BeamTrack Broadband 250 W Laser Position and Size Sensor with Ø50 mm Aperture

Products
Software
Features
FAQS
Accessories
Resources
Contact Us

Overview

The FL250A-BB-50-PPS BeamTrack laser measurement sensor measures laser beam size and position as well as power and energy. It has a 50 mm aperture and can measure beam size to 5% accuracy and position to 0.2 mm accuracy. It measures power from 150 mW to 250 W and energy from 80 mJ to 300 J. It has the spectrally flat broadband coating and covers the spectral range from 0.19 to 20 µm.

Broadband absorber for 0.19-20 µm laser measurement
150 mW to 250 W continuous power measurement range
80 mJ to 300 J energy measurement range
Accurately tracks laser beam position to fractions of a mm
Monitors the size of a laser beam

See All Features

Products

		Compare	Model	Compatibility	sortOrder	rankScore	ranking	Drawings, CAD & Specs		Aperture Size	Absorber Type	Maximum Average Power	Maximum Pulse Energy	Response Time	Availability	Featured Item	Price		Brand
		7Z07902 FL250A-BB-50-PPS BeamTrack Laser Position and Size Sensor, 150 mW to 250 W, Ø50 mm, 0.19-20 µm $2,411 7 Weeks	7Z07902 FL250A-BB-50-PPS BeamTrack Laser Position and Size Sensor, 150 mW to 250 W, Ø50 mm, 0.19-20 µm	UNIVERSAL	0.0	1.0	0.0		0.0	Ø50 mm	BB - Broadband general purpose	250 W	300 J	2.8 s	7 Weeks		$2,411		Ophir

Show All

Software

BeamTrack Sensors with StarLab

Support for BeamTrack sensors with Vega, Nova II, Juno, EA-1, StarLite and StarBright in StarLab application is now available. Follow step-by-step instructions to upgrade the embedded software in the BeamTrack sensor with the StarLab application

When working with other meters and interfaces it is not necessary to update the embedded software of the PE-C.

Note: BeamTrack sensors can't be upgraded via EA-1 interface.

Software

BeamTrack Sensors with StarLab

When working with other meters and interfaces it is not necessary to update the embedded software of the PE-C.

Note: BeamTrack sensors can't be upgraded via EA-1 interface.

Specifications

Product Name

FL250A-BB-50-PPS
Aperture Size

Ø50 mm
Absorber Type

BB - Broadband general purpose
Spectral Range

0.19-20 µm
Minimum Power

150 mW
Maximum Average Power

250 W
Minimum Pulse Energy

80 mJ
Maximum Pulse Energy

300 J
Maximum Average Power Density

10 kW/cm²
Response Time

2.8 s

Maximum Energy Density <100 ns

0.3 J/cm²
Maximum Energy Density 2 ms

10 J/cm²
BeamTrack Functions

Power/Energy/Position/Size
Cooling

Fan
Dimensions

90 x 90 x 105 mm (LxWxD)
Cable Length

1.5 m
CE Compliance

Yes
UKCA Compliance

Yes
China RoHS Compliance

Yes

Specifications

Product Name

FL250A-BB-50-PPS
Aperture Size

Ø50 mm
Absorber Type

BB - Broadband general purpose
Spectral Range

0.19-20 µm
Minimum Power

150 mW
Maximum Average Power

250 W
Minimum Pulse Energy

80 mJ
Maximum Pulse Energy

300 J
Maximum Average Power Density

10 kW/cm²
Response Time

2.8 s

Maximum Energy Density <100 ns

0.3 J/cm²
Maximum Energy Density 2 ms

10 J/cm²
BeamTrack Functions

Power/Energy/Position/Size
Cooling

Fan
Dimensions

90 x 90 x 105 mm (LxWxD)
Cable Length

1.5 m
CE Compliance

Yes
UKCA Compliance

Yes
China RoHS Compliance

Yes

Features

BeamTrack Measures Power, Energy, Size and Position

Ophir BeamTrack Sensor Series, the industry's first thermal sensors that combine power and energy measurement, beam position, and beam size in a single compact device.

Sensors for Measuring Laser Power

In this short "Basics" video we review in general how one goes about measuring laser beam power, so that you'll have a clear understanding of what the different sensor types are, and when to use each type.

How to Measure Power of Broadband Sources

This video explains how to use Ophir sensors and meters to measure the power or energy of broadband light sources such as solar radiation, flash lamps, LEDs, etc.

Features

BeamTrack Measures Power, Energy, Size and Position

Ophir BeamTrack Sensor Series, the industry's first thermal sensors that combine power and energy measurement, beam position, and beam size in a single compact device.

Sensors for Measuring Laser Power

How to Measure Power of Broadband Sources

This video explains how to use Ophir sensors and meters to measure the power or energy of broadband light sources such as solar radiation, flash lamps, LEDs, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I measure position and size of a pulsed laser using a BeamTrack sensor?
Answer
Position and Size are measured along with power. Therefore, if the laser is pulsing at a rate at which average power can be measured, then position and size can be measured as well.

