THORLABS PM30-120 User manual

Operation Manual
Thorlabs Instrumentation
Optical Power Meter System
PM30-120, PM30-121, PM30-122
PM30-130, PM30-132
PM30-140, PM30-144
2006

Version: 1.22 M0009-510-404
Date: 12.05.2006
Copyright©2005, Thorlabs

Contents Page
1Safety 1
2Description 3
2.1 Parts List – Accessories 3
2.2 Operating Elements 5
2.2.1 Front Panel 5
2.2.2 Top Panel 6
2.2.3 Bottom Panel 7
2.2.4 Rear Panel 7
2.2.5 Meter Stand 7
2.3 Operating Instruction 8
2.3.1 Battery Charging 8
2.3.2 Connecting the Optical Sensor 8
2.3.3 Switching on and off the PM30 8
2.3.4 Setting the Operating Wavelength 9
2.3.5 Measuring the Optical Power 9
2.3.6 Relative Measurement 10
2.3.7 System Menu 10
2.3.8 Photodiode adapter 10
2.4 Remote Control 11
2.5 Technical Data 19
2.5.1 PM30 Display Unit 19
2.5.2 S120B / S121B Silicon Sensor (PM30-120 / PM30-121) 20
2.5.3 S122B Germanium Sensor (PM30-122) 21
2.5.4 S130A / S132B Slim Sensor (PM30-130 / PM30-132) 22
2.5.5 S140A / S144A Integrating Sphere Sensor (PM30-140 / PM30-144) 23
3Calibration and Warranty 24
3.1 Calibration 24
3.2 Warranty 24
4Service and maintenance 26
4.1 General Care 26
4.2 Cleaning 27
4.3 Line Voltage 27
4.4 Repair 27
4.5 Certifications and Compliances 28
4.6 Thorlabs “End of Life” policy (WEEE) 29
4.6.1 Waste treatment on your own responsibility 29
4.6.2 Ecological background 30
4.7 Addresses 31

We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application in the
field of optical measurement technique. To help us to come up to your
expectations and develop 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
Attention
This manual contains “WARNINGS” and “ATTENTION” label in this
form, to indicate danger for persons or possible damage of equip-
ment.
Please read these advises carefully!
NOTE
This manual also contains “NOTES” and “HINTS” written in this form.

2.1 Parts List – Accessories
PM30 / page 1
1 Safety
Attention 
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in
this instruction manual will only apply when the unit is operated
correctly.
Use only the power cord specified for the unit.
Do not operate the power meter if its panels are removed or any of
the interior circuitry is exposed
Do not operate the power meter in wet or damp conditions, or in an
explosive atmosphere.
Operate the power meter only within the specified voltage range
Do not apply voltage outside the specified range of the input connec-
tions
Do not operate the power meter if there are suspected failures. Refer
damaged units to qualified Thorlabs service personnel

2.1 Parts List – Accessories
PM30 / page 2
Attention 
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 commer-
cial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed 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.
Standard shielding and filtering measures have to be undertaken to
avoid interferences with other electronic equipment!
NOTE
Please check prior to operation, if the line voltage range, indicated on the
power supply agrees with your local supply

2.1 Parts List – Accessories
PM30 / page 3
2 Description
The Thorlabs PM30 Power Meter system is an easy to use, flexible optical power
measurement system with optical sensor. Its mechanical analog needle display
features best readability and real time response for fast laser tuning. The additional
digital display allows accurate power readings and a convenient system setup.
The Thorlabs’ optical power meter sensors feature NIST traceable wavelength
calibration over the specified wavelength range. Please refer to www.thorlabs.com
for new sensors that will enhance the PM30 system.
The console is powered by a 6V, 150mAh nickel-metal-hybrid (NiMH) battery for long
life operation and fast recharging times. The included external power supply is
provided to recharge the battery pack as well as to operate the unit.
2.1 Parts List – Accessories
The power meter system consists of the following items:
•PM30 power meter console
•Operation manual
•PMPS12 Power supply (12V, 0.85A), 90 .. 264V line voltage,
line adaptors for US, EU, UK.
Depending on the order code the power meter system comes with one of the sensors
given below:
PM30-120: S120B – Silicon Sensor Power Head; 50nW – 50mW
400 – 1100nm
PM30-121: S121B – Silicon Sensor Power Head; 500nW – 500mW;
400 – 1100nm
PM30-122: S122B – Germanium Sensor Power Head; 35nW – 35mW;
700 – 1800nm
PM30-130: S130A – Slim, dual range Silicon Sensor Power Head;
5nW – 500mW; 400 – 1100nm

