THORLABS PM300E User manual

Operation Manual
Thorlabs Instrumentation
Optical Power and Energy Meter
PM300E
2007

Version: 16555-D02 REV A
Date: 20.11.2007
Copyright©2007, Thorlabs, Germany

Contents page
1General Information 5
1.1 Safety 6
1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories 9
2Getting Started 10
2.1 Unpacking 10
2.2 Preparation 10
2.3 Physical Overview 11
2.3.1 Operating Elements in the Front Panel 11
2.3.2 Operating Elements in the Rear Panel 12
2.3.3 Main Screens 13
3Operating the PM300E 15
3.1 Sensor independent Operation and Settings 15
3.1.1 Navigating the Menus 15
3.1.2 System Settings 15
3.1.3 Readout Configuration 16
3.1.4 Range Setting 17
3.1.5 Relative Power Measurement 18
3.1.6 Setting an Attenuation Factor 18
3.1.7 Trigger Input 19
3.2 Operation with a Photodiode Power Sensor 20
3.2.1 Wavelength Correction 21
3.2.2 Dark Current Adjustment 21
3.2.3 Bandwidth Setting 22
3.3 Operation with a Thermal Power Sensor 23
3.3.1 Zeroing 23
3.3.2 Readout acceleration 24
3.3.3 Custom Thermal Elements 24
3.4 Operating with a Pyroelectric Energy Sensor 25
3.4.1 Trigger Level 26
3.4.2 Display Features 26
3.4.3 Custom Pyroelectric Sensors 27
3.5 Power Measurement with Photodiodes 28
3.5.1 Photodiode Polarity 28
3.5.2 Setting the Photodiode Responsivity 28
3.5.3 Bias 29
3.6 Analog Outputs 29

3.7 Miscellaneous Analog Output 30
3.8 Statistics Mode 31
3.9 Chart Mode (Power Sensors) 31
3.10 Histogram Mode (Energy Sensors) 32
3.11 System Configuration 33
4Computer Interface 34
4.1 Connecting a Computer 34
4.2 PM300E Utility Software 34
4.3 Firmware Update 37
4.4 Command Reference 38
4.4.1 Common IEEE488.2 Commands 38
4.4.2 Measurement Commands 41
4.4.3 Device Setup Commands 47
4.4.4 Sensor Commands 57
4.4.5 MISC-Output Commands 59
4.4.6 Device Status Commands 64
4.4.7 General System Commands 66
4.4.8 Status Reporting 68
4.4.9 Error Reporting 69
5Measurement Considerations 71
5.1 Power Measurement of Pulsed Signals 71
5.2 Line width of Light Sources 71
5.3 Temperature Effects on Thermal Sensors 71
5.4 Ambient and Stray Light 72
5.5 Backreflection 72
5.6 Fiber Based Measurements 72
6Maintenance and Repair 73
6.1 Maintenance 73
6.2 Line voltage setting 74
6.3 Replacing the mains fuses 75
6.4 Troubleshooting 77
7Appendix 79
7.1 Warranty 79
7.2 Certifications and compliances 80
7.3 Technical data 81
7.3.1 Common Data 81
7.3.2 Technical Data 81
7.4 Pin Assignment of the Sensor Connector 84
7.5 Thorlabs Power Sensors 85
2

7.5.1 S120B / S120UV / S121B Silicon Sensor 85
7.5.2 S122B Germanium Sensor 86
7.5.3 S130A / S132B Slim Sensor 87
7.5.4 S140A / S144A Integrating Sphere Sensor 88
7.5.5 S210A 3W Thermal Sensor 89
7.5.6 S212A 10W Thermal Sensor 90
7.5.7 S213A 30W Thermal Sensor 91
7.6 Thorlabs Energy Sensors 92
7.6.1 ES111 Pyroelectric Sensor 92
7.6.2 ES120 Pyroelectric Sensor 93
7.6.3 ES145 Pyroelectric Sensor 94
7.6.4 ES220 Pyroelectric Sensor 95
7.6.5 ES245 Pyroelectric Sensor 96
7.7 Selection of Thorlabs Photo-Diodes 97
7.7.1 SM05PD Series 97
7.7.2 SM1PD Series 97
7.7.3 IS200 Integrating Sphere Series 98
7.7.4 Calibrated Photodiodes 98
7.8 Thorlabs ‘End of Life’ policy (WEEE) 99
7.8.1 Waste treatment on your own responsibility 99
7.8.2 Ecological background 100
7.9 List of figures 101
7.10 Addresses 103
3

