Features

• Includes Console, Sensor, and Mounting Components
• Consoles Compatible with C-Series Sensors
• Large, Easy-to-Read Digital or Analog Display
• USB 2.0 Port for Control via PC with Optical Power Monitor Software (See Software Tab)
• Rechargeable Battery
• 3.5 mm Jack or SMA Output (0 to 2 V) on Consoles for Monitoring Signal
• Recalibration Services Available

Our optical power meter kits consist of a console, a C-series photodiode or thermal power sensor, and a post mounting assembly. Except for the PM120VA, which includes the PM100A analog power meter console, the sensor in each kit is paired with either a PM100D digital or PM400 touchscreen digital power meter console. For a full list of available kits, see the table to the right.

All three consoles have a USB 2.0 connection that allows them to be controlled remotely using a PC with the Optical Power Meter software package installed (see the Software tab for details).

PM100A Analog Console
Suitable for both absolute and relative power measurements, the PM100A analog power meter console features an analog needle display and a supplemental LCD screen. The analog needle is ideal for relative power measurements and for watching small power fluctuations. The PM100A is compatible with all C-Series photodiode sensors and thermal sensors; it is not compatible with our pyroelectric energy sensors. The PM120VA power meter kit includes the PM100A console and power cables, an S120VC sensor, and a USB flash drive with the software package preloaded. For more information on the PM100A analog console features, see the Specs and Display tabs above or visit the full web presentation.

PM100D Digital Console
The PM100D digital power and energy meter console features a menu-driven control panel, 4" backlit display, and SD card slot for storing data. Measurements screens include a numeric readout useful for standard power and energy readings, a simulated analog needle, graphs of power measurements over time, and a statistics view. Additionally, the PM100D console has a tuning mode that provides audio feedback for use when the detector is not within visual range. See the PM100D Display tab for more information. The console is compatible with all our C-Series sensors for power or energy measurements, including our pyroelectric energy sensors, and includes a USB flash drive with the software package preloaded. For more information on the PM100D digital console features, see the Specs and Display tabs above or visit the full web presentation.

PM400 Touchscreen Digital Console
The PM400 touchscreen digital power and energy meter console features a 4.3" display with multi-touch technology. Capacitive buttons on the front of the unit enable fast access to set the source wavelength or spectrum, a delta mode that shows the change in power from a user-selected set point, the zeroing function, and device main menu. In addition to pre-programming source wavelengths or spectra for calibrating measurements, users can enter and save up to twelve attenuation values or data files to correct for effects that external devices (such as filters or beamsplitters) may have on the power measurement.

A 14-pin auxiliary input allows users to connect their own humidity and temperature sensors as well as access four programmable I/O ports for controlling shutters, interlock devices, laser warning lights, and other common lab devices (see the Pin Diagrams tab for pin descriptions). Alternatively, a 2.5 mm stereo (3P) jack accepts the TSP-TH thermistor temperature probe. Like the PM100D, this console is compatible with all our C-Series sensors. For more information on the PM400 touchscreen digital console features, see the Specs and Display tabs above or visit the full web presentation.

Additional Power Meter and Sensor Options
The power meter consoles and sensors in these kits can also be purchased individually. Additionally, Thorlabs offers self-contained wireless power meters, designed for both handheld operation and remote control via Bluetooth or USB, and compact USB power meters, designed to be operated via software control on a PC.

Recalibration Service
Recalibration services are available for our photodiode and thermal power meter sensors and consoles. We recommend recalibrating your Thorlabs sensor and console as a pair; however, each may be recalibrated individually. To order this service for your sensor or console, scroll to the bottom of the page and select the appropriate Item # that corresponds to your sensor or console. Recalibration of a single-channel console is included with the recalibration of a sensor at no additional cost.

Click here for the complete PM400 product presentation.

PM100D Display
Numeric Screen (Power Mode)		Numeric Screen (Energy Mode)
	This display combines a clear, numerical 4-digit read out of the optical power, a bar graph function with zooming capabilities, and configurable sub displays.		A display with the same option as on the left for optical energy read outs.
Trend Graph (Power Mode)		Needle Tuning (Power Mode)
	For laser tuning and beam alignment to visualize changes and trends together with an additional 4-digit numerical value of the absolute power.		A display imitating an analog needle together with an additional 4-digit numerical value for laser tuning tasks. A special feature is a resettable max hold indicator and a shiftable tuning sound.
Pulse Chart (Energy Mode)		Statistics Screen (Power Mode)
	Like the Trend Graph (Power Mode), this shows changes and trends together with an additional 4-digit numerical value of the absolute energy of incident beam pulses.		The statistics display shows the actual, minimum, maximum and mean value in linear and logarithmic representation; further the standard deviation, the max/min ratio, the number of samples and the elapsed time.

