Onsite multikilowatt laser power meter calibration using radiation pressure.

Area of Science:

• Metrology
• Optical Engineering
• Industrial Instrumentation

Background:

• Accurate thermal power measurement is critical for industrial processes.
• Traditional laboratory calibrations may not reflect real-world manufacturing conditions.
• High-power laser systems require reliable power monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the calibration of a thermal power meter against a radiation pressure power meter.
• To validate calibration in a manufacturing test environment up to 20 kW.
• To compare results with traditional National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) laboratory calibrations.

Main Methods:

• Calibration of a thermal power meter using a radiation pressure power meter.
• Testing conducted in a manufacturing environment with power levels up to 20 kW.
• Comparison of results with calorimeter-based laboratory calibration at NIST.

Main Results:

• Successful calibration of the thermal power meter in a manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated feasibility of using radiation pressure power meters for industrial calibration.
• Data comparison between field and laboratory calibration methods.

Conclusions:

• The study validates a practical method for calibrating thermal power meters in industrial settings.
• Radiation pressure power meters offer a viable alternative for high-power measurements outside traditional labs.
• Understanding nonideal conditions is crucial for accurate power measurements in low-stability environments.