Calibrated Integrating Spheres


  • Insensitive to Beam Shape, Input Angle, and Polarization
  • NIST- or PTB-Traceable Calibration

S142C

350 - 1100 nm
(Post Not Included)

S144C

800 - 1700 nm
(Post Not Included)

Application Idea

PM100D Power Meter Console and S140C Integrating Sphere Shown with Included FC/PC and FC/APC Adapter (Post, Post Holder, and Base Not Included)

S140C

PM100D

S180C

2.9 - 5.5 µm
(Post Not Included)

S145CL

Ø22 mm Aperture with Baffle 400 - 1100 nm
(Post Not Included)

Related Items


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Compatible Power Meter Consoles

PM100D: Handheld Power and Energy Meter Console with a Large Liquid Crystal Display
PM100A: Handheld Power Meter Console with an Analog Needle and Small Digital Display
PM100USB: USB Computer Interface for Power Sensors, No Display
PM400: Touchscreen Power and Energy Meter Console with Color Display and Multi-Touch
PM5020: Dual-Channel Digital Benchtop Power Meter Console with a Large LCD Display

See the Console Selection tab for more information on compatible console options. These sensors may also be used with our previous generation PM200 console.

Features

  • For Measurements Independent of Beam Shape and Entrance Angle
  • Integrating Sphere Design Acts as a Diffuser with Minimal Power Loss
  • Ø5 mm, Ø7 mm, Ø12 mm, or Ø22 mm Input Aperture
  • Individually Calibrated with NIST- or PTB-Traceable Certificate of Calibration
  • Over-Temperature Alert Sensor
  • Spheres with Apertures ≤Ø12 mm Include a Removable S120-FC Fiber Adapter (FC/PC and FC/APC) 
  • Additional Fiber Adapters Available Separately (See Below)
  • C-Series Connector Design for Quick Sensor Connection
  • Recalibration Services Available

Integrating spheres are designed to provide precise optical power measurements independent of beam shape, entrance angle, and polarization. These photodiode sensors have a faster response time than thermal sensor heads while also offering a high damage threshold. These integrating spheres feature enhanced shielding to avoid electromagnetic interference and an over-temperature alert sensor to warn against damage and measurement errors due to overheating of the sensor.

Our integrating spheres are designed for wavelength ranges from the visible through the NIR. Sensor heads for use between 350 and 2500 nm use a single Ø1" or Ø2" sphere made from Zenith® PTFE and feature a black housing to minimize reflected light around the entrance aperture. These sensors use either a silicon photodiode for detection in the 350 - 1100 nm range or an InGaAs photodiode for detection in the 800 - 1700 nm, 900 - 1650 nm, or 1200 - 2500 nm wavelength range. The integrating sphere housing has separate or combined (see Specs table) 8-32 and M4 taps that can be used to mount the sensor on a standard Ø1/2" post (not included).

The S180C integrating sphere for 2.9 - 5.5 µm uses two connected, gold-plated Ø20 mm spheres, with an entrance port in the first sphere and a port for the MCT (HgCdTe) detector located in the second sphere. Compared to single-sphere designs, the two-sphere configuration improves device sensitivity by minimizing the internal sphere surface area while still effectively shielding the detector from direct illumination. This design reduces the effect of input angle, divergence, and beam shape on the measurement result by effectively shielding the photodiode without the use of a baffle or other shielding mechanism. The integrating sphere housing has one universal 8-32 and M4 tap that can be used to mount the sensor on a standard Ø1/2" post (not included).

S142CL and S145CL Baffle
Click to Enlarge
A baffle on the S142CL and S145CL spheres blocks light from directly hitting the detector.

The integrating spheres with Ø5 mm, Ø7 mm, or Ø12 mm apertures include an adapter with external SM1 (1.035"-40) threads as well as an S120-FC fiber adapter for compatibility with FC/PC- and FC/APC-terminated patch cables, supporting easy integration with both free-space and fiber-coupled setups. Additional fiber adapters for other connector types are available separately below. The externally SM1-threaded adapter can be removed using a size 1 screwdriver to place components closer to the window. 