Common Display Elements

• Header line with sensor information, date/time, and battery state
• Status line with warning annunciators
• Bar graph and configurable left and right sub display areas to display a minimum and a maximum value or a ratio of both values (numerical screen only)
• Tool tip text above the menu
• Easily accessible menu via buttons

Click to Enlarge
The Front Panel of the Touchscreen Power Meter Console

Touchscreen Power Meter Console Front Panel

Thorlabs' PM400 Power Meter Console features a front panel with several key elements, as shown in the photo to the right. The projected capacitive touchscreen and buttons are sensitive enough to allow smooth operation even when the user wears cotton, latex, or nitrile gloves, but durable enough to be cleaned with standard screen cleaning solvents.

• Capacitive Touchscreen: The capacitive touchscreen allows the user to control the console functions with finger taps and swipes. Features include numerical displays of power and energy measurements, logging of long-term measurements, settings for a calibration wavelength or a preset attenuation value, and temperature monitoring. The user can switch measurement views by swiping one finger over the screen to the left or right, or by tapping the window icon in the lower right corner of the screen. More details on the measurement options are provided below.
• Spectral Correction Button: This button opens a screen where the user can quickly select or save up to 12 measurement wavelengths. The PM400 will use this wavelength setting in conjunction with the calibration data recorded in the connector of Thorlabs' power and energy sensors in order to provide a calibrated optical power or energy reading. The selected wavelength is displayed above the button.
• Delta Mode: In delta mode, the console will display the power or energy relative to a user selected setpoint. Pressing this button saves the current power or energy reading as the reference value, and subsequent measurements will be displayed as the difference between the actual value and the reference. The reference value is displayed above this button when Delta Mode is active. 
• Zeroing: Quickly set the current power or energy value as the zero point for subsequent measurements. The measured power or energy when the console is zeroed will be displayed above the Zero button.
• Main Menu: This button provides quick access to the main menu. From here, the user can access a submenu to set the parameters for long-term power measurements, device settings, the file manager, sensor info, and the laser calculator. Details are provided below.

Additional Features
In addition to allowing users to select different measurement modes and settings, the PM400 incorporates other features to allow users to customize the interface.

• Language Settings: English, French, German, and Chinese can be selected.
• Display Brightness and Contrast: In addition to adjusting these settings, the user can choose whether to have the display show white text on a black background, or black text on a white background.
• Laser Tuning Sound: The console plays an audible tone to aid in identifying when peak power is achieved while tuning a laser. The console will beep repeatedly, with the frequency of the beep increasing as the measured power increases.
• Programmable I/O Ports: The PM400 features four programmable I/O ports for controlling shutters, interlocks, laser warning lights, etc.

The Touchscreen Display

The screenshots below provide an overview of some of the measurement views, measurement settings, functions, and calculators accessible through the touchscreen display.

Numerical Display

The numerical display shows a digital measurement of the power or energy with a bar graph along the bottom. The orange and blue triangles on the bar graph show the min and max values detected during the measurement. To reset the min and max values, press the reset button on the front panel. The six rectangular subpanels immediately above the power or energy measurement are configurable displays, allowing the user to select which parameters to view. The Subpanel Display Options table provides a summary of available settings for each style of detector.

Simulated Analog Needle

Measurements can be viewed with a simulated analog needle. The orange and blue marks are indicators for the max and min measured power, and the scale can be zoomed by a factor of 10. Icons down the side of the screen allow the user to set the bandwidth, adjust the resolution of the digital value at the bottom of the display, change units, adjust the display update rate or change screens.

Graph View

In the graph view, the user can monitor the optical power or energy of a source as it changes over time. A second, optional display can be added that shows the readout from a connected temperature sensor (the upper graph in the screenshot above). Icons on the side of the window allow the user to start and stop the measurement, scroll through the data, and open the folder where the measurement is saved.

Statistics Display

In the statistics display, the user can start a sequential measurement. The sample rate and duration can be adjusted from the Capture Settings screen, accessible from the main menu. The bottom bar of the display shows the number of measurements taken, total elapsed time since the measurements were started, and the measurement interval. The main part of the display shows statistics for the accumulated measurements, including the minimum, maximum, mean, and standard deviation.

Spectral Correction

This mode can be entered by pressing the λ symbol on the front panel. The unit can store up to 12 preset spectral correction entries, editable by the user. In their simplest form, these entries can consist of a single user-entered wavelength that will be used in conjunction with the NIST-traceable calibration data from a Thorlabs' sensor to produce a calibrated power measurement. Alternatively, each entry can be a .csv file with the source spectrum that has been uploaded and saved. When a spectral correction entry is selected, the entry name will be displayed in the field above the spectral correction button.

Attenuation Correction

External devices within a setup, such as a filter or beamsplitter, may be needed to attenuate the signal being measured. The attenuation correction function allows the PM400 to display a power reading that accounts for these sources of attenuation. Attenuation values can be assigned as a multiplier (e.g. x2), in percent, in dB, or in OD (optical density). Alternatively, complete filter transmission curves can be uploaded and saved. Up to 12 different attenuation settings can be programmed and stored.

