Beam Analyzer | Knife-edge Laser Beam Profiler for CW lasers

Spectral range

Si 190/350 -1100 nm; IR 0.8-1.8 µm; IR (E) 1.2-2.7 µm

Minimum beam size

3 µm (3-blade models)

Beam size resolution

0.1 µm for beams < 100 µm

Power range

10 µm to 5 mw (no filter)

Output data

Profile, position, power

Interface

USB 2.0

The Beam Analyzers allows to measure very small beams with high resolution (0.1 µm), accuracy and dynamic range, where standard camera-based system fall short because of their fixed pixel pitch in the order of a few microns.

  • Measures accurately profile, shape, size,  position and power of CW lasers
  • Measures beams as small as 3 µm and up to 9 mm
  • Measures wavelengths from deep UV to 2,700 nm depending on detector version

The measuring technique is based on a multiple scanning knife-edge technology, combined with a tomographic image reconstruction for the creation of the 2D/3D display. When the drum spins, the knife-edges cut across the beam in an orthogonal plane to the direction of propagation. A stationary large detector inside the spinning drum measures light intensity. For attenuation, when needed, a built-in distortion free optical filter is inserted between the spinning drum
and the detector. This technique provides the required attenuation without affecting beam quality. Each scanning knife-edge is oriented at a different angle on the drum and moves across the beam path in a different direction as the drum rotates. Consequently, during a single rotation of the drum, the instrument generates a set of profile curves, each representing the intensity profile of the beam from a different direction. This data is the input for the tomographic reconstruction algorithm to generate the 2D/3D intensity profile of the beam.


The Beam Analyzer is offered in two types of measuring heads:
The BA7 uses seven individual knife-edges, providing more accurate measurement of the true beam shape and dimensions by gathering data from all 7 scans, while the BA3 uses only three knife-edges, and is recommended for smaller beams measurement as well as for a near-Gaussian beams. The more knife-edges, the greater the level of detail obtained. For a beam distribution that is significantly non-Gaussian the BA7 would reconstruct a plot that closely matches
the real beam.

Example of measurement of a 3.3µm diameter beam at 633 nm

 

The Beam Analyzer is based on a knife-edge beam profiler technology that will generate the profile by using a single detector, sensitive to from UV to 2700 nm depending on the sensor used. The mechanical scanner will obstruct the light striking the detector as a function of its rotational speed. The amount of light reaching the detector is modulated by mechanical means while adequate data processing measures the laser beam profile. Our company developed an enabling mechanical scanning technology, presenting a 3D reconstruction of the beam based upon a combination of computer and knife edge tomography.

The result is an instrument capable of 3D measuring of minute beams (down to one micron) and currently up to 10 mm, without any optical magnification or reduction. The outlines of this technology create clear power distribution along the laser propagation axis at wavelengths where mosaic images devices are not available. For example, a new 10 mm single detector size of indium gallium arsenide enables measurement of small and large beams at a wavelengths range starting from 600 nm up to 2.7 μm in special cases. Sub-micron measuring resolution is achieved by this technology.

 

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