Parameters to be Watched

The selection of a measurement set-up is, in general, an easy task.

On other pages you will find detailed specifications for each of Laser Point’s heads and readout units that will help you in defining what is needed for your application.

Of course there may be exceptions or special requirements: in those cases feel free to apply to our Engineers or Distributors for complete technical support.

The first step in the selection is to look for a detector capable to match the power and/or energy specifications of the laser; the next is to select a monitor that meets with user’s requirements, e.g. having a graphical display or an application SW.

The entire working range has to be determined. The Power or Energy Resolution represent the minimum values which can be detected with an optimum signal-to-noise ratio, while the Max Continuous Power or the Max Energy are the maximum values at which the detector can safely work with no time limits. Nevertheless, should there be the necessity to make measurements at higher powers or energies, this can be done for a limited period of time, up to 1.5 times the max value (Intermittent Power Use).

Verify if Absorber Type, Wavelength Range and Max Average Power/ Energy Density specs are consistent with the laser type; furthermore when working with short pulses (as is the case of various medical lasers or Q-switched Nd-Yags) and want to measure average power, attention has to be given to the Max. Peak Power Density. LaserPoint has a wide selection of products whose absorbers, like those working on the volume absorption principle, offer the highest damage resistance to short pulses.
The Cooling type is another feature to look at; if bringing water to the head is a problem, there are convection or fan cooled detectors which can be used. For example, our A-600 head can work at 600W continuously or dissipate 800W for a short period, but that’s really a technological goal of LaserPoint thermal design. For higher powers water cooling is necessary.

Finally, LaserPoint’s versatile and best-buy PC-Link or industry favorite LPM are the user friendly meters to be associated with any of LaserPoint detectors.