The S142CL and S145CL integrating spheres feature a large Ø22 mm input aperture and a baffle within the sphere which prevents direct illumination of the photodiode. The large aperture and baffle enable measurements of large and divergent beams, such as those emitted from LED and VCSEL light sources. The input face of the detectors have four 4-40 threads for mounting 30 mm cage system components. Additionally, insertion of a second or third port in the sensor head is possible on request, please contact Tech Support for details.

Compatibility and Calibration
These integrating spheres have C-Series connectors for compatibility with Thorlabs' line of power meter consoles; compatible consoles are outlined in the box above and details are provided on the Console Selection tab. Each sensor head is individually calibrated and is shipped with NIST- or PTB-traceable calibration data. The included data will match the calibration certification of the photodiode used to test the individual sensor. The calibration data and sensor identification information is stored in the red connector and read out automatically when the sensor is connected to a compatible Thorlabs power meter console.

Thorlabs also offers power sensor heads in a wide range of other formats as well as complete power meters that combine a sensor head and power meter electronics in a compact package. Our complete line of sensor heads, power meter consoles, and complete power meters is available here.

Recalibration Services
Thorlabs offers recalibration services for our integrating sphere power sensors. To ensure accurate measurements, we recommend recalibrating the sensors annually. To order this service, scroll to the bottom of the page and select the appropriate Item # that corresponds to your sensor.

Item # S140C S142C S142CL S144C S145C S145CL S146C S148C S180C
Technical Specs
Detector Type Si Photodiode Si Photodiode
w/Baffle
InGaAs Photodiode InGaAs Photodiode
w/Baffle
InGaAs Photodiode Extended InGaAs Photodiode MCT (HgCdTe)
Photodiode
Wavelength Range 350 - 1100 nm 400 - 1100 nm 800 - 1700 nm 900 - 1650 nm 1200 - 2500 nm 2.9 µm - 5.5 µm
Optical Power Range 1 µW - 500 mW 1 µW - 5 W 10 µW - 5 W 1 µW - 500 mW 1 µW - 3 W 10 µW - 3 W 10 µW - 20 W 1 µW - 1 W 1 µW - 3 W
Max Average
Power Density
1 kW/cm² 2 kW/cm² 1 kW/cm² 2 kW/cm² 1 kW/cm²
Max Pulse
Energy Density
1 J/cm² 7 J/cm² 1 J/cm² 7 J/cm² 1 J/cm²
Linearity ±0.5%
Resolutiona 1 nW 10 nW 1 nW 10 nW 1 nW 10 nW
Measurement
Uncertaintyb,c
±3% (440 - 980 nm)
±5% (350 - 439 nm)
±7% (981 - 1100 nm)
±3%
(440 - 980 nm)
±5%
(400 - 439 nm)
±7%
(981 - 1100 nm)
±5%
Responsivityd
(Click for Plot)

