THORLABS PM160T User manual

USB and Bluetooth
Optical Power Meter
PM160, PM160T, PM160T-HP
User Manual
2018

Copyright © 2018 Thorlabs
Version:
Date: 1.7
23-Mar-2018

Foreword
Contents
2
1General Information 3
3
1.1 Safety
4
1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
2Parts List 5
3Operating Elements 6
4Operating Instruction 10
10
4.1 Operating the PM160(T)
10
4.1.1 Local Operation
15
4.1.2 Remote Operation
15
4.1.2.1 Software Installation
19
4.1.2.2 USB Remote Operation (Windows® OS)
20
4.1.2.3 Bluetooth Remote Operation (Windows® OS)
22
4.1.2.4 Bluetooth Remote Operation (iOS)
24
4.1.2.5 PM160 GUI (Windows® OS)
5Appendix 29
29
5.1 Technical Data PM160
30
5.2 Technical Data PM160T, PM160T-HP
31
5.3 Energy Saving
32
5.4 Dimensions
35
5.5 Certifications and Compliances
36
5.6 Warranty
37
5.7 Copyright and Exclusion of Reliability
38
5.8 Thorlabs 'End of Life' Policy (WEEE)
39
5.9 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

© 2018 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
2
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

© 2018 Thorlabs
1 General Information
3
1 General Information
The PM160(T) Hand-held Bluetooth and USB Optical Power Meter is designed to measure the
optical power of laser light or other monochromatic or near monochromatic light sources. The
PM160T and PM160T-HP are capable to measure power of any light source due to their
thermal sensor's flat absorption curve and for this reason well suited e.g. for LED, SLED and
MidIR QCL.
The space-saving, battery powered design opens a wide range of applications in Manufactur-
ing, 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.
The unit can be recharged 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 instruction manual will
only apply when the unit is operated correctly as it was designed for.
The PM160(T) must not be operated in explosion endangered environments!
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 inside!
This precision device is only serviceable if properly packed into the complete 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 components be made or com-
ponents not supplied by Thorlabs be used.
Control inputs / outputs must be connected with duly shielded connection cables.
Attention
The following statement applies to the products covered in this manual, unless otherwise spe-
cified 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 interference to radio communica-
tions. 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 in-
terference by one or more of the following measures:
· Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
· Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

© 2018 Thorlabs4
PM160(T)
· 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 interference 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 unau-
thorized 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 op-
tional peripheral or host devices. Failure to do so may violate 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
PM160(T) Hand-held Power Meter
Fiber adapters:
Fiber Connector
Adapter Cap with internal
SM05 thread
Adapter Cap with internal
SM1 thread
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.

© 2018 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 PM160(T) mechanically and electrically.
Verify that you have received the following items within the package:
1. PM160(T) Wireless Handheld Power Meter
2. USB cable, type ‘A’ to ‘micro USB’
3. SM05 Adapter (PM160) / SM1 Adapter (PM160T, PM160T-HP)
4. Quick Start guide
5. USB memory stick with instrument drivers, user application and operation
manual
6. Certificate of Calibration

© 2018 Thorlabs6
PM160(T)
3 Operating Elements
PM160
PM160 Front View
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 #8-32 / M4 threads for mounting (3 places)
8 to 11
Push buttons for local control
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 SM05 adapter can accommodate a Thorlabs fiber adapter.

© 2018 Thorlabs
3 Operating Elements
7
PM160T
PM160T Front View
1
Sensor aperture
4
SM1 adapter
5
270° rotatable arm with build-in sensor
6
OLED display
7
Combined #8-32 / M4 threads for mounting (3 places)
8 to 11
Push buttons for local control
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 SM1 adapter can accommodate a Thorlabs fiber adapter.

© 2018 Thorlabs8
PM160(T)
PM160T-HP
PM160T-HP Front View
1
Sensor aperture
4
SM1 adapter
5
270° rotatable arm with build-in sensor
6
OLED display
7
Combined #8-32 / M4 threads for mounting (3 places)
8 to 11
Push buttons for local control
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 SM1 adapter can accommodate a Thorlabs fiber adapter.