Main Menu

The PM400 main menu allows access to device features including the screen brightness, the menus to set the parameters for power, energy, and temperature measurements, a screen for calculating laser pulse characteristics, and a unit converter.

Capture Settings

This screen allows the user to set the parameters for taking data. User-selectable settings include manual or automatic data acquisition, the exposure time, the number of samples, and the capture interval. It also allows the temperature logging parameters to be set. Once all of the settings are selected, this screen will return an estimated file size so that the user can ensure there is enough free memory on the device. In the case of manual operation (the user manually starts and stops the measurement), the estimated output file size will be the rate at which memory is used up as the data is collected.

Sensor Measurement Settings

This screen allows the user to view sensor-dependent content, adjust common settings such as wavelength, attenuation, mode, etc., and enter beam parameters.

Temperature Sensor Settings

If an external temperature sensor is hooked up to the PM400, the user can adjust the parameters here.

Laser Calculator and Unit Converter

The PM400 has several calculators. The laser calculator screen allows the user to calculate laser beam parameters based on available inputs. A unit converter provides quick conversions between Watts and dBm or between wavelength, frequency, wavenumbers, and photon energy.

PM100A and PM100D Power Meter Consoles

Optical Sensor Head Input

9-Pin Female D-Sub

Connection
Pin	PM100A	PM100D
1	+5 V (100 mA Max Current from This Pin)
2	DO NOT USEa
3	AGND (Analog Ground): Photodiode Ground (Anode), Thermal and Pyroelectric Sensor Ground
4	Photodiode Cathode
5	Not Connected	Pyro-Electric Sensor +
6	DGND (Digital Ground)
7	Present: Connect this Pin via a 1 kΩ to 10 kΩ Resistor to Pin 3 (AGND) to Enable a Custom Sensor
8	Thermal Sensor +
9	Not Connected

• Pin 2 is reserved for the EEPROM Digital I/O (memory in Thorlabs' sensor heads) and MUST NOT be used to connect anything other than a C-Series sensor. Connecting this pin may cause the console to malfunction.

Analog Output

 

0 ... 2 V,
SMA Female

Computer Connection
USB Type Mini-B

USB Type Mini-B for Remote Control and Charging,
Cable Included

---

PM400 Power Meter Console

Optical Sensor Head Input

9-Pin Female D-Sub

Pin	Connection
1	+5 V (100 mA Max Current from This Pin)
2	DO NOT USEa
3	AGND (Analog Ground): Photodiode Ground (Anode), Thermal and Pyroelectric Sensor Ground
4	Photodiode Cathode
5	Pyroelectric Sensor +
6	DGND (Digital Ground)
7	Present: Connect this Pin via a 1 kΩ to 10 kΩ Resistor to Pin 3 (AGND) to Enable a Custom Sensor
8	Thermal Sensor +
9	Not Connected

• Pin 2 is reserved for the EEPROM Digital I/O (memory in Thorlabs' sensor heads) and MUST NOT be used to connect anything other than a C-Series sensor. Connecting this pin may cause the console to malfunction.

Auxiliary Connector

14-Pin Dual-In-Line Socket, 0.1" (2.54 mm) Pitch

Pin	Connection
1	Ground
2	+3.3 VDC, 0.1 A
3	Do Not Use (No Function)
4	ADC Current In (Humidity Sensor)
5	Temp / Humidity Detection Module
6	ADC Current In (Temperature Sensor)
7	GPIO 02
8	GPIO 01
9	GPIO 03
10	GPIO 04
11	Ground
12	+ 2.5 VDC, 0.05 A
13	Ground
14	-2.5 VDC, 0.05 A

Computer Connection
USB Type Mini-B

USB Type Mini-B for Remote Control and Charging,
Cable Included

Analog Output

0 to 2 V,
3.5 mm Mono Audio (2P) Jack

Temperature Sensor Input

2.5 mm Stereo Audio (2P) Jack for NTC

Optical Power Monitor

The Optical Power Monitor GUI software features power measurement, readout from up to eight power meters, and remote wireless operation.

For details on specific software features, please see the user manual.

Users interested in the legacy Power Meter Software can find it by visiting the software page.

The PM101 Series Power Meters are only compatible with version 2.0 or later. The PM102 Series Power Meters are only compatible with version 2.1 or later. The PM103 Series Power and Energy Meters are only compatible with version 3.0 or later. The PM5020 Console is only compatible with version 4.0 or later. The PM60 and PM61 Power Meter Series are only compatible with version 6.0 or later. 

