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Real-Time M2 Measurements with ModeScan 1780
Save time and money with instantaneous M2 results
- See our video: Using the ModeScan 1780
- See how real-time M2 measurements are acquired using Photon's 1780 ModeScan system. This video also includes tips to make setting up this system even easier.
- M2 in Real Time
- M2 Accuracy to <4%
- NIST-traceable accuracy to <2%
- Measures CW and pulsed lasers
- Measures ISO 11146 Parameters
- Beam Propagation Ratio M2
- Divergence
- Beam waist diameter
- Beam waist location
- Rayleigh length
- Major and minor axes
- Astigmatism
- PDF Datasheet
Real-time M2 measurements are now possible with the ModeScan 1780 laser beam profiler. With 10 measurement position acquired simultaneously, the ModeScan 1780 measures both CW and pulsed lasers down to single-shot rates. Beam diameters are obtained with NIST-traceable accuracy to better than 2%, which translates to M2 measurements with accuracy to better than 4%.
The Real-time M2 measurement technique, patented by Photon Inc., uses 10 reflective surfaces to form simultaneous images of the propagating beam at 10 locations on a CCD array camera. The compactness of the system and the IEEE 1394 "FireWire" interface offers enhanced ease-of-use and portability. The ability to operate in any orientation allows for easy placement on any optical bench and saves valuable bench space.
The system is designed for use from ~250nm to 1100nm wavelengths. The standard configuration is supplied with a glass OD 2.8 C-mount neutral density filter for wavelengths >360nm, and an OD 3.0 Fused Silica Inconel neutral density filter for wavelengths <360nm. Because of the limited usefulness of exposure control with pulsed lasers, the Photon Inc. Model ATP is recommended for use with pulsed lasers with repetition rate <~10kHz and wavelength >360nm. For pulsed lasers with wavelength <360nm, a variable UV filter or a combination of UV filters will generally be required.
The FireWire system and the ModeScan 1780 operate under Photon's FireWire Acquisition and Analysis Software in Microsoft Windows. The software provides quantitative measurement of numerous beam spatial characteristics in accordance with the ISO 13694 standard and M2 parameters according to the ISO 11146 standard:
- Beam Propagation Ratio M2
- Divergence
- Beam waist diameter
- Beam waist location
- Rayleigh length
- Major and minor axes
- Astigmatism
The software has two operational modes—M2 Beam Propagation mode and Beam Profiling mode. Under normal operation the M2 mode includes:
- Live Video Window for displaying the 10 beam spots
- Measurement View showing the beam caustics
- Beam Statistics View, a tabular summary for the M2 parameters and beam diameters with Pass/Fail analysis
- Time Statistics views with strip chart (up to 15)
- Time displays summary statistics—overlays are also available
- Notes view for entering text
If the user wishes to examine any of the beam profiles in more detail the Beam Profiling mode allows the following additional displays:
- Dual Aperture Profile View
- 2D Topographic View
- 3D View
- Pointing View
For data display and visualization, the user can arrange and size these multiple windows as required. These may contain, for example, the Video, Measurement, and Beam Statistics views. Such custom-configured instrument screens with multiple views can be saved as configuration files for repeated use. Data can be saved as program files, or exported to spreadsheets, math and statistical analysis programs and process/instrumentation control programs by sharing using ActiveX Automation, or by logging to files or COM ports.
Our M2 Measurement Solutions white paper provides a more in-depth discussion of M2 measurement.
| ModeScan 1780 Specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical/Sensor/Detector | ||
| Sensor: | Si CCD 1/2" Format | |
| Wavelength: | 360nm - 1100nm (Standard with OD 2.8 filter)
250nm - 1100nm with UV optics |
|
| Pixel Array: | 780 (H) X 580 (V) | |
| Pixel Size: | 8.3µm X 8.3µm | |
| Array Dimension: | 6.49mm X 4.83mm | |
| Scanning Mode: | Progressive | |
| CCD Cover Glass: | Removed | |
| Beam Splitters: | Fused Silica: <20/10 Scratch Dig, l/10 Flatness | |
| Test Lenses | ||
| UV 250 - 460nm: | 200mm fl Fused Silica/250-460nm AR coated standard | |
| Visible 425 - 720nm: | 200mm fl BK7/425-720nm AR coated standard | |
| VIS-NIR 620 - 1080nm: | 200mm fl BK7/620-1080nm AR coated standard
other fl's optional for all wavelengths |
|
| Fixed Attenuator | ||
| Visible - NIR: | OD 2.8 Absorbing Glass >360nm | |
| UV: | OD 3.0 Fused Silica Inconel 250-450nm | |
| Computer/Electrical | ||
| A / D Conversion: | 12 Bit | |
| Maximum Frame Rate: | 35.8fps (full frame @ full resolution) | |
| Exposure range: | 20µs-27.64ms (Software selectable via 1394 bus) | |
| Gain: | 0-12dB (Software selectable via 1394 bus) | |
| Trigger: | Internal or External (Software selectable) | |
| External Trigger Specifications: | 5V ±1V @ 10mA ±5mA (Positive transition) | |
| Trigger Connector: | 10 pin RJ-45 Jack | |
| Trigger Cable: | 10 pin RJ-45 to BNC 1.8m | |
| Interface: | IEEE 1394a (FireWire) | |
| IEEE 1394 Cable: | 1.8m | |
| Supply Voltage: | +8V - +36V DC (+12V DC nominal), <1% ripple (supplied via IEEE 1394 cable); requires external powered hub with laptop PCs | |
| Supply Power: | 3.5W max @ 12V DC (typical) | |
| Mechanical | ||
| Filter/Lens Mount: | C-mount (1" - 32 tpi) | |
| Mounting: | Gimbal Mount on 1/2" post; 12mm Metric post optional | |
| Dimensions in mm: | 62 H X 140 W X 210 L + Gimbal Mount | |
| Weight: | ~1.4kg | |
| Environmental | ||
| Operating Temperature: | O° - +50°C (+32° Ð 112°F) | |
| Humidity: | 20%-80%, relative, non-condensing | |
| Other | ||
| Conformity: | CE; FCC; RoHS and WEEE | |
Specifications subject to change without notice
- 1.8GHz or faster Pentium IV Processor
- Windows XP Professional SP1, Windows 2000 Professional SP3, or Vista Business (32-bit only) Operating System
- OHCI compliant IEEE 1394a (FireWire Port): Powered port required
- 512MB of RAM
- CD-ROM Drive
- 30MB free space on hard disk
- SVGA display monitor
- 64MB Color SVGA graphics card
- Mouse or other pointing device
- Keyboard
- Writeable CD recommended for data archiving
ModeScan Mechanical Dimensions