© 2018 Thorlabs
3 Operating Elements
9
Rear Panel
PM160(T) Rear View
8 to 11
Push buttons for local control
12
USB connector
14
RESET button

© 2018 Thorlabs10
PM160(T)
4 Operating Instruction
· The PM160(T) can be operated as a stand-alone device or remotely, via
USB or wireless (Bluetooth). Please note that the internal battery is charged
only when the device is connected to USB.
· Prior to connect the PM160(T) to a PC, the application software must be in-
stalled; if a wireless operation is desired, a Bluetooth connection must be es-
tablished on the host system. Please see section Software Installation for de-
tails.
4.1 Operating the PM160(T)
The PM160(T) can be operated as a stand-alone device or remotely, via USB or
wireless (Bluetooth).
Note
In any operating mode, the internal battery can be charged by connecting the
PM160(T) to a PC or to USB charger using the attached USB cable.
4.1.1 Local Operation
Push the "ON/OFF" button (8) to switch on the PM160(T). A start-up screen is
displayed for a moment
then the standard measurement display comes up, indicating the measured op-
tical power and wavelength:
Additionally, in the header the connection type (USB or Bluetooth) and the battery
status are shown.

© 2018 Thorlabs
4 Operating Instruction
11
Note
1. When in local operation mode the PM160(T) is connected to a USB terminal, it
switches on automatically and starts to charge the battery.
2. Auto shut down: In local mode 20 sec after a button was pressed. If the
PM160(T) is charging via a USB cable in local mode, it switches to stand-by
mode (display switches off) after 20 sec.
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 or cancel the entry by pressing the
ESC button .
Max-Hold function: As long as the button Hold is pressed, the PM160(T) detects
the maximum power. After the button is released, the MAX power is displayed to-
gether with the "delta", the difference between the actual and the MAX value.
Push the Run button to return to the normal measurement mode.

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PM160(T)
Menus
Push Menu 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
ESC button .
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.
If the zeroing was carried out successful, the PM160(T) returns to normal opera-
tion, else the error screen appears:

© 2018 Thorlabs
4 Operating Instruction
13
Menu "Interface"
To operate the PM160(T) 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 up or down but-
ton to select Bluetooth or USB interface or to disable the interface ("Local Only").
Push the OK button 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:
Note
The control buttons are soft keys. When changing the display orientation, the soft
keys, including the switch off button, rotate with the display orientation. Switch the
PM160(T) on again by pressing button (8).

© 2018 Thorlabs14
PM160(T)
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 PM160(T) 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 button.
Menu "Sound Output"
Enable or disable the sound output.
Menu "System Information"
Displays the item name, serial number, firmware version and most recent calibra-
tion date.

© 2018 Thorlabs
4 Operating Instruction
15
4.1.2 Remote Operation
The PM160(T) can be operated remotely. Prior to connect the PM160(T), the ap-
plication software must be installed, see section Software Installation.
1. USB remote control from a Windows® PC with installed NI-VISA Runtime and
a PM160(T) control application ("PM160 Software" or "PM100 Utility")
2. Bluetooth remote control from a Windows® PC (NI-VISA Runtime and "PM160
Software" or "PM100 Utility")
3. Bluetooth remote control from Apple® MAC® or iPod devices (iPad®, iPod® and
iPhone®) - PM160 app, available in the AppStore
Note
Auto shutdown when a remote interface (USB or Bluetooth) is enabled:
1. USB cable connected, no remote connection active: the PM160(T) will auto-
matically shut down after 5 minutes.
2. USB cable connected and USB remote connection: the PM160(T) will never
shut down.
3. Active bluetooth remote connection, no USB cable connected: the PM160(T)
will never shut down until battery is down. Only the display will be darkened to
save battery and the OLED's life time.
See also Appendix, section "Energy Saving"
4.1.2.1 Software Installation
The PM160(T) application software can be found on the supplied USB stick.
Hardware Requirements
CPU: 1 GHz or higher
RAM: 256 MB
Graphic card with at least 32 MB memory
Hard disc with at least 100 MB free storage space
Free USB 2.0 port
USB cable according the USB 2.0 specification
Software Requirements
The PM160(T) software is compatible with the following operating systems:
· Windows® XP (32-bit) SP3
· Windows® Vista (32-bit, 64-bit)
· Windows® 7 (32-bit, 64-bit)
For operation of the PM160(T), also an NI-VISA™ (version 5.0.3 or higher) is re-
quired. This NI-VISA™ engines comes with the Thorlabs PM160(T) installation
CD, but can be downloaded also from National Instruments' website www.ni.com.

© 2018 Thorlabs16
PM160(T)
Installing PM160(T) Application Software
Insert the USB stick and run the 'setup.exe':
Click 'Next' to continue.
Click 'I accept...' if you do so, then 'Next' to continue.

© 2018 Thorlabs
4 Operating Instruction
17
Click 'Next' to continue.
Click 'Install' to continue.
Click 'Next' to continue.

© 2018 Thorlabs18
PM160(T)
Click 'Finish' to exit the installation wizard.