Lasers are famous for their focusability. (As in: “laser-focus.”)
That’s why many laser power sensors have 30, 20, or even just 10 mm apertures. This is usually more than enough space for a laser beam.
But what about large lasers like diode stacks or non-laser light sources? How can a small sensor measure a large laser beam?
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.
In applications where a human observer is involved (for example illumination applications), it is often important to measure using the eye-response-matched Photometric system of units. Ophir’s PD300-CIE is a photometric sensor, and is designed to measure illuminance (in units of Lux or Foot-Candles).
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?
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