4.2 Controlling the PM100A
19
measuring peak power levels the „High‟ setting is required so that the meter can
follow the signal.
4.2.5.1.2 Power Measurements with Photodiodes
Common photodiodes can be used for power measurements with the PM100A.
Therefore the PM100A needs to be set to the „Photodiode‟ default setting in the
system menu.
MENU \ Adapter Type \ Photo
To perform measurements, a photodiode and an interlock must be connected to the
sensor input (see chapter 7.4 for the connector pin out); it is important to attend to
the right polarity (the cathode needs to be connected to ground).
The operation is similar to photodiode power sensors with the exceptions that the
response value in A/W is indicated instead of the operation wavelength and when
pressing the λ key the response value (for one wavelength) can be set.
Figure 11 Photodiode Mode
4.2.5.2 Thermal Power Sensors
The PM100A is compatible to the Thorlabs S300C series thermal power sensors.
The sensor will be ready to operate few seconds after plugging to the DB9
connector.
Attention
Refer to the sensor data sheet and pay attention to the optical
damage threshold!
Exceeding these values will permanently destroy the sensor!
Thermal sensors absorb the incident laser power, whereby the developing heat gets
turned into a small voltage caused by heat flow through thermocouple elements
between absorbing area and sensor heat sink. Thorlabs offers with its S3xxC series
thermal sensors that cover a wide range of applications. The sensors are available
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