainty
+/- 3% @ 1064 nm
+/- 5% (Entire Range)
+/- 3% @ 1064 nm
+/- 5% (250 nm to 17000 nm)
Power Linearity with Optical
Power
± 1%
Active Area Uniformity
± 1%
Average Power Density (Max)
500 W / cm2
2 kW / cm2
Sensor Aperture
Ø 10.0 mm (0.39 ")
Ø 25.2 mm (0.99 ")
Sensor Coating
Black Broadband
High Power Broadband
Adapter Plate Aperture Thread
SM1 with included adapter
Internal SM1 (1.035"-40);
Adapter to external thread included;
4 x 4-40 Tapped Holes on the Back
of the Sensor (compatible with 30
mm cage system)
Distance to Sensor 4)
2.6 mm
4.5 mm
Sensor Thickness 4)
5.5 mm
13.0 mm
Power Meter Specifications
Analog Measurement Ranges
1.6 mV, 25 mV, 400 mV 2)
2.56 mV, 16 mV, 100 mV 2)
AD Converter
24 bit
Analog Amplifier Bandwidth
10 Hz
Built-in Display
Monochrome white OLED 24.0 mm (0.95") across diagonal, 96 x 64 px,
10 Hz refresh rate
Local Operation
4 push buttons
Remote Interface
USB 2.0, Bluetooth 2.1 (Class II, 10 dBm)
General Data
Overall Dimensions
172.7 mm x 36.4 mm x 13.0 mm
206.0 mm x 56.0 mm x 13.0 mm
Weight
60 g
130 g
Operating Temperature
0°C - 50°C
Power Supply
External: 5VDC via USB
Internal: LiPo+ 380 mAh 3)
Battery-Powered Operation
Up to 20 hours
Mounting Options
8-32 (imperial) and M4 (metric) tap
combined, 3 positions
8-32 (imperial) and M4 (metric) tap
combined, 3 positions
4 x 4-40 Tapped Holes on Back of
Sensor for Ø6 mm Cage Rods
1) Maximum exposure time: 70 W - 10 s; 30 W - 60 s; 10 W - 1 hour. Please see also back of the device.
2) The appropriate range is chosen internally by the power meter to achieve the best accuracy.
3) The battery is recharged through the USB connection.
4) See chapter Dimensions for precise distances.
All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5°C and 45 ± 15% rel. humidity (non condensing).