2.1 Parts List – Accessories
PM30 / page 4
PM30-132: S130A – Slim, dual range Germanium Sensor Power Head;
5nW – 500mW; 400 – 1100nm
PM30-140: S140A – Integrating Sphere Silicon Sensor Power Head;
1µW – 1W; 400 – 1100nm
PM30-144: S144A – Integrating Sphere InGaAs Sensor Power Head;
1µW – 1W; 800 – 1700nm
When unpacking the PM30 system the first time, please check if all items are present
and in good condition. If any items are missing or damaged please advise Thorlabs
immediately for issuing a Returned Material Authorization (RMA) for this instrument.

2.2 Operating Elements
PM30 / page 5
2.2 Operating Elements
2.2.1 Front Panel
Figure 1 PM30 Front Panel
Analog Meter Shows the measured power level on the scale that
corresponds to the selected power range. An up showing
arrow in the digital display indicates that the 10-division
scale is used, a down-showing arrow indicates the 3-
division scale.
LC Display The 12 digit LCD allows precise power measurements
along with additional system information and input capabili-
ties. The LCD can be backlit in two brightness settings in
the system menu.
Analog Meter
Control Switch
Main Switch
LC Display
The Arrow
indicates that the
3-division scale is
used

2.2 Operating Elements
PM30 / page 6
Main Switch The main switch powers on and off the unit and selects the
power measurement, wavelength setting, zeroing and sys-
tem menus.
Control Switch The control switch is used to set power range, correction
wavelength as well as controlling and viewing system set-
tings. The switch has turning and push button functionality.
2.2.2 Top Panel
Figure 2 PM30 Top Panel
DB9 Sensor Jack All Thorlabs S1xxX series optical detectors and the PM30
photodiode adapter can be plugged to this connector.
Analog Output The SMA connector outputs a voltage from 0.0 to 1.0V
corresponding to the selected power range.
Charger Input To charge the battery plug-in the 12VDC power supply that
ships with the instrument. The batteries will recharge within
2.5 hours.
DB9 Sensor Jack SMA Analog
Output Jack
Charger
Input Jack

2.2 Operating Elements
PM30 / page 7
2.2.3 Bottom Panel
Figure 3 PM30 Bottom Panel
DB9 RS232 Interface Operates the meter in remote control via serial interface
with a fixed baudrate of 9600 bit/s
Program button Enables Software Updates via the serial interface
2.2.4 Rear Panel
Meter Zero Adjust Is used to adjust the mechanical offset of the meter to zero.
This value is factory set but may need readjustment after
mechanical shock.
The unit must be turned off and put in the standard viewing
position before zeroing the meter.
2.2.5 Meter Stand
The unit comes with a pivoting stand that allows to continuously adjust the meter to
the ideal viewing position.
Serial Interface Connector
Service Push Button