Optical Power Monitor GUI Software for Touchscreen, Handheld, and USB-Interface Power Meters

Features

• Operate up to Eight Power Meters Simultaneously
• Record and Analyze Measurements in Real Time
• Intuitive Analog Display and Graphing Modes
• Configurable Long-Term Data Logging
• Also Supports Position Measurements with Thermal Position & Power Sensors
• Compatible with USB and Bluetooth^® Connections

The Optical Power Monitor software GUI enables seamless control of up to eight power meters that are connected via USB, RS232, or Bluetooth^® wireless technology^a. The latest software, firmware, drivers, and utilities for these power meters can be downloaded here.

Multiple data measurement and analysis functions are integrated into the GUI package. The interface offers a user-friendly design with minimal use of color and low brightness that is ideal use in dark lab environments while wearing laser safety glasses. Measured data can be displayed in real time as a simulated analog needle, digital values, line graph, or bar graph. Continuously logged and short-term measurements can be recorded for data viewing and analysis at a later point. A built-in statistics mode analyzes measured data and continuously updates to reflect new measurements within the pre-determined measurement period. Beam position measurements are also supported when used with our thermal position & power sensors.

The Optical Power Monitor software package installs the GUI, which then can be used to control the touchscreen, handheld, or USB-interface power meters. Firmware updates for supported power meters are also available. Programming examples and drivers for interfacing with our power and energy meter consoles using LabVIEW, C/C++, Visual C#, and Python are installed with the software; refer to the manual for details.

Please note that the Optical Power Monitor Software uses different drivers than the Power Meter Utilities Software and Thorlabs recommends using the new driver TLPM.dll. For users who wish to use the legacy Power Meter Software or use custom software designed using the older PM100D.dll driver, a Power Meter Driver Switcher program is included for easy swapping of the installed driver between the two versions.

a. The PM61 Series, PM160, PM160T, and PM160T-HP power meters are equipped with Bluetooth^® connections.

Click to Enlarge
Power Measurement Mode: Set up and configure up to eight power meters.

Click to Enlarge
Power Tuning Mode: Simulated analog needle and digital measurement value provided. Delta Mode, enabled above, shows the fluctuation range during the measurement period.

Click to Enlarge
Power Statistics Mode: Calculate numerical statistics for a pre-determined measurement period. The panel displays the analyzed values in a bar graph and the results as numerical values.

Click to Enlarge
Position Tuning Mode: Tuning mode can be used with a thermal position & power sensor to aid in beam alignment.

Click to Enlarge
Position Statistics Mode: Statistics mode also provides aggregate information for thermal position & power sensors.

Click to Enlarge
Data Logging: Enable long-term measurement and simultaneous recording from up to eight power meters. Save data as .csv files for later processing while measurement results are displayed in a graph in real time.

Pulsed Laser Emission: Power and Energy Calculations

Click above to download the full report.

Determining whether emission from a pulsed laser is compatible with a device or application can require referencing parameters that are not supplied by the laser's manufacturer. When this is the case, the necessary parameters can typically be calculated from the available information. Calculating peak pulse power, average power, pulse energy, and related parameters can be necessary to achieve desired outcomes including:

• Protecting biological samples from harm.
• Measuring the pulsed laser emission without damaging photodetectors and other sensors.
• Exciting fluorescence and non-linear effects in materials.

Pulsed laser radiation parameters are illustrated in Figure 1 and described in the table. For quick reference, a list of equations is provided below. The document available for download provides this information, as well as an introduction to pulsed laser emission, an overview of relationships among the different parameters, and guidance for applying the calculations. 

Equations:
Period and repetition rate are reciprocal:			and
Pulse energy calculated from average power:
Average power calculated from pulse energy:
Peak pulse power estimated from pulse energy:
Peak power and average power calculated from each other:
		and
Peak power calculated from average power and duty cycle*:
		*Duty cycle () is the fraction of time during which there is laser pulse emission.

Click to Enlarge

Figure 1: Parameters used to describe pulsed laser emission are indicated in the plot (above) and described in the table (below). Pulse energy (E) is the shaded area under the pulse curve. Pulse energy is, equivalently, the area of the diagonally hashed region. 

Parameter	Symbol	Units	Description
Pulse Energy	E	Joules [J]		A measure of one pulse's total emission, which is the only light emitted by the laser over the entire period. The pulse energy equals the shaded area, which is equivalent to the area covered by diagonal hash marks.
Period	Δt	Seconds [s]		The amount of time between the start of one pulse and the start of the next.
Average Power	Pavg	Watts [W]		The height on the optical power axis, if the energy emitted by the pulse were uniformly spread over the entire period.
Instantaneous Power	P	Watts [W]		The optical power at a single, specific point in time.
Peak Power	Ppeak	Watts [W]		The maximum instantaneous optical power output by the laser.
Pulse Width		Seconds [s]		A measure of the time between the beginning and end of the pulse, typically based on the full width half maximum (FWHM) of the pulse shape. Also called pulse duration.
Repetition Rate	frep	Hertz [Hz]		The frequency with which pulses are emitted. Equal to the reciprocal of the period.