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 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
This part of the instruction manual contains every specific information on the PM300E
optical power meter. A general description is followed by explanations of how to
operate the unit manually. You will also find information about a simple remote
control of the unit.
Attention
This manual contains ‘WARNINGS” and ‘ATTENTION” labels in this
form, to indicate danger for persons or possible damage to equip-
ment.
Please read these advises carefully!
NOTE
This manual also contains ‘NOTES” and ‘HINTS” written in this form.
4

1.1 Safety
1 General Information
The PM300E Benchtop Optical Power and Energy Meter is designed to measure the
optical power of laser light or other monochromatic or near monochromatic light
sources and the energy of pulsed light sources.
The dual channel design and compatibility to all Thorlabs Photodiode, Thermal,
Pyroelectric sensors and common Photodiode detectors, combined with a fast USB
device interface open a wide range of applications in Manufacturing, Quality Control,
Quality Assurance, and R&D.
The provided software, including drivers and applications for LabVIEW and C makes
it easy to integrate the instrument in test and measurement systems.
5

1.1 Safety
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.
Before applying power to your PM300E system, make sure that the
protective conductor of the 3 conductor mains power cord is correctly
connected to the protective earth contact of the socket outlet!
Improper grounding can cause electric shock with damages to your
health or even death!
Also make sure that the line voltage setting of the fuse holder at the rear
panel agrees with your local supply and that the corresponding fuses
are inserted. If not, please change the line voltage setting (see section
6.2) and the mains fuses (see section 6.3).
The power meter PM300E must not be operated in explosion endan-
gered environments!
Sensor, photodiode and control inputs and outputs must only be
connected with duly shielded connection cables.
Only with written consent from Thorlabs may changes to single compo-
nents be carried out or components not supplied by Thorlabs be used.
Do not obstruct the air ventilation slots in housing!
Do not remove covers!
Refer servicing to qualified personal!
This precision device is only dispatchable if duly packed into the
complete original packaging including the plastic form parts. If neces-
sary, ask for a replacement package.
6

1.1 Safety
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).
7

1.1 Safety
Attention 
The following statement applies to the products covered in this
manual, unless otherwise specified 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 inter-
ference to radio communications. 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 interference by one or
more of the following measures:
▪Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
▪Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
▪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 interfer-
ence 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 unauthorized 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 violate FCC and ICES rules.
8

1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
Ordering code Short description
PM300E PM300E Dual Channel Benchtop Power Meter
S120B Si Photodiode Optical Sensor, 400 - 1100nm, 50nW-50mW
S120UV Si Photodiode Optical Sensor, 200 - 1100nm, 50nW – 50mW
S121B Si Photodiode Optical Sensor, 400 - 1100nm, 500nW-500mW
S122B Ge Photodiode Optical Sensor, 700 - 1800nm, 35nW - 35mW
S130A Slim Sensor with Si Detector, 400 - 1100nm, 5nW to 500mW
S132A Slim Sensor with Ge Detector, 700 - 1800nm, 5nW to 500mW
S140A Integrating Sphere with Si Detector, 400 - 1100nm, 1mW to
1W; FC Adapter
S144A Integrating Sphere with InGaAs Detector, 800 - 1700nm, 1mW
to 1W; FC Adapter
S210A 3W Thermal Sensor 250nm - 10.6µm
S212A 10W Thermal Sensor 250nm - 10.6µm
S213A 30W Thermal Sensor 250nm - 10.6µm
ES111 Pyroelectric Sensor, 11mm diameter, broadband coating
ES120 Pyroelectric Sensor, 20mm diameter, broadband coating
ES145 Pyroelectric Sensor, 45mm diameter, broadband coating
ES220 Pyroelectric Sensor, 20mm diameter, ceramic coating
ES245 Pyroelectric Sensor, 45mm diameter, ceramic coating
Please visit our homepage http://www.thorlabs.com for further information.
9

