This post was originally posted in 2012. It is still very popular, so I wanted to share it …
Optical Alignment: A Simple Solution to an Infuriating Problem
April 13, 2016 - by OphirBlog
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Picture this:
You’re working on a complicated laser setup, with various beam splitters, attenuation, lenses and mirrors. You spend weeks optimizing the design, and months waiting for all the parts to arrive.
Now everything is here and you set it up to the millimeter.
And then the big moment. Where’s the laser?
Non-Contact Beam Profiling of 100 kW and Above: How Can This Work?
December 9, 2015 - by OphirBlog
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I’ve mentioned BeamWatch before.
It’s an innovative technique for profiling high power lasers (1 kW and up).
I’ve even touched on the underlying Rayleigh scattering effect that makes this possible.
But how does this really work?
There are a few different ways to measures laser power, but the most common is the photodiode. Photodiodes translate light energy into electricity (current), which can be measured by a current sensor.
Ophir uses a few types of photodiodes in its PD300 series.
Going to Munich for LASER World of PHOTONICS 2015?
We’ll be showing several new products in Munich, not to mention quite a few of our classics.
But…
You’re going to be busy. You can’t (and shouldn’t) go to every booth. So I’m going to very clear. Our booth is not for everyone. However,
With high power lasers, there’s always a safety concern for equipment and people nearby.
(Of course, I’m not qualified to give a detailed analysis of what needs to be taken into account for laser safety. For that, you should consult a laser safety officer.)
I want to specifically ask whether there’s an issue of laser light reflecting off power measuring equipment.
You’re so upset you could spit.
You just got a new laser for your factory floor, but it just won’t make parts that pass inspection.
The Difficulties in M-Squared Measurement –And How to Overcome Them
May 13, 2015 - by OphirBlog
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A clear benefit of knowing the M2 of your laser is getting a lot of information about beam quality all in one number.
As simple as the output is, it is harder than you may imagine to measure and calculate M-Squared.
Let’s take a quick look at the theory behind M2 to see how it can be measured.
Harsh.
Extreme.
Noisy.
These are a few words used to describe an industrial environment.
What about your laser sensor? Will it survive this?
Lasers are amazing. They can cut or weld, drill or solder. A very general application of laser materials …