Console Features

• New Design for High Accuracy and Reliability
• Fast Mechanical Needle Display with 3 Scales
• Bright Graphics LCD Display with Different LCD Screens for Specific Tasks:
  • 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 New C-Series Sensor Connector for Quick Sensor Exchange
• USB 2.0 Interface
• Analog Output

The PM100A Series belongs to Thorlabs' new generation of power and energy meters and is the analog counterpart to the PM100D Series Digital Power and Energy Meter. It offers top performance and reliability at an economic price and is compatible with more than 20 new C-Series photodiode and thermal power sensors (see Power Meter Compatibility Chart). 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. Depending on the connected sensor, it can measure optical power in the range from 100 pW to 250 W. When used together with the new ultra compact S150C Series fiber sensor the PM100A becomes a compact and portable fiber power meter that is ideal for field applications as well as in the lab.

The User Interface

The compact housing has a large analog needle display with an integrated LCD display for easy power tuning combined with precise absolute readouts and visual device configuration. The illuminated buttons make operation in dark labs easy and together with the LCD also offers an intuitive navigation scheme. For configuration the user can select various options shown on the menu screens of the LCD. The display of some beam statistics is another useful feature.

Completely New Design!

The new PM100A combines the older PM30 and PM50 consoles into a single device with a completely new design with improved accuracy, reliability, and functionality. The PM100A console features broad current, voltage measurement ranges, and compatibility with photodiode and thermal sensors. The large displays, intuitive navigation schemes and more display options contribute to the much improved usability. Additionally, the new AD converter allows for more measurement ranges of smaller widths, a higher acquisition rate, and higher precision.

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).

Functionality

The diverse features of the PM100A contribute to its high usability. The smart new sensor connector enables a quicker sensor exchange than before. The console comes with a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface, which allows remote data logging and remote PC control. The USB port also connects with the power adapter for charging the internal Li-Polymer battery.  Note that the PM100A can be connected to a PC and charged at the same time - the USB port on a computer will charge the internal battery.

The battery charger uses an intelligent charging management system to improve battery lifetime and to reduce battery memory effects. The Li-Polymer battery offers up to 8 hours of operating time with minimal self-discharging when not in use.

Fiber Power Meter Option

The unique, connector integrated, fiber sensors of the S150C Series can be directly attached to the PM100A. This combination turns the PM100A into a compact, single unit fiber power meter. Any handling limitations due to cable movements or cable handling are avoided thus making this device ideal for high-mobility-applications in the field. The S150C offers exchangeable fiber adapters for FC, SMA, LC, SC, ST, and LC fiber connectors.