Thorlabs offers a wide selection of power and energy meter consoles and interfaces for operating our power and energy sensors. Key specifications of all of our power meter consoles and interfaces are presented below to help you decide which device is best for your application. We also offer self-contained wireless power meters and compact USB power meters.

When used with our C-series sensors, Thorlabs' power meter consoles and interfaces recognize the type of connected sensor and measure the current or voltage as appropriate. Our C-series sensors have responsivity calibration data stored in their connectors. The console will read out the responsivity value for the user-entered wavelength and calculate a power or energy reading.

• Photodiode sensors deliver a current that depends on the input optical power and the wavelength. The current is fed into a transimpedance amplifier, which outputs a voltage proportional to the input current. The photodiode's responsivity is wavelength dependent, so the correct wavelength must be entered into the console for an accurate power reading. The console reads out the responsivity for this wavelength from the connected sensor and calculates the optical power from the measured photocurrent.
• Thermal sensors deliver a voltage proportional to the input optical power. Based on the measured sensor output voltage and the sensor's responsivity, the console will calculate the incident optical power.
• Energy sensors are based on the pyroelectric effect. They deliver a voltage peak proportional to the pulse energy. If an energy sensor is recognized, the console will use a peak voltage detector and the pulse energy will be calculated from the sensor's responsivity.

The consoles and interfaces are also capable of providing a readout of the current or voltage delivered by the sensor. Select models also feature an analog output.

Consoles

Item #	PM100A	PM100D	PM400	PM5020
(Click Photo to Enlarge)
Key Features	Analog Power Measurements	Digital Power and Energy Measurements	Digital Power and Energy Measurements, Touchscreen Control	Dual Channel
Compatible Sensors	Photodiode and Thermal Power	Photodiode Power, Thermal Power, and Pyroelectric Energya	Photodiode Power, Thermal Power, Thermal Power and Position, and Pyroelectric Energya	Photodiode Power, Thermal Power, Thermal Power and Position, and Pyroelectric Energy
Housing Dimensions (H x W x D)	7.24" x 4.29" x 1.61" (184 mm x 109 mm x 41 mm)	7.09" x 4.13" x 1.50" (180 mm x 105 mm x 38 mm)	5.35" x 3.78" x 1.16" (136.0 mm x 96.0 mm x 29.5 mm)	9.97" x 4.35" x 11.56" (253.2 mm x 110.6 mm x 293.6 mm)
Channels	1			2
External Temperature Sensor Input (Sensor not Included)	-	-	Readout and Record Temperature Over Time	Readout and Record Temperature Over Time
External Humidity Sensor Input (Sensor not Included)	-	-	Readout and Record Humidity Over Time	Readout and Record Humidity Over Time
Input/Output Ports	-		4 GPIO, Programmable	4 Configurable Digital I/O Channels
Shutter Control	-	-	-	Support for SH05R(/M) or SH1(/M) Optical Shutter with Interlock Input
Fan Control	-	-	-
Source Spectral Correction	-	-
Attenuation Correction	-	-
External Trigger Input	-	-	-
Display
Type	Mechanical Needle and LCD Display with Digital Readout	320 x 240 Pixel Backlit Graphical LCD Display	Protected Capacitive Touchscreen with Color Display
Dimensions	Digital: 1.9" x 0.5" (48.2 mm x 13.2 mm) Analog: 3.54" x 1.65" (90.0 mm x 42.0 mm)	3.17" x 2.36" (81.4 mm x 61.0 mm)	3.7" x 2.1" (95 mm x 54 mm)	4.32" x 2.43" (109.7 mm x 61.6 mm)
Refresh Rate	20 Hz		10 Hz (Numerical) 25 Hz (Analog Simulation)	25 Hz
Measurement Viewsb
Numerical
Mechanical Analog Needle		-	-	-
Simulated Analog Needle	-
Bar Graph	-
Trend Graph	-
Histogram	-		-	-
Statistics
Memory
Type	-	SD Card	NAND Flash	SD Card
Size	-	2 GB	4 GB	8 GB
Power
Battery	LiPo 3.7 V 1300 mAh		LiPo 3.7 V 2600 mAh	-
External	5 VDC via USB or Included AC Adapter		5 VDC via USB	Line Voltage: 100 - 240 V

• As the PM100D and PM400 consoles can only support repetition rates of up to 3 kHz, they should not be used with the ES408C sensor, which detects repetition rates up to 10 kHz.
• These are the measurement views built into the unit.

