High sensitivity radiometer measures very low powers

Ophir Photonics has launched the RM9 Radiometer, a sensor for measuring the power of very low level CW or quasi CW sources. The RM9 uses a pyroelectric sensor in conjunction with an 18Hz chopper to measure a wide range of radiation, from UV to deep IR. Unlike other more expensive radiometers, the RM9 is calibrated over the entire range of wavelengths, from 0.15 µm to 12 µm, not just a single wavelength.

byNews Desk

January 21, 2015

The sensor also features a digitally synthesized lock-in amplifier which reduces external noise to a minimum; this allows the sensor to measure power levels as low as 100 nW or less. The output of the sensor can be displayed on any standard Ophir meter or on a PC.

Designed for detecting very low power radiation, the RM9 Radiometer features an 8mm aperture. It combines very low noise levels (~30 nW over 10s) with fast response times (3.5 s with display). The sensor measures power levels from 100nW to 100mW.

To display measurements, the RM9 Radiometer can connect directly to any standard Ophir meter or PC interface. This means no additional power module is required, as is the case with traditional radiometers. The RM9 works with Ophir¹s StarLite, Nova II, and Vega smart displays, and Juno PC interface.

The display is automatically configured and calibrated when plugged into one of the company¹s laser measurement heads.