Which Laser Power Meter should I get, used or new?

[lasersbee]

Thanks for the reply everyone.

I was hoping to buy a used lab grade off of eBay.
I saw many of them but not sure which one to get.
I'm sure there is a lab brand which is highly regarded to buy used, after all it is a lab instrument used for measuring laser power.

Example such as the below, what are thoughts on buying it, seems like a great deal:
COHERENT FIELDMAX II LASER POWER METER with Sensor - $500 - eBay

The Coherent Fieldmax is a great LPM. The Optical Sensor supplied is not.
It's only good to 30mW and only in the Visible Spectrum. Here's a spec
sheet.

https://content.coherent.com/pdf/op-2_lm-2_opticalsensors_datasheet.pdf

Problem is the Calibration of a Used Lab LPM. They are VERY expensive
to get properly Calibrated.

Here's an overlooked incentive...
As all LPF members are aware they get a 10% discount off any LPM product
we sell. Just contact us and give us your LPF Username and we will give you
details on how to get your 10% discount.


Jerry

 

[Encap]

Problem is the Calibration of a Used Lab LPM. They are VERY expensive
to get properly Calibrated.

Exactly.
Most important is accurate recent calibration of any used laser power meter and sensor combo.
If buying a used unit be sure it has been relatively recently properly calibrated by it's maker and any necessary tweaks or repairs needed are taken care of.
As Jerry mentions " They are VERY expensive to get properly Calibrated."

 

[rajhlinux]

The Coherent Fieldmax is a great LPM. The Optical Sensor supplied is not.
It's only good to 30mW and only in the Visible Spectrum. Here's a spec
sheet.

https://content.coherent.com/pdf/op-2_lm-2_opticalsensors_datasheet.pdf

Problem is the Calibration of a Used Lab LPM. They are VERY expensive
to get properly Calibrated.

Here's an overlooked incentive...
As all LPF members are aware they get a 10% discount off any LPM product
we sell. Just contact us and give us your LPF Username and we will give you
details on how to get your 10% discount.


Jerry

Thanks for the deal might go for it...

Just curious, why are they so expensive to re-calibrate and what goes into doing so?
I have few calibration labs near by, can ask around how much to re-calibrate a laser power meter head.

 

[Encap]

Not just the head the entire unit meter and head need to be checked and calibrated.

Google " laser power meter calibration" to get an overview of several calibration labs procedures although calibration by the manufacturer to original specifications is a best bet for calibration of a professional laboratory grade unit that can be relied upon as they have their, name, reputation, and product "on the line".
Ophir's calibration procedure is explained here:
https://www.ophiropt.com/en/a/calibration-procedure-and-traceability

If you don't need a lab grade accuracy laser power meter, a less expensive choice for the purpose is good enough rather than an old and discarded LPM that should be recalibrated.