Application of a scattered-light radiometric power meter

Area of Science:

• Optics
• Radiometry
• Laser Technology

Background:

• High-power continuous-wave laser beam measurement traditionally relies on slow, water-cooled thermopile power meters.
• Limitations of thermopile meters include slow response times, hindering tests like atmospheric turbulence impact analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and calibrate a digital camera-based system for rapid, cost-effective laser power measurement.
• To provide a system capable of analyzing power distribution, position, and spot size.

Main Methods:

• Calibrated a digital camera to serve as a scattered-light radiometric power meter.
• Projected optical beams onto a white surface for measurement.
• Validated the system during a field test over a 2.2 km optical range.

Main Results:

• The digital camera system achieved faster response times compared to traditional thermopile meters.
• The system successfully measured laser power, distribution, position, and spot size.
• Demonstrated feasibility for real-world applications, including atmospheric turbulence studies.

Conclusions:

• A scattered-light radiometric power meter using a digital camera is a viable, economical alternative to conventional methods.
• This approach enables advanced beam analysis and overcomes limitations of existing technologies.
• The system is suitable for field testing and research involving laser beam propagation.