Power Meter Option for

Photon's BeamScan Power Option turns the BeamScan into a powerful one-stop analyzer with the ability to measure beam size, position and power all in one step, without compromising on accuracy. Direct comparison studies with expensive, well-characterized power meters have shown that the BeamScan with the Power Option has the accuracy to match the most precise power measurements available today. Once calibrated against a known source, the BeamScan power meter provides results that are within less than 0.5% of those achieved with a dedicated power meter, all without having to make a separate measurement. Even at the extreme of a calibration range the accuracy has always been 1.6% or better. As a result, users can make direct precise measurements of losses in their devices. For specific information see the chart below.

Unlike standard power meters that have a bandwidth of several hertz (Hz), Photon's power option has a detection bandwidth of several hundred kilohertz (kHz). While a narrow bandwidth meter filters amplitude fluctuations, BeamScan's wide detection bandwidth provides a truer representation of what the source power is actually doing. This option has opened a new dimension to the engineering and/or manufacturing of laser systems-dynamic power analysis.

One example of the BeamScan Power Option's utility is in the fabrication of focused laser diode modules. First, the diode is brought to visual focus on the face of the BeamScan detector. The diode power is adjusted with BeamScan's power meter close to the desired level. BeamScan gives real-time feedback on beam size as the operator adjusts the distance between the diode and the focusing lens. Once the focusing and positioning are complete, the diode current is given the final adjustment to set the power level. For automatic or manual adjustments, Photon's power option is a real time saver.