Item #	PM100A
Compatible Sensors	Photodiode and Thermal
Optical Power Range*	100 pW to 200 W
Available Sensor Wavelength Range*	185 nm - 25 μm
Display Refresh Rate	20 Hz
Bandwidth*	DC - 100 kHz
Photodiode Sensor Range**	50 nA - 5 mA
Thermopile Sensor Range**	1 mV - 1 V

*Sensor Dependent
**Ranges Selectable in Watts (Photodiode and Thermopile) and is dependent on the sensor used.

Features

Combined Analog and Digital Power Meter Console
Designed for Coherent and Incoherent Light Source Measurements
Power Measurements for CW and Pulsed Source Detection
Fast Mechanical Needle Display with 3 Scales
Bright Graphics LCD Display with Different LCD Screens
- Numerical Display for Absolute Power Readouts
- Relative Measurement Screen for Power Tuning
- Statistics Screen with Display Hold
- Different Setup Screens for Configuration
Versatile Functionality with Easy Handling:
- Min/Max Function
- Acoustic Tuning Sound with Max Hold Function
- Delta Mode Function
- Smart Sensor Connector for Quick Sensor Exchange
USB 2.0 Interface
Analog Output

The PM100A Power Meter Console is the analog counterpart to thePM100D Digital Power and Energy Meter. It offers top performance and reliability in a compact and portable console. The PM100A is ideal for use as a CW and pulsed laser power meter, incoherent optical source power meter, general light power meter, fiber power meter, and more. Depending on the connected sensor, it can measure optical power in the range from 100 pW to 200 W.

The PM100A is compatible with more than 20 photodiode,slim photodiode, integrating sphere, fiber, andthermalsensors designed for use from the UV to the Mid-IR. See theSensor Compatibility tab for further information. When used together with a sensor from the compact S15xC Series of fiber sensors, the PM100A becomes a compact and portable fiber power meter that is ideal for field applications as well as in the lab.Thorlabs offers a variety of Power Meter Kits which include some of our most popular sensors bundled with the PM100A and PM100D consoles. Additionally it allows the connection of unamplified anode grounded photodiodes with up to 5 mA photocurrent and thermal elements with up to 1 V output voltage.

Console Design
The compact housing has a large analog needle display with three printed scales and front panel backlit button controls. In addition, the PM100A features a bright LCD screen that displays four different digital readouts: absolute power, relative power, statistics, and a configuration menu. Audio tuning is also featured.

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 lower noise and 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. The PM100A now can adjust to this individual constant for each sensor and thus minimize the response time of the system (sensor + console).

Sensor Connector (Click to Enlarge)

Connectivity
The sensor connector, shown to the right, enable "hot-swappable" quick sensor exchange. The sensor connectors contain all the sensor information including NIST-traceable responsivity curves, sensor types, and model number.

Data can be recorded via the USB PC connection and the control software. The PM100A software is capable of handling up to six consoles simultaneously. PC control software and features are highlighted in the Software tab.

In addition to remote control operation and data logging/recording, the USB connection can also act as the charging system for the Li-Polymer battery. Also included is an AC battery charger which uses an intelligent charging management system to improve battery lifetime and reduce battery memory effects.

Item #	PM100A
Display
Display Type	Mechanical Analog Needle with Graphical LCD 132 x 32 pixels
Display Screens	Numerical, Relative Measurements, Tuning, Statistics, Mechanical Analog Needle
Viewing Area	48.2 mm x 13.2 mm and 90.0 mm x 42.0 mm
Refresh Rate	20 Hz
Backlit Display and Keypad	LED
Audio	1x Speaker
Sensor Interface
Compatible Sensors	All Photodiodes, and Thermopiles See below for full sensor specs
Time Constant Correction	1 - 30 s
AD Converter	16 bit
Connector	DB9F, Left Side
Sensor Temperature Control	Thermistor
Temperature Range	-10 to 80 °C
Analog Outputs
Signal	Amplified Input Signal (Not Corrected)
Voltage Range	0 to 2 V
Accuracy	±3%
Bandwidth	up to 100 kHz, Dependent on Sensor and Settings
Connector	SMA, Left Side
Digital Outputs
Connector / Interface	Mini USB, USB2.0
Power
Battery	LiPolymer 3.7 V 1300 mAh
Charger / DC Input	5 V / 1 A
Dimensions and Mounting
Dimensions (LxWxH)	183 mm x 109 mm x 40 mm
Weight	<0.5 kg
Mounting Options	Kickstand; 1/4"-20 Post Thread
Operating Temperature	0 to 40 °C
Storage Temperature	-40 to 70 °C

