Thorlabs Optical Power Meter Kits
Item # PM122D was discontinued on August 11, 2025. The following content is for informational purposes only, representing the website content at that time and valid only for the stated product.
Overview
Thorlabs offers Optical Power Meter Kits that include a console, sensor, and post assembly. These kits are designed for measuring optical power across various wavelengths and power ranges. They feature digital or analog consoles, compatibility with C-Series sensors, and robust construction for laboratory use.
Key features of the kits include:
- Console, sensor, and mounting components included.
- Consoles compatible with C-Series sensors.
- Large, easy-to-read digital or analog displays.
- USB 2.0 port for PC control via Optical Power Monitor Software.
- Rechargeable batteries.
- 3.5 mm jack or SMA output (0 to 2 V) on consoles for monitoring signal.
- Recalibration services available.
Power Meter Kit Specifications
Table 1.1 outlines the specifications for various power meter kits:
| Item # | Power Range | Wavelength Range | Sensor Type | Console Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PM120VA | 50 nW - 50 mW (200 - 450 nm) 50 nW - 20 mW (450 - 1100 nm) | 200 - 1100 nm | Si (S120VC) | Analog (PM100A) |
| PM120D | 50 nW - 50 mW | 400 - 1100 nm | Si (S120C) | Digital (PM100D) |
| PM400K1 | 50 nW - 50 mW | 400 - 1100 nm | Si (S120C) | Touchscreen Digital (PM400) |
| PM400K2 | 500 nW - 500 mW | 400 - 1100 nm | Si (S121C) | Touchscreen Digital (PM400) |
| PM400K3 | 500 pW - 500 mWa | 400 - 1100 nm | Slim Si (S130C) | Touchscreen Digital (PM400) |
| PM122D | 50 nW - 40 mW | 700 - 1800 nm | Ge (S122C) | Digital (PM100D) |
| PM400K4 | 50 nW - 40 mW | 700 - 1800 nm | Ge (S122C) | Touchscreen Digital (PM400) |
| PM125D | 2 mW - 10 W | 0.19 - 20 µm | Thermal (S425C) | Digital (PM100D) |
| PM400K5 | 2 mW - 10 W | 0.19 - 20 µm | Thermal (S425C) | Touchscreen Digital (PM400) |
a The S130C sensor features a sliding neutral density filter. Without the filter, the power measurement range is 500 pW to 5 mW, while with the filter, the range is 5 mW to 500 mW. The position of the ND filter is automatically detected by the power meter console.
The kits consist of a console, a C-series photodiode or thermal power sensor, and a post mounting assembly. All consoles feature a USB 2.0 connection for remote control via the Optical Power Meter software.
Consoles
Thorlabs offers several power meter consoles:
- PM100A Analog Console: Features an analog needle display and an LCD screen, ideal for relative power measurements and observing small fluctuations. Compatible with C-Series photodiode and thermal sensors (not pyroelectric energy sensors).
- PM100D Digital Console: Offers a menu-driven control panel, a 4" backlit display, and an SD card slot. Provides numeric readouts, analog needle simulation, graphs, and statistics. Compatible with all C-Series sensors, including pyroelectric energy sensors.
- PM400 Touchscreen Digital Console: Features a 4.3" multi-touch display with capacitive buttons. Allows quick access to settings like spectral correction, delta mode, zeroing, and the main menu. Supports up to twelve attenuation values or data files for calibration. Includes programmable I/O ports and a laser tuning sound feature. Compatible with all C-Series sensors.
Console Specifications
Detailed specifications for the PM100A, PM100D, and PM400 consoles are provided:
PM100A Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Photodiode Sensor Input (Current) | 6 Decades; 50 nA - 5 mA |
| Measurement Ranges | W |
| Units | ±0.2% of Full Scale (5 µA - 5 mA) ±0.5% of Full Scale (50 nA) |
| Accuracy | ±3% Full Scale Analog Meter |
| Bandwidth | DC to 100 kHz, Dependent on Sensor and Settings |
| Analog Output | SMA |
| Connector | 0-2V |
| Voltage Range | Up to 100 kHz, Dependent on Sensor and Settings |
| Bandwidth | ±3% |
| Accuracy | Female DB9 for C-Series Connectors |
| Sensor Input | Analog Needle with 132 x 32 pixel LCD Readout |
| Display | 20 Hz |
| Display Update Rate | Numerical, Relative Measurements, Tuning, Statistics, Mechanical Analog Needle |
| Display Screens | N/A |
| Memory Card | 16 bit |
| A/D Converter | USB 2.0, Mini USB |
| Computer Connectivity | Li-Polymer 3.7 V, 1300 mAh; up to 8 hrs of Operation |
| Battery | 7.2" x 4.3" x 1.6" (183 mm x 109 mm x 40 mm) |
| Dimensions | 0 to 40 °C / -40 to 70 °C |
| Operating / Storage Temp | Kickstand, 1/4"-20 Mounting Hole |
| Mounting |
PM100D Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Photodiode Sensor Input (Current) | 6 Decades; 50 nA - 5 mA |
| Measurement Ranges | W, dBm, W/cm², A |
| Units | ±0.2% of Full Scale (5 µA - 5 mA) ±0.5% of Full Scale (50 - 500 nA) |
| Accuracy | DC to 100 kHz, Dependent on Sensor and Settings |
| Bandwidth | 4 Decades; 1 mV - 1 V |
| Thermopile Sensor Input (Voltage) | W, dBm, W/cm², V |
| Measurement Ranges | ±0.5% of Full Scale (10 mV - 1 V) ±1% of Full Scale (1 mV) |
| Units | DC to 10 Hz, Dependent on Sensor and Settings |
| Accuracy | 1 - 30 s |
| Bandwidth | SMA |
| Time Constant Correction | 0 - 2 V |
| Analog Output | Up to 100 kHz, Dependent on Sensor and Settings |
| Connector | ±3% |
| Voltage Range | Female DB9 for C-Series Connectors |