2.1 Unpacking
2 Getting Started
2.1 Unpacking
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 PM300E mechanically and electrically.
Verify that you have received the following items:
1. 1 PM300E
2. 1 Power cord, connector according to ordering country
3. 2 Replacement mains fuses
4. 1 USB cable
5. 1 Operation manual
6. 1 Applications and driver CD
2.2 Preparation
Attention
Prior to switching on your PM300E please check if the line voltage
set with the voltage selector at the rear panel corresponds to your
mains voltage!
Prior to starting operation with the PM300E optical power meter, check if the line
voltage set with the voltage selector at the rear panel agrees with your local supply
and if the appropriate fuses are inserted. (See chapter 6.2 on page 74 to change the
line voltage and chapter 6.3 on page 75 to exchange the mains fuses.)
Turn the unit on by pressing the power switch.
After switching on the unit, the graphics display will show the device status and then
jump to the dual channel screen.
The PM300E is immediately ready to use after turning on. The rated accuracy is
reached, however, after a warming-up time of approx. 10 minutes.
10

2.3 Physical Overview
Via the banana connector jack of the chassis ground the external optical build-up can
be connected to ground potential, if required.
2.3 Physical Overview
2.3.1 Operating Elements in the Front Panel
Control Knob
Power Switch Soft Keys Display Selector
CH1; CH2; CH1 & CH2;
Chart Mode
Photodiode Inputs
CH1; CH2
Figure 1 Display and Operating Elements in the Front Panel
11

2.3 Physical Overview
2.3.2 Operating Elements in the Rear Panel
Ground Connector
(4mm banana)
Trigger Input
(BNC)
Misc. Out:
Programmable
Analog Output
(BNC) CH1 Sensor Connector
(SubD 9p fem.)
Mains Connector
Including line switch
and fuses
CH2 Sensor Connector
(SubD 9p fem.)
Analog Outputs
CH1, CH2
(BNC)
USB Interface
Connector
(Type ‘B’)
Figure 2 Operating Elements in the Rear Panel
12

2.3 Physical Overview
2.3.3 Main Screens
Channel Header with Display, Channel and Sensor Information
Main Display CH1
Main Display CH2
Figure 3 Dual Channel Screen
Directly
accessible
Settings
Soft Keys
Main Display
Sub Display
Bargraph
(Main Display)
Figure 4 Single Channel Screen (CH1)
Figure 5 Power Trend Graph Channel 2
13

2.3 Physical Overview
Figure 6 Power Statistics Screen Channel 2
Figure 7 Energy Statistics Screen Channel 2
Figure 8 Energy Histogram Channel 1
14

3.1 Sensor independent Operation and Settings
3 Operating the PM300E
3.1 Sensor independent Operation and Settings
3.1.1 Navigating the Menus
The PM300E is controlled by three display/menu dependent soft buttons below the
graphics display and/or the multi-control knob including a push button with an
Edit/Enter functionality. All displays have directly accessible settings by navigating
and clicking with the Multi-Control knob.
To select the channel, statistics and the graphics displays two buttons CH1 and CH2
with LED indicators are used (ON means lit LED; pressing the buttons toggles the
channels):
CH 1 CH 2 Display
ON OFF Channel 1; Single Channel Screen, Graphics and Statistics
OFF ON Channel 2; Single Channel Screen, Graphics and Statistics
ON ON Channel 1 + Channel 2; Dual Channel Screen
To access the statistics and graphics displays select a single channel screen and
toggle the right soft button <CHx Display>.
3.1.2 System Settings
To enter the system settings press the <Menu> button that is located at the left soft
button position in the channel and graph screens. The following sub menus will
appear:
•Channel 1 Setup
Depending on the connected sensor the displays and the sensor specific
parameters can be set
•Channel 2 Setup
Depending on the connected sensor the displays and the sensor specific
parameters can be set
•User Wavelength
Allows to enter five correction wavelengths for quick access.
•Miscellaneous Output Configuration
15