Sensor Compatibility Specs

Item #	PM100A
Detector Compatibility	Photodiode Sensors: S1xxC Series Photodiodes (Max 5 mA)	Thermal Sensors: S3xxC Series Thermopiles (Max 1V)
Measurement Ranges	6 Decades; 50 nA - 5 mA Ranges Selectable in W, Sensor Dependent	4 Decades; 1 mV - 1 V Ranges Selectable in W, Sensor Dependent
Wavelength Ranges	200 nm - 1800 nm	190 nm - 25 μm
Power / Energy Ranges	100 pW - 20 W	100 μW - 200 W
Units	W, dBm, W/cm², A	W, dBm, W/cm², V
Accuracy	±0.2% of Full Scale (5 µA - 5 mA) ±0.5% of Full Scale (50 nA)	±0.5% of Full Scale (10 mV - 1 V) ±1% of Full Scale (1 mV)
Display Resolution	1 pA / Responsivity Value (A/W)	1 µV / Responsivity Value (V/W)
Bandwidth	DC - 100 kHz, Dependent on Sensor and Settings	DC - 10 Hz, Dependent on Sensor and Settings
Wavelength Correction	Sensor Dependent; nm (A/W)	Sensor Dependent; nm (V/W)

For a full list of the sensor head specifications please visit the Photodiode Power Sensors and Thermal Power Sensors pages. For other information, please contact tech support.

PM100A Display
Standard Absolute Measurements	Relative Measurements

This display shows the current absolute power values on both the mechanical needle and the LCD display.	Shows positive or negative power deviation from an initially zeroed position (needle in middle position). The offset and the absolute power value will be displayed in two sub displays in negative presentation.
Power Tuning with Sound Support	Statistics Screen

This display shows the maximum reached power level. The level can be reset to the actual power level.	A display showing the current, min, max, and average power. All items can be reset to restart data sampling.
Wavelength Setting

Configuration screen to set the wavelength of the incident beam. Easy switching between 9 user preconfigurable wavelengths.

S150C Sensor with FC and SMA Connectors (Click to Enlarge)

Sensor Options

The PM100A console is compatible with more than 20 photodiode, slim photodiode, integrating sphere, fiber, and thermal sensors covering the UV to the MIR. Additionally an unamplified anode or cathode grounded photodiode, with up to 5 mA photocurrent and thermal elements with up to 1 V output voltage may be interfaced with the PM100A. Depending on the application the sensor can measure optical powers in the range from 100 pW to 200 W.

Please see the Applications tab for common sensor arrangements. Please see the Power Meter Compatibility Chart for information about using new and old sensors with the PM100A and other Thorlabs power meters.

	Power Meter Consoles
	PM100D	PM100USB	PM100A	PM320E
Standard Photodiode Sensors
S120VC
S120C
S121C
S122C
Slim Photodiode Sensors
S130C
S130VC
S132C
Integrating Sphere Photodiode Sensors
S140C
S142C
S144C
S145C
S146C
Fiber Photodiode Sensors
S150C
S151C
S154C
S155C
Thermal Sensors
S302C
S310C
S314C
S322C
S350C
S370C
Pyroelectric Sensors
ES111C			-
ES120C			-
ES145C			-
ES220C			-
ES245C			-
	PM100D	PM100USB	PM100A	PM320E
	Power Meters Consoles

	Fully Compatible
-	Not Compatible

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. Power and energy density can also be displayed based on user input beam areas. Optical sources may be attenuated / gained electronically through the console. Note: Attenuating the source through the console will not attenuate the light at the detector and damage may still occur above the detector threshold power.

Thorlabs' complete line of Sensor Heads are shown below. Utilizing the variety of sensors, the PM100A can measure optical power from CW and pulsed sources. Sensors are available for monitoring low power CW laser diode emission to high power excimer, YAG, and CO₂ laser pulses.

