Photon announces a new beam profiling system to measure the M2 beam propagation ratio and all associated ISO 11146 parameters in real time. This instrument, the Photon ModeScan Model 1780, uses a patented technique with 10 reflective surfaces to form 10 simultaneous images of the beam onto a CCD detector array.
The M2 and other beam parameters are measured and updated at a rate over 20Hz. The ModeScan Model 1780 analyses continuous wave, pulsed, and single-shot lasers over the wavelength range of 250 to 1100nm. This compact system has dimensions of 62 x 140 x 210mm with a FireWire interface, making it highly portable.
To demonstrate the speed of the system, Photon measured the M2 parameter of a single laser more than one million times. It has been tested with a number of different lasers and found to agree with the known values. Previously, laser measurement could take as long as 30 seconds, but this system allows real time measurement and adjustment of laser parameters.
In addition, beam propagation measurements can be performed on single shot lasers without the need for multiple pulses so pulse to pulse variations of these lasers can be measured. As with all Photon products, this instrument generates NIST traceable measurements, which is important for ISO, FDA and other quality standards and regulations.