The PM100USB Series belongs to Thorlabs' new generation of power and energy meters which includes the PM100D and PM100A. It has no display making it a very compact and cost efficient alternative to the PM100D Series Digital Power Meter. The PM100USB converts the signal from the sensors and transfers it to the connected PC using a high-speed USB 2.0 connection. Like the PM100D, it offers the same top performance and reliability but at a very economic price. It is compatible with more than 25 new C-Series photodiode, thermal, and pyroelectric sensors (see Power Meter Compatibility Chart). Additionally, it allows the connection of unamplified anode or cathode grounded photodiodes with up to 5 mA photocurrent, thermal elements with up to 1 V output voltage, and pyroelectric sensors with maximum 100 V output. Depending on the connected sensor, it can measure optical powers in the range from 100 pW to 250 W and energy from 3 µJ to 15 J. When used together with the new ultra compact S150C Series fiber sensor, the PM100USB becomes a compact and portable fiber power meter that is ideal for multi sensor applications.

The PM100USB is an ideal solution for economic and compact automated power or energy measurements with no external power supply needed.

The User Interface

The PM100USB needs to be directly connected to a PC during use. The device is connected using a high-speed USB 2.0 interface and is controlled by the included GUI software or its driver set.

The standard GUI offers three panels for the display of various numeric parameters, a larger main panel and two subpanels. The displayed parameter can be selected, i.e. power, energy and their min or max values as well as their units. The GUI offers data logging with graphical, tabular or histogram representation and statistical evaluation of the measurements. The data can be stored as a text file. A driver set for the integration into 3rd party software or customized applications is provided as well.

Completely New Design!

Like the PM100D the PM100USB features broad current and voltage measurement ranges and it has the capability of measuring optical energy – something the older PM100 did not feature. Additionally, the new AD converter allows for more measurement ranges of smaller spans, a higher acquisition rate, and higher precision.

A selectable bandwidth of either 20 Hz or 100 kHz offers more flexibility and adaptability to specific measurement tasks while using photodiode sensors. The higher bandwidth is optimal for pulse-detection; the lower bandwidth offers better accuracy.

Additionally, the power meter can adapt to the thermal time constant of thermal sensors leading to significantly faster measurements with thermal sensors. Thermal sensors have an individual time constant that can vary greatly from unit to unit. Like the PM100D, the PM100USB can adjust to this individual constant for each sensor and thus minimize the response time of the system (sensor + console). The old PM100 consoles can not adapt to the individual time constants.

Fiber Power Meter Option

The new, connector integrated, fiber sensors of the S150C Series can be connected directly to the PM100USB turning the PM100USB into a compact, single unit fiber power meter. Any handling limitations due to cable movements or cable handling are avoided thus making this device ideal for multi-sensor applications that do not require a console but is controlled remotely via PC. The S150C offers exchangeable fiber adapters for FC, SMA, LC, SC, ST, and LC fiber connectors.

Sensor Upgrade Service

We offer a sensor upgrade service if you want to use your existing sensors with a new power meter console with C-Series connector. Please contact our tech support team for details.

Each Console Comes with the Following Parts:

• PM100USB Interface
• Certificate of Calibration
• Printed Quick Start Manual
• 1GB USB Memory Stick with Software including LabVIEW™ and LabWINDOWS™ /CVI Driver Set, and Operating Manual