Interfaces

Item #	PM101	PM102	PM103	PM101A	PM102A	PM103A
(Click Photo to Enlarge)
Operation Protocol	USB, RS232, UART, and Analog			USB and Analog SMA
Sensor Compatibility
Photodiode		-			-
Thermal Power			-			-
Thermal Position & Power	-		-	-		-
Pyroelectric	-	-		-	-

Key Features
C-Series Sensor DE-9 Connector
USB Connector	Lockable			Lockable
USB Max Measurement Speed	1000 S/s	1000 S/s	100 000 S/s	1000 S/s	1000 S/s	100 000 S/s
Serial DE-9 Connector	-			-
DE-9 Max Measurement Speed	-			-
SMA Connector(s)	-			1 Analog Power Output	3 Ports: Power, X-Position, and Y-Position	3 Ports: AO1, AO2, and Digital I/O (Configurable as External Trigger Input)
DA-15 Universal Connector with 2 Auxiliary I/O Ports			GPIO Ports Also Configurable as Trigger Input (Pin 2) or for Pass/Fail Analysis (Pin 3)	-
DA-15 Max Measurement Speed	200 S/s	200 S/s	100 000 S/s	-
Ethernet (RJ45) Connector	-	-	-	-
Ethernet Max Measurement Speed	-	-	-	-
Phoenix DMC 0,5/7 Connector	-	-	-	-
DMC 0,5/7 Max Measurement Speed	-	-	-	-
External Temperature Sensor Input (Sensor Not Included)	NTC Thermistor			-
Display
Type	No Built-In Display; Controlled via GUI for PC
Measurement Viewsc
Numerical	Requires PC
Simulated Analog Needle	Requires PC
Bar Graph	Requires PC
Trend Graph	Requires PC
Histogram	Requires PC
Statistics	Requires PC
Memory
Type	Internal Non-Volatile Memoryfor All Settings
Power
External	5 VDC via USB or 5 to 36 VDC via DA-15 Pins 1 and 9			5 VDC via USB

Item #	PM103E	PM101R	PM101U	PM102U	PM103U	PM100USB
(Click Photo to Enlarge)
Operation Protocol	Ethernet, RS232, and Analog	USB and RS232	USB Operation			USB
Sensor Compatibility
Photodiode				-
Thermal Power					-
Thermal Position & Power		-	-		-	-
Pyroelectric		-	-	-		a

Key Features
C-Series Sensor DE-9 Connector
USB Connector	-	Lockable	Lockable			Not Lockable
USB Max Measurement Speed	-	1000 S/s	1000 S/s	1000 S/s	100 000 S/s	300 S/s
Serial DE-9 Connector	-		-			-
DE-9 Max Measurement Speed	-	200 S/s	-			-
SMA Connector(s)	-	-	-			-
DA-15 Universal Connector with 2 Auxiliary I/O Ports	-	-	-			-
DA-15 Max Measurement Speed	-	-	-			-
Ethernet (RJ45) Connector		-	-			-
Ethernet Max Measurement Speed	100 000 S/s	-	-			-
Phoenix DMC 0,5/7 Connector		-	-			-
DMC 0,5/7 Max Measurement Speed	100 000 S/s	-	-			-
External Temperature Sensor Input (Sensor Not Included)	NTC Thermistor	-	-			-
Display
Type	No Built-In Display; Controlled via GUI for PC
Measurement Viewsc
Numerical	Requires PC
Simulated Analog Needle	Requires PC
Bar Graph	Requires PC
Trend Graph	Requires PC
Histogram	Requires PC
Statistics	Requires PC
Memory
Type	Internal Non-Volatile Memory for All Settings					-
Power
External	Power over Ethernetd and 5 to 36 VDC via DMC 0,5/7 pin 1 and 2	5 VDC via USB	5 VDC via USB			5 VDC via USB

• As the PM100USB interface can only support repetition rates of up to 3 kHz, it should not be used with the ES408C sensor, which detects repetition rates up to 10 kHz.
• Dependent on PC Settings
• These power meter interfaces do not have a built-in monitor, so all data must be displayed through a PC running the Optical Power Monitor Software.
•  48 V is the nominal voltage over the network, but can range from 36 V - 57 V.

Click to Enlarge
The PM160 wireless power meter, shown here with an iPad mini (not included), can be remotely operated using Apple mobile devices.

This tab outlines the full selection of Thorlabs' power and energy sensors. Refer to the lower right table for power meter console and interface compatibility information.

In addition to the power and energy sensors listed below, Thorlabs also offers all-in-one, wireless, handheld power meters and compact USB power meter interfaces that contain either a photodiode or a thermal sensor, as well as power meter bundles that include a console, sensor head, and post mounting accessories.

Thorlabs offers four types of sensors:

• Photodiode Sensors: These sensors are designed for power measurements of monochromatic or near-monochromatic sources, as they have a wavelength dependent responsivity. These sensors deliver a current that depends on the input optical power and the wavelength. The current is fed into a transimpedance amplifier, which outputs a voltage proportional to the input current.
• Thermal Sensors: Constructed from material with a relatively flat response function across a wide range of wavelengths, these thermopile sensors are suitable for power measurements of broadband sources such as LEDs and SLDs. Thermal sensors deliver a voltage proportional to the input optical power.
• Thermal Position & Power Sensors: These sensors incorporate four thermopiles arranged as quadrants of a square. By comparing the voltage output from each quadrant, the unit calculates the beam's position.
• Pyroelectric Energy Sensors: Our pyroelectric sensors produce an output voltage through the pyroelectric effect and are suitable for measuring pulsed sources, with a repetition rate limited by the time constant of the detector. These sensors will output a peak voltage proportional to the incident pulse energy.

