Accurate laser power and energy measurement is essential in almost every laser application, from R&D labs and industrial manufacturing to system integration and field service. MKS Ophir offers two versatile, laser power and energy, meters designed to meet these needs: StarBright and StarLite.
Both meters are built on Ophir’s decades of experience in laser measurement, yet each is optimized for a different type of user and workflow. This article explains what these meters are used for, the key benefits of each, and—most importantly—the simple differences between them.
What Are StarBright and StarLite Used For in Laser Power and Energy Measurement?
StarBright and StarLite arelaser power and energy meters used to measure:
- Laser power (continuous-wave lasers)
- Laser energy (pulsed lasers)
- Pulse repetition rate (with compatible sensors)
- Track (with BeamTrack sensors)
- Irradiance and Dosage (with compatible sensors)
They are typically used for laser setup and alignment, system verification and calibration checks, quality control on the production floor, field service and maintenance, troubleshooting, and laboratory and development work.
Both meters work with a wide range of Ophir thermopile, pyroelectric, and photodiode sensors, allowing users to measure everything from low-power diode lasers to high-power industrial and pulsed systems.
StarBright Laser Power & Energy Meter – Advanced Control and Maximum Flexibility
StarBright is Ophir’s high-end portable meter, designed for users who need flexibility, advanced analysis, and a modern user interface. It is the direct successor to the Ophir Nova II and Vega meters, bringing their advanced capabilities into a single, modern measurement platform.
Key Benefits of StarBright
- Large color screen with intuitive user interface
- Advanced functions such as Density, Normalize and Scale factor
- USB and RS232 outputs for connectivity
- on-board logging directly to a USB thumb drive or PC
- Analog Output
StarLite Laser Power & Energy Meter – Simple, Compact, and Efficient
StarLite is a compact entry level laser power and energy meter designed for users who need reliable measurements without complexity. It is the successor to the widely used Ophir Nova meter, offering an enhanced measurement experience. StarLite is available in two ordering options: with USB connectivity or without USB, with the latter allowing for a convenient field upgrade if connectivity is required later.
Key Benefits of StarLite
- Straightforward operation with minimal setup
- Reliable measurement of power, energy, and repetition rate
- Excellent value for field and production environments
One Sensor Ecosystem, Two Meter Options
Both StarBright and StarLite are part of the same Ophir sensor ecosystem. This allows users to use the same sensor with different meters, upgrade meters without replacing sensors, and protect their measurement investment over time.
Summary
Whether you need an advanced measurement station or an entry level meter, MKS Ophir offers a solution. StarBright is ideal for advanced users and complex setups, while StarLite is designed for everyday measurements, field work, and ease of use. Both meters reflect Ophir’s commitment to accuracy, reliability, and user-focused design.
