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
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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
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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.
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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.
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