2.3 Operating Instruction
PM30 / page 8
2.3 Operating Instruction
2.3.1 Battery Charging
The PM30 has a built in NiMH rechargeable battery for an operation up to 50hrs
(without backlight). When the batteries need recharging an empty battery sign
appears on the right side of the digital display.
The batteries are not fully charged when shipping. A battery that is new or has not
been used for a longer period does not develop its full capacity until after
approximately 2.5 hours of charging.
Plug the in the delivery included 12DC power supply to the input connector in the top
panel and the power supply into a suitable AC outlet. Attach the right adapter
depending on local power requirements to the power supply, adapters for US, Europe
and UK are provided with the instrument. If the adapter is lost, contact Thorlabs for
replacement.
When the charger is plugged a filled battery sign in the LC display indicates that the
charger works in “full-charge” mode, the charging circuit goes automatically in
“trickle-charge” mode when the batteries are fully charged. In this case the indicator
in the LCD changes to a wall-plug sign.
Do not exceed the line voltage that is stated on the power supply. The power supply
gets warm after longer time of use; this is normal and not dangerous.
The unit can be operated normally while the 12VDC adapter is plugged in.
2.3.2 Connecting the Optical Sensor
Plug the DB-9 connector of the optical head into the jack located on the top of the
console and secure the two screws. Thorlabs S1xxX Sensors can be plugged or
changed while the power meter is switched on. The display unit will automatically
recognize the sensor and work with the appropriate calibration data, that are
downloaded from the non-volatile memory in the sensor connector.
2.3.3 Switching on and off the PM30
If the unit is not already switched on, turn the main switch from the OFF position, the
PM30 will power up and show the connected sensor data and for approximately 3
seconds the set wavelength. The unit will stay on until the selected auto-shutdown
time that can be set in the system menu is reached. After this time the PM30 will

2.3 Operating Instruction
PM30 / page 9
automatically switch of for battery saving. To power up the unit again the rotary
switch has to be put to the OFF position and then back to one operating position, the
unit will continue measuring with the set conditions prior to shut-off.
To manually shut down the PM30 turn the main switch to the OFF position. All
system and measurement settings will be present when turning the unit on again. To
keep set values the unit must be on for a minimum of 10 seconds after changing the
set value.
2.3.4 Setting the Operating Wavelength
Turn the left rotary switch into the λ-position, the digital display will show a
wavelength in nm. Click on the control button to enter the wavelength set menu, by
each click a digit of the set wavelength will get underlined. By turning the control
button each digit can be scrolled up and down in the sensor wavelength range. The
set values are immediately used for the power calculation. To leave the menu turn
the main switch back to the P-position. After 10s the wavelength set value will be
stored in the PM30 console and is present after shutting off and on the unit (when
using the same type of sensor!).
The minimum and maximum settable wavelength is sensor dependent and
downloaded to the instrument when connecting the sensor.
2.3.5 Measuring the Optical Power
Turn the unit into the P-position, place the sensor in the path of the laser beam,
conduct one-time auto-ranging by clicking the control button, or select a power range
manually by turning the control button, and read the optical power on the range
corresponding scale or in the digital display.
The PM30 usually works in manual-range mode. The power ranges can be set in x3,
x10 steps, after setting the current power range is indicated for approx. 1s in the LC
display. After this time the LCD switches back to the power reading, that includes the
power units and the corresponding scale of the analog meter.
The minimum and maximum settable power range is sensor dependent and
downloaded to the instrument when connecting the sensor.
Attention 
Refer to the sensor data sheet and pay attention to the optical
damage threshold!
Exceeding these values will permanently destroy the sensor!

2.3 Operating Instruction
PM30 / page 10
2.3.6 Relative Measurement
This feature can be used either for backlight subtraction or performing a relative
measurement.
Turn the unit into the ∆-position. Click the control button to subtract the current
reading. The digital display shows the subtracted power reading, the analog needle
goes to zero.
Turn the main switch back in the P position. The digital display now shows the
difference to the subtracted reading followed by a ∆sign. Power ranges can be set
only in the Up position.
2.3.7 System Menu
To enter the system menu turn the main switch to the SYSTEM position. The system
menu allows the following settings / contains the following information:
The menu can be navigated by turning the control button. Submenus are entered by
clicking the control button.
Shutdown: Sets the time after that the unit automatically switches off.
5 minutes / 1 hour / never
Backlight: Turns the LCD backlight on and allows two brightness settings.
Powersaving / ON / OFF
System SN: Shows the serial number of the device.
Version: Displays the firmware version
Sensor Name: Displays the type of the connected sensor
Sensor SN: Shows the serial number of the connected sensor
2.3.8 Photodiode adapter
Instead of a calibrated power meter sensor the optional available photodiode adapter
PM30PDA allows to use the PM30 as a current and power display for any floating or
anode grounded photodiodes with a photo current up to 4mA.
Plug the adapter on the PM30 sensor connector input and tighten the fixing screws.
The photodiode cathode has to be connected to the center, the anode to the shield of
the adapter’s SMA input connector.
The operation is similar to the standard operation. Instead of the wavelength a
responsivity value can be set to perform a single point power calibration. The setting