The PM100A can be used in the lab, as well as in the field with our fiber coupled sensors. Please see the Applications tab for a small sample of possible configurations. Contact tech support with any applications based questions.

Additionally, the PM100A communicates with the sensor and accesses spectral response functions, time constants, and other information specific to the detector. The PM100A then corrects for spectral response functions automatically. The power meter also accounts for the detector time constants (which can vary greatly, especially for Thermal sensors) for each sensor and can minimizes the response time of the system (sensor + console), thus greatly improving the efficiency of the unit.

The PM100A is available as a kit, bundled with our most popular sensors. Please visit our PM100A Kits page for more info. If you have any questions regarding these kits, or would like to suggest other kit options, please contact our tech support department for more details.

Sensor Upgrade Service

Thorlabs' Sensors and PM100A Console are not compatible with old power meter consoles and sensor heads, respectively. We offer a sensor upgrade service if you want to use your existing sensors with a new power meter console. Note: upgraded sensors will be incompatible with old power meter consoles and new sensors converted to work with older consoles will not be compatible with the PM100A. Please contact our tech support team for details.

Sensor Head Compatibility Chart

Thorlabs has been expanding and improving on its power meter consoles and sensor heads over the past several years to meet the demanding needs of our customers. Sometimes this creates compatibility issues. The chart to the right shows compatible and incompatible sensors and consoles. A complete compatibility chart showing all Thorlabs' current and former generation sensors and consoles is also availalble here.

Fiber Compatibility Chart

Many of Thorlab's power meter sensors are directly compatible (see S15xC Sensors) or can be made compatible with the use of the adapters listed below. The chart below shows all of Thorlab's sensors and the compatible fiber adapters. Note that there may be more than one adapter for each sensor. A complete list of compatible fiber adapters for all of Thorlabs' current and former generation sensors is available here. Contact tech support for any specific questions regarding these options.

	Fiber Mounts and Adapters (Available connectors)
	S120-xx (FC, SC, LC, SMA, or ST)	SM1A19^a	SM1A20^b	S140-xx (FC, SC, or SMA)	S140-BFA (Bare Fiber)	PM20-xx (FC, SC, LC, SMA, or ST)
Standard Photodiode Sensors
S120VC		-	-	-	-	-
S120C		-	-	-	-	-
S121C		-	-	-	-	-
S122C		-	-	-	-	-
Slim Photodiode Sensors
S130C	-	-	-	-	-	-
S130VC	-	-	-	-	-	-
S132C	-	-	-	-	-	-
Integrating Sphere Photodiode Sensors
S140C	^a	^a	-			-
S142C	^a	^a	-			-
S144C	^a	^a	-			-
S145C	^a	^a	-			-
S146C	^a	^a	-			-
Fiber Photodiode Sensors
S150C^c	-	-	-	-	-
S151C^c	-	-	-	-	-
S154C^d	-	-	-	-	-
S155C^d	-	-	-	-	-
Thermal Sensors
S302C	^a	^a	-			-
S310C	^b	-	^b	-	-	-
S314C	^b	-	^b	-	-	-
S322C	^b	-	^b	-	-	-
S350C	-	-	-	-	-	-
S370C	-	-	-	-	-	-
Pyroelectric Sensors
ES111C	-	-	-	-	-	-
ES120C	^b	-	^b	-	-	-
ES145C	-	-	-	-	-	-
ES220C	^b	-	^b	-	-	-
ES245C	-	-	-	-	-	-

^awith adapter plate S120-S140
^bwith adapter plate 'cage - S120'
^cFiber Sensor includes FC and SMA connectors (LC, SC, and ST optional)
^dFiber Sensor includes FC connector (SMA, LC, SC, and ST optional)

Standard Photodiode Sensor Mounting Options

S120C and S120-SMA Fiber Adapter

S120C and S120-FC Fiber Adapter

Thorlabs Standard Photosdiode Sensors compact design allows easy integration into existing setups. Typical mounting configurations including post, cage, and lens tube options are available. Shown on this page are several different choices for mounting these sensors.

The Standard Photodiode Sensors are compatible with all S120-xx Series fiber adapters. FC/PC and SMA adapters are shown on the right. Adapters for SC, LC, and ST connections are also available.

