Analog laser power probes

Accuracy [%] for all ±5

Repeatability [%] for ±1.5

Conical Laser Power Probes for high power density

Conical Head Power Probes are used to measure high power density CO₂ laser beams which may damage the standard flat surfaced Power Probes. The conical absorbing cavity exhibits a high heat dissipation.

There are three models of Conical Power Probes: C2K, C4K and C10K. Table 1 below gives specifications for these models. Table 2 gives approximate damage threshold for both the flat surface and conical power probes.

Explanation of Damage Threshold

High power lasers that can cut metal can also damage the absorbing head of a power probe if the beam is too concentrated. It has been found that it is not possible to quote a single number for the power density that will damage a power probe. The damage threshold is also a function of the total power in the beam and whether the absorbing head is moved during the exposure.

For a CO₂ laser, there is no loss in absorbtivity (no damage) when the coating is heated to the point where it exhibits a visible bleached spot but no other change. There is damage when metallic areas can be seen on the surface. In operation, power densities should be kept substantially below the indicated damage threshold.