BeamSquared®

Das kompakte BeamSquared® System misst das Strahlprofil von Dauerstrich- und gepulsten Lasern im Bereich von UV bis NIR und Telekom-Wellenlängen voll automatisiert. Im manuellen Modus können Anwender in Kombination mit Pyrocam IV oder IIIHR (Bench-Setup, ohne Strahlführung) auch Wellenlängen über 1,8 µm - inklusive CO2 und Terahertz messen. Unsere längere optische Strahlführung und der patentierte Ultracal™ Algorithmus machen BeamSquared zum genauesten Produkt auf dem Markt. Es ist ISO11146 konform, robust in der Anwendung und liefert zuverlässige Messergebnisse, so dass es in Industrie, Wissenschaft, Forschung und Entwicklung dauerhaft verwendet wird.

Cameras

Select or compare sensors below for more information.

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

ModelBSQ-SP920BSQ-XC130BSQ-ABSQ-PY-M
Beam Profiling
Camera modelSP920XC130BeamSquared® software, software license, and optical train, no camera includedPyrocam™ IIIHR or Pyrocam™ IV
Sensor typeSilicon CCDInGaAs CCDSoftware only, camera and optical train not included. See individual camera data sheets
Wavelengths266 – 1100nm900 – 1700nm(1)
Active area7.1mm x 5.3mm9.6mm x 7.6mm
Elements1624 x 1224320 x 256
Effective pixel4.4μm x 4.4μm30μm x 30μm
Dynamic range60dB68dB
Frame rate15 fps100 fps
InterfaceUSB 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 attachmentStandard C-mount, 90° camera on axis rotation
Translation systemStep-motor driven ball screw
Translation stage resolution0.05mm
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/cm²Depends on type of the cameraSee camera data sheets
Optical limits
Wavelengths(6)266-1100nm900-1700nmDepends on type of the camera1.06-3000μm
Beam sizeBeamSquared Auto Mode 1mm – 10mm Varies with wavelength, waist size, location, and M²Pyrocam IIIHR 0.8mm – 10mm max
Pyrocam IV 0.8mm – 20mm max
Depends on customer mechanics and lens
Minimum beam width44µm300µmN/A800μm
Software
BeamSquared SoftwareFast scan method (1 minute) for automatic (ISO) and manual M² measurement
General
Storage temperature-30° C to 65° CN/A
Storage humidity95% maximum (non-condensing)N/A
Operating temperature10° C to 40° CN/A
Operating humidity95% maximum (non-condensing)N/A
Power requirements(7)
Input voltage90 – 264 V ACN/A
AC Line current1.6 AN/A
Line frequency47Hz to 63HzN/A
Physical
Weight26 lbs. w/o cameraN/A
Dimensions217.2mm X 459.5mm X 156.3mmN/A
ComplianceCE, UKCA, China RoHS
Ordering information
Part NumberSP90502SP90444(8)SP90445SP90410
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

 

  • 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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