0
PM30 / page 11
range is 1mA/W to 99999 mA/W. The default responsivity value is 1000 mA/W, so
the power reading will correspond directly to a current reading in A.
Refer to www.thorlabs.com for directly connectable anode grounded photodiodes
from the type SM05PD and SM1PD and for suitable SMA connection cables.
2.4 Remote Control
The PM30 has a built in serial interface to operate the unit remotely or upload new
firmware.
It is not possible to change device settings locally while the device is in remote
operating mode. If the Interface is connected and active, the device will not shutdown
automatically regardless of the Shutdown setting.
The device is considered to be a Data Terminal Equipment (DTE). To connect it with
a control PC use a 9 pole null-modem cable which is connected like shown in the
following figure.
Set up your control PC to meet the following communication setup:
Line setup: 9600-8N1-RFR/CTS
(8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity)
Program message end character: <LF>
(Line Feed, 0Ahex)
Response message end characters: <CR><LF>
(Carriage Return, 0Dhex; Line Feed, 0Ahex)
The device will switch to remote operation mode after recognition of the first valid
command sent to the device. It will switch back to local operation mode by receiving
Receive Data
Ready for receiving
Clear to send
Signal Ground
Data terminal ready
Receiver Line Signal Detection
Data set ready
2 RXD
3 TXD
7 RFR
8 CTS
5 GND
4 DTR
1 RLSD
6 DSR
9 RI Ring Indicator
2 RXD
3 TXD
7 RFR
8 CTS
5 GND
4 DTR
1 RLSD
6 DSR
9 RI

2.4 Remote Control
PM30 / page 12
the ‘&GTL’ emulation code (see below) or by disconnecting the cable connection
(DSR/DTR circuit).
IEEE488.2 Common Commands:
Command Description
*IDN? Identification query. (IEEE488.2-1992-§10.14)
*TST? Self test query. (IEEE488.2-1992-§10.38)
*OPC Operation complete command. (IEEE488.2-1992-§10.18)
*OPC? Operation complete query. (IEEE488.2-1992-§10.19)
*WAI Wait command. (IEEE488.2-1992-§10.39)
*RST Reset command. (IEEE488.2-1992-§10.32)
*SRE Service Request Enable command. (IEEE488.2-1992-§10.34)
*SRE? Service Request Enable query. (IEEE488.2-1992-§10.35)
*STB? Read Status Byte query. (IEEE488.2-1992-§10.36)
*ESE Standard Event Status Enable command. (IEEE488.2-1992-
§10.10)
*ESE? Standard Event Status Enable query. (IEEE488.2-1992-
§10.11)
*ESR? Standard Event Status Register query. (IEEE488.2-1992-
§10.12)
*CLS Clear Status command. (IEEE488.2-1992-§10.3)
Device Specific Commands:
Command Description
:POWER? Query the last measured power value [Watt]
:WAVELENGTH? Query the currently used wavelength [m]
:WAVELENGTH Set the wavelength [m] to use for calculating the
sensitivity
:PDRESP? Query the currently used responsivity [A/W]
:PDRESP Set the responsivity [A/W]

