1 nJ to 13 µJ Silicon Photodiode Energy Sensor

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Overview

The PD10-C photodiode energy sensor is for low energies with a 10 mm aperture. It can measure energies from 1 nJ up to 13 µJ. It can operate at repetition rates up to 20 kHz and covers the spectral range from 190 to 1100 nm.

Silicon photodiode with 190 to 1100 nm range
1 nJ up to 13 µJ energy measurement range
10 mm diameter aperture
Repetition rates up to 20 kHz
The PD10-C sensor is not under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation

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Products

		Compare	Model	Compatibility	sortOrder	rankScore	ranking	Drawings, CAD & Specs		Aperture Size	Spectral Range	Minimum Pulse Energy	Maximum Pulse Energy	Maximum Average Power Density	Availability	Featured Item	Price		Brand
		7Z02944 PD10-C Photodiode Energy Sensor, 1 nJ to 13 µJ, Ø10 mm, 190-1100 nm $1,643 In Stock	7Z02944 PD10-C Photodiode Energy Sensor, 1 nJ to 13 µJ, Ø10 mm, 190-1100 nm	UNIVERSAL	0.0	1.0	0.0		0.0	Ø10 mm	190-1100 nm	1 nJ	13 µJ	50 W/cm²	In Stock		$1,643		Ophir
		7Z02944C PD10-C with 10m cable Photodiode Energy Sensor, 1 nJ to 13 µJ, Ø10 mm, 190-1100 nm with 10m cable $1,809 Contact Us	7Z02944C PD10-C with 10m cable Photodiode Energy Sensor, 1 nJ to 13 µJ, Ø10 mm, 190-1100 nm with 10m cable	UNIVERSAL	0.0	1.0	0.0		0.0	Ø10 mm	190-1100 nm	1 nJ	13 µJ	50 W/cm²	Contact Us		$1,809		Ophir

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Software

PE-C Sensors with StarLab

Support for PE-C \ PD10-C sensors with Vega, Nova II, Juno, Juno+, Juno-RS, EA-1, StarLite and StarBright in StarLab application is now available. Follow step-by-step instructions to upgrade the embedded software in the PE-C \ PD10-C sensor with the StarLab application

When working with other meters and interfaces it is not necessary to update the embedded software of the PE-C \ PD10-C.

Note: PE-C \ PD10-C sensors can't be upgraded via EA-1 interface..

Software

PE-C Sensors with StarLab

When working with other meters and interfaces it is not necessary to update the embedded software of the PE-C \ PD10-C.

Note: PE-C \ PD10-C sensors can't be upgraded via EA-1 interface..

Specifications

Product Name

PD10-C
Aperture Size

Ø10 mm
Material

UV-Silicon
Spectral Range

190-1100 nm
Minimum Pulse Energy

1 nJ
Maximum Pulse Energy

13 µJ
Maximum Frequency

20,000 Hz
Maximum Average Power

50 mW at 800 nm

Maximum Average Power Density

50 W/cm²
Maximum Pulse Width

5 μs
Cable Length

1.5 m
Dimensions

Ø62 x 22 mm
CE Compliance

Yes
UKCA Compliance

Yes
China RoHS Compliance

Yes

Specifications

Product Name

PD10-C
Aperture Size

Ø10 mm
Material

UV-Silicon
Spectral Range

190-1100 nm
Minimum Pulse Energy

1 nJ
Maximum Pulse Energy

13 µJ
Maximum Frequency

20,000 Hz
Maximum Average Power

50 mW at 800 nm

Maximum Average Power Density

50 W/cm²
Maximum Pulse Width

5 μs
Cable Length

1.5 m
Dimensions

Ø62 x 22 mm
CE Compliance

Yes
UKCA Compliance

Yes
China RoHS Compliance

Yes

Features

Measure Very Low Energy Laser Pulses

This video will show you how to overcome the challenges of measuring very low energy pulses, even in a noisy environment.