Raw Data

Raw Data

Raw Data

Raw Data

Raw Data

Raw Data

Raw Data

Raw Data

Raw Data
General Information
Typical Application Low- and Mid-Power Lasers /
Fiber Lasers / LEDs
Low- and Mid-Power Lasers / Fiber Lasers
Laser Types Diode, He-Cd, ArIo, KrIo, Dye,
Ti-Sapphire
Diode, He-Cd, ArIo, KrIo, Dye,
Ti-Sapphire, VCSEL
Diode, He-Cd, ArIo, KrIo, Dye,
Ti-Sapphire
Diode, He-Cd, ArIo, KrIo, Dye,
Ti-Sapphire, VCSEL
Diode, He-Cd, ArIo, KrIo, Dye,
Ti-Sapphire
QCL, ICL, HeNe,
CO, Er:YAG,
Co2+:ZnS
Integrating Sphere
Material (Size)
Zenith® PTFE
(Ø1")
Zenith® PTFE
(Ø2")
Zenith® PTFE
(Ø1")
Zenith® PTFE
(Ø2")
Zenith® PTFE 
(Ø1")
Gold Plating
(Two Ø20 mm Spheres)
Cooling Convection
Head Temperature
Measurement
NTC Thermistor, 4.7 kΩ
Console Compatibilitye PM100D, PM100A, PM100USB, PM400, and PM5020
Response Time <1 µs
Mechanical Specs
Housing Dimensions Ø45 mm x 30.5 mm 70 mm x 74 mm x 70 mm Ø45 mm x 30.5 mm 70 mm x 74 mm x 70 mm Ø45 mm x 30.5 mm 59.0 mm x 50.0 mm x
28.5
Active Sensor Area 3.6 mm x 3.6 mm Ø2 mm Ø3 mm Ø1 mm Ø1 mm 1 mm x 1 mm
Sensor Aperture Ø5 mm Ø12 mm Ø22 mm Ø5 mm Ø12 mm Ø22 mm Ø12 mm Ø5 mm Ø7 mm
Cable Length 1.5 m
Connector Male 9-Pin D-Sub
Weight 0.2 kg 0.6 kg 0.2 kg 0.6 kg 0.2 kg 0.25 kg
Mounting and Accessories
Mounting Thread Separate 8-32 and M4 Taps, Posts Not Included Universal 8-32 / M4 Thread, Post Not Included Separate 8-32 and M4 Taps, Posts Not Included Universal 8-32 / M4 Thread, Post Not Included Separate 8-32 and M4 Taps, Posts Not Included Universal 8-32 / M4 Tap, Post Not Included
Aperture Thread Included Adapter with SM1 (1.035"-40) External Thread None Included Adapter with SM1 (1.035"-40) External Thread None Included Adapter with SM1 (1.035"-40) External Thread
Fiber Adapters (Optional) FC (Included), SMA, ST®f, LC, SC, Ø2.5 mm Ferrule, Bare Fiber None FC (Included), SMA, ST®f, LC, SC, Ø2.5 mm Ferrule, Bare Fiber None FC (Included), SMA, ST®f, LC, SC, Ø2.5 mm Ferrule, Bare Fiber
  • Measured with PM100D console in low bandwidth setting.
  • Parallel Beam Diameter > 1 mm
  • Uncertainties for S142CL and S145CL are valid at a temperature of 24 °C ± 2 °C.
  • All sensor responsivities shown in these plots were calibrated to a NIST-traceable source with measurements taken in 5 nm intervals except for the S180C. See the S180C responsivity graph to see the NIST-traceable reference points.
  • The sensors are compatible with all currently available photodiode power meters. For compatibility with legacy products ask Tech Support.
  • ST® is a registered trademark of Lucent Technologies, Inc.

Sensor Connector
D-Type Male

DB9 Male
PinConnection
1 Not Used
2 EEPROM Digital I/O
3 Photodiode Anode and NTC Ground
4 Photodiode Cathode
5 Not Used
6 EEPROM Ground
7 NTC
8 Not Used
9 Not Used

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) PM100A PM100D PM400 PM5020
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 - - - Yes!
Source Spectral Correction - - Yes! Yes!
Attenuation Correction - - Yes! Yes!
External Trigger Input - - - Yes!
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 yes yes yes
Mechanical Analog Needle yes - - -
Simulated Analog Needle - yes Yes! yes
Bar Graph - yes Yes! yes
Trend Graph - yes Yes! yes
Histogram - yes - -
Statistics Yes! yes Yes! yes
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) PM101 PM102 PM103 PM101A PM102A PM103A
Operation Protocol USB, RS232, UART,
and Analog
USB and Analog SMA
Sensor Compatibility
Photodiode - -
Thermal Power - -
Thermal Position & Power - - - -
Pyroelectric - - - -

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

Insights into Best Lab Practices

Scroll down to read about things to consider when building integrating spheres into setups and analyzing data results.

  • Ultraviolet and Blue Fluorescence Emitted by Integrating Spheres
  • Sample Substitution Errors

Click here for more insights into lab practices and equipment.

 

Ultraviolet and Blue Fluorescence Emitted by Integrating Spheres

Generalized Spectral Fluorescence Output from PTFE Integrating Spheres
Click to Enlarge

Figure 1:
Typical yields at each wavelength are around four orders of magnitude lower than the excitation wavelength. [4]

The spectral fluorescence yield relates the intensity of the fluorescence emitted within the integrating sphere with the intensity of the excitation wavelength. The yield is calculated by dividing the wavelength-dependent, total fluorescence excited over the entire interior surface of the sphere by the intensity of the light excitation.

Data were kindly provided by Dr. Ping-Shine Shaw, Physics Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.

A material of choice for coating the light-diffusing cavities of integrating spheres is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This material, which is white in appearance, is favored for reasons including its high, flat reflectance over a wide range of wavelengths (see the Specs tab for details) and chemical inertness.