2.4 Remote Control
PM30 / page 13
:RANGE? Query the measurement range.
:RANGE Set the measurement range.
:OFFSET? Query the currently used zero offset [W].
:OFFSET Set the zero offset value [W].
:SENS:TYPE? Query the optical sensor’s type.
:SENS:NAME? Query the optical sensor’s name.
:SENS:SERNR? Query the optical sensor’s serial number.
:SENS:RANGE? Query the optical sensor’s range data.
:SYST:ERR? Query the device’s error queue.
Power Query
Command syntax: :POWER?
Response syntax: last measured power <NR3 NUMERIC RESPONSE DATA>
Prerequisite: None
Description: Queries the last measured absolute power value [Watt].
Note: If a A/D converter overflow occurs the value 2.0e+6 is returned.
Note: There is the absolute Power value returned. A zero offset value
does not affect this value. (See also ‘Set Zero Offset’ command)
Wavelength Query
Command syntax: :WAVELENGTH?
Response syntax: Currently used wavelength <NR3 NUMERIC RESPONSE DATA>
Prerequisite: There must be a calibrated sensor connected.
Description: Queries the currently used wavelength [m].

2.4 Remote Control
PM30 / page 14
Set Wavelength Command
Command syntax: :WAVELENGTH <DECIMAL NUMERIC PROGRAM DATA>
Prerequisite: There must be a calibrated sensor connected.
Description: Set the wavelength [m] to use for calculating the sensitivity. The
resolution is 1.0nm.
Note: The wavelength range depends on the connected sensor.
Photo Diode Responsivity Query
Command syntax: :PDRESP?
Response syntax: currently used photo diode responsivity
<
NR3 NUMERIC RESPONSE
DATA>
Prerequisite: None
Description: Queries the currently used photo diode responsivity [A/W].
Set Photo Diode Responsivity Command
Command syntax: :PDRESP <DECIMAL NUMERIC PROGRAM DATA>
Prerequisite: There must be a photo diode adaptor connected to the device.
Description: Set the photodiode responsivity [A/W]. The photo diode responsivity
must be in the range from 0.001A/W to 10.0A/W. The resolution is
0.001A/W.

2.4 Remote Control
PM30 / page 15
Measurement Range Query
Command syntax: :RANGE?
Response syntax: currently used measurement range
<
NR1 NUMERIC RESPONSE
DATA>
Prerequisite: None
Description: Queries the measurement range. For details see ‘Set Measusement
Range’.
Set Measurement Range
Syntax: :RANGE <DECIMAL NUMERIC PROGRAM DATA>
Prerequisite: There must be a sensor/adaptor connected.
Description: Sets the measurement range according to the following table:
Value Measurement Range Value Measurement Range
0 100nW 8 1mW
1 300nW 9 3mW
2 1µW 10 10mW
3 3µW 11 30mW
4 10µW 12 100mW
5 30µW 13 300mW
6 100µW 14 1W
7 300µW
Note: The minimum settable range value depends on the connected
sensor and the wavelength value (the selected responsivity). The
maximum settable range value depends on the connected sensor.
Zero Offset Query
Command syntax: :OFFSET?
Response syntax: currently used zero offset value [W]
<
NR3 NUMERIC RESPONSE
DATA>
Prerequisite: None
Description: Queries the currently used zero offset value [W].

2.4 Remote Control
PM30 / page 16
Set Zero Offset Command
Command syntax: :OFFSET <DECIMAL NUMERIC PROGRAM DATA>
Prerequisite: None
Description: Sets the zero offset value [W].
Note: The maximum settable value is the fullscale value of the selected
measurement range. Setting the zero offset value may also switch the
selected measurement range. The power value read by the power
query command will not be affected by the zero offset value.
Optical Sensor Type/ID Query
Command syntax: :SENS:TYPE?
Response syntax: Sensor-Type/ID <HEXADECIMAL NUMERIC RESPONSE DATA>
Prerequisite: None
Description: Queries the sensor type and ID.
Value
(hex)
Sensor
0000 Photo diode adaptor
0101 S120A Silicon Sensor
0201 S122A Germanium Sensor
NN11 Generic Sensor (NN = Sensor specific ID)
FFFF No Sensor connected
Note: If there is no sensor connected an error will be placed into the
device’s error queue.
Optical Sensor Name Query
Command syntax: :SENS:NAME?
Response syntax: Sensor name <STRING RESPONSE DATA>
Prerequisite: None
Description: Queries the name of the connected optical sensor.
Note: If there is no sensor connected an error will be placed into the
device’s error queue.