Calibrated Thermal Position & Power Sensors


  • Thermal Sensors for Beam Position Detection
  • Calibrated Output when Used with a Compatible Thorlabs Console
  • Options for Powers from 0.5 mW to 50 W
  • Broadband Operation from the UV to IR

S440C

0.5 mW - 5 W,
30 mm Cage System Compatible

S442C

10 mW - 50 W,
Attached Heat Sink

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Key Specificationsa
Item # S440C S442C
Detector Type Thermopile in Quadrant Configuration
Wavelength Range 190 nm - 20 µm
Optical Power Range 0.5 mW - 5 W 10 mW - 50 W
Power Resolution 50 µW 1 mW
Position Resolution 5 µm 10 µm
Housing Features Through Holes for 30 mm Cage System Internal SM1 Threading, Heat Sink
Connector D-Sub 9 Pin Male (C Series)
  • For complete specifications, see the Specs tab.
Beam Trace
Click to Enlarge

Position Tuning Mode in the OPM Software GUI

Features

  • Segmented Quadrant Position Sensors
  • Broad Wavelength Range with Relatively Flat Spectral Response (See Plot on Specs Tab)
  • Wide Optical Power Ranges with High Precision
  • C-Series Connector
  • Post Mountable via 8-32 / M4 Universal Taps

These position sensors use thermopile sensor elements to obtain high-resolution measurements of a beam's position and power. They incorporate our OEM thermal position detectors, which consist of four sensor quadrants that calculate the beam's position by comparing the intensity measured in each quadrant. See the Operation tab for details.

The S440C detector uses the TD4HR18XP PCB-mounted thermopile sensor and is optimized for high sensitivity. The housing features four Ø6 mm through holes for compatibility with 30 mm cage systems, as well as an 8-32 / M4 universal tap for post mounting. The S442C detector incorporates the TD4HP18XA aluminum-plate-mounted thermopile sensor and can measure power levels up to 50 W. The housing includes a heat sink for superior heat dissipation, as well as two 8-32 / M4 universal taps for post mounting.

We also offer thermal sensor heads for a wide range of applications, as well as photodiode-based position sensing detectors, which offer faster response times that make them suitable for automated alignment.

For information on recalibration services for these products, please contact Tech Support.

Compatible Power Meter Console and Power Meter Interfaces
Both detectors feature C-Series connectors and can be controlled using either the PM400 or PM5020 power meter console or the PM102 series power meter interfaces (all control units sold separately). The PM400 console features a touchscreen display for the power and position readout. The PM5020 benchtop console can read the power and position of up to two sensors and display it on the touchscreen or on a PC using its remote capabilities. The PM102 series requires a PC with the OPM software in order to operate the sensor in a power meter system; depending on the PM102 model used, operation can be through USB 2.0, RS-232, or UART.

There are a number of different display options that can be viewed either on the PM400 or PM5020 console display screen or in the OPM software GUI:

  • Position Tuning: a visual representation of the beam's location on the sensor. The visible area can be adjusted between a centered Ø1 mm circle and Ø6 mm circle. The left side shows the power measured by the entire sensor surface and the X and Y coordinates of the beam. An optional setting can show a visual trace of the position over time (Position Trace Display).
  • Graph: a graph of the X and Y positions over time, or a graph of total power over time. The user can touch a single button to toggle between the position and power graphs.
  • Statistics: a table of measurement statistics. The unit takes a number of sequential samples and then displays the mean, median, standard deviation, and more.
  • Numerical: a digital readout of the overall power measurement for the entire sensor, displayed in W, V, or dB. The beam position coordinates are also shown in the upper right of the screen.

See the PM400 full web presentation and manual for more information on the touchscreen power meter console and the PM5020 full web presentation and manual for more information on the dual-channel benchtop power meter console. See the PM102 series full web presentation and manual for details on the power meter interfaces.