Console Compatibility
Console Item #	PM100A	PM100D	PM400	PM5020	PM101 Series	PM102 Series	PM103 Series	PM100USB
Photodiode Power						-
Thermal Power							-
Thermal Position	-	-			-		-	-
Pyroelectric Energy	-	a	a		-	-		a

• As the PM100D and PM400 consoles and the PM100USB interface can only support repetition rates of up to 3 kHz, they should not be used with the ES408C sensor, which detects repetition rates up to 10 kHz.

Power and Energy Sensor Selection Guide

There are two options for comparing the specifications of our Power and Energy Sensors. The expandable table below sorts our sensors by type (e.g., photodiode, thermal, or pyroelectric) and provides key specifications.

Alternatively, the selection guide graphic further below arranges our entire selection of photodiode and thermal power sensors by wavelength (left) or optical power range (right). Each box contains the item # and specified range of the sensor. These graphs allow for easy identification of the sensor heads available for a specific wavelength or power range.

Sensor Type	Applications	Item #	Wavelength	Energy or Power Range	Detector Type	Aperture	Response Time
Standard Sensors	General Purpose Power Measurements	S120VC	200 - 1100 nm	50 nW - 50 mW	Si	Ø9.5 mm	<1 µsa
		S120C	400 - 1100 nm	50 nW - 50 mW		Ø9.5 mm
		S121C	400 - 1100 nm	500 nW - 500 mW		Ø9.5 mm
		S122C	700 - 1800 nm	50 nW - 40 mW	Ge	Ø9.5 mm
Slim Sensors	Power Measurements in Tight Spaces such as 30 mm Cage Systems	S130VC	200 - 1100 nm	Dual Range: 5 nW - 5 mW or 50 nW - 50 mW	Si Slim	Ø9.5 mm
		S130C	400 - 1100 nm	Dual Range: 500 pW - 5 mW or 100 µW - 500 mW		Ø9.5 mm
		S132C	700 - 1800 nm	Dual Range: 5 nW - 5 mW or 100 µW - 500 mW	Ge Slim	Ø9.5 mm
Compact Slim Sensor	Power Measurements in Tight Spaces such as 16 mm Cage Systems	S116C	400 - 1100 nm	20 nW - 50 mW	Si Compact Slim	Ø6 mm
Microscope Slide Sensor	Measure Power at the Sample Plane of a Microscope	S170C	350 - 1100 nm	10 nW - 150 mW	Si Large Area	18 mm x 18 mm
		S171C	400 - 1100 nm	1 nW - 15 mW
	Measure Relative Peak Power at the Sample Plane of a Microscope	NS170C	780 - 1300 nm	0.5 W - 350 mWb	Si Large Area with Second-Order Nonlinear Crystal	Ø4.5 mm
Integrating Sphere Sensors	Power Measurements for High Powers and Divergent Beams	S140C	350 - 1100 nm	1 µW - 500 mW	Si Integrating	Ø5 mm
		S142C	350 - 1100 nm	5 µW - 5 W		Ø12 mm
		S142CL	400 - 1100 nm	10 µW - 5 W	Si Integrating w/Baffle	Ø22 mm
		S144C	800 - 1700 nm	100 nW - 500 mW	InGaAs Integrating	Ø5 mm
		S145C	800 - 1700 nm	1 µW - 3 W		Ø22 mm
		S145CL	800 - 1700 nm	10 µW - 3 W	InGaAs Integrating w/Baffle	Ø22 mm
		S146C	900 - 1650 nm	10 µW - 20 W	InGaAs Integrating	Ø12 mm
		S148C	1200 - 2500 nm	1 µW - 1 W		Ø5 mm
		S180C	2900 - 5500 nm	1 µW - 3 W	MCT (HgCdTe)	Ø7 mm
Fiber Sensors	Fiber Power Measurements and Field Applications	S150C	350 - 1100 nm	100 pW - 5 mW	Si Fiber	Ø5 mm
		S151C	400 - 1100 nm	1 nW - 20 mW		Ø5 mm
		S154C	800 - 1700 nm	100 pW - 3 mW	InGaAs Fiber	Ø5 mm
		S155C	800 - 1700 nm	1 nW - 20 mW		Ø5 mm

