*Sensor Dependent **Ranges Selectable in Watts (Photodiode and Thermopile) and is dependent on the sensor used.
Features
Combined Analog and Digital Power Meter Console
Designed for Coherent and Incoherent Light Source Measurements
Power Measurements for CW and Pulsed Source Detection
Fast Mechanical Needle Display with 3 Scales
Bright Graphics LCD Display with Different LCD Screens
Numerical Display for Absolute Power Readouts
Relative Measurement Screen for Power Tuning
Statistics Screen with Display Hold
Different Setup Screens for Configuration
Versatile Functionality with Easy Handling:
Min/Max Function
Acoustic Tuning Sound with Max Hold Function
Delta Mode Function
Smart Sensor Connector for Quick Sensor Exchange
USB 2.0 Interface
Analog Output
The PM100A Power Meter Console is the analog counterpart to thePM100D Digital Power and Energy Meter. It offers top performance and reliability in a compact and portable console. The PM100A is ideal for use as a CW and pulsed laser power meter, incoherent optical source power meter, general light power meter, fiber power meter, and more. Depending on the connected sensor, it can measure optical power in the range from 100 pW to 200 W.
The PM100A is compatible with more than 20 photodiode,slim photodiode, integrating sphere, fiber, andthermalsensors designed for use from the UV to the Mid-IR. See theSensor Compatibility tab for further information. When used together with a sensor from the compact S15xC Series of fiber sensors, the PM100A becomes a compact and portable fiber power meter that is ideal for field applications as well as in the lab.Thorlabs offers a variety of Power Meter Kits which include some of our most popular sensors bundled with the PM100A and PM100D consoles. Additionally it allows the connection of unamplified anode grounded photodiodes with up to 5 mA photocurrent and thermal elements with up to 1 V output voltage.
Console Design The compact housing has a large analog needle display with three printed scales and front panel backlit button controls. In addition, the PM100A features a bright LCD screen that displays four different digital readouts: absolute power, relative power, statistics, and a configuration menu. Audio tuning is also featured.
A selectable bandwidth of either 20 Hz or 100 kHz offers more flexibility and adaptability to specific measurement tasks while using photodiode sensors. The higher bandwidth is optimal for pulse-detection; the lower bandwidth offers lower noise and better accuracy. Additionally, the power meter can adapt to the thermal time constant of thermal sensors leading to significantly faster measurements with thermal sensors. Thermal sensors have an individual time constant that can vary greatly from unit to unit. The PM100A now can adjust to this individual constant for each sensor and thus minimize the response time of the system (sensor + console).
Connectivity The sensor connector, shown to the right, enable "hot-swappable" quick sensor exchange. The sensor connectors contain all the sensor information including NIST-traceable responsivity curves, sensor types, and model number.
Data can be recorded via the USB PC connection and the control software. The PM100A software is capable of handling up to six consoles simultaneously. PC control software and features are highlighted in the Software tab.
In addition to remote control operation and data logging/recording, the USB connection can also act as the charging system for the Li-Polymer battery. Also included is an AC battery charger which uses an intelligent charging management system to improve battery lifetime and reduce battery memory effects.