S120C and Flip Mount

Flip up mounts are convenient for quick power measurments from a static location. The sensor can be placed in the path of the laser beam for the power measurment and flipped down during normal operation of the system.

FM90 Right Angle Flip-Mounts are shown to the right. Thorlabs also offers the TRB1 Articulating Post Mount. The lockable articulating mount offers almost unlimited positioning of the sensor head. The articulating mount is shown on an S13xC Slim Photodiode Sensor below.

S120C and QRC1A Quick-Release Mount

S120C and KB1P Quick-Release Mount

The Standard Photodiode Sensors also feature SM1 threaded connections on the front face. The SM1 theading provides easy mounting to 1" lens tube systems and quick release mounts.

Shown to the right are the KB1P Quick-Release Post Mount and QRC1A Quick-Release 30 mm Cage Mount. Both mounts feature SM1 threaded connections to the sensor heads.

Note: Due to the thickness of the S12xC sensor, the QRC1A and CP90F (shown below) quick release mounts can only be fully removed from the cage system by backing them off an open end. The two mounts are easily removed from the cage system if only three cage mounts are used. See the picture on the right.

S120C and CP90F Quick-Release Mount

Thorlabs also offers the CP90F 30 mm Cage Plates with Quick-Release Mounts. These mounts feature magnetically coupled mounting for easy and repeatable mounting.

Note: Like the QRC1A, the CP90F can not be removed from a closed cage system.

Slim Photodiode Sensor Mounting Options

S130C Sensor in a 30 mm Cage

Thorlabs' Slim Photodiode Sensors are designed to fit into tight optic arrangements such as cages, lens tubs, and optic dense free space arrangements.

Shown to the right is a S130C Sensor inserted into a 30 mm cage system. The application shown highlights the ease for which the sensor can be inserted into the cage, and the minimal space needed to take a power measurment.

The Slim Photodiode Sensors may also be mounted on a TRB1 Articulating Mount. This mount allows repeatable insertion of the sensor into tight optic arrangements. After the measurement is made, the sensor may be rotated out of the beam path for normal operation.

Integrating Sphere Photodiode Sensor Mounting Options

S140C and S140-BFA Fiber Adapter

S140C and S120-FC Fiber Adapter

Thorlabs' Integrating Sphere Photodiode Sensor provides a low loss cavity for diverging, non-uniform, or off-axis beam measurements. These integrating spheres are ideal for all fiber based applications due to the beam divergence at the end of the fiber.

Shown to the right is an S140C Integrating Sphere with S120-FC Fiber Adapter. Also shown is an S140C with a S140-BFA Bare Fiber Adapter. The Bare Fiber adapter features a mounting clamp and light shield to decrease interference from ambient light.

Compact Fiber Photodiode Sensor Mounting Options

PM100D with S150C Sensor

S150C Sensor with FC and SMA connectors

Thorlabs' Compact Fiber Photodiodes are the ideal choice for a portable, fiber coupled power meter. The S15xC sensors are compatible with a wide variety of fiber connections. PM20-xx adapters are available to couple FC, PC, SC, LC, SMA, and ST connectors with the sensors. Shown to the right is a S150C Sensor with FC and SMA connector adapters.

Shown to the far right is a PM100D console with S150C sensor connected to a FC connectorized optical fiber. This setup is ideal for portable in the lab and in the field use.

Software for the PM100x Series

All PM100x Series Consoles are shipped with the latest software versions preloaded onto the console or on the USB memory stick. The latest software, firmware, drivers, and utilities for the PM100x Series Power and Energy Meters are also available here.

Firmware updates are available for the PM100A, PM100D, and PM100USB Consoles. Each of these consoles can be controlled remotely by a PC utilizing the remote control application software. VXIpnp/VISA instrument driver are available for the Thorlabs PM100x Series Power Meter Consoles as well.

Multi Console Option

Up to six PM100x Series Power Meters can also be operated remotely using the PM100x Multi Console Utility. The integration of up to six consoles greatly reduces clutter and allows easier monitoring of multiple light sources.

The free software tool allows the real time monitoring of up to six PM100x Power Meters to be shown in a single plot. Simply connect your PM100A, PM100D, or PM100USB meters to a USB hub and download the software here. Each meter's wavelength correction is set individually to allow for monitoring systems with multiple wavelengths.

