THORLABS PM20 Series User manual

Fiber Optic Power Meter
PM20 Series
Operation Manual
2020

Version:
Date:
Doc Log:
1.4
09-Mar-2020
M0009-510-606
Copyright © 2020 Thorlabs

Foreword
Contents 2
1 General Information 3
31.1 Safety 51.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories 51.3 Parts List
2 Operating Instruction 6
62.1 Operating Elements 82.2 Fiber Connection 92.3 Battery Charging
3 Maintenance and Calibration 10
4 Appendix 11
114.1 Technical Data 124.2 Certifications and Compliances 134.3 Manufacturer Address 144.4 Warranty 144.5 Copyright and Exclusion of Liability 154.6 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
2

© 2020 Thorlabs
1 General Information
3
1 General Information
The Thorlabs PM20 Fiber-optic Power Meters is an easy to use, robust and flex-
ible fiber-optic power measurement system with built-in optical sensor.
The PM20 Power Meters feature NIST traceable wavelength calibration over the
specified wavelength range. Please refer to www.thorlabs.com for new ac-
cessories that will enhance the PM20 product line.
The instrument is powered by a 6V, 150mAh nickel-metal-hybrid (NiMH) battery
for long life operation and fast recharging times. The included external power sup-
ply is provided to recharge the battery pack as well as to operate the unit.
1.1 Safety
Attention
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.
Use only the power supply that is specified for the PM20 Series.
The PM20 Series must not be operated in wet, damp or explosion en-
dangered environments!
Do not remove covers!
Do not open the cabinet, there are no parts serviceable by the operator in-
side!
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.
This precision device is only serviceable if properly packed into the com-
plete original packaging. If necessary, ask for a replacement package prior
to return.
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.
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
3

© 2020 Thorlabs4
PM20 Series
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 is not responsible for any radio television interference caused by
modifications of this equipment or the substitution or attachment of con-
necting cables and equipment other than those specified by Thorlabs. The
correction of interference caused by such unauthorized modification, sub-
stitution 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).

© 2020 Thorlabs
1 General Information
5
1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
PM20A
Silicon Sensor; size 3.6 x 3.6 mm
Power Range -60 dBm to +16 dBm
Wavelength Calibration: 400 to 1100 nm
PM20C
InGaAs Sensor, size Æ2mm
Power Range: -65 dBm to +13dBm
Wavelength Calibration: 800 to 1700 nm
PM20CH
InGaAs Sensor, size Æ2mm
Power Range: -50 dBm to +23 dBm
Wavelength Calibration: 800 to 1700 nm
PMPS12
Power Supply 90 to 264 V AC line voltage to 12 V DC, 0.85 A
with Line Adapters for US, EU, UK
PM20-SC
SC/PC Fiber Adapter Cap with Internal SM05 Thread
PM20-LC
LC/PC Fiber Adapter Cap with Internal SM05 Thread
PM20-SMA
SMA Fiber Adapter Cap with Internal SM05 Thread
PM20-ST
ST/PC Fiber Adapter Cap with Internal SM05 Thread
1.3 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 PM20 Series mechanically and electric-
ally.
Verify that you have received the following items within the package:
1. PM20 Series fiber-optic power meter with FC-PC fiber connector
2. PMPS12 Power Supply 90 to 264 V AC line voltage to 12 V DC, 0.85 A with
Line Adapters for US, EU, UK
3. Operation Manual
If any items are missing or damaged please contact Thorlabs immediately for
return instructions.
15

© 2020 Thorlabs6
PM20 Series
2 Operating Instruction
2.1 Operating Elements
The 8 digit LC Display allows precise 3 digit logarithmic and 4 digit linear power
readings along with units and additional system information.
Figure 1: PM20 Series Front Panel
Operating Keys
Power
The power button switches the instrument on and off. After powering up the
wavelength set value is displayed for 2 seconds.
Auto Shut-Down
Press the Power and the Display buttons simultaneously to enter the shut-down
mode selection. The Display button toggles subsequently 5 minutes auto shut-
down, 60 minutes auto shut-down and manual shut-down mode. Press the Power
button twice to confirm the selection.

© 2020 Thorlabs
2 Operating Instruction
7
Display
The Display button sets the power reading to linear or logarithmic representation.
If Zero is activated (explanation see Delta button), the Display button toggles
between relative value [dBr] and the absolute values in dBm and W.
Delta
The Delta button enables relative power measurements. The first tap on this but-
ton shows the currently saved offset level. If no offset level is saved, the display
indicates “NO ZERO”. A second tap on this button sets the current power reading
to zero, with dBr unit, and saves the current power value as (new) offset value.
The Display button now toggles between relative value [dBr] and the absolute
values in dBm and W.
Lambda
The Lambda buttons display and set the measurement wavelength.
Note
For accurate power reading it is mandatory to enter the correct wavelength value,
as the optical power is calculated from the wavelength and the appropriate indi-
vidual sensor responsivity at this wavelength that is stored in the non-volatile
memory of the power meter.
Press the up or down button to display the current wavelength setting.
Keep an arrow button pressed or toggle it to set a new wavelength.
After releasing the up or down button, the display automatically jumps back to the
power reading and the new wavelength is stored and also present after a new
power up.

© 2020 Thorlabs8
PM20 Series
2.2 Fiber Connection
Figure 2: PM20 Series Top Panel
Fibers with connectors of most available industry standards can be connected to
the optical input on top of the PM20 Series. The unit comes with a FC adapter.
The threaded fiber adapters are easily changeable; please refer to our website
(https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=906) for the com-
plete range of available fiber adapters .
5