However, it should be noted that integrating spheres coated with both PTFE and barium sulfate, which is an alternative coating with lower reflectance, emit low levels of ultraviolet (UV) and blue fluorescence when irradiated by UV light. [1-3]

Hydrocarbons in the PTFE Fluoresce
It is not the PTFE that fluoresces. The sources of the UV and blue fluorescence are hydrocarbons in the PTFE. Low levels of hydrocarbon impurities are present in the raw coating material, and pollution sources deposit additional hydrocarbon contaminants in the PTFE material of the integrating sphere during its use and storage. [1]

Fluorescence Wavelength Bands and Strength
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have investigated the fluorescence excited by illuminating PTFE-coated integrating spheres. The total fluorescence output by the integrating sphere was measured with respect to fluorescence wavelength and excitation wavelength. The maximum fluorescence was approximately four orders of magnitude lower than the intensity of the exciting radiation.

The UV and blue fluorescence from PTFE is primarily excited by incident wavelengths in a 200 nm to 300 nm absorption band. The fluorescence is emitted in the 250 nm to 400 nm wavelength range, as shown by Figure 1. These data indicate that increasing the excitation wavelength decreases the fluorescence emitted at lower wavelengths and changes the shape of the fluorescence spectrum.

As the levels of hydrocarbon contaminants in the PFTE increase, fluorescence increases. A related effect is a decrease of the light output by the integrating sphere over the absorption band wavelengths, due to more light from this spectral region being absorbed. [1, 3]

Impact on Applications
The UV and blue fluorescence from the PTFE has negligible effect on many applications, since the intensity of the fluorescence is low and primarily excited by incident wavelengths <300 nm. Applications sensitive to this fluorescence include long-term measurements of UV radiation throughput, UV source calibration, establishing UV reflectance standards, and performing some UV remote sensing tasks. [1]

Minimizing Fluorescence Effects
Minimizing and stabilizing the fluorescence levels requires isolating the integrating sphere from all sources of hydrocarbons, including gasoline- and diesel-burning engine exhaust and organic solvents, such as naphthalene and toluene. It should be noted that, while hydrocarbon contamination can be minimized and reduced, it cannot be eliminated. [1]

Since the history of each integrating sphere's exposure to hydrocarbon contaminants is unique, it is not possible to predict the response of a particular sphere to incident radiation. When an application is negatively impacted by the fluorescence, calibration of the integrating sphere is recommended. A calibration procedure described in [4] requires a light source with a well-known spectrum that extends across the wavelength region of interest, such as a deuterium lamp or synchrotron radiation, a monochromator, a detector, and the integrating sphere.

References
[1] Ping-Shine Shaw, Zhigang Li, Uwe Arp, and Keith R. Lykke, "Ultraviolet characterization of integrating spheres," Appl.Opt. 46, 5119-5128 (2007).
[2] Jan Valenta, "Photoluminescence of the integrating sphere walls, its influence on the absolute quantum yield measurements and correction methods," AIP Advances 8, 102123 (2018).
[3] Robert D. Saunders and William R. Ott, "Spectral irradiance measurements: effect of UV-produced fluorescence in integrating spheres," Appl. Opt. 15, 827-828 (1976).
[4] Ping-Shine Shaw, Uwe Arp, and Keith R. Lykke, "Measurement of the ultraviolet-induced fluorescence yield from integrating spheres," Metrologia 46, S191 - S196 (2009).

Date of Last Edit: Dec. 4, 2019

 

Sample Substitution Errors

Reflectance measurement procedure that can result in sample substitution error.
Click to Enlarge

Figure 2: Measuring diffuse sample transmittance and reflectance as shown above can result in a distorted sample spectrum due to sample substitution error. The problem is that the reflectivity over the sample area is different during the reference and sample measurements.
Reflectance measurement procedure that is immune to sample substitution error.
Click to Enlarge

Figure 3: The above configuration is not susceptible to sample substitution error, since the interior of the sphere is the same for reference and sample measurements. During the reference measurement the light travels along (R), and no light is incident along (S). The opposite is true when a sample measurement is made.

Absolute transmittance and absolute diffuse reflectance spectra of optical samples can be found using integrating spheres. These spectra are found by performing spectral measurements of both the sample of interest and a reference.