Item #
PM100A
Display
Display Type
Mechanical Analog Needle with Graphical LCD 132 x 32 pixels
Display Screens
Numerical, Relative Measurements, Tuning, Statistics, Mechanical Analog Needle
Viewing Area
48.2 mm x 13.2 mm and 90.0 mm x 42.0 mm
Refresh Rate
20 Hz
Backlit Display and Keypad
LED
Audio
1x Speaker
Sensor Interface
Compatible Sensors
All Photodiodes, and Thermopiles See below for full sensor specs
Time Constant Correction
1 - 30 s
AD Converter
16 bit
Connector
DB9F, Left Side
Sensor Temperature Control
Thermistor
Temperature Range
-10 to 80 °C
Analog Outputs
Signal
Amplified Input Signal (Not Corrected)
Voltage Range
0 to 2 V
Accuracy
±3%
Bandwidth
up to 100 kHz, Dependent on Sensor and Settings
Connector
SMA, Left Side
Digital Outputs
Connector / Interface
Mini USB, USB2.0
Power
Battery
LiPolymer 3.7 V 1300 mAh
Charger / DC Input
5 V / 1 A
Dimensions and Mounting
Dimensions (LxWxH)
183 mm x 109 mm x 40 mm
Weight
<0.5 kg
Mounting Options
Kickstand; 1/4"-20 Post Thread
Operating Temperature
0 to 40 °C
Storage Temperature
-40 to 70 °C
Sensor Compatibility Specs
Item #
PM100A
Detector Compatibility
Photodiode Sensors: S1xxC Series Photodiodes (Max 5 mA)
Thermal Sensors: S3xxC Series Thermopiles (Max 1V)
Measurement Ranges
6 Decades; 50 nA - 5 mA Ranges Selectable in W, Sensor Dependent
4 Decades; 1 mV - 1 V Ranges Selectable in W, Sensor Dependent
Wavelength Ranges
200 nm - 1800 nm
190 nm - 25 μm
Power / Energy Ranges
100 pW - 20 W
100 μW - 200 W
Units
W, dBm, W/cm², A
W, dBm, W/cm², V
Accuracy
±0.2% of Full Scale (5 µA - 5 mA) ±0.5% of Full Scale (50 nA)
±0.5% of Full Scale (10 mV - 1 V) ±1% of Full Scale (1 mV)
This display shows the current absolute power values on both the mechanical needle and the LCD display.
Shows positive or negative power deviation from an initially zeroed position (needle in middle position). The offset and the absolute power value will be displayed in two sub displays in negative presentation.
Power Tuning with Sound Support
Statistics Screen
This display shows the maximum reached power level. The level can be reset to the actual power level.
A display showing the current, min, max, and average power. All items can be reset to restart data sampling.
Wavelength Setting
Configuration screen to set the wavelength of the incident beam. Easy switching between 9 user preconfigurable wavelengths.
The PM100A console is compatible with more than 20 photodiode, slim photodiode, integrating sphere, fiber, and thermal sensors covering the UV to the MIR. Additionally an unamplified anode or cathode grounded photodiode, with up to 5 mA photocurrent and thermal elements with up to 1 V output voltage may be interfaced with the PM100A. Depending on the application the sensor can measure optical powers in the range from 100 pW to 200 W.
Please see the Applications tab for common sensor arrangements. Please see the Power Meter Compatibility Chart for information about using new and old sensors with the PM100A and other Thorlabs power meters.
Power Meter Consoles
PM100D
PM100USB
PM100A
PM320E
Standard Photodiode Sensors
S120VC
S120C
S121C
S122C
Slim Photodiode Sensors
S130C
S130VC
S132C
Integrating Sphere Photodiode Sensors
S140C
S142C
S144C
S145C
S146C
Fiber Photodiode Sensors
S150C
S151C
S154C
S155C
Thermal Sensors
S302C
S310C
S314C
S322C
S350C
S370C
Pyroelectric Sensors
ES111C
-
ES120C
-
ES145C
-
ES220C
-
ES245C
-
PM100D
PM100USB
PM100A
PM320E
Power Meters Consoles
Fully Compatible
-
Not Compatible
A selectable bandwidth of either 20 Hz or 100 kHz offers more flexibility and adaptability to specific measurement tasks while using photodiode sensors. The higher bandwidth is optimal for pulse-detection; the lower bandwidth offers better accuracy. Power and energy density can also be displayed based on user input beam areas. Optical sources may be attenuated / gained electronically through the console. Note: Attenuating the source through the console will not attenuate the light at the detector and damage may still occur above the detector threshold power.
Thorlabs' complete line of Sensor Heads are shown below. Utilizing the variety of sensors, the PM100A can measure optical power from CW and pulsed sources. Sensors are available for monitoring low power CW laser diode emission to high power excimer, YAG, and CO2 laser pulses.
