BeamTrack P-Type Absorber Laser Power and Position Sensor with Ø12 mm Aperture

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Overview

The 3A-P-QUAD BeamTrack series laser measurement sensor measures laser beam position as well as power and energy. It has a 12 mm aperture and can measure beam position to 0.15 mm accuracy. It measures power from 160 µW to 3 W and energy from 30 µJ to 2 J. It has the P type volume absorber that covers the spectral range from 0.15 to 8µm.

P type volume absorber covers 0.15 to 8 µm spectral range
160 µW to 3 W power measurement range
30 µJ to 2 J energy measurement range
Accurately tracks laser beam position to fractions of a mm

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Products

		Compare	Model	Compatibility	sortOrder	rankScore	ranking	Drawings, CAD & Specs		Aperture Size	Absorber Type	Maximum Average Power	Maximum Pulse Energy	Response Time	Availability	Featured Item	Price		Brand
		7Z07935 3A-P-QUAD BeamTrack Laser Position Sensor, 160 µW to 3 W, Ø12 mm, 0.15-8 µm $2,039 In Stock	7Z07935 3A-P-QUAD BeamTrack Laser Position Sensor, 160 µW to 3 W, Ø12 mm, 0.15-8 µm	UNIVERSAL	0.0	1.0	0.0		0.0	Ø12 mm	P - Short pulse	3 W	2 J	2.5 s	In Stock		$2,039		Ophir

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Software

BeamTrack Sensors with StarLab

Support for BeamTrack sensors with Vega, Nova II, Juno, EA-1, StarLite and StarBright in StarLab application is now available. Follow step-by-step instructions to upgrade the embedded software in the BeamTrack 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.

Note: BeamTrack sensors can't be upgraded via EA-1 interface.

Software

BeamTrack Sensors with StarLab

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

Note: BeamTrack sensors can't be upgraded via EA-1 interface.

Specifications

Product Name

3A-P-QUAD
Aperture Size

Ø12 mm
Absorber Type

P - Short pulse
Spectral Range

0.15-8 µm
Minimum Power

160 µW
Maximum Average Power

3 W
Minimum Pulse Energy

30 µJ
Maximum Pulse Energy

2 J
Maximum Average Power Density

0.05 kW/cm²
Response Time

2.5 s

Maximum Energy Density <100 ns

1 J/cm²
Maximum Energy Density 2 ms

1 J/cm²
BeamTrack Functions

Power/Energy/Position
Cooling

Convection
Dimensions

Ø70 x 30 mm
Cable Length

1.5 m
CE Compliance

Yes
UKCA Compliance

Yes
China RoHS Compliance

Yes

Specifications

Product Name

3A-P-QUAD
Aperture Size

Ø12 mm
Absorber Type

P - Short pulse
Spectral Range

0.15-8 µm
Minimum Power

160 µW
Maximum Average Power

3 W
Minimum Pulse Energy

30 µJ
Maximum Pulse Energy

2 J
Maximum Average Power Density

0.05 kW/cm²
Response Time

2.5 s

Maximum Energy Density <100 ns

1 J/cm²
Maximum Energy Density 2 ms

1 J/cm²
BeamTrack Functions

Power/Energy/Position
Cooling

Convection
Dimensions

Ø70 x 30 mm
Cable Length

1.5 m
CE Compliance

Yes
UKCA Compliance

Yes
China RoHS Compliance

Yes

Features

BeamTrack Measures Power, Energy, Size and Position

Ophir BeamTrack Sensor Series, the industry's first thermal sensors that combine power and energy measurement, beam position, and beam size in a single compact device.

Sensors for Measuring Laser Power

In this short "Basics" video we review in general how one goes about measuring laser beam power, so that you'll have a clear understanding of what the different sensor types are, and when to use each type.

Features

BeamTrack Measures Power, Energy, Size and Position

Ophir BeamTrack Sensor Series, the industry's first thermal sensors that combine power and energy measurement, beam position, and beam size in a single compact device.