Sensor Type	Applications	Item #	Wavelength	Energy or Power Range	Detector Type	Aperture	Response Timec
High Resolution	Broadband Measurements of Optical Powers ≤5 W with 1 µW or 5 µW Resolution	S401C	190 nm - 20 µm	10 µW - 1 W (3 Wd)	Thermal Surface Absorber with Background Compensation	Ø10 mm	1.1 s
		S405C	190 nm - 20 µm	100 µW - 5 W	Thermal Surface Absorber	Ø10 mm	1.1 s
Max Power: 10 W	General Broadband Power Measurements of Low and Medium Power Light Sources	S415C	190 nm - 20 µm	2 mW - 10 W (20 Wd)		Ø15 mm	0.6 s
		S425C	190 nm - 20 µm	2 mW - 10 W (20 Wd)		Ø25.4 mm	0.6 s
Max Power: 40 W to 200 W		S350C	190 nm - 1.1 µm, 10.6 µm	10 mW - 40 W (60 Wd)		Ø40 mm	9 s (1 s from 0 to 90%)
		S425C-L	190 nm - 20 µm	2 mW - 50 W (75 Wd)		Ø25.4 mm	0.6 s
		S322C	250 nm - 11 µm	100 mW - 200 W (250 Wd)		Ø25 mm	5 s (1 s from 0 to 90%)
High Max Power Density	Optical Power Measurements of Nd:YAG and Other Pulsed Laser Sources	S370C	400 nm - 5200 nm	10 mW - 10 W (15 Wd)	Thermal Volume Absorber	Ø25 mm	45 s (3 s from 0 to 90%)
		S470C	250 nm - 10.6 µm	100 µW - 5 W		Ø15 mm	6.5 s (<2 s from 0 to 90%)
Microscope Slide	Measure Power at the Sample Plane of a Microscope	S175C	300 nm - 10.6 µm	100 µW - 2 W	Thermal Surface Absorber	18 mm x 18 mm	3 s (<2 s from 0 to 90%)

Sensor Type	Applications	Item #	Wavelength	Power Range	Detector Type	Aperture	Response Timec
High Resolution	Precise Beam Position and Power Measurements of Low and Medium Power Lasers	S440C	190 nm - 20 µm	0.5 mW - 5 W	Thermal Absorber, Four Quadrants	17 x 17 mm	<1.1 s
High Power		S442C	190 nm - 20 µm	10 mW - 50 W	Thermal Absorber, Four Quadrants	Ø17.5 mm	<0.6 s

Sensor Type	Applications	Item #	Wavelength	Energy or Power Range	Max Repetition Rate (@ 1 MΩ Load)	Detector Type	Aperture	Response Time
Standard Energy Sensors	General Purpose Energy Meter	ES111C	185 nm - 25 µm	10 µJ - 150 mJ	40 Hz	Pyroelectric Black Broadband Coating	Ø11 mm	N/Ae
		ES120C	185 nm - 25 µm	100 µJ - 500 mJ	30 Hz		Ø20 mm
		ES145C	185 nm - 25 µm	500 µJ - 2 J	30 Hz		Ø45 mm
High-Energy Sensors	High Energy Measurements for High Peak Energy Lasers: Excimer, CO2-TEA, and Nd:YAG	ES220C	185 nm - 25 µm	500 µJ - 3 J	30 Hz	Pyroelectric Ceramic Coating	Ø20 mm
		ES245C	185 nm - 25 µm	1 mJ - 15 J	30 Hz		Ø45 mm
Fast Energy Sensors	High Repetition Rate Measurements	ES308C	185 nm - 25 µm	500 µJ - 1 J	1 kHz	Pyroelectric Black Broadband Coating	Ø8 mm
		ES312C	185 nm - 25 µm	100 µJ - 1 J	250 Hz		Ø12 mm
		ES408C	185 nm - 2.5 µm	100 µJ - 1 J	10 kHz	Pyroelectric Metal Coating	Ø8 mm
		ES412C	185 nm - 2.5 µm	50 µJ - 500 mJ	2 kHz		Ø12 mm

• The response time of the photodiode sensor. The actual response time of a power meter using these sensors will be limited by the update rate of your power meter console.
• The power range provided is for lasers with a repetition rate of 80 MHz. Because the peak power and peak power density are dependent on the average power and repetition rate of the laser, the upper limit to the working average power range will be lower for lower repetition rates. Please see the Specs tab here for more details. 
• Typical natural response time (0 - 95%). Our power consoles can provide estimated measurements of optical power on an accelerated time scale (typically <1 s) when the natual response time is approximately 1 s or greater. As the natural response times of the S415C, S425C, and S425C-L are fast, these do not benefit from accelerated measurements and this function cannot be enabled. For more information, see the Operation tab here.
• With intermittent use: maximum exposure time of 20 minutes for the S401C, otherwise maximum exposure time is 2 minutes.
• All pyroelectric sensors have a thermal time constant, τ. This value indicates how long it takes the sensor to recover from a single pulse. To detect the correct energy levels, pulses must be shorter than 0.1τ and the repetition rate of your source must be well below 1/τ. Please see the Specs tab here for the τ value of each sensor.

Sensor Options
(Arranged by Wavelength Range)

Sensor Options
(Arranged by Power Range)