The PM100A can be used in the lab, as well as in the field with our fiber coupled sensors. Please see the Applications tab for a small sample of possible configurations. Contact tech support with any applications based questions.
Additionally, the PM100A communicates with the sensor and accesses spectral response functions, time constants, and other information specific to the detector. The PM100A then corrects for spectral response functions automatically. The power meter also accounts for the detector time constants (which can vary greatly, especially for Thermal sensors) for each sensor and can minimizes the response time of the system (sensor + console), thus greatly improving the efficiency of the unit.
The PM100A is available as a kit, bundled with our most popular sensors. Please visit our PM100A Kits page for more info. If you have any questions regarding these kits, or would like to suggest other kit options, please contact our tech support department for more details.
Sensor Upgrade Service
Thorlabs' Sensors and PM100A Console are not compatible with old power meter consoles and sensor heads, respectively. We offer a sensor upgrade service if you want to use your existing sensors with a new power meter console. Note: upgraded sensors will be incompatible with old power meter consoles and new sensors converted to work with older consoles will not be compatible with the PM100A. Please contact our tech support team for details.
Sensor Head Compatibility Chart
Thorlabs has been expanding and improving on its power meter consoles and sensor heads over the past several years to meet the demanding needs of our customers. Sometimes this creates compatibility issues. The chart to the right shows compatible and incompatible sensors and consoles. A complete compatibility chart showing all Thorlabs' current and former generation sensors and consoles is also availalble here.
Fiber Compatibility Chart
Many of Thorlab's power meter sensors are directly compatible (see S15xC Sensors) or can be made compatible with the use of the adapters listed below. The chart below shows all of Thorlab's sensors and the compatible fiber adapters. Note that there may be more than one adapter for each sensor. A complete list of compatible fiber adapters for all of Thorlabs' current and former generation sensors is available here. Contact tech support for any specific questions regarding these options.
a with adapter plate S120-S140 b with adapter plate 'cage - S120' c Fiber Sensor includes FC and SMA connectors (LC, SC, and ST optional) d Fiber Sensor includes FC connector (SMA, LC, SC, and ST optional)
Thorlabs Standard Photosdiode Sensors compact design allows easy integration into existing setups. Typical mounting configurations including post, cage, and lens tube options are available. Shown on this page are several different choices for mounting these sensors.
The Standard Photodiode Sensors are compatible with all S120-xx Series fiber adapters. FC/PC and SMA adapters are shown on the right. Adapters for SC, LC, and ST connections are also available.
Flip up mounts are convenient for quick power measurments from a static location. The sensor can be placed in the path of the laser beam for the power measurment and flipped down during normal operation of the system.
FM90 Right Angle Flip-Mounts are shown to the right. Thorlabs also offers the TRB1 Articulating Post Mount. The lockable articulating mount offers almost unlimited positioning of the sensor head. The articulating mount is shown on an S13xC Slim Photodiode Sensor below.
The Standard Photodiode Sensors also feature SM1 threaded connections on the front face. The SM1 theading provides easy mounting to 1" lens tube systems and quick release mounts.
Note: Due to the thickness of the S12xC sensor, the QRC1A and CP90F (shown below) quick release mounts can only be fully removed from the cage system by backing them off an open end. The two mounts are easily removed from the cage system if only three cage mounts are used. See the picture on the right.
Thorlabs' Slim Photodiode Sensors are designed to fit into tight optic arrangements such as cages, lens tubs, and optic dense free space arrangements.
Shown to the right is a S130C Sensor inserted into a 30 mm cage system. The application shown highlights the ease for which the sensor can be inserted into the cage, and the minimal space needed to take a power measurment.
The Slim Photodiode Sensors may also be mounted on a TRB1 Articulating Mount. This mount allows repeatable insertion of the sensor into tight optic arrangements. After the measurement is made, the sensor may be rotated out of the beam path for normal operation.
Thorlabs' Integrating Sphere Photodiode Sensor provides a low loss cavity for diverging, non-uniform, or off-axis beam measurements. These integrating spheres are ideal for all fiber based applications due to the beam divergence at the end of the fiber.