Sensors for Measuring Laser Power

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I measure position and size of a pulsed laser using a BeamTrack sensor?
Answer
Position and Size are measured along with power. Therefore, if the laser is pulsing at a rate at which average power can be measured, then position and size can be measured as well.

Are BeamTrack sensors backwards compatible with the Nova-II, Vega and Juno devices?
Answer
The hardware of all of these devices supports the BeamTrack sensors however, the firmware may need to be upgraded. Click here for a free download of the latest firmware from our web site

When using a BeamTrack sensor with StarLab on a PC, can I have StarLab log Position and Size data? At what sampling rate?
Answer
Yes StarLab can log beam position. The BeamTrack sensors are thermal sensors. The power measurements for all Ophir power sensors are logged at 15 times a second. When a BeamTrack sensor is connected to StarLab via a Juno, the position / size measurements are also logged 15 times a second. When a BeamTrack sensor is connected to StarLab via a Vega/ Nova II, the position / size measurements are logged once a second. This is because in the Vega / Nova II we sample these parameters slower.

For what type of laser spots can we measure position and size with BeamTrack sensors?
Answer
Position can be measured for any beam shape. Size can be measured to specified accuracy only for Gaussian (TEM00) beams. For other laser modes, size measurement is relative only.

What meters support the BeamTrack (PPS) sensors?
Answer
The Vega, Nova II, StarLite. StarBright and Juno support the BeamTrack (PPS) sensors. All other instruments can display power and single-shot energy of a BeamTrack sensor, but do not display beam position and size.

When using a BeamTrack sensor, is the response time for Position and Size measurements the same as it is for Power measurements?
Answer

The specified response time is only for the power and not for the size or position; response time is intentionally given in the Power section of the spec.
We haven't defined a position and size measurement response time because it depends on too many different parameters. For example:
- Small changes in size or position will respond quickly, large changes are much slower.
- Going from a large spot size to a smaller one is faster than going the other way.
- Position and size can change at the same time.
- If the power also changes it is even more complicated.
So the response time for size and position cannot be meaningfully specified by a single number. Having said all that, however:
In general, unlike the power reading which is accelerated by the predictive “speedup” function, the size and position measurements can't use the speedup so they are a bit slower.
The rise time for Position and Size is typically 5x – 10x the specified power response time.
Fall times for a decrease in power density (i.e. increase in size relative to power, as above) can be longer.

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.

Can I use my BeamTrack Sensor with a Pulsed Laser?
Answer
The answer to this is, of course, it depends. It depends on the pulse frequency and it depends on which sensor you want to use. Thermopile detectors do not have very fast response times, so frequencies above 100Hz are effectively the same as CW to them and all BeamTrack functions will perform as expected. Below 100 Hz the response time of the detectors becomes relevant. Low power sensors generally have faster response times so they will be more susceptible to fluctuating readings when used with a pulsed laser. The position measurement function uses the same thermopile detector as the power reading. If the laser frequency is high enough for the sensor to provide a stable power reading without fluctuations then the position measurement function will perform well too. All of our BeamTrack sensors will provide reliable position measurements for pulse frequencies down to below 10 Hz. The beam size function employs a detector that has a faster response time. At low frequencies the size measurement reading will fluctuate. We don't recommend relying on the size reading for laser pulse frequencies below 100 Hz. In any event, you can always try the sensor with your laser. If the readings are stable, without significant fluctuations, then they will be reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I measure position and size of a pulsed laser using a BeamTrack sensor?
Answer
Position and Size are measured along with power. Therefore, if the laser is pulsing at a rate at which average power can be measured, then position and size can be measured as well.