Measurement of a reference is needed since this provides the spectrum of the illuminating light source. Obtaining the reference scan allows the spectrum of the light source to be subtracted from the sample measurement.

The light source reference measurement is made with no sample in place for transmittance data and with a highly reflective white standard reference sample in place for reflectance measurements.

Sample substitution errors incurred while acquiring the sample and reference measurement sets can negatively effect the accuracy of the corrected sample spectrum, unless the chosen experimental technique is immune to these errors.

Conditions Leading to Sample Substitution Errors
An integrating sphere's optical performance depends on the reflectance at each point on its entire inner surface. Often, a section of the sphere's inner wall is replaced by the sample when its transmittance and diffuse reflectance spectra are measured (Figure 2). However, modifying a section of the inner wall alters the performance of the integrating sphere.

Sample substitution errors are a concern when the measurement procedure involves physically changing one sample installed within the sphere for another. For example, when measuring diffuse reflectance (Figure 2, bottom), a first measurement might be made with the standard reference sample mounted inside the sphere. Next, this sample would be removed and replaced by the sample of interest, and a second measurement would be acquired. Both data sets would then be used to calculate the corrected absolute diffuse reflectance spectrum of the sample.

This procedure would result in a distorted absolute sample spectrum. Since the sample of interest and the standard reference have different absorption and scattering properties, exchanging them alters the reflectivity of the integrating sphere over the samples' surface areas. Due to the average reflectivity of the integrating sphere being different for the two measurements, they are not perfectly compatible.

Solution Option: Install Sample and Reference Together
One experimental technique that avoids sample substitution errors acquires measurement data when both sample and reference are installed inside the integrating sphere at the same time. This approach requires an integrating sphere large enough to accomodate the two, as additional ports.

The light source is located external to the integrating sphere, and measurements of the sample and standard reference are acquired sequentially. The specular reflection from the sample, or the transmitted beam, is often routed out of the sphere, so that only the diffuse light is detected. Since the inner surface of the sphere is identical for both measurements, sample substitution errors are not a concern.

Alternate Solution Option: Make Measurements from Sample and Reference Ports
If it is not possible to install both sample and standard references in the integrating sphere at the same time, it is necessary to exchange the installed sample. If this must be done, sample substitution errors can be removed by following the procedure detailed in [1].

This procedure requires a total of four measurements. When the standard sample is installed, measurements are made from two different ports. One has a field of view that includes the sample and the other does not. The sample of interest is then subsituted in and the measurements are repeated. Performing the calculations described in [1] using these measurements removes the sample substitution errors.

References
[1] Luka Vidovic and Boris Majaron, "Elimination of single-beam substitution error in diffuse reflectance measurements using an integrating sphere," J. Biomed.Opt. 19, 027006 (2014).

Date of Last Edit: Dec. 4, 2019


Posted Comments:
Francois Parnet  (posted 2021-02-26 03:36:25.59)
Hello, do you have any information regarding the maximum peak power (at 1550nm and 1050nm) that can be send to the S144C and S145C devices ? Thanks
dpossin  (posted 2021-03-01 05:55:15.0)
Dear FrancoisThank you for your feedback. Well we do not specify the maximum peak power our thermal detectors can withstand as this number depends on the pulse length and the beam diameter of your laser. We instead specify the maximum pulse energy density. Please see an description how you can calculate your pulse energy here: https://www.thorlabs.de/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=3328&tabname=pulse%20calculations. I have reached out to you in order to provide further information.
jvigroux  (posted 2012-09-18 03:54:00.0)
A response form Julien at Thorlabs: Thank you for your feedback! we can offer such integrating sphere on request. We do not offer it as a standard product yet because the calibration is only made up to 1.8µm plus one extra point at 2µm. For the rest of the range, we fit the theoretical curve of the sensitivity onto the calibrated part in order to extrapolate the responsivity above 2µm.
simon.gross  (posted 2012-09-14 22:42:18.0)
Why don't you guys equip an integrated sphere with and extended InGaAs sensor for the 2 um wavelength range? This would be a very useful power meter, as it is significantly more sensitive than thermal detectors and won't pick up any thermal radiation. Cheers
Handheld Power Meter with iPad
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.