Shown to the right is an S140C Integrating Sphere with S120-FC Fiber Adapter. Also shown is an S140C with a S140-BFA Bare Fiber Adapter. The Bare Fiber adapter features a mounting clamp and light shield to decrease interference from ambient light.
Thorlabs' Compact Fiber Photodiodes are the ideal choice for a portable, fiber coupled power meter. The S15xC sensors are compatible with a wide variety of fiber connections. PM20-xx adapters are available to couple FC, PC, SC, LC, SMA, and ST connectors with the sensors. Shown to the right is a S150C Sensor with FC and SMA connector adapters.
Shown to the far right is a PM100D console with S150C sensor connected to a FC connectorized optical fiber. This setup is ideal for portable in the lab and in the field use.
Software for the PM100x Series
All PM100x Series Consoles are shipped with the latest software versions preloaded onto the console or on the USB memory stick. The latest software, firmware, drivers, and utilities for the PM100x Series Power and Energy Meters are also available here.
Firmware updates are available for the PM100A, PM100D, and PM100USB Consoles. Each of these consoles can be controlled remotely by a PC utilizing the remote control application software. VXIpnp/VISA instrument driver are available for the Thorlabs PM100x Series Power Meter Consoles as well.
Multi Console Option
Up to six PM100x Series Power Meters can also be operated remotely using the PM100x Multi Console Utility. The integration of up to six consoles greatly reduces clutter and allows easier monitoring of multiple light sources.
The free software tool allows the real time monitoring of up to six PM100x Power Meters to be shown in a single plot. Simply connect your PM100A, PM100D, or PM100USB meters to a USB hub and download the software here. Each meter's wavelength correction is set individually to allow for monitoring systems with multiple wavelengths.
PM100A Sensor Connectors
D-type Female
Pin
Connection
1
+5 V (Drive max 50 mA from this pin)
2
EEPROM Digital I/O
3
Photodiode Ground (Anode), Thermal and Pyro Sensor Ground, Analog Ground
4
Photodiode Cathode
5
Pyro-Electric Sensor +
6
DGND
7
PRESENT (Connect this pin via a 1kΩ - 10kΩ resistor to Pin 3 (AGND))
8
Thermal Sensor +
9
N.C.
Analog Output
SMA Female
0 ... 2 V
Computer Connection
USB Type Mini-B
USB Type Mini-B to Type A Cable Included
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Posted Comments:
Poster: tschalk
Posted Date: 2013-01-11 10:19:00.0
This is a response from Thomas at Thorlabs. Thank you very much for your inquiry. Thorlabs does offer replacement batteries and we will contact you directly with more detailed information.
Poster: philip.starkey
Posted Date: 2013-01-08 11:16:50.533
Hi Thorlabs, The battery in our (now pretty old) PM100A doesn't appear to charge any more. Would you consider selling replacement batteries? (I know they need to be soldered, which we are happy to do) If you won't sell them, could you point us in the direction of buying a 3rd party one? Thanks!
Poster: tcohen
Posted Date: 2012-05-25 09:54:00.0
Response from Tim at Thorlabs: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We will contact you directly to find out more information and diagnose the problem.
Poster: cho
Posted Date: 2012-05-25 05:45:16.0
Dear Sir or Madam We have a problem regarding the Thorlabs PM100A power meter: If we change the measurement range of the Thorlabs power meter the displayed power changes severe (although the optical power stays the same). I am looking forward to your answer. Kind regards
Poster: jvigroux
Posted Date: 2011-10-19 13:00:00.0
a response form Julien at Thorlabs: Dear Robert, thank you for your feedback. the minimum bandwidth setting is 10Hz. when using this bandwidth setting, the data will be averaged over 1000 values coming form the AD converter. I will contact you directly in order to discuss your application and see which approach (software or hardware) would be the best for you.