| Bandwidth | 3.2" x 2.4" (81.4 mm x 61 mm), 320 x 240 pixels |
| Accuracy | 20 Hz |
| Sensor Input | Numerical, Bar Graph, Trend Graph, Statistics, Simulated Analog Needle |
| Display | SD, 1 GB |
| Display Update Rate | 16 bit |
| Display Screens | USB 2.0, Mini USB |
| Memory Card | Li-Polymer 3.7 V, 1300 mAh; up to 8 hrs of Operation |
| A/D Converter | 7.2" x 4.3" x 1.6" (183 mm x 109 mm x 40 mm) |
| Computer Connectivity | 0 to 40 °C / -40 to 70 °C |
| Battery | Kickstand, 1/4"-20 Mounting Hole |
| Dimensions | |
| Operating / Storage Temp | |
| Mounting |
PM400 Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatible Detectors | Thorlabs' C-Series Photodiode, Thermal, and Pyroelectric Sensors |
| Display Type | 4.3" TFT, WQVGA, 400 x 272 Pixels, 16 Bit Color |
| Viewing Area | 95 mm x 54 mm |
| Update Rate (Max) | 10 Hz Numerical, 25 Hz Analog Simulation |
| Format | Numerical, Bar Graph, Trend Graph, Statistics, and Simulated Analog Needle |
| Backlight | LED, Adjustable |
| Features | Projected Capacitive Touchscreen and Buttons, Support Stand, Rubberized Outside, 2 x M3 Threaded Inserts for Mounting on Back Side |
| Analog Output | 3.5 mm Mono Audio (2P) Jack, Adapter to BNC Included |
| Connector | Amplified Input Signal - Not Corrected |
| Signal | 0 to 2 V |
| Voltage Range | ±3% |
| Accuracy | Up to 100 kHz, Dependent on Sensor and Settings |
| Bandwidth |
Console Features and Interfaces
The consoles offer various features and connectivity options:
- Auxiliary Input/Output: 2 x 7 Pins, 0.1" Socket, Top Side; 4 x GPIO. Includes 2 x 10 bit ADC for External Temperature, Relative Humidity Sensor.
- Temperature Sensor: Internal to C-Series Optical Sensors, Thermistor type. Range: -10 °C to 80 °C. External sensor support available.
- Memory: NAND Flash, 4 GB.
- Interfaces: USB 2.0 (Mini-B).
- Power Management: LiPo 3.7 V 2600 mAh battery, built-in charger.
- General: Operating Temperature 0 to 40 °C, Storage -40 to 70 °C. Dimensions: 136 mm x 96 mm x 29 mm. Weight: 0.35 kg.
Pin Diagrams: Detailed pin diagrams are provided for PM100A/PM100D and PM400 consoles, illustrating optical sensor head input, analog output, computer connection (USB Type Mini-B), and auxiliary connectors.
Software
The Optical Power Monitor GUI software allows for power measurement, readout from up to eight power meters, and remote wireless operation. It supports C-Series sensors and offers features like real-time measurement, data logging, and analysis. The software is compatible with USB and Bluetooth® connections.
Pulsed Laser Emission: Power and Energy Calculations
This section details calculations for pulsed laser parameters, essential for determining compatibility with devices and ensuring safe operation. It includes definitions for pulse energy (E), period (Δt), average power (Pavg), instantaneous power (P), peak power (Ppeak), pulse width (τ), and repetition rate (frep). Equations are provided for calculating these values from each other, along with an example calculation demonstrating the safety assessment for a detector.
- Equations: Relationships between period and repetition rate, pulse energy and average power, peak pulse power estimation, and calculations involving duty cycle are presented.
- Table 170B Pulse Parameters: Defines key parameters like Pulse Energy, Period, Average Power, Instantaneous Power, Peak Power, Pulse Width, and Repetition Rate with their respective units and descriptions.
Console Selection
Thorlabs offers a variety of power and energy meter consoles and interfaces. The selection depends on application needs, including sensor compatibility (Photodiode, Thermal Power, Thermal Position & Power, Pyroelectric Energy) and console features (analog, digital, touchscreen, dual-channel).
Console Compatibility Table (Table 113B): Lists compatibility of various consoles (PM100A, PM100D, PM400, PM5020, PM101 Series, PM102 Series, PM103 Series, PM100USB) with different sensor types.
Recalibration Services
Thorlabs provides recalibration services for their power and energy meter sensors and consoles. Options include manufacturer calibrations and ISO17025 accredited calibrations. Annual recalibration is recommended for accurate measurements. Services can be requested via an RMA form or by adding calibration items to a cart.
- Manufacturer Recalibration: Available for most sensors and consoles, subject to ISO9001 quality management.
- ISO17025 Accredited Calibration: Performed in-house according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018, accredited by DAkkS.
- Tables 236A, 791A, 792A, 317A, 719A: Detail calibration service item numbers and compatible sensors/consoles.
Sensor Selection
Thorlabs offers four types of sensors:
- Photodiode Sensors: For monochromatic sources, with wavelength-dependent responsivity.
- Thermal Sensors: For broadband sources, with a relatively flat response across wavelengths.
- Thermal Position & Power Sensors: Incorporate four thermopiles to calculate beam position.
- Pyroelectric Energy Sensors: For pulsed sources, producing voltage proportional to pulse energy.
Figures 113G and 113H: Illustrate sensor options arranged by wavelength range and optical power range, respectively.