3.1 Sensor independent Operation and Settings
Configures the measurement value, sensitivity and offset of the programmable
analog output (MISC OUT).
•System Configuration
Contains hardware adjustments like LCD illumination, 50/60Hz line filter setting
and system information.
3.1.3 Readout Configuration
The main display can be configured in terms of units of measure and also with
mathematical functions between the two channels. To configure the main display go
to the <CHx Setup> and chose the ‘Main Display’ menu.
The sub display that is visible as small read out value in the single channel screen
can be configured in the <CHx Setup> and the ‘Sub Display’ menu. For this display
the power value can be set in linear (W) and logarithmic (dBm) mode.
The following read out displays can be selected, the channel headers show the
information of the current display:
Sensor Main Display (CH 1, CH2) Sub Display (CH1, CH 2)
Photodiode Power [W]
Power [dBm]
Delta Power [W]
Delta Power [dB]
Ratio CH1/CH2, CH2/CH1 [dB]
Power Difference:
CH1-CH2, CH2-CH1 [W]
Power [W]
Power [dBm]
Thermal Power [W]
Power [dBm]
Delta Power [W]
Delta Power [dB]
Ratio CH1/CH2, CH2/CH1 [dB]
Power Difference:
CH1-CH2, CH2-CH1 [W]
Power [W]
Power [dBm]
Pyroelectric Energy [J]
Repetition Rate [Hz]
Average Power [W]
Power Density [W/cm²]
Energy Density [W/cm²]
Energy [J]
Repetition Rate [Hz]
PD Inputs Current [A] Current [A]
16

3.1 Sensor independent Operation and Settings
Power [W]
Power [dBm]
Delta Power [W]
Delta Power [dB]
Ratio CH1/CH2, CH2/CH1 [dB]
Power Difference:
CH1-CH2, CH2-CH1 [W]
Power [W]
Power [dBm]
TH Adapter Voltage [V]
Power [W]
Power [dBm]
Delta Power [W]
Delta Power [dB]
Ratio CH1/CH2, CH2/CH1 [dB]
Power Difference:
CH1-CH2, CH2-CH1 [W]
Voltage [V]
Power [W]
Power [dBm]
3.1.4 Range Setting
The PM300E provides sensor dependent up to six power corresponding current and
up to three power corresponding voltage measurement ranges that can be selected
in manual-range or auto-range mode; and four energy corresponding voltage
measurement ranges that can be selected in manual mode. To select a range or
switch to the auto-range mode navigate to the directly accessible ‘Range’ setting or in
the setup screen to the ‘Power Range’ menu and click the button to edit the range
setting menu. Depending on the sensor type you can chose between several power
ranges and the auto-range mode either by turning the control knob or using the
<Down> and <Up> soft keys. The selected range immediately gets active after
selecting. To leave the menu press the control knob or the <ok> soft key.
When power meter sensors are connected the ranges will show in Watts, with energy
sensors in Joules. For the photodiode inputs the ranges can additionally be set in
Amperes, for the thermal head adapter and the pyroelectric head adapter in Volts.
Figure 9 Range Setting with a photodiode sensor
17

3.1 Sensor independent Operation and Settings
3.1.5 Relative Power Measurement
This feature can be used to observe power drifts, adjust power to a certain level, or
quickly subtract ambient light.
Navigating to the direct access ‘∆P’ setting and clicking the Multi-Control knob
toggles between relative and absolute power measurement. When the relative power
measurement is activated, the header changes to ‘Delta Power’, the current power
reading gets zeroed, the bar graph goes to a zero middle position, the subtracted
value gets indicated in the ‘∆P’ menu. From this point of time the main display and
the bar graph shows the difference to the subtracted power in W or dBm with a one
digit higher resolution. The sub display still shows the absolute power level. A Range
setting is still possible as described in the paragraph above.
Figure 10 Relative Power Measurement with a photodiode sensor
3.1.6 Setting an Attenuation Factor
The Attenuation Menu enables to set a user calibration factor to the power reading.
This is very convenient when wanting to read the origin laser power, but having an
filter or beam splitter in the system.
To enter an attenuation factor, press the <CHx Setup> soft button, navigate and click
the ‘Attenuation’ menu. Set the desired attenuation in dB and press <ok> or click the
control button. Exit the setup menu.
Figure 11 User Attenuation
18