When using a BeamTrack sensor with StarLab on a PC, can I have StarLab log Position and Size data? At what sampling rate?
Answer
Yes StarLab can log beam position. The BeamTrack sensors are thermal sensors. The power measurements for all Ophir power sensors are logged at 15 times a second. When a BeamTrack sensor is connected to StarLab via a Juno, the position / size measurements are also logged 15 times a second. When a BeamTrack sensor is connected to StarLab via a Vega/ Nova II, the position / size measurements are logged once a second. This is because in the Vega / Nova II we sample these parameters slower.

For what type of laser spots can we measure position and size with BeamTrack sensors?
Answer
Position can be measured for any beam shape. Size can be measured to specified accuracy only for Gaussian (TEM00) beams. For other laser modes, size measurement is relative only.

Are BeamTrack sensors backwards compatible with the Nova-II, Vega and Juno devices?
Answer
The hardware of all of these devices supports the BeamTrack sensors however, the firmware may need to be upgraded. Click here for a free download of the latest firmware from our web site

What meters support the BeamTrack (PPS) sensors?
Answer
The Vega, Nova II, StarLite. StarBright and Juno support the BeamTrack (PPS) sensors. All other instruments can display power and single-shot energy of a BeamTrack sensor, but do not display beam position and size.

Do I need to recalibrate my instrument? How often must it be recalibrated?
Answer
Unless otherwise indicated, Ophir sensors and meters should be recalibrated within 18 months after initial purchase, and then once a year after that.

Can I use my BeamTrack Sensor with a Pulsed Laser?
Answer
The answer to this is, of course, it depends. It depends on the pulse frequency and it depends on which sensor you want to use. Thermopile detectors do not have very fast response times, so frequencies above 100Hz are effectively the same as CW to them and all BeamTrack functions will perform as expected. Below 100 Hz the response time of the detectors becomes relevant. Low power sensors generally have faster response times so they will be more susceptible to fluctuating readings when used with a pulsed laser. The position measurement function uses the same thermopile detector as the power reading. If the laser frequency is high enough for the sensor to provide a stable power reading without fluctuations then the position measurement function will perform well too. All of our BeamTrack sensors will provide reliable position measurements for pulse frequencies down to below 10 Hz. The beam size function employs a detector that has a faster response time. At low frequencies the size measurement reading will fluctuate. We don't recommend relying on the size reading for laser pulse frequencies below 100 Hz. In any event, you can always try the sensor with your laser. If the readings are stable, without significant fluctuations, then they will be reliable.

When using a BeamTrack sensor, is the response time for Position and Size measurements the same as it is for Power measurements?
Answer

The specified response time is only for the power and not for the size or position; response time is intentionally given in the Power section of the spec.
We haven't defined a position and size measurement response time because it depends on too many different parameters. For example:
- Small changes in size or position will respond quickly, large changes are much slower.
- Going from a large spot size to a smaller one is faster than going the other way.
- Position and size can change at the same time.
- If the power also changes it is even more complicated.
So the response time for size and position cannot be meaningfully specified by a single number. Having said all that, however:
In general, unlike the power reading which is accelerated by the predictive “speedup” function, the size and position measurements can't use the speedup so they are a bit slower.
The rise time for Position and Size is typically 5x – 10x the specified power response time.
Fall times for a decrease in power density (i.e. increase in size relative to power, as above) can be longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I measure position and size of a pulsed laser using a BeamTrack sensor?
Answer
Position and Size are measured along with power. Therefore, if the laser is pulsing at a rate at which average power can be measured, then position and size can be measured as well.

When using a BeamTrack sensor with StarLab on a PC, can I have StarLab log Position and Size data? At what sampling rate?
Answer
Yes StarLab can log beam position. The BeamTrack sensors are thermal sensors. The power measurements for all Ophir power sensors are logged at 15 times a second. When a BeamTrack sensor is connected to StarLab via a Juno, the position / size measurements are also logged 15 times a second. When a BeamTrack sensor is connected to StarLab via a Vega/ Nova II, the position / size measurements are logged once a second. This is because in the Vega / Nova II we sample these parameters slower.

For what type of laser spots can we measure position and size with BeamTrack sensors?
Answer
Position can be measured for any beam shape. Size can be measured to specified accuracy only for Gaussian (TEM00) beams. For other laser modes, size measurement is relative only.

Are BeamTrack sensors backwards compatible with the Nova-II, Vega and Juno devices?
Answer
The hardware of all of these devices supports the BeamTrack sensors however, the firmware may need to be upgraded. Click here for a free download of the latest firmware from our web site

What meters support the BeamTrack (PPS) sensors?
Answer
The Vega, Nova II, StarLite. StarBright and Juno support the BeamTrack (PPS) sensors. All other instruments can display power and single-shot energy of a BeamTrack sensor, but do not display beam position and size.

