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InGaAs CCD M² Beam Propagation Analyzer

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Overview

The BeamSquared^® XC130 M² propagation analyzer is a compact and fully automated tool for measuring the propagation characteristics of 900 to 1700 nm CW and pulsed laser systems from the UV to NIR to Telecom wavelengths. Our longer optical train and patented Ultracal™ Calibration makes BeamSquared the most accurate product on the market and is ISO 11146 compliant. Its operational robustness and reliability ensures continuous use applications in industry, science, research and development.

XC130 320x256 InGaAs CCD camera covers 900 to 1700 nm
Automatically measure your beam quality
Tune your laser for best operation
Specifically developed for continuous usage
Unequaled accuracy using patented Ultracal™ calibration

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BeamSquared

BeamSquared is our full-function software with an extensive set of ISO M2 measurements with the ease-of-use and flexibility that customers have come to expect..

Specifications

Product Name

BeamSquared® XC130
Sensor Type

InGaAs CCD
Spectral Range

900 to 1700 nm
Communication Interface

USB 2.0 and 3.0
Active Area

9.6 x 7.6 mm
Elements

320 x 256
Effective Pixel Pitch

30 µm
Dynamic Range

68 dB

Full Resolution Frame Rate

100 fps
Beam Size

1 - 10 mm (Auto Mode)
Camera Model

XC130
Software

BeamSquared
CE Compliance

Yes
UKCA Compliance

Yes
China RoHS Compliance

Yes

Features

BeamSquared M² Propagation Analyzer

Introducing the BeamSquared, a compact and fully automated tool for measuring the propagation characteristics of continuous wave and pulsed laser systems from the UV to NIR to Telecom wavelengths.

BeamSquared Automated ISO Set-Up

This video describes the BeamSquared software Auto ISO measurement feature, which makes obtaining an ISO compliant beam measurement as easy as "align and click."

Automatic M² - at Production Speeds

The BeamSquared optical train uses a fixed position lens with movable mirrors and camera. The mirrors that direct the focused beam into the camera are moved to precise locations, translating the beam through the near field, the waist, and the far field regions. All these measurements and translations, as well as incremental beam attenuation, are automatically controlled by the BeamSquared software. Design improvements in the BeamSquared system have decreased the measurement reporting time by 2-3 times, making it possible to report M² in under a minute.

Manual M²

Manual mode is available for wavelengths greater than NIR, particularly Terahertz and above, and for beams that are too large or too small for the BeamSquared optical system. Users are required to provide a manual translation/attenuation apparatus.

2D Measurements

BeamSquared measures propagation characteristics in both the X and Y axes and displays the following parameters:

Wֺֺaist diameters
Fֺֺull angle Divergences
Wֺֺaist locations
Rֺֺayleigh lengths
Mֺֺ2 or K and BPP factors
Aֺֺstigmatism
Aֺֺsymmetry

To optimize bench space, BeamSquared can be mounted either horizontally or vertically. Laser beam input port is the same dimension with either mounting method, X = Y, and the same as the M2 -200s that it is replacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the BeamSquared lenses interchangeable from one BeamSquared unit to another?
Answer
Because of the design of the lenses for the new BeamSquared, you will be able to use lenses on multiple systems. We have included an RFID chip on each lens which holds the information for that lens. We have also programmed the BeamSquared optical trains to have their calibration information stored in the device. With this improvement the configuration files for pairing optical trains and lenses are no longer required making lenses interchangable.

The BeamSquared SP204S-PRO is compatible with any lens set; however, its highest accuracy is achieved when using the specially calibrated lenses included with the device.

When in the laser life cycle is the M² measurement the most important?
Answer
M² measurement is important if the stability of your laser is important to your process. Taking M² measurements on a frequent basis allows you to see if your laser is stable from time to time. If the results of the M² measurement fluctuate and a noticeable change happens over time, this could help identify problems with consistency in the laser and help prevent negative results to your process where the laser is being utilized.

Can any BeamGage camera be used with a BeamSquared system?
Answer
BeamGage systems and BeamSquared systems are separate and the cameras with them are not always interchangeable. However, if you currently have an SP204S, SP920, XC-130, SP1203 or one of our Pyrocam IIIHR or IV cameras, you can upgrade these cameras to be compatible with the BeamSquared software (Note: Pyrocams are not compatible with the optical train).

