BeamSquared®

The BeamSquared® system is a compact and fully automated tool for measuring the propagation characteristics of CW and pulsed laser systems from the UV to NIR to Telecom wavelengths. Users can also measure wavelengths above 1.8 microns, including CO2 and terahertz in manual mode (a bench set-up; without the automated optical train) with a Pyrocam IV or IIIHR. 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.

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Cameras

Select or compare sensors below for more information.

BeamSquared® SP920
Wavelengths266 - 1100nm

InterfaceUSB 2.0 and 3.0
Recommended for 266 nm – 1100 nm wavelengths ISO compliant Automatically measure your beam quality in under 1 minutes Specifically developed for continuous usage Unequaled accuracy using patented Ultracal™ Calibration
More info
BeamSquared® XC130
Wavelengths900 – 1700nm*

InterfaceUSB 2.0 and 3.0
Recommended for 900 nm – 1700 nm wavelengths ISO compliant Automatically measure your beam quality in under 1 minutes Specifically developed for continuous usage Unequaled accuracy using patented Ultracal™ Calibration
More info
BeamSquared® -A
NoteSpecification depends on camera used
Recommended for 266 nm – 1100 nm wavelengths Software product. Use with your XC-130, SP920 cameras or with compatible cameras purchased. Automatically measure your beam quality in under 1 minutes Specifically developed for continuous usage Unequaled accuracy using patented Ultracal™ Calibration
More info
BeamSquared® PY-M
NoteCompatible with Pyrocam IIIHR or Pyrocam IV cameras
BeamSquared software product – no hardware provided Recommended for use with Pyrocam sensor M2 measurement done via manual movement Unequaled accuracy using patented Ultracal™ Calibration
More info

Download Data Sheet.

Camera Based Beam Propagation Analyzer: M²
	IֺֺSO compliant
	Aֺֺutomatically measure your beam quality in under 1 minutes
	Tֺֺune your laser for best operation
	Sֺֺpecifically developed for continuous usage
	Uֺֺnequaled accuracy using patented Ultracal™ Calibration
	Lֺֺong optical train & automatic attenuation adjustment
	Fֺֺlexible mounting configurations, install horizontal or vertically
	Pֺֺulsed and CW for most beam diameters and powers
	Cֺֺompact and portable
	Dֺֺetectors from 266nm to 10.6μm

The BeamSquared® system is a compact and fully automated tool for measuring the propagation characteristics of CW and pulsed laser systems from the UV to NIR to Telecom wavelengths. Users can also measure wavelengths above 1.8 microns, including CO2 and terahertz in manual mode (a bench set-up; without the automated optical train) with a Pyrocam™ IV or IIIHR. 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.

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.

Software Features
Measurements
	M2x, M2y, Kx, Ky, BPPx, BPPy
	Width at waist Wx, Wy
	Divergence angle Qx, Qy
	Waist location Zx, Zy
	Rayleigh X, Y
	Astigmatism
	Asymmetry ratio
	Statistical results are available on all measurements
Supports both automated and manual runs New Hardware
	Camera Options include: SP920, Xeva, Pyrocam III HR or IV
	RF Lens Reader
	Lֺֺens must be present for operation
	Lֺֺens configuration data stored with lens (Focal length, calibration wavelength, material, etc.)
	Shutter only open when in live mode
	Table and attenuator calibration at startup (homing before each run)
Supports hardware Trigger
Faster run times than M²-200s
New Interface
	Selectable theme colors
	Splash screen with progress bar
2D display
	Selectable Color Palette
	Manual Cursor when not running (Cursor at centroid otherwise)
Caustic Display
	Selecting individual frames
	Auto Aperture
	Exclude points from run
Run Info Display
	Displays Caution Notice when beams are non-conforming: (too dark, too bright, misaligned, too large or too small)
	Option to ignore misaligned beams
Editable Settings (Wavelength, Laser to box distance, Laser to lens and focal length in manual mode) Calculations
	Frame Results (Total, Min, Peak, % in Aperture, Avg Pwr Density, Beam Width, Centroid, Peak, Cross Sectional Area)
	Laser Results (Waist Width, Divergence, Waist Location Rayleigh Length, M², K, BPP, Astigmatism, Asymmetry)
	After Lens Results (Waist Width, Divergence, Waist Location Rayleigh Length, Astigmatism, Asymmetry)
	Effective Focal Length of lens
	Fitted/Measured Divergence
	Supported Beam Width calculations
	Dֺֺ4 Sigma
	Kֺֺnife Edge 10/90 and Programmable
	EֺֺPSA - Encircled Power Smallest Aperture (power in a bucket)
Multiple Runs
	Result statistics
	Progress Indicator
Single Page Report
	Setup information
	Results
	Statistics
	Caustic chart
Logging/Export data
	.CVS File

