Ophir Photonics Group, Munich, Germany, has introduced the BeamTrack laser power/position/size sensors at LASER World of Photonics this week.
BeamTrack is a unique series of thermal detectors that combine multiple functions in one device: power, energy, beam position, and beam size. The sensors also provide information on centering and beam wander, all in a compact unit that is the same size as single function detectors of the same power level.
"BeamTrack sensors are the first in the market to allow users to monitor all of a laser's main parameters," stated Ephraim Greenfield, CTO, Ophir Photonics Group. "You can now measure not only power and energy, but also beam position and beam size. The new beam centering feature means the sensors deliver the most accurate power and energy measurements. This is especially important for small aperture devices."
BeamTrack sensors are reportedly the only laser detectors able to measure power, position, size (PPS), energy, centering, and wander in a single device. Sensors are available with a range of aperture sizes, from small 12 mm to large 50 mm. The detectors use broadband or P-type absorbers and measure a broad spectral range –150 nm to 20 µm. The BeamTrack line includes five (5) PPS sensors: two models with full beam size capability for powers up to 150W; two models with beam tracking capability for low powers to 3W; and three models with full beam size capability covering other power levels: 10W, 250W, and 400W
BeamTrack Power/position/size sensors are designed to divide the sensor signal into quadrants, measuring and comparing the output to determine the position of the center of the beam to a high degree of accuracy. This quantitative measure of beam position provides the ability to track beam wander. In addition, a patented beam size detector is embedded in the sensor. Beam size is calibrated for Gaussian beams; for other beams, the sensor provides relative size information and indicates if beam size is changing.
BeamTrack sensors operate with Ophir's Nova II and Vega smart displays, and Juno PC interface. Each display features a "Smart Connector" interface that automatically configures and calibrates the display when plugged into one of the company's measurement heads.
