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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

In love

Joined
Dec 25, 2009
Messages
1,251
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Just got my new Rayfoss laser today. Faona said that the tests they ran got it at around 420mW. I think I'm in love.

Does anyone know where I can get a pretty cheap power meter? I realized after I got this that it would be really handy to compare all the lasers I own.

Thanks!
 





ZRTMWA

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Jun 7, 2009
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If you have a digital multi meter buy one of Lasersbee's $53 power meter's that hooks up to a DMM. It only goes up to 350mW but if you buy an ND filter for <$20 it can measure higher.

I would recommend a filter with an optical density of .6 (also called an ND4 filter), it would only allow 1/4 the amount of light your laser is lasing, increasing the meters range to 800 mW.

Thorlabs.com - Absorptive Neutral Density Filters

It's not as accurate as his thermopile meters but much cheaper.
 
Joined
Dec 25, 2009
Messages
1,251
Points
48
If you have a digital multi meter buy one of Lasersbee's $53 power meter's that hooks up to a DMM. It only goes up to 350mW but if you buy an ND filter for <$20 it can measure higher.

I would recommend a filter with an optical density of .6 (also called an ND4 filter), it would only allow 1/4 the amount of light your laser is lasing, increasing the meters range to 800 mW.

Thorlabs.com - Absorptive Neutral Density Filters

It's not as accurate as his thermopile meters but much cheaper.

Thanks I'll check that out!
 
Joined
Jul 27, 2007
Messages
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I'd recommend saving your pennies for a good thermal meter, such as a Kenometer or Laserbee I. A laser power meter is an invaluable tool for the laser hobbyist, so I suggest getting a good one :)

Optical power meters require conversion factors to get a proper reading on all wavelenths but the calibration wavelength. The sensors are small so the laser has to hit spot on. The sensors can also be largely affected by IR light. Even the Coherent Lasercheck (a >$300 purchase) can be skewed terribly by IR leaking from a green laser.

Also keep an eye out - the new series of Kenometers are just about done, I'll probably be posting a teaser thread in the next few days.
 
Joined
Dec 25, 2009
Messages
1,251
Points
48
I'd recommend saving your pennies for a good thermal meter, such as a Kenometer or Laserbee I. A laser power meter is an invaluable tool for the laser hobbyist, so I suggest getting a good one :)

Optical power meters require conversion factors to get a proper reading on all wavelenths but the calibration wavelength. The sensors are small so the laser has to hit spot on. The sensors can also be largely affected by IR light. Even the Coherent Lasercheck (a >$300 purchase) can be skewed terribly by IR leaking from a green laser.

Also keep an eye out - the new series of Kenometers are just about done, I'll probably be posting a teaser thread in the next few days.

I havent heard of a Kenometer so I'll check them out too. And yeah I made sure that the laser is filtered. I didn't know that the IR messes with the sensors though. Thanks for your help!
 




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