High-power, water-cooled laser power meters are designed to operate continuously and reliably over extended periods of time. However, in some applications, a shorter measurement is preferable — for example, when extended laser operation is not desirable or may not even be possible.

The Power from Pulse™ measurement technique enables users to turn on the laser for only a few seconds, or even less, while still obtaining an accurate power measurement.

Another important benefit of this short-exposure approach is reduced heating of the laser power meter. With Helios Pro, this means water cooling is not required. With the 70K-W, it enables a higher maximum power measurement range.

How Power from Pulse™ Works

The principle is simple: power equals energy divided by time.

By calibrating the laser power meter to measure the energy of a short laser exposure, the average power can be calculated by dividing the measured energy by the exposure duration. An integrated photodiode is used to time the laser exposure, while the hardware performs the calculation and provides a clear, accurate power reading.

This measurement technique works with both thermopile-based power meters, such as Helios Pro, and calorimeters such as the 70K-W, extending the measurement range up to 100 kW.

What If the Laser Does Not Switch On Instantly?

Some laser systems do not reach full power immediately. This may be due to thermal effects in the laser itself, the power supply, or the optical setup.

In extended measurements, this rise time may not have a major impact. But when the measurement lasts only a few seconds — or less — the laser rise time can become a significant part of the total measurement duration and must be taken into account.

The integrated photodiode does more than measure exposure duration. In Helios Pro and the 70K-W, it tracks the instantaneous laser power throughout the short exposure at a high sample rate.

This data can be used to adjust the power measurement by ignoring the part of the exposure before the laser reaches full power. It can also be used to measure rise time or download the full pulse shape for further inspection.

Accurate High-Power Laser Measurement with Short Exposure Times

Power from Pulse™ is more than an upgrade. It introduces a practical new way to measure short-burst, high-power lasers accurately and efficiently.

With Helios Pro and Ophir’s 70 kW solutions, users can measure complex high-power laser systems with short exposure times, reduced sensor heating, and reliable power readings.