Photodiode Power Sensors
Thermal Power Sensors
Thermal Position & Power Sensors
Pyroelectric Energy Sensors
  • 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.
  • 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)

Sensors by Wavelength

Sensor Options
(Arranged by Power Range)

Sensors by Power

Sensor Key

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Integrating Sphere Power Sensors

Item #a,b Sphere
Type
Detector
Type
Wavelength
Range
Optical Power
Range
Max Average
Power Density
Max Pulse
Energy Density
Resolution Integrating Sphere
Material (Size)
Input
Aperture
S140C Standard
Sphere
Silicon
Photodiode
350 nm - 1100 nm 1 µW - 500 mW 1 kW/cm² 1 J/cm² 1 nW Zenith® PTFE (Ø1") Ø5 mm
S142C 350 nm - 1100 nm 1 µW - 5 W 2 kW/cm² 7 J/cm² 1 nW Zenith® PTFE (Ø2") Ø12 mm
S142CL Large Aperture
Sphere with Baffle
400 nm - 1100 nm 10 µW - 5 W 2 kW/cm² 7 J/cm² 10 nW Zenith® PTFE (Ø2") Ø22 mm
S144C Standard
Sphere
InGaAs
Photodiode
800 nm - 1700 nm 1 µW - 500 mW 1 kW/cm² 1 J/cm² 1 nW Zenith® PTFE (Ø1") Ø5 mm
S145C 800 nm - 1700 nm 1 µW - 3 W 2 kW/cm² 7 J/cm² 1 nW Zenith® PTFE (Ø2") Ø12 mm
S145CL Large Aperture
Sphere with Baffle
800 nm - 1700 nm 10 µW - 3 W 2 kW/cm² 7 J/cm² 10 nW Zenith® PTFE (Ø2") Ø22 mm
S146C Standard
Sphere
900 nm - 1650 nm 10 µW - 20 W 2 kW/cm² 7 J/cm² 10 nW Zenith® PTFE (Ø2") Ø12 mm
S148C Extended InGaAs
Photodiode
1200 nm - 2500 nm 1 µW - 1 W 1 kW/cm² 1 J/cm² 1 nW Zenith® PTFE (Ø1") Ø5 mm
S180C Two Ø20 mm
Spheres
MCT (HgCdTe)
Photodiode
2.9 µm - 5.5 µm 1 µW - 3 W 1 kW/cm² 1 J/cm² 10 nW Gold Plating
(Two Ø20 mm Spheres)
Ø7 mm
  • For complete specifications, see the Specs tab.
  • Thorlabs offers a recalibration service for these integrating sphere power sensors, which can be ordered below.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
S140C Support Documentation
S140CIntegrating Sphere Photodiode Power Sensor, Si, 350 - 1100 nm, 1 µW - 500 mW
$818.48
Today
S142C Support Documentation
S142CIntegrating Sphere Photodiode Power Sensor, Si, 350 - 1100 nm, 1 µW - 5 W
$1,135.65
Today
S142CL Support Documentation
S142CLCustomer Inspired! Large Aperture Integrating Sphere Photodiode Power Sensor, Si, 400 - 1100 nm, 10 µW - 5 W
$1,224.00
7-10 Days
S144C Support Documentation
S144CIntegrating Sphere Photodiode Power Sensor, InGaAs, 800 - 1700 nm, 1 µW - 500 mW
$961.04
Today
S145C Support Documentation
S145CIntegrating Sphere Photodiode Power Sensor, InGaAs, 800 - 1700 nm, 1 µW - 3 W
$1,179.61
Today
S145CL Support Documentation
S145CLCustomer Inspired! Large Aperture Integrating Sphere Photodiode Power Sensor, InGaAs, 800 - 1700 nm, 10 µW - 3 W
$1,269.90
Lead Time
S146C Support Documentation
S146CIntegrating Sphere Photodiode Power Sensor, InGaAs, 900 - 1650 nm, 10 µW - 20 W
$1,179.61
Today
S148C Support Documentation
S148CCustomer Inspired! Integrating Sphere Photodiode Power Sensor, Extended InGaAs, 1200 - 2500 nm, 1 µW - 1 W
$987.17
Today
S180C Support Documentation
S180CIntegrating Sphere Photodiode Power Sensor, MCT (HgCdTe), 2.9 - 5.5 µm, 1 µW - 3 W
$4,291.96
Today
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Compatible Fiber Adapters