Are BeamTrack sensors backwards compatible with the Nova-II, Vega and Juno devices?
Answer
The hardware of all of these devices supports the BeamTrack sensors however, the firmware may need to be upgraded. Click here for a free download of the latest firmware from our web site

When using a BeamTrack sensor with StarLab on a PC, can I have StarLab log Position and Size data? At what sampling rate?
Answer
Yes StarLab can log beam position. The BeamTrack sensors are thermal sensors. The power measurements for all Ophir power sensors are logged at 15 times a second. When a BeamTrack sensor is connected to StarLab via a Juno, the position / size measurements are also logged 15 times a second. When a BeamTrack sensor is connected to StarLab via a Vega/ Nova II, the position / size measurements are logged once a second. This is because in the Vega / Nova II we sample these parameters slower.

For what type of laser spots can we measure position and size with BeamTrack sensors?
Answer
Position can be measured for any beam shape. Size can be measured to specified accuracy only for Gaussian (TEM00) beams. For other laser modes, size measurement is relative only.

What meters support the BeamTrack (PPS) sensors?
Answer
The Vega, Nova II, StarLite. StarBright and Juno support the BeamTrack (PPS) sensors. All other instruments can display power and single-shot energy of a BeamTrack sensor, but do not display beam position and size.

When using a BeamTrack sensor, is the response time for Position and Size measurements the same as it is for Power measurements?
Answer

The specified response time is only for the power and not for the size or position; response time is intentionally given in the Power section of the spec.
We haven't defined a position and size measurement response time because it depends on too many different parameters. For example:
- Small changes in size or position will respond quickly, large changes are much slower.
- Going from a large spot size to a smaller one is faster than going the other way.
- Position and size can change at the same time.
- If the power also changes it is even more complicated.
So the response time for size and position cannot be meaningfully specified by a single number. Having said all that, however:
In general, unlike the power reading which is accelerated by the predictive “speedup” function, the size and position measurements can't use the speedup so they are a bit slower.
The rise time for Position and Size is typically 5x – 10x the specified power response time.
Fall times for a decrease in power density (i.e. increase in size relative to power, as above) can be longer.

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.

Can I use my BeamTrack Sensor with a Pulsed Laser?
Answer
The answer to this is, of course, it depends. It depends on the pulse frequency and it depends on which sensor you want to use. Thermopile detectors do not have very fast response times, so frequencies above 100Hz are effectively the same as CW to them and all BeamTrack functions will perform as expected. Below 100 Hz the response time of the detectors becomes relevant. Low power sensors generally have faster response times so they will be more susceptible to fluctuating readings when used with a pulsed laser. The position measurement function uses the same thermopile detector as the power reading. If the laser frequency is high enough for the sensor to provide a stable power reading without fluctuations then the position measurement function will perform well too. All of our BeamTrack sensors will provide reliable position measurements for pulse frequencies down to below 10 Hz. The beam size function employs a detector that has a faster response time. At low frequencies the size measurement reading will fluctuate. We don't recommend relying on the size reading for laser pulse frequencies below 100 Hz. In any event, you can always try the sensor with your laser. If the readings are stable, without significant fluctuations, then they will be reliable.

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

BeamTrack Sensor Cables

Cable to connect PPS / Quad electronic box to power meter or interface. Order along with sensor to receive this instead of 0.5m cable from electronic box.

	Compare	Description	Compatibility	Drawings, CAD & Specs	Avail.	Price
		7E01176B BeamTrack Sensor Cable, 5 m Length, Connect PPS / Quad to Power Meter	UNIVERSAL		In Stock	$79
		7Z10299A BeamTrack Sensor Cable, 10 m Length, Connect PPS / Quad to Power Meter	UNIVERSAL		Contact Us	$266

Sensor Connector to BNC Adapter

The SH to BNC Adapter allows the connection of an Ophir sensor to a current or voltage measuring device for measurement of the raw sensor analog output. A current meter should be used for photodiode sensors. Current or voltage meters can be used for thermal sensors.

	Compare	Description	Compatibility	Drawings, CAD & Specs	Avail.	Price
		7Z11010 BNC Adapter, DB15 Optical Sensor Connector	UNIVERSAL		In Stock	$92

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.