Accuracy by Design

Spiricon products are known for accuracy. Using our patented Ultracal calibration method, auto aperturing to exclude noise beyond the wings of the laser beam, and long optical path, assures the user of the most accurate measurements in the industry.

Designed by Our Customers

Guided by customer input from our widely deployed previous generation M²-200s system, Spiricon redesigned the BeamSquared to meet the challenging demands of the laser industry. The new BeamSquared system has significantly higher durability and operational robustness for continuous use in a three shifts a day, seven days a week environment. The rigid baseplate and internal optics greatly simplifies and reduces the time for initial set-up and alignment. The lens configuration data is now stored using an RF ID chip embedded in the lens holder which is uploaded automatically by the BeamSquared system when the lens cartridge is inserted in the system, eliminating the need for our customers to keep track of configuration file. Both novice and seasoned users will appreciate these new features along with the time-tested excellence that Spiricon has provided over the years.

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

Main Screen Functions

Model	BSQ-SP920	BSQ-XC130	BSQ-A	BSQ-PY-M
Beam Profiling
Camera model	SP920	XC130	BeamSquared® software, software license, and optical train, no camera included	Pyrocam™ IIIHR or Pyrocam™ IV
Sensor type	Silicon CCD	InGaAs CCD		Software only, camera and optical train not included. See individual camera data sheets
Wavelengths	266 – 1100nm	900 – 1700nm⁽¹⁾
Active area	7.1mm x 5.3mm	9.6mm x 7.6mm
Elements	1624 x 1224	320 x 256
Effective pixel	4.4μm x 4.4μm	30μm x 30μm
Dynamic range	60dB	68dB
Frame rate	15 fps	100 fps
Interface	USB 2.0 and 3.0
Accuracy	±5% typical, ±10% waist location and Rayleigh length typical
Measurement cycle time	<1 minute typical, depending on setup conditions and operating mode
Camera attachment	Standard C-mount, 90° camera on axis rotation
Translation system	Step-motor driven ball screw
Translation stage resolution	0.05mm
Standard optics
Lenses included⁽²⁾	266-440nm UV 500mm FL 430-700nm VIS 500mm FL 430-700nm VIS 400mm FL 650-1000nm NIR 400mm FL 1000-1700nm Extended NIR 400mm FL	1000-1700nm Extended NIR 400mm FL 650-1000nm NIR 400 FL	266-440nm UV 500mm FL 430-700nm VIS 500mm FL 430-700nm VIS 400mm FL 650-1000nm NIR 400mm FL 1000-1700nm Extended NIR 400mm FL	N/A
Optional lenses^{(3) (4)} _{*Not part of the standard BSQ kit}	266-440nm UV 750mm FL 266-440nm UV 1000mm FL 430-700nm VIS 750mm FL 430-700nm VIS 1000mm FL 650-1000nm NIR 750mm FL 1000-1550nm Extended NIR 750mm FL	650-1000nm NIR 750mm FL 1000-1550nm Extended NIR 750mm FL	266-440nm UV 750mm FL 266-440nm UV 1000mm FL 430-700nm VIS 750mm FL 430-700nm VIS 1000mm FL 650-1000nm NIR 750mm FL 1000-1550nm Extended NIR 750mm FL	N/A
Attenuation range
	Nominally from ND 1.0 to ND 4.8. Actual values vary with wavelength.			N/A
Damage limits⁽⁵⁾
	0.15 mW/cm² CW mode 1.0 µJ/cm² pulse mode Both of the above for an M²=1 @ 1064nm	100 mW/cm²	Depends on type of the camera	See camera data sheets
Optical limits
Wavelengths⁽⁶⁾	266-1100nm	900-1700nm	Depends on type of the camera	1.06-3000μm
Beam size	BeamSquared Auto Mode 1mm – 10mm Varies with wavelength, waist size, location, and M²			Pyrocam IIIHR 0.8mm – 10mm max Pyrocam IV 0.8mm – 20mm max Depends on customer mechanics and lens
Minimum beam width	44µm	300µm	N/A	800μm
Software
BeamSquared Software	Fast scan method (1 minute) for automatic (ISO) and manual M² measurement
General
Storage temperature	-30° C to 65° C			N/A
Storage humidity	95% maximum (non-condensing)			N/A
