PD10-IR-C
The PD10-IR-C is a photodiode energy meter for low energies with a 5mm aperture. It can measure energies from 1nJ up to 600nJ. It can operate at repetition rates up to 10kHz and covers the spectral range from 0.7 - 1.8µm. The sensor comes with a standard 1.5 meter cable for connecting to a meter or PC interface.
Specification
- Ø5mm
- 0.7-1.8µm
- 1nJ-600nJ
- 10,000Hz
- Ø62 W x 22 D (mm)
- 600nJ
- 50W/cm²
- 0.005 ms
- 6mW
- CE, UKCA, China RoHS
Catalog & Manuals
FAQ
Are pyro sensors suitable for power measurement and if so, what is the accuracy?
All Ophir pyroelectric sensors can measure average power with Ophir Power and Energy Meters. The instrument measures the number of pulses each second and multiplies the energy reading by the pulse rate. If the pulse rate is constant, then the accuracy of power measurement will be the same as the energy accuracy since the pulse rate measurement is very accurate.
CloseWhat is the "User Threshold" feature on the Pyro-C series and how does it work?
The Pyro-C sensors have a "user threshold" feature allowing the user to adjust the measurement threshold in noisy environments. Increasing the threshold will prevent triggering on noisy signals and allow accurate measurment of energy and frequency, as long as the laser pulses are larger than the noise.
The trigger level can be adjusted up to 25% of full scale, however operation depends on the pulse width setting. For pulse width settings below ~0.25ms, the minimum energy that can be measured accurately is approximately 40% above the user threshold setting. Pulses below this energy level will trigger the sensor down to the user threshold level, but accuracy is compromised.
For pulse width settings above ~0.25ms, accuracy is good all the way down to the threshold. If the laser pulse width is less than 1/2 the setting, the minimum energy corresponds to the setting. However, with longer laser pulse widths, the minimum energy will be higher, rising to approximately twice the user threshold level when the laser pulse width is equal to the sensor pulse width setting.
It is recommended always to set the user threshold to the minimum possible setting to retain best energy accuracy in any given situation. See the user manual for further information on how to use the user threshold.
CloseHow does the pyroelectric sensor behave for pulsed radiation at a frequency which is over the data sampling rate?
Can I use a PE-C pyroelectric sensor for higher powers for a short time without the optional heat sink?
The catalog specification states the maximum power a sensor can be used with and without the heat sink. The purpose of the heat sink is to keep the sensor temperature below the maximum permitted at higher average powers. If you use the sensor for a short time only, on the order of 1-2 minutes at a time, you should be able to measure up to the higher power given in the spec even without the heat sink.
CloseAre Pyro-C energy sensors compatible with all Ophir meters?
Yes, with certain limitations. Here are the points to be aware of:
Vega, Nova II, StarLite, StarBright meters and Juno PC interface: Full support of all features
All other instruments (Nova/Orion and LaserStar meters, as well as USBI, Pulsar, and Quasar PC interfaces): Support the Pyro-C sensors, except for the following features: Only 2 of the 5 pulse width settings are available.
User selectable threshold is not available.
In addition to the above: When using a Pyro-C sensor with the Nova (or Orion) meter, the "Nova PE-C Adapter" (Ophir p/n 7Z08272) is required.
PD10-C series sensors with StarLab
Support for PD10-C series sensors with Vega, Nova II, Juno, EA-1, StarLite and StarBright in StarLab application is now available.
When working with other meters and interfaces it is not necessary to update the embedded software.
Download Steps
In order to upgrade the embedded software (named "PE-C firmware") in the PD10-C series sensors with the StarLab application:- Attach the sensor from the PD10-C series to a Juno (with version 1.21 or higher), a Vega / Nova-II (version 2.16 or higher), a StarLite (version 1.22 or higher) or a StarBright (version 1.30 or higher).
To download the latest version of Juno, Vega, Nova-II, StarLite or StarBright firmware press here - Connect the meter to the PC and run StarLab (with version 3.20 or higher).
To download the latest StarLab version press here - Enter the diagnostic screen and select to upgrade sensor firmware (version 1.69 or higher).
To download the latest PE-C firmware version press here
Note: PD10-C sensors can't be upgraded via EA-1 interface.
- Attach the sensor from the PD10-C series to a Juno (with version 1.21 or higher), a Vega / Nova-II (version 2.16 or higher), a StarLite (version 1.22 or higher) or a StarBright (version 1.30 or higher).
Videos

In this short “Basics” video, we review in general the use of pyro-electric sensors for measuring laser pulse energies.

This video will show you how to detect and record any missing pulses in your pulsed laser beam application.