Poster: robert.carlson
Posted Date: 2011-10-18 14:13:31.0
Regarding the PM100A power meter, is there a user-selectable bandwidth that can be adjusted I have a case where the power fluctuates, and I want as long a time constant as possible is desirable (i.e., minimum bandwidth). What is the minimum BW possible? (Sensor being considered is integrating sphere S144C. The S302C thermopiles have a slow response, as desired, but are not sufficiently sensitive.)
Thanks!
Poster: jvigroux
Posted Date: 2011-03-11 10:16:00.0
A response from Julien at Thorlabs: Dear Jeremy, the driver contains a function called PM100D_startDarkAdjust that performs a dark current adjustment. In order to perform this procedure, you of course need to ensure that the sensor is properly darkened. During the procedure, the state can always be asked through the function PM100D_getDarkAdjustState. The value of the offset can, once this procedure is over, be read out with the function PM100D_getDarkOffset. the description of those functions can be found in ethe programmer's reference manual that is installed with the driver. The default installation path is C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\PM100D_Drv\manual\PM100D_Drv.html
Poster: jeremy.tsiang
Posted Date: 2011-03-10 09:45:27.0
Hi there,
I am trying to find a software command to ZERO the PM100A I have. Our building is quite old, and the temperature in the lab is inconsistent at best, so we can have a 5 degree difference between days and way more between seasons. I have read through every command in the driver but cant find one that does what Im looking for. I just want a software command equivalent to selecting the ZERO function. Does this exist? Thanks for your help.
Jeremy Tsiang
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Compact, Handheld, Analog Needle, Power Meter Console
Digital Display Screen
Long-Life Internal Li-Polymer Battery
Console comes Calibrated with Certificate of Calibration
1 GB USB Memory Stick with Software including LabVIEW™ and LabWINDOWS™ /CVI Driver Set, and Operating Manual
Hard Case to Store the Console and one Sensor
Please note that sensors are not included with the PM100A console. For information about our compatible sensors, please see the sensor descriptions below. Thorlabs does offer a variety of Power Meter Kits with the PM100A Console bundled with several of our most popular sensors. Please visit our Power Meter Kits page for more details.
Sensor, Protective Cap, IR Target, and Thread Adapter Included
Click Here to View All of our Photodiode Power Sensors
The S12xC Standard Photodiode Power Sensors are ideal for metering low power coherent and incoherent sources from the UV to the NIR. The NIST-traceable, calibrated sensors feature an integrated viewing target for easy alignment, enhanced shielding against electromagnetic interference, over temperature alert device, and large Ø9.5 mm sensor aperture. The sensors are compatible with 30 mm cage systems, Ø1/2" posts, and SM1 (1.035"-40) lens tubes, and are ideal for free-space and fiber-coupled sources.
Click Here to View All of our Photodiode Power Sensors
The S13xC Slim Photodiode Power Sensors are designed to take optical source power measurements in locations where space and accessibility are at a premium. The 5 mm thin Slim Photodiode Sensors can fit between closely space optics, cage systems, and other arrangements where standard power meters may not fit. The NIST-traceable, calibrated sensors also feature a large Ø9.5 mm sensor aperture and slideable neutral density filter for dual power ranges in one compact device.
Item #
S130VC
S130C
S132C
Sensor Image (Click the Image to Enlarge)
Aperture Size
Ø9.5 mm
Wavelength Range (with filter)
200 - 1100 nm (200 - 1100 nm)
400 - 1100 nm (400 - 1100 nm)
700 - 1800 nm (1200 - 1800 nm)
Power Range (with filter)
500 pW - 5 mW (50 nW - 50 mW)
500 pW - 5 mW (100 µW - 500 mW)
1 nW - 5 mW (100 µW - 500 mW)
Detector Type
Si Photodiode
Ge Photodiode
Linearity
±0.5%
Resolution (with filter)
100 pW (1 nW)
100 pW (100 nW)
1 nW (100 nW)
Measurement Uncertainty
±3% (450 - 1000 nm) ±5% (Over Rest of Range)
±3% (700 - 1100 nm) ±5% (1100 - 1800 nm)
Integrating Sphere Photodiode Power Sensors - S14xC Series
Click Here to View All of our Photodiode Power Sensors
The S14xC Integrating Sphere Photodiode Power Sensors are the choice for non-uniform, diverging, beam shape and entrance angle independent power measurements. Integrating spheres are ideal for power measurements from fiber sources, as well as off-axis free space sources. The integrating spheres feature large Ø5 mm or Ø12 mm apertures, SM1 (1.035"-40) threaded front connections, enhanced shielding against electromagnetic interference, and an overtemp alert sensor. NIST-traceable data is stored in the sensor connector.