Beam Trace
Click to Enlarge

Numerical Display on the PM400 Power Meter Console
XY Time Graph
Click to Enlarge

Graph Display on the PM400 Power Meter Console
Beam Trace
Click to Enlarge

Statistics Display on the PM400 Power Meter Console
Low Power High Resolution Thermal Sensor Absorption
Click to Enlarge

Click Here for Raw Data
The wavelength range of the data in this graph is limited by the detector used during testing. The thermal position detectors are capable of operating at up to 20 µm.
Item # S440C S442C
Wavelength Range 190 nm - 20 µm
Optical Power Working Range 0.5 mW - 5 W 10 mW - 50 W
Max Average Power Densitya 1.5 kW/cm2
Max Pulse Energy 0.3 J/cm2 (1 ns Pulse)
5 J/cm2 (1 ms Pulse)
Power Resolutionb 50 µW 1 mW
Linearity ±1%
Measurement Uncertaintyc ±5% at 1064 nm;
±7% for 250 nm - 17 µm
Position Resolution 5 µm 10 µm
Position Accuracyd 50 µm (1 mm Circle); 200 µm (6 mm Circle) 100 µm (1 mm Circle); 300 µm (6 mm Circle)
Position Repeatabilityd 15 µm (1 mm Circle); 100 µm (6 mm Circle) 25 µm (1 mm Circle); 150 µm (6 mm Circle)
Response Timee <1.1 s <0.6 s
Coating / Diffuser High Power Broadband
Cooling Convection
Head Temperature Measurement Thermistor (NTC)
Input Aperture 17 mm x 17 mm Ø17.5 mm
Sensor Dimensions 40.6 mm x 40.6 mm x 8.9 mm
(1.60" x 1.60" x 0.35")
100.0 m x 100.0 mm x 57.8 mm
(3.94" x 3.94" x 2.28")
Cable Length 1.5 m
Connector D-Sub-9 Pin Male
Weight 0.2 kg 0.75 kg
Mounting Options 8-32 / M4 Universal Tap,
30 mm Cage Rod Through Holes
Two 8-32 / M4 Universal Taps,
SM1 (1.035"-40) Internal Thread,
Externally Threaded SM1 Coupler Included
Compatible Console PM400, and PM5020
Compatible Interfaces PM102, PM102A, and PM102U
  • For continuous wave (CW) sources, this value is equivalent to the peak power density, while for pulsed laser sources this value is calculated from the time-averaged power and beam profile. The maximum average power density is determined by the total energy deposited, so the instantaneous power can be higher, as long as the maximum pulse energy is not exceeded.
  • Measured Using the PM400 Console with the Acceleration Circuit Switched Off
  • Beam Diameter > 1 mm
  • Valid within the Specified Area at the Center of the Sensor
  • Typical Natural Response (0 - 95%)

For details on sensor-related terminology, see our list of definitions.

Axial Thermopile Configuration
Click to Enlarge

Figure 1: A thermal sensor with axially configured thermocouples, which is depicted as seen from the side. Light is incident on the top, and heat flows down through the thermocouple layer and dissipates in the heat sink below.

Operating Principle

These thermal power detectors are based on thermopile sensors. The top layer of the sensor, which appears gray in color, consists of a light-absorbing material. Located immediately behind the sensor, and in thermal contact with it, is a layer containing multiple thermocouples. Thermocouples are made by bringing two dissimilar metals into contact, and their point of contact is called a junction. The other side of the thermocouple layer must be thermally coupled to a heat sink. The thermocouples are connected in series, and the placement of the junctions alternates from being in close proximity to the absorber to being in close proximity to the heat sink. This axial (or matrix) configuration of thermocouples is diagrammed in Figure 1.

The absorber converts incident light energy into heat. The heat flows from the absorber, across the thermocouples, and to the heat sink, where it dissipates. The temperatures of the thermocouple junctions placed close to the absorber are higher than the adjacent junctions placed close to the heat sink. This arrangement takes advantage of the thermoelectric (Seebeck) effect, in which a temperature difference between adjacent junctions generates a proportional voltage difference. By connecting multiple thermocouples in series, the magnitude of the generated voltage is increased.