Sensors for Measuring Laser Energy

In this short "Basics" video, we review in general the use of pyro-electric sensors for measuring laser pulse energies.

How to Detect Missing Laser Pulses with a Pyroelectric Sensor

This video will show you how to detect and record any missing pulses in your pulsed laser beam application.

Additional Error with Frequency in a Pyroelectric Sensor

In many laser energy sensor specifications, there is an item called "Additional error with frequency". Learn what that means, and why and when it happens, in this video.

Features

Measure Very Low Energy Laser Pulses

This video will show you how to overcome the challenges of measuring very low energy pulses, even in a noisy environment.

Sensors for Measuring Laser Energy

In this short "Basics" video, we review in general the use of pyro-electric sensors for measuring laser pulse energies.

How to Detect Missing Laser Pulses with a Pyroelectric Sensor

This video will show you how to detect and record any missing pulses in your pulsed laser beam application.

Additional Error with Frequency in a Pyroelectric Sensor

In many laser energy sensor specifications, there is an item called "Additional error with frequency". Learn what that means, and why and when it happens, in this video.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "User Threshold" feature on the Pyro-C series and how does it work?
Answer
The Pyro-C sensors have a "user threshold" feature allowing the user to adjust the measurement threshold in noisy environments. Increasing the threshold will prevent triggering on noisy signals and allow accurate measurment of energy and frequency, as long as the laser pulses are larger than the noise.

The trigger level can be adjusted up to 25% of full scale, however operation depends on the pulse width setting. For pulse width settings below ~0.25ms, the minimum energy that can be measured accurately is approximately 40% above the user threshold setting. Pulses below this energy level will trigger the sensor down to the user threshold level, but accuracy is compromised.

For pulse width settings above ~0.25ms, accuracy is good all the way down to the threshold. If the laser pulse width is less than 1/2 the setting, the minimum energy corresponds to the setting. However, with longer laser pulse widths, the minimum energy will be higher, rising to approximately twice the user threshold level when the laser pulse width is equal to the sensor pulse width setting.

It is recommended always to set the user threshold to the minimum possible setting to retain best energy accuracy in any given situation. See the user manual for further information on how to use the user threshold.

How does the pyroelectric sensor behave for pulsed radiation at a frequency which is over the data sampling rate?
Answer
The Power and Energy Meters simply decides it is time for a sample and takes the next pulse that comes after that time, e.g. if it samples at 400 Hz, then every 1/400th of a second it is ready to take the next pulse that comes along.

Can I use a PE-C pyroelectric sensor for higher powers for a short time without the optional heat sink?
Answer
The catalog specification states the maximum power a sensor can be used with and without the heat sink. The purpose of the heat sink is to keep the sensor temperature below the maximum permitted at higher average powers. If you use the sensor for a short time only, on the order of 1-2 minutes at a time, you should be able to measure up to the higher power given in the spec even without the heat sink.

Do I need to recalibrate my instrument? How often must it be recalibrated?
Answer
Unless otherwise indicated, Ophir sensors and meters should be recalibrated within 18 months after initial purchase, and then once a year after that.

Are pyro sensors suitable for power measurement and if so, what is the accuracy?
Answer
All Ophir pyroelectric sensors can measure average power with Ophir Power and Energy Meters. The instrument measures the number of pulses each second and multiplies the energy reading by the pulse rate. If the pulse rate is constant, then the accuracy of power measurement will be the same as the energy accuracy since the pulse rate measurement is very accurate.

Are Pyro-C energy sensors compatible with all Ophir meters?
Answer
Yes, with certain limitations. Here are the points to be aware of:
Vega, Nova II, StarLite, StarBright meters and Juno PC interface: Full support of all features
All other instruments (Nova/Orion and LaserStar meters, as well as USBI, Pulsar, and Quasar PC interfaces): Support the Pyro-C sensors, except for the following features: Only 2 of the 5 pulse width settings are available.
User selectable threshold is not available.
In addition to the above: When using a Pyro-C sensor with the Nova (or Orion) meter, the "Nova PE-C Adapter" (Ophir p/n 7Z08272) is required.

