Sensors measure laser power and energy

Paul Boughton

Ophir Photonics Group has announced the BeamTrack Laser Power/Position/Size Sensors. BeamTrack is a series of thermal detectors that combine multiple functions in one device: power, energy, beam position, and beam size. The sensors also provide information on centering and beam wander, all in a compact unit that is the same size as single function detectors of the same power level.
 
"BeamTrack sensors are the first in the market to allow users to monitor all of a laser's main parameters," stated Ephraim Greenfield, CTO, Ophir Photonics Group. "You can now measure not only power and energy, but also beam position and beam size. The new beam centreing feature means the sensors deliver the most accurate power and energy measurements. This is especially important for small aperture devices."
 
BeamTrack sensors are the only laser detectors able to measure power, position, size (PPS), energy, centering, and wander in a single device. Sensors are available with a range of aperture sizes, from small 12mm to large 50mm. The detectors use broadband or P-type absorbers and measure a broad spectral range –150nm to 20µm. The BeamTrack line includes five PPS sensors.
 
BeamTrack Power/Position/Size Sensors are designed to divide the sensor signal into quadrants, measuring and comparing the output to determine the position of the center of the beam to a high degree of accuracy. This quantitative measure of beam position provides the ability to track beam wander. In addition, a patented beam size detector is embedded in the sensor. Beam size is calibrated for Gaussian beams; for other beams, the sensor provides relative size information and indicates if beam size is changing.
 
BeamTrack sensors operate with Ophir's Nova II and Vega smart displays, and Juno PC interface. Each display features a "Smart Connector" interface that automatically configures and calibrates the display when plugged into one of the company’s measurement heads.
 
For more information, visit www.ophiropt.com

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