Axially-configured sensors such as the thermal quadrant detectors on this page can achieve high resolutions in the microwatt range while providing relatively fast response times. These sensors detect optical powers up to 50 Watts, which is limited mostly by the thickness of the absorbing material.

Thermal Quadrant Detector
Figure 2: The sensor area consists of four thermopile sensors arranged as quadrants of a square.

Quadrant Detector Beam Position Calculation
Each thermal position detector consists of four individual thermopile sensors arranged in a 2 x 2 matrix, as shown in Figure 2. The quadrants are mechanically coupled by one aluminum plate but electrically isolated; thus, heat is free to flow across the entire active area, but the signal from each quadrant measures the response in only that quadrant's thermopile. The beam's coordinates X and Y are calculated using the voltage outputs of all four detectors:

Position Equation

where V1, V2, V3, and V4 are the output voltage signals from Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively, in Figure 2. Since the sensor response is nonlinear, the detector uses a calibration factor for each axis, Calx and Caly, to calculate the absolute position.

Natural Response
Click to Enlarge

Figure 3: Natural Response of the S440C and S442C Detectors. The dotted line is at 0.99 and the red square indicates the point on the curve corresponding to a single sensor time constant.

Natural Responses, the Sensor Time Constant, and Power Measurement Predictions
The typical natural response of a thermal sensor is its measured response to being instantaneously and steadily illuminated after being held in total darkness. This step function illumination stimulus produces a measured response that can be modeled using an exponential function and is similar to the function describing the rate at which a capacitor charges. Figure 3 shows the natural response measured for the thermal position sensing detectors. 

The sensor time constant is defined in terms of how long it takes for the sensor response to reach 99% of its maximum response. The definition used by Thorlabs' power meter consoles is that when the sensor has reached the 99% level, a time period equal to five sensor time constants has elapsed. In Figure 3, the dotted line corresponds to the 99% level and the red square to the response after a single sensor time constant has elapsed. When the sensor's natural response characteristic function is known, it is possible to use it to model and predict the final power reading well before the sensor reading has stabilized. 

Protect Thermal Power Sensors from Thermal Disturbances

For the most accurate results, thermal power sensors should be protected from air flow and other thermal disturbances during operation. Otherwise, measurements will drift. This is of particular importance for low power sensors with high resolution. Handheld use is not recommended for any of the thermal power sensors, as body heat transferred to the sensor or heat sink can negatively impact the accuracy of the measurements.

C-Series Sensor Connector

D-Sub-9 Pin Male

DB9 Male

Pin Connection
1 Not Used
2 EEPROM Signal
3 Sensor Ground
4 TH3
5 TH4
6 EEPROM Ground
7 NTC
8 TH1
9 TH2

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.