In the datasheets of photodiode-based energy sensors like the PD10-C, the lowest measurable energy is given specifically for one wavelength – 900nm. How do I know the lowest measurable energy at MY wavelength?
Answer
Let’s look at an example. In the spec of the PD10-C, it gives the lowest measurable energy as 1 nJ at wavelength 900 nm. Let’s say the wavelength you work at is 633 nm. Looking at the relative spectral sensitivity curve for this sensor (shown below), we see that the sensitivity at 633 nm is only about 2/3 of what it is at 900nm (as seen in the attached spectral curve). That means that the lowest measurable energy at 633 nm will be (1nJ / ⅔), or about 1.5 nJ.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "User Threshold" feature on the Pyro-C series and how does it work?
Answer
The Pyro-C sensors have a "user threshold" feature allowing the user to adjust the measurement threshold in noisy environments. Increasing the threshold will prevent triggering on noisy signals and allow accurate measurment of energy and frequency, as long as the laser pulses are larger than the noise.

The trigger level can be adjusted up to 25% of full scale, however operation depends on the pulse width setting. For pulse width settings below ~0.25ms, the minimum energy that can be measured accurately is approximately 40% above the user threshold setting. Pulses below this energy level will trigger the sensor down to the user threshold level, but accuracy is compromised.

For pulse width settings above ~0.25ms, accuracy is good all the way down to the threshold. If the laser pulse width is less than 1/2 the setting, the minimum energy corresponds to the setting. However, with longer laser pulse widths, the minimum energy will be higher, rising to approximately twice the user threshold level when the laser pulse width is equal to the sensor pulse width setting.

It is recommended always to set the user threshold to the minimum possible setting to retain best energy accuracy in any given situation. See the user manual for further information on how to use the user threshold.

How does the pyroelectric sensor behave for pulsed radiation at a frequency which is over the data sampling rate?
Answer
The Power and Energy Meters simply decides it is time for a sample and takes the next pulse that comes after that time, e.g. if it samples at 400 Hz, then every 1/400th of a second it is ready to take the next pulse that comes along.

Can I use a PE-C pyroelectric sensor for higher powers for a short time without the optional heat sink?
Answer
The catalog specification states the maximum power a sensor can be used with and without the heat sink. The purpose of the heat sink is to keep the sensor temperature below the maximum permitted at higher average powers. If you use the sensor for a short time only, on the order of 1-2 minutes at a time, you should be able to measure up to the higher power given in the spec even without the heat sink.

Do I need to recalibrate my instrument? How often must it be recalibrated?
Answer
Unless otherwise indicated, Ophir sensors and meters should be recalibrated within 18 months after initial purchase, and then once a year after that.

Are pyro sensors suitable for power measurement and if so, what is the accuracy?
Answer
All Ophir pyroelectric sensors can measure average power with Ophir Power and Energy Meters. The instrument measures the number of pulses each second and multiplies the energy reading by the pulse rate. If the pulse rate is constant, then the accuracy of power measurement will be the same as the energy accuracy since the pulse rate measurement is very accurate.

Are Pyro-C energy sensors compatible with all Ophir meters?
Answer
Yes, with certain limitations. Here are the points to be aware of:
Vega, Nova II, StarLite, StarBright meters and Juno PC interface: Full support of all features
All other instruments (Nova/Orion and LaserStar meters, as well as USBI, Pulsar, and Quasar PC interfaces): Support the Pyro-C sensors, except for the following features: Only 2 of the 5 pulse width settings are available.
User selectable threshold is not available.
In addition to the above: When using a Pyro-C sensor with the Nova (or Orion) meter, the "Nova PE-C Adapter" (Ophir p/n 7Z08272) is required.