PM100A Sensor Connectors

D-type Female

DB9 Female

Pin	Connection
1	+5 V (Drive max 50 mA from this pin)
2	EEPROM Digital I/O
3	Photodiode Ground (Anode), Thermal and Pyro Sensor Ground, Analog Ground
4	Photodiode Cathode
5	Pyro-Electric Sensor +
6	DGND
7	PRESENT (Connect this pin via a 1kΩ - 10kΩ resistor to Pin 3 (AGND))
8	Thermal Sensor +
9	N.C.

Analog Output

SMA Female

0 ... 2 V

Computer Connection

USB Type Mini-B

USB Type Mini B

USB Type Mini-B to Type A Cable Included

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Posted Comments:

Poster: tschalk

Posted Date: 2013-01-11 10:19:00.0

This is a response from Thomas at Thorlabs. Thank you very much for your inquiry. Thorlabs does offer replacement batteries and we will contact you directly with more detailed information.

Poster: philip.starkey

Posted Date: 2013-01-08 11:16:50.533

Hi Thorlabs, The battery in our (now pretty old) PM100A doesn't appear to charge any more. Would you consider selling replacement batteries? (I know they need to be soldered, which we are happy to do) If you won't sell them, could you point us in the direction of buying a 3rd party one? Thanks!

Poster: tcohen

Posted Date: 2012-05-25 09:54:00.0

Response from Tim at Thorlabs: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We will contact you directly to find out more information and diagnose the problem.

Poster: cho

Posted Date: 2012-05-25 05:45:16.0

Dear Sir or Madam We have a problem regarding the Thorlabs PM100A power meter: If we change the measurement range of the Thorlabs power meter the displayed power changes severe (although the optical power stays the same). I am looking forward to your answer. Kind regards

Poster: jvigroux

Posted Date: 2011-10-19 13:00:00.0

a response form Julien at Thorlabs: Dear Robert, thank you for your feedback. the minimum bandwidth setting is 10Hz. when using this bandwidth setting, the data will be averaged over 1000 values coming form the AD converter. I will contact you directly in order to discuss your application and see which approach (software or hardware) would be the best for you.

Poster: robert.carlson

Posted Date: 2011-10-18 14:13:31.0

Regarding the PM100A power meter, is there a user-selectable bandwidth that can be adjusted I have a case where the power fluctuates, and I want as long a time constant as possible is desirable (i.e., minimum bandwidth). What is the minimum BW possible? (Sensor being considered is integrating sphere S144C. The S302C thermopiles have a slow response, as desired, but are not sufficiently sensitive.) Thanks!

Poster: jvigroux

Posted Date: 2011-03-11 10:16:00.0

A response from Julien at Thorlabs: Dear Jeremy, the driver contains a function called PM100D_startDarkAdjust that performs a dark current adjustment. In order to perform this procedure, you of course need to ensure that the sensor is properly darkened. During the procedure, the state can always be asked through the function PM100D_getDarkAdjustState. The value of the offset can, once this procedure is over, be read out with the function PM100D_getDarkOffset. the description of those functions can be found in ethe programmer's reference manual that is installed with the driver. The default installation path is C:\Program Files\IVI Foundation\VISA\WinNT\PM100D_Drv\manual\PM100D_Drv.html

Poster: jeremy.tsiang

Posted Date: 2011-03-10 09:45:27.0

Hi there, I am trying to find a software command to ZERO the PM100A I have. Our building is quite old, and the temperature in the lab is inconsistent at best, so we can have a 5 degree difference between days and way more between seasons. I have read through every command in the driver but cant find one that does what Im looking for. I just want a software command equivalent to selecting the ZERO function. Does this exist? Thanks for your help. Jeremy Tsiang

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Features

Sensor Compatibility Specs

Sensor Options

Sensor Upgrade Service

Sensor Head Compatibility Chart

Fiber Compatibility Chart

Standard Photodiode Sensor Mounting Options

Slim Photodiode Sensor Mounting Options

Integrating Sphere Photodiode Sensor Mounting Options

Compact Fiber Photodiode Sensor Mounting Options

Software for the PM100x Series

Multi Console Option

PM100A Sensor Connectors

D-type Female

Analog Output

SMA Female

Computer Connection

USB Type Mini-B