Clarifications: Range selection, measurement duration
Sometimes, even experienced users of laser measurement equipment come across some issues that, although basic, need to be clarified. This video reviews 2 such issues: (1) selection of correct range when it’s not quite obvious (and what happens if one goes over range), and (2) how long a measurement duration may be. Contact us
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What is the maximum power of a laser power meter?
Okay so I’m sifting through the datasheet of my new Ophir laser power sensor and I want to know the highest power I can set my laser to. Simple, right? Then I see there are three different specs… Power Range Power Scale Maximum Power Density …and each of them seems to provide a different maximum…
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How do I measure laser power in telecom applications?
Optical laser measurements in telecom applications have unique challenges. This video will introduce you to the solutions Ophir offers to help you. Contact us
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A Quick Guide to Optical Measurement Devices
All I know is I want to measure light. Should I use a light meter, lux meter, laser power meter, optical power meter, radiometer, photometer, spectrometer, or something else I have yet to hear of? Good question. I actually set out to write a blog post about optical power meters, but as I sifted through…
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How can you be sure that your laser’s output is pure laser light?
We’d all love to imagine a world where lasers always perform exactly as they’re meant to. Unfortunately, the all-too-often reality is that lasers can malfunction, just like anything else. The question then becomes: “How can I figure out what’s wrong with my laser?” Contact us
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Measuring very high power, very large laser beams, very fast!
Measuring very large beams at tens of KW, multi-KJ pulses… Our new patent-pending technology now makes these practical, and the sensors have extremely fast response times as well. Contact us
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How to choose the energy level and threshold
When measuring energy with a thermal head there are two parameters that can be adjusted: the energy scale and the trigger threshold. Although it might seem complicated at first, choosing the right energy scale and threshold can be accomplished by following these simple guidelines. Contact us
continue readingHow to Use Your Power Meter at Any Wavelength
Don’t see the wavelength that you need among the defaults? Don’t worry. Ophir power meters are just as wavelength-flexible as your laser power or energy sensor is. Watch this video to see how easy it is to set your power meter to any wavelength within range. Contact us
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How low can you measure laser power?
Ophir has very high standards for what is considered “measurable.” That is why when we delineate a power scale, the minimum power is usually about 20 times the 3-sigma noise rating (or 60 times the RMS noise). Although it isn’t inherently wrong to say that one can measure power lower than this scale, we believe…
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A Shortcut for Calculating Laser Power Density
Here’s a laser power density calculator, if that’s what you wanted. Read on if you’re interested in an easy way to calculate power density – even in your head. Laser engineers and technicians are often required to calculate a laser’s power density to determine whether a beam would damage an optic or sensor or for other…
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Heat Sinking Guidelines
A laser power sensor absorbs laser power while measuring it; if that power is not removed at least as fast as it comes in, the sensor could overheat and fail. Contact us
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How to choose a profiler for small spot beams?
In certain cases where a beam or focused spot diameter is in the order of tens of microns in diameter special attention is required when it comes to beam profiling. One example is stent cutting where a high power laser is focused down to a small spot which can be smaller than 10 micrometer. Ophir…
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