In the datasheets of photodiode-based energy sensors like the PD10-C, the lowest measurable energy is given specifically for one wavelength – 900nm. How do I know the lowest measurable energy at MY wavelength?
Answer
Let’s look at an example. In the spec of the PD10-C, it gives the lowest measurable energy as 1 nJ at wavelength 900 nm. Let’s say the wavelength you work at is 633 nm. Looking at the relative spectral sensitivity curve for this sensor (shown below), we see that the sensitivity at 633 nm is only about 2/3 of what it is at 900nm (as seen in the attached spectral curve). That means that the lowest measurable energy at 633 nm will be (1nJ / ⅔), or about 1.5 nJ.

Accessories

Fiber Connector Adapters

These adapters allow for power measurement of connectorized fiber-optic cables. The sensor may need an additional mounting bracket to connect to these fiber adapters.

Description	Compatibility	Avail.	Price
7Z08227 SC Fiber Connector Adapter, Power and Energy Sensors	UNIVERSAL	In Stock	$302
7Z08226 ST Fiber Connector Adapter, Power and Energy Sensors	UNIVERSAL	In Stock	$264
7Z08229 FC Fiber Connector Adapter, Power and Energy Sensors	UNIVERSAL	In Stock	$153
1G01236A SMA Fiber Connector Adapter, Power and Energy Sensors	UNIVERSAL	In Stock	$74

Fiber Adapter Mounting Bracket

A mounting bracket is needed to connect most power and energy sensors to a fiber adapter (SC, ST, FC or SMA). This bracket can be used for photodiode energy sensors in the PD10 series.

	Compare	Description	Compatibility	Drawings, CAD & Specs	Avail.	Price
		7Z08275 Fiber Adapter Mounting Bracket, PD10 Photodiode Energy Sensors	UNIVERSAL		5 Weeks	$176

Nova PE-C Adapter

The adapter plugs between the Nova D15 socket and the smart plug of the PE-C and PD-C sensors to allow the Nova to operate with these sensors.

	Compare	Description	Compatibility	Drawings, CAD & Specs	Avail.	Price
		7Z08272 Energy Sensor Adapter, Connect PE-C and PD-C to Nova Meter	UNIVERSAL		In Stock	$165

PE-C to PE Size Adapter

The newer PE-C series sensors have a Ø62 mm diameter. The older PE series sensors have a Ø85 mm diameter. This adapter allows using the PE-C type sensors in jigs and setups that were originally designed for PE sensors.

	Compare	Description	Compatibility	Drawings, CAD & Specs	Avail.	Price
		7Z08273 PE-C to PE Size Adapter, Ø62 to Ø85 mm	UNIVERSAL		Contact Us	$166

Fixed extension cables for Pyro Energy Sensors

Order a fixed extension cable along with sensor to receive a different cable than the standard 1.5 m cable.

Description	Compatibility	Avail.	Price
7E01174A Fixed extension cable for Pyro Energy Sensors, 3 m Length, Connect to Power Meter	UNIVERSAL	In Stock	$86
7E01174B Fixed extension cable for Pyro Energy Sensors, 5 m Length, Connect to Power Meter	UNIVERSAL	In Stock	$112
7E01174C Fixed extension cable for Pyro Energy Sensors, 10 m Length, Connect to Power Meter	UNIVERSAL	In Stock	$167

Modular extension cables for Pyro Energy Sensors

The extension cables can be ordered separately from the sensors.

Description	Compatibility	Avail.	Price
7E01198 Extension cable for Pyro Energy Sensors, 1.5 m Length, D15M-D15F	UNIVERSAL	In Stock	$68
7E01198A Extension cable for Pyro Energy Sensors, 3.5 m Length, D15M-D15F	UNIVERSAL	In Stock	$89
7E01198B Extension cable for Pyro Energy Sensors, 8.5 m Length, D15M-D15F	UNIVERSAL	In Stock	$134

Extended Warranty for Sensor

Customers that purchase the above items also consider the following items. Ophir-Spiricon meters and sensors include a standard manufacturers warranty for one year. Add a one year Extended Warranty to your meter or sensor, which includes one recalibration.