Item # S120-FC2 S120-FCa S120-APC2b S120-APCb S120-SMA S120-ST S120-SC S120-LC S120-25 S140-BFA
Adapter Image
(Click Image
to Enlarge)
FC/PC Fiber Adapter FC/PC Fiber Adapter FC/APC Fiber Adapter FC/APC Fiber Adapter SMA Fiber Adapter ST Fiber Adapter SC/PC Fiber Adapter LC Fiber Adapter S120-25 Bare Fiber Adapter
Fiber
Termination
FC/PC,
2.0 mm
Narrow Keyc
FC/PC,
2.2 mm
Wide Keyc
FC/APC,
2.0 mm
Narrow Keyc
FC/APC,
2.2 mm
Wide Keyc
SMA STd/PC SC/PCe LC/PC Ø2.5 mm
Ferrulef
Bare Fiber
with Ø250 to
Ø450 µm Bufferg
Thread / Screws Internal SM1 (1.035"-40) Thread Two M2.5 x 4 Screwsh
  • One S120-FC wide-key FC/PC fiber adapter is included with each integrating sphere. Since the integrating spheres are insensitive to the incident angle of light entering the sensor head, this adapter can also be used with FC/APC-terminated patch cables.
  • The S120-APC2 and S120-APC are designed with a 4° mechanical angle to compensate for the refraction angle of the output beam.
  • For details on narrow versus wide key connectors, please see our Intro to Fiber tutorial.
  • ST® is a registered trademark of Lucent Technologies, Inc.
  • In certain angle-independent applications, this adapter may also be used with SC/APC connectors.
  • The S120-25 ferrule adapter is designed without a locking connector mechanism and accepts fiber patch cables with Ø2.5 mm ferrules.
  • Designed to secure a fiber between the V-groove and magnetic clip.
  • To install a S140-BFA on one of these integrating sphere sensors, first remove the included externally SM1-threaded adapter from the sensor housing's input aperture. Then use the two M2.5 taps on the housing to secure the S140-BFA adapter.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
S120-FC2 Support Documentation
S120-FC2FC/PC Fiber Adapter Cap with Internal SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads, Narrow Key (2.0 mm)
$46.33
Today
S120-FC Support Documentation
S120-FCFC/PC Fiber Adapter Cap with Internal SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads, Wide Key (2.2 mm)
$46.33
Today
S120-APC2 Support Documentation
S120-APC2FC/APC Fiber Adapter Cap with Internal SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads, Narrow Key (2.0 mm)
$36.18
Today
S120-APC Support Documentation
S120-APCCustomer Inspired! FC/APC Fiber Adapter Cap with Internal SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads, Wide Key (2.2 mm)
$36.18
Today
S120-SMA Support Documentation
S120-SMASMA Fiber Adapter Cap with Internal SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads
$46.33
Today
S120-ST Support Documentation
S120-STST/PC Fiber Adapter Cap with Internal SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads
$46.33
Today
S120-SC Support Documentation
S120-SCSC/PC Fiber Adapter Cap with Internal SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads
$58.21
Today
S120-LC Support Documentation
S120-LCLC/PC Fiber Adapter Cap with Internal SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads
$58.21
Today
S120-25 Support Documentation
S120-25Customer Inspired! Ø2.5 mm Ferrule Adapter Cap with Internal SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads
$46.33
Today
S140-BFA Support Documentation
S140-BFABare Fiber Adapter for Calibrated Integrating Sphere Power Sensors
$150.87
Today
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Recalibration Service for Integrating Sphere Power Sensors

Calibration Service Item # Compatible
Integrating Spheres
Other Compatible
Photodiode Sensors
CAL-PD S140C, S142C, S142CL S120C, S121C, S170C, S171C, S151C, S150C
CAL-IRPD S144C, S145C, S145CL, S146C S122C, S154C, S155C
CAL-MIRPD S148C, S180C -

Thorlabs offers recalibration services for our photodiode power sensors, including our integrating sphere power sensors. To ensure accurate measurements, we recommend recalibrating the sensors annually. Recalibration of a single-channel power and/or energy meter console or interface is included with the recalibration of a sensor at no additional cost. If you wish to calibrate one or more sensors with a dual-channel console, each sensor and console calibration service will need to be purchased individually.

Refer to the table to the right for the appropriate calibration service Item # that corresponds to your integrating sphere power sensor.