Do I need to recalibrate my instrument? How often must it be recalibrated?
Answer
Unless otherwise indicated, Ophir sensors and meters should be recalibrated within 18 months after initial purchase, and then once a year after that.

Can I use my BeamTrack Sensor with a Pulsed Laser?
Answer
The answer to this is, of course, it depends. It depends on the pulse frequency and it depends on which sensor you want to use. Thermopile detectors do not have very fast response times, so frequencies above 100Hz are effectively the same as CW to them and all BeamTrack functions will perform as expected. Below 100 Hz the response time of the detectors becomes relevant. Low power sensors generally have faster response times so they will be more susceptible to fluctuating readings when used with a pulsed laser. The position measurement function uses the same thermopile detector as the power reading. If the laser frequency is high enough for the sensor to provide a stable power reading without fluctuations then the position measurement function will perform well too. All of our BeamTrack sensors will provide reliable position measurements for pulse frequencies down to below 10 Hz. The beam size function employs a detector that has a faster response time. At low frequencies the size measurement reading will fluctuate. We don't recommend relying on the size reading for laser pulse frequencies below 100 Hz. In any event, you can always try the sensor with your laser. If the readings are stable, without significant fluctuations, then they will be reliable.

When using a BeamTrack sensor, is the response time for Position and Size measurements the same as it is for Power measurements?
Answer

The specified response time is only for the power and not for the size or position; response time is intentionally given in the Power section of the spec.
We haven't defined a position and size measurement response time because it depends on too many different parameters. For example:
- Small changes in size or position will respond quickly, large changes are much slower.
- Going from a large spot size to a smaller one is faster than going the other way.
- Position and size can change at the same time.
- If the power also changes it is even more complicated.
So the response time for size and position cannot be meaningfully specified by a single number. Having said all that, however:
In general, unlike the power reading which is accelerated by the predictive “speedup” function, the size and position measurements can't use the speedup so they are a bit slower.
The rise time for Position and Size is typically 5x – 10x the specified power response time.
Fall times for a decrease in power density (i.e. increase in size relative to power, as above) can be longer.

Accessories

Fiber Connector Adapters

These adapters allow for power measurement of connectorized fiber-optic cables. The sensor may need an additional mounting bracket to connect to these fiber adapters.

Description	Compatibility	Avail.	Price
7Z08227 SC Fiber Connector Adapter, Power and Energy Sensors	UNIVERSAL	In Stock	$302
7Z08226 ST Fiber Connector Adapter, Power and Energy Sensors	UNIVERSAL	In Stock	$264
7Z08229 FC Fiber Connector Adapter, Power and Energy Sensors	UNIVERSAL	In Stock	$153
1G01236A SMA Fiber Connector Adapter, Power and Energy Sensors	UNIVERSAL	In Stock	$74

Fiber Adapter Mounting Bracket

A mounting bracket is needed to connect most thermal sensors to a fiber adapter (SC, ST, FC or SMA). This bracket can be used for fan-cooled thermal sensors with a 50mm diameter.

	Compare	Description	Compatibility	Drawings, CAD & Specs	Avail.	Price
		7Z08212 Fiber Adapter Mounting Bracket, FL250/FL400 Thermal Sensors	UNIVERSAL		In Stock	$144

N Polarity Power Supply/Charger

Power Supply/Charger for Centauri, Vega, Nova II, LaserStar, Nova, EA-1, Pulsar, Quasar, 6K-W, 120K-W and fan cooled sensors.

	Compare	Description	Compatibility	Drawings, CAD & Specs	Avail.	Price
		7E05029 N Polarity Power Supply/Charger DC Power Supply / Charger, N Polarity	UNIVERSAL		In Stock	$52

BeamTrack Sensor Cables

Cable to connect PPS / Quad electronic box to power meter or interface. Order along with sensor to receive this instead of 0.5m cable from electronic box.

	Compare	Description	Compatibility	Drawings, CAD & Specs	Avail.	Price
		7E01176B BeamTrack Sensor Cable, 5 m Length, Connect PPS / Quad to Power Meter	UNIVERSAL		In Stock	$79
		7Z10299A BeamTrack Sensor Cable, 10 m Length, Connect PPS / Quad to Power Meter	UNIVERSAL		Contact Us	$266

Sensor Connector to BNC Adapter

The SH to BNC Adapter allows the connection of an Ophir sensor to a current or voltage measuring device for measurement of the raw sensor analog output. A current meter should be used for photodiode sensors. Current or voltage meters can be used for thermal sensors.

	Compare	Description	Compatibility	Drawings, CAD & Specs	Avail.	Price
		7Z11010 BNC Adapter, DB15 Optical Sensor Connector	UNIVERSAL		In Stock	$92

Extended Warranty for Sensor

Customers that purchase the above items also consider the following items. Ophir-Spiricon meters and sensors include a standard manufacturers warranty for one year. Add a one year Extended Warranty to your meter or sensor, which includes one recalibration.