Operating temperature	10° C to 40° C			N/A
Operating humidity	95% maximum (non-condensing)			N/A
Power requirements⁽⁷⁾
Input voltage	90 – 264 V AC			N/A
AC Line current	1.6 A			N/A
Line frequency	47Hz to 63Hz			N/A
Physical
Weight	26 lbs. w/o camera			N/A
Dimensions	217.2mm X 459.5mm X 156.3mm			N/A
Compliance	CE, UKCA, China RoHS
Ordering information
Part Number	SP90502	SP90444⁽⁸⁾	SP90445	SP90410
Notes:	⁽¹⁾ For wavelengths between 1300-1400nm inner reflections have been observed that may impact beam measurement ⁽²⁾ Different lenses are required for different wavelength regions, spot sizes and divergences, Additional lenses must be ordered separately. ⁽³⁾For selection of optimal BeamSquared lens, use Beam Profiler Finder. ⁽⁴⁾These lenses have been calibrated for measurement of lasers with Rayleigh length up to 20 meters, for longer Rayleigh lengths, please use Beam Profiler Finder. ⁽⁵⁾ CCD cameras can be damaged by power in excess of 0.15 mW/cm² or energy in excess of 1 μJ/cm². BeamSquared employs a focusing optic. While it may be that the laser input power or energy measures well below this damage threshold, it can easily exceed these levels when focused onto the camera sensor. Use caution and error on the side of safety. CCD cameras can be costly to repair or replace. ⁽⁶⁾ For UV lasers 245-440nm, it is recommended to use the UV reflective ND2 filter P/N SP90568 ⁽⁷⁾ For the optical train only. The PC computer supplies the power for the system components, such as the CCD camera. ⁽⁸⁾ P/N for USA only, for any other country please consult Ophir representative

Documentation

BeamSquared Software
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.

FAQ

Are the BeamSquared lenses interchangeable from one BeamSquared unit to another?

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.

Can any BeamGage camera be used with a BeamSquared system?

BeamGage systems and BeamSquared systems are separate and the cameras with them are not always interchangeable. However, if you currently have an SP300, SP920, XC-130, 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).

The cameras sold with BeamSquared systems are not licensed for use with BeamGage. This is an optional item that can be purchased that would allow further analysis with the camera outside of the BeamSquared software.

Does the BeamSquared internally provide all the necessary attenuation for operation with the direct laser beam?

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.

When in the laser life cycle is the M2 measurement the most important?

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.

Why can my M² unit have an M² measurement less than 1?

There are two common occurrences when M² results are less than 1. The first and most common of these results from the operator entering the wrong wavelength value. In this case the results are often well below 1, in the .8-.9 range. The second most common cause is due to nominal accuracy tolerances. These are normal and expected. With a 5% M² tolerance results from ~.95 to ~1.05 are possible. Averaging runs will normally return a mean value to something > 1, but not always.

It has been suggested that if the M² results are computed to be < 1 we should display a 1 as the answer. However the algorithms in the BeamSquared software make computations and report results as the input settings and the beam samples dictate. This is done to provide useful information to the operator rather than to try and conceal the issue.

I have an M2-200s unit and a BeamSquared. Can I run both from the same computer?

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.