Posted Comments:
myeong kim  (posted 2024-09-12 12:54:04.87)
model : s442c I want to measure the power stability of a 1550nm 10W fiber laser over time. How many hours can I measure 10W output? We want to measure continuously for more than 2 hours.
hchow  (posted 2024-09-12 05:15:20.0)
Dear Mr. Kim, thank you for your feedback. It is indeed possible to do a long term position measurement using the S442C when paired with a compatible console/interface. I will personally reach out to you to provide more information about the capabilities of the S442C. Thank you.
Justin Sayres  (posted 2024-07-07 22:02:31.803)
Do you have a lens that can be mounted and be used to determine if the incident beam is centered as well as parallel?
jjadvani  (posted 2024-07-08 05:40:41.0)
Dear Justin, Thank you for providing feedback. The S440C contains a cage-compatible hole of 30 mm that can be used to mount a cage rod, followed by a standard cage plate and lens. After that, you can use the alignment target to see if the beam is centered.
KEVIN WAGNER  (posted 2023-11-09 06:30:00.177)
I am interested in this detector for an existing position sensing application. Does the software that display the position of the beam come with the basic S440C or do I need other equipment? We would like to see if it works in the exisiting system and I am wondering if we could get the equipment on loan to test?
hkarpenko  (posted 2023-11-10 09:02:50.0)
Dear Kevin, thank you for your feedback. The S440C sensor can be used in combination with one of the following power meter consoles, PM400, PM5020 or PM102. For operation a power meter console is mandatory. On the PM400 and PM5020 you can display the position sensing directly on the screen. Using the PM102 you can use our OPM software, available for download directly on our website. I will contact you directly to discuss the possibility of a loan unit with you.
Alexander Nones  (posted 2023-08-09 11:15:36.823)
Sehr geehrtes Thorlabs Team, ich hätte ein Frage zu den thermischen Power Sensoren. Wir haben z.b. einen S442C (SN:1909908) von Ihnen am 26.Mai kalibrieren lassen und im Zertifikat ist dann nur eine Abweichung bei 1064nm angeführt. (Sensitivity as found / Sensitivity as left) Gibt es bei den thermischen Sensoren auch ein Auflistung über den ganzen Wellenlängenbereich? Für uns wäre interessant, inwieweit sich die gemessenen Sensorwerte innerhalb eines Kalibrierintervalls verändern? Haben Sie hier Erfahrungswerte? Als Beispiel nenne ich hier den S130VC Sensor, dort gibt es zusätzlich eine Übersicht, die Driftbericht heißt und genau dieses Daten enthält. Vielen Dank im Voraus! Mit freundlichen Grüßen, Nones Alexander
dpossin  (posted 2023-08-14 07:44:56.0)
Sehr geehrter Herr Nones, vielen Dank für Ihr Feedback. Ich melde mich bei Ihnen persönlich um die Angelegenheit zu besprechen.
Vitalie Nedelea  (posted 2023-07-25 14:10:09.727)
Dear ThorLabs team. 1. It will be a very useful option to "center" the position in order to measure relative displacement. 2. Zoom is missing (down to resolution limit) 3. Increasing of trace time, because the trace disappear before delay line reach the end. Or at list all this options could be implemented in the software. Regards.
hchow  (posted 2023-07-28 04:19:54.0)
Dear Vitalie Nedelea, thank you for your valuable feedback. I will let the developers know about these improvements we can make with the Optical Power Monitor (OPM) software.
Vitalie Nedelea  (posted 2023-07-25 14:09:55.937)
Dear ThorLabs team. 1. It will be a very useful option to "center" the position in order to measure relative displacement. 2. Zoom is missing (down to resolution limit) 3. Increasing of trace time, because the trace disappear before delay line reach the end. Or at list all this options could be implemented in the software. Regards.
Daniel Hadraba  (posted 2022-02-14 12:27:20.913)
Dear Thorlabs, we have purchased the thermal position sensor that is used for positioning a robot. The robot has got its own GUI and we need to implement the visualization (ideally the target) in our GUI. Is it possible to read the x,y coordinate from your sensor otherwise than using your SW? Thank you very much for your reply. Daniel
dpossin  (posted 2022-02-16 11:15:38.0)
Dear Daniel, Thank you for your feedback. Well it is relatively easy to carry out the position data with you own ADC converter using the formula shown here: https://www.thorlabs.de/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=13545&tabname=pin%20diagram. Information on the pin diagram you can find here: https://www.thorlabs.de/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=13545&tabname=pin%20diagram. I am reaching out to you in order to clarify further points.
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.
  • 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)

Sensors by Wavelength

Sensor Options
(Arranged by Power Range)

Sensors by Power

Sensor Key

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Thermal Position Sensors

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S440C Support Documentation
S440CCustomer Inspired! Thermal Power Sensor Head, Position Sensing, 0.19 - 20 µm, 0.5 mW - 5 W, 17 mm x 17 mm
$1,405.15
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S442C Support Documentation
S442CCustomer Inspired! Thermal Power Sensor Head, Position Sensing, 0.19 - 20 µm, 10 mW - 50 W, Ø17.5 mm
$1,240.48
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