Does the BeamSquared internally provide all the necessary attenuation for operation with the direct laser beam?
Answer
Before allowing laser energy to enter the instrument, it is important to limit the beam intensity. Excessive laser energy may cause damage to the camera or the internal components of the BeamSquared optical train.
Typically, a CCD camera sensor can be damaged at energy levels in excess of 1 mJ/cm² or at power levels greater than .15 mW/cm². Adjust these input limits downward based on the likely focused spot size resulting from your M² lens focal length. Beam splitters and/or filters may be used to attenuate the beam, but care must be used to prevent the introduction of distortions.
During an M² measurement operation, the peak energy density that reaches the camera will change, potentially over several orders of magnitude. This is a result of the camera effectively moving from a larger unfocused spot near the lens, into and through the focus at the waist, and then out again to an unfocused spot (see the Adjusting Brightness section in the manual). The Linear attenuators in the optical train will automatically adjust to accommodate these changes in beam intensity, so long as the operator, has prudently selected the initial beam intensity. Thus, it is the operator's responsibility to attenuate the laser sufficiently to operate within the safe dynamic range of the BeamSquared system.

I have an M2-200s unit and a BeamSquared. Can I run both from the same computer?
Answer
The two software programs and their motion controller drivers cannot be installed concurrently. The M2-200s software only supports up to Windows 7 operating systems and uses older motion controller drivers where the BeamSquared software supports up to Windows 10 and uses updated motion controller drivers that are not compatible with the M2-200s system.
To operate them from the same computer requires that the computer be a Windows 7 operating system and that you uninstall the previous program including the motion controller drivers first, then reboot the computer before you can install the other software with its motion controller drivers.

M2-200S is an End-of-Life product , service, recalibration and recertification of this product is also discontinued because of discontinued usage of Windows 7 systems by MKS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the BeamSquared lenses interchangeable from one BeamSquared unit to another?
Answer
Because of the design of the lenses for the new BeamSquared, you will be able to use lenses on multiple systems. We have included an RFID chip on each lens which holds the information for that lens. We have also programmed the BeamSquared optical trains to have their calibration information stored in the device. With this improvement the configuration files for pairing optical trains and lenses are no longer required making lenses interchangable.

The BeamSquared SP204S-PRO is compatible with any lens set; however, its highest accuracy is achieved when using the specially calibrated lenses included with the device.

When in the laser life cycle is the M² measurement the most important?
Answer
M² measurement is important if the stability of your laser is important to your process. Taking M² measurements on a frequent basis allows you to see if your laser is stable from time to time. If the results of the M² measurement fluctuate and a noticeable change happens over time, this could help identify problems with consistency in the laser and help prevent negative results to your process where the laser is being utilized.

Can any BeamGage camera be used with a BeamSquared system?
Answer
BeamGage systems and BeamSquared systems are separate and the cameras with them are not always interchangeable. However, if you currently have an SP204S, SP920, XC-130, SP1203 or one of our Pyrocam IIIHR or IV cameras, you can upgrade these cameras to be compatible with the BeamSquared software (Note: Pyrocams are not compatible with the optical train).

Does the BeamSquared internally provide all the necessary attenuation for operation with the direct laser beam?
Answer
Before allowing laser energy to enter the instrument, it is important to limit the beam intensity. Excessive laser energy may cause damage to the camera or the internal components of the BeamSquared optical train.
Typically, a CCD camera sensor can be damaged at energy levels in excess of 1 mJ/cm² or at power levels greater than .15 mW/cm². Adjust these input limits downward based on the likely focused spot size resulting from your M² lens focal length. Beam splitters and/or filters may be used to attenuate the beam, but care must be used to prevent the introduction of distortions.
During an M² measurement operation, the peak energy density that reaches the camera will change, potentially over several orders of magnitude. This is a result of the camera effectively moving from a larger unfocused spot near the lens, into and through the focus at the waist, and then out again to an unfocused spot (see the Adjusting Brightness section in the manual). The Linear attenuators in the optical train will automatically adjust to accommodate these changes in beam intensity, so long as the operator, has prudently selected the initial beam intensity. Thus, it is the operator's responsibility to attenuate the laser sufficiently to operate within the safe dynamic range of the BeamSquared system.

I have an M2-200s unit and a BeamSquared. Can I run both from the same computer?
Answer
The two software programs and their motion controller drivers cannot be installed concurrently. The M2-200s software only supports up to Windows 7 operating systems and uses older motion controller drivers where the BeamSquared software supports up to Windows 10 and uses updated motion controller drivers that are not compatible with the M2-200s system.
To operate them from the same computer requires that the computer be a Windows 7 operating system and that you uninstall the previous program including the motion controller drivers first, then reboot the computer before you can install the other software with its motion controller drivers.

M2-200S is an End-of-Life product , service, recalibration and recertification of this product is also discontinued because of discontinued usage of Windows 7 systems by MKS.

Accessories

Description	Compatibility	Avail.	Price
SP90503 Software License, BeamSquared	UNIVERSAL	Contact Us
SP90508 Software License, BeamGage Professional and BeamSquared	UNIVERSAL	4 Weeks	$5,160.00
SP90631 SP204S Camera, BeamSquared	UNIVERSAL	In Stock	$4,620.00
Lens for BeamSquared Analyzers	UNIVERSAL			Learn More