This video will show you how to overcome the challenges of measuring very low energy pulses, even in a noisy environment.
In many laser energy sensor specifications, there is an item called "Additional error with frequency".
Learn what that means, and why and when it happens, in this video.
Tutorials
Laser Energy Sensors introduction
Introduction
Ophir has two types of energy sensors, pyroelectric and RP. Pyroelectric sensors are for measuring repetitive pulse energies and average powers at pulse rates up to 25000 pulses per second and pulse widths up to 20ms. RP sensors are specialty items mainly for very long pulse widths and very high average powers that cannot be measured by pyroelectric sensors. Note that single shot energy with pulse rates less than one pulse every 5s or so can be measured with thermal sensors described in the power sensor section
Common Reasons for Pyroelectric Sensor Damage or Out of Tolerance Conditions
How to Properly Select a Laser Power or Energy Sensor
The selection of a sensor to accurately measure the power of a laser or energy of a pulsed laser can seem like a simple and easy procedure. However, many times the selection process is limited to choosing a sensor that only meets the range of power or energy to be measured, leaving out several other essential criteria of the laser specifications; that without their consideration, can allow the wrong sensor to be selected, the laser to be measured inaccurately and likely to cause the sensor to fail prematurely.
Watch Our Laser Measurement Video
 Read more...Can Ophir pyroelectric sensors measure single shot energy or energy at very low repetition rates?
Effect of Ambient Conditions on Laser Measurements
We are often asked about the specified ranges of various ambient conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.) for Ophir instruments. In this article we will clarify the effects of these conditions on laser measurements, so you’ll be able to use your Ophir laser measurement instrument effectively.
 Read more...Ophir Power/Energy Meter Calibration Procedure and Traceability/Error Analysis
This document discusses the interpretation and basis for stated measurement accuracy of Ophir Laser Power/Energy meters.
1. General Discussion
2. Combination of Errors and Total Error
3. Analysis of Power and Energy Calibration Errors
4. Detailed Analysis of Power and Energy Calibration Errors
Laser Measurements in Materials Processing: How and When They Absolutely, Positively Must Be Made
Types of power / Energy Laser Sensors General Introduction
Power and Single Shot Energy Sensors
Ophir provides two types of power sensors: Photodiode sensors and Thermal sensors. Photodiode sensors are used for low powers from picowatts up to hundreds of milliwatts and as high as 3W. Thermal sensors are for use from fractions of a milliwatt up to thousands of watts.
Thermal sensors can also measure single shot energy at pulse rates not exceeding one pulse every ~5s.
Repetitive Pulse Energy Sensors
For higher pulse rates, Ophir has pyroelectric energy sensors able to measure pulse rates up to tens of KHz. These are described in the energy sensor section, section 1.3.
Oscilloscope Adapter for Ophir Pyroelectric Sensors Ophir P/N 7Z11012
5 Situations Where Laser Performance Measurement is Necessary
Specification
- Ø5mm
- 0.7-1.8µm
- 1nJ-600nJ
- 10,000Hz
- Ø62 W x 22 D (mm)
- 600nJ
- 50W/cm²
- 0.005 ms
- 6mW
- CE, UKCA, China RoHS
PD10-C series sensors with StarLab
Support for PD10-C series sensors with Vega, Nova II, Juno, EA-1, StarLite and StarBright in StarLab application is now available.
When working with other meters and interfaces it is not necessary to update the embedded software.
Download Steps
In order to upgrade the embedded software (named "PE-C firmware") in the PD10-C series sensors with the StarLab application:- Attach the sensor from the PD10-C series to a Juno (with version 1.21 or higher), a Vega / Nova-II (version 2.16 or higher), a StarLite (version 1.22 or higher) or a StarBright (version 1.30 or higher).
To download the latest version of Juno, Vega, Nova-II, StarLite or StarBright firmware press here - Connect the meter to the PC and run StarLab (with version 3.20 or higher).
To download the latest StarLab version press here - Enter the diagnostic screen and select to upgrade sensor firmware (version 1.69 or higher).
To download the latest PE-C firmware version press here
Note: PD10-C sensors can't be upgraded via EA-1 interface.
- Attach the sensor from the PD10-C series to a Juno (with version 1.21 or higher), a Vega / Nova-II (version 2.16 or higher), a StarLite (version 1.22 or higher) or a StarBright (version 1.30 or higher).
Accessories
-
SC Fiber Adapter
7Z08227This fiber adapter is used for connecting power and energy sensors to a standard SC-type fiber. Many sensors need an additional mounting bracket to connect to all fiber adapters. More information can be found in the datasheet below. -
ST Fiber Adapter
7Z08226This fiber adapter is used for connecting power and energy sensors to a standard ST-type fiber. Many sensors need an additional mounting bracket to connect to all fiber adapters. More information can be found in the datasheet below. -
FC Fiber Adapter
7Z08229This fiber adapter is used for connecting power and energy sensors to a standard FC-type fiber. Many sensors need an additional mounting bracket to connect to all fiber adapters. More information can be found in the datasheet below. -
SMA Fiber Adapter
1G01236AThis fiber adapter is used for connecting power and energy sensors to a standard SMA-type fiber. Many sensors need an additional mounting bracket to connect to all fiber adapters. More information can be found in the datasheet below. -
PD10 Fiber Adapter Bracket
7Z08275A mounting bracket is needed to connect most power and energy sensors to a fiber adapter (SC, ST, FC or SMA). This bracket can be used for photodiode energy sensors in the PD10 series. -
Nova PE-C Adapter
7Z08272The adapter plugs between the Nova D15 socket and the smart plug of the PE-C sensor to allow the Nova to operate with PE-C series sensors. See PE-C spec sheet for details.
-
PE-C to PE Size Adapter
7Z08273The newer PE-C series sensors have a φ62mm diameter.
The older PE series sensors have a φ85mm diameter. This
adapter allows using the PE-C type sensors in jigs and
setups that were originally designed for PE sensors. -
3m Cable
7E01174A* Order only with purchase of a sensor.
3m cable to connect sensor to power meter or interface. Order along with sensor to receive this instead of the standard 1.5m cable. -
5m Cable
7E01174B* Order only with purchase of a sensor.
5m cable to connect sensor to power meter or interface. Order along with sensor to receive this instead of the standard 1.5m cable. -
10m Cable
7E01174C* Order only with purchase of a sensor.
10m cable to connect sensor to power meter or interface. Order along with sensor to receive this instead of the standard 1.5m cable.