Click Here to View All of our Photodiode Power Sensors
The S15xC Compact Fiber Photodiode Power Sensor is designed to take power measurements from a wide variety of fiber-coupled sources. The compact sensor, integrated into the power meter connector, features a unique integrated design housing the photodiode sensor, fiber coupling, and NIST-traceable data. The connectors included with these sensors are easily interchanged with a variety of standard fiber connectors.
Item #
S150C
S151C
S154C
S155C
Sensor Image (Click the Image to Enlarge)
Included Connectors
FC & SMA
FC
Wavelength Range
350 - 1100 nm
400 - 1100 nm
800 - 1700 nm
Power Range
100 pW to 5 mW (-70 dBm to +7 dBm)
1 nW to 20 mW (-60 dBm to +13 dBm)
100 pW to 3 mW (-70 dBm to +5 dBm)
1 nW to 20 mW (-60 dBm to +13 dBm)
Detector Type
Si Photodiode
InGaAs Photodiode
Linearity
±0.5%
Resolution
10 pW (-80 dBm)
100 pW (-70 dBm)
10 pW (-80 dBm)
Measurement Uncertainty
±3% (451 - 1000 nm) ±5% (Over Rest of Range)
±3% (531 - 1000 nm) ±5% (Over Rest of Range)
±5%
Thermal Sensors for General Applications - S3xxC Series
Click Here to View All of our Thermal Power Sensors
The S3xxC Standard Thermal Power Sensors are designed for broadband optical power measurements of low (100 µW) to high (200 W) power sources. The broadband coatings used on these thermal sensors feature a flat response over a wide range of wavelengths (190 nm to 25 µm).
NIST-traceable response curves are stored in the sensor connector. Aperture sizes from Ø12 mm to Ø25 mm allow easy alignment and measurement of large spot size laser sources. All Standard Thermal Sensors feature SM1 (1.035"-40) threading on the front for easy integration into existing cage and lens tube systems in addition to fiber coupling applications.
Item #
S302C
S310C
S314C
S322C
Sensor Image (Click the Image to Enlarge)
Aperture Size
Ø9.3 mm (Ø12 mm with Black SM1-Threaded Shield Removed)
Ø20 mm
Ø25 mm
Wavelength Range
0.19 - 25 µm
0.19 - 25 µm
0.19 - 11 µm
0.25 - 11 µm
Power Range
100 µW - 2 W
10 mW - 10 W
10 mW - 40 W
100 mW - 200 W
Detector Type
Stabilized Thermal Absorber
Thermal Surface Absorber
Linearity
± 1%
Resolution
1 µW
200 µW
1 mW
5 mW
Measurement Uncertainty
±3% @ 1064 nm ±5% @ 0.19 - 25 µm
±3% @ 1064 nm ±5% @ 0.19 - 11 µm
Response Time
3 s
<1 s
1 s
Cooling
Passive
Active Fan Cooling
Thermal Sensors for Excimer and YAG Lasers - S3xxC Series
For Optical Power Measurements of Excimer and YAG Lasers
Ideal for Applications with High Peak Powers (10 W and 40 W Versions Available)
Click Here to View All of our Thermal Power Sensors
The S350C and S370C Thermal Sensors are designed for Excimer and YAG pulsed laser sources, respectively. The S350C sensor features a Ø40 mm aperture, while the S370C has a Ø25 mm aperture designed for easy alignment of large spot size pulsed lasers. The units are post mountable for free space applications and feature NIST-traceable data stored in the sensor connector.