Requesting a Calibration
Thorlabs provides two options for requesting a calibration:

  1. Complete the Returns Material Authorization (RMA) form. When completing the RMA form, please enter your name, contact information, the Part #, and the Serial # of the item being returned for calibration; in the Reason for Return field, select "I would like an item to be calibrated." All other fields are optional. Once the form has been submitted, a member of our RMA team will reach out to provide an RMA Number, return instructions, and to verify billing and payment information.
  2. Select the appropriate sensor calibration Item # below, enter the Part # and Serial # of the sensor that requires recalibration, and then Add to Cart. If you would like a console calibrated with your sensor, repeat this process for Item # CAL-PM1 or CAL-PM2 below, entering the console Item # and Serial #. A member of our RMA team will reach out to coordinate the return of the item(s) for calibration. Note that each console calibration Item # represents the cost of calibrating a console alone; if requesting a single-channel console calibration with a sensor calibration, the appropriate discount will be applied when your request is processed. Should you have other items in your cart, note that the calibration request will be split off from your order for RMA processing.

Please Note: To ensure your item being returned for calibration is routed appropriately once it arrives at our facility, please do not ship it prior to being provided an RMA Number and return instructions by a member of our team.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
CAL-PD Support Documentation
CAL-PD Recalibration Service for Single-Power-Range Silicon Photodiode Power Sensors
Part Number:  Serial Number:
$167.48
Lead Time
CAL-IRPD Support Documentation
CAL-IRPD Recalibration Service for Single-Power-Range Germanium or InGaAs Photodiode Power Sensors
Part Number:  Serial Number:
$188.88
Lead Time
CAL-MIRPD Support Documentation
CAL-MIRPDRecalibration Service for Extended InGaAs or MCT Photodiode Power Sensors
Part Number:  Serial Number:
$337.37
Lead Time
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Recalibration of Power & Energy Meter Electronics

Calibration Service Item # Compatible Consoles & Interfaces
Single-Channel
CAL-PM1 PM100D, PM100A, PM400, PM100USB,
PM101 Series, PM102 Series, PM103 Series
Dual-Channel
CAL-PM2 PM5020, Previous-Generation PM320E

These recalibration services are for the power and/or energy meter electronics of our consoles and interfaces. To ensure accurate measurements, we recommend recalibrating annually. Recalibration of a single-channel console or interface is included with these sensor recalibration services at no additional cost. If you wish to calibrate one or more sensors with a dual-channel console, each sensor and console calibration service will need to be purchased individually. For more details on these recalibration services, please click the Documents () icons below. 

The table to the upper right lists the power and/or energy meter consoles and interfaces that can be calibrated using the CAL-PM1 and CAL-PM2 recalibration services.

Requesting a Calibration
Thorlabs provides two options for requesting a calibration:

  1. Complete the Returns Material Authorization (RMA) form. When completing the RMA form, please enter your name, contact information, the Part #, and the Serial # of each item being returned for calibration; in the Reason for Return field, select "I would like an item to be calibrated." All other fields are optional. Once the form has been submitted, a member of our RMA team will reach out to provide an RMA Number, return instructions, and to verify billing and payment information.
  2. Select the appropriate Item # below, enter the Part # and Serial # of the item that requires recalibration, and then Add to Cart. If you would like to calibrate one or more sensors with your console, repeat this process for the appropriate sensor recalibration service above, entering the console Item # and Serial #. A member of our RMA team will reach out to coordinate return of the item(s) for calibration. Note that each console calibration Item # represents the cost of calibrating a console alone; if requesting a single-channel console calibration with a sensor calibration, the appropriate discount will be applied when your request is processed. Should you have other items in your cart, note that the calibration request will be split off from your order for RMA processing.

Please Note: To ensure your item being returned for calibration is routed appropriately once it arrives at our facility, please do not ship it prior to being provided an RMA Number and return instructions by a member of our team.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
CAL-PM1 Support Documentation
CAL-PM1Recalibration of Single-Channel Power and/or Energy Meter Electronics
Part Number:  Serial Number:
$78.80
Lead Time
CAL-PM2 Support Documentation
CAL-PM2Recalibration of Dual-Channel Power and Energy Meter Electronics
Part Number:  Serial Number:
$210.12
Lead Time