OPHIR ORION User Manual

ORION

LASER POWER METER

USER MANUAL

OPHIR OPTRONICS

www.ophiropt.com/photonics

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction: How to Use This Manual ................... 2

Chapter 2 Quick Reference ...........................................................3

2.1 Getting Started............................................................................3

2.2 Orion TH - Thermal Heads .......................................................5

2.3 Photodiode Heads .....................................................................6

2.4 Pyroelectric and Photodiode Energy Heads.......................9

Chapter 3 The Orion Display Unit ............................................... 13

3.1 General Description ............................................................... 13

3.2 Smart Connectors and Multihead Operation................... 13

3.3 Soft Keys and Rightmost Button ......................................... 14

3.4 Power Up and Shut Down .................................................... 16

3.5 Orion Functions which are independent of Head........... 16

3.6 Backlight.................................................................................... 18

3.7 Kickstand................................................................................... 18

3.8 Charging .................................................................................... 18

3.9 Chart Recording....................................................................... 19

Chapter 4 Orion TH Operation with Thermopile Heads................ 20

4.1 Thermopile Absorber Heads................................................ 20

4.2 Selecting Settings from the Orion TH Screen.................. 21

4.3 Power Measurement............................................................. 22

4.4 BC20 Heads for Scanned Beams........................................ 24

Chapter 5 Orion PD Operation with Photodiode Heads.............. 27

5.1 Photodiode Heads .................................................................. 27

5.2 Setting up PD300 to display user chosen wavelengths.. 28

5.3 Selecting Settings from the Orion PD Screen ................. 29

5.4 Special Photodiode Heads ................................................... 34

Chapter 6 Using the Orion PE with Energy Heads........ 35

6.1 Pyroelectric and Photodiode Energy Heads .................. 35

6.2 Selecting Settings and Saving Defaults............................ 36

6.3 Energy Measurement ............................................................ 41

6.4 Measuring Repeating Pulses of High Energy.................. 43

6.5 Energy Log ................................................................................ 44

Chapter 7 Circuit Description...................................................... 46

Chapter 8 Calibration, Maintenance and Troubleshooting... 48

8.1 Calibration of Thermopile Heads......................................... 48

8.2 Calibration of Photodiode type Heads............................... 53

8.3 Calibration of Pyroelectric and Photodiode Heads.......... 55

8.4 Error Messages....................................................................... 58

8.5 Troubleshooting....................................................................... 58

Chapter 9 Orion Specifications................................................... 60

9.1 System/Display Specifications............................................ 60

9.2 Head Specifications ............................................................... 61

Chapter 1 Introduction: How to Use

This Manual

The Ophir Orion is a microprocessor-based Laser Power/Energy Meter for measuring laser power or energy with Ophir measuring heads. It uses smart connector technology where just connecting the head configures and calibrates the instrument.

This manual tells you what you need to know to make full use of the Orion for all your laser measurement needs. It includes a "Quick Reference", (Chapter 2) to allow you to perform basic measurements immediately, without reading the whole manual.

The main measurement sections, Chapters 3 through 6 include a general description and a section detailing operating options.

Chapter 2 Quick Reference

2.1 Getting Started

The Orion is equipped with "soft keys." That is, the functions of the keys change as indicated by the legend above each key. (See Figure 2). When the Orion is first switched on, the first screen usually has a digital display with a bargraph at the bottom. In order to access the soft keys, press the rightmost button, located on the right of the panel. Pressing the button again will access more functions. Pressing it yet again will bring you back in a cyclical manner to the original bargraph screen.

To connect head to the Orion Display

Insert the D type connector of the measuring head cable

into the socket marked "Head Input" on the rear panel of the Orion display. (See Figure 1)

Figure 1

Orion Rear Panel View

To switch the Orion on:

1. Push up the slide switch on the left side of the Orion display. (See Figure 2).

Figure 2.

Orion Top View

The unit will switch on, and the display will appear. Note that the head must be plugged in before the unit is switched on.

To switch the Orion off:

1. Return the slide switch to its original position.

2. If you wish to save the current Orion configuration, use the "config" function before switching off. Refer to the main body of the manual for details.

To set the line frequency:

1. Disconnect the head and switch off then on again. "No Head Connected" will appear.

2. Press "select" until "line freq" is highlighted.

3. Press "go" then change to correct frequency.

4. Press "exit" and change will be saved.

To zero instrument

1. Disconnect the head, turn off then on again. "No Head Connected" will be displayed.

2. Press "select" until "zero" is highlighted.

3. Press "go".

4. Make sure instrument is not in an electrically noisy environment and is undisturbed. Press "go" and wait for message, "zeroing completed". Press "exit".

5. For thermal heads, zeroing with the head may also be necessary. See section 3.5.2.

2.2 Orion TH - Thermal Heads

2.2.1 Use of the Orion TH with thermal type

heads

To set to the type of laser being used:

1. While the Orion TH is off, plug in the head then switch it on again.

2. From bargraph measurement screen, press the leftmost button and press "config".

3. Press “value” to choose the desired laser wavelength then press “exit”.

4. Press “yes” or “no” depending if you want the wavelength chosen to be the startup default or not.

2.2.2 To choose manual or automatic

ranging in power measurement:

1. From the bargraph measurement screen, press the leftmost button and press "config".

2. Press “select” then “value” to choose the desired power range then press “exit”.

3. Press “yes” or “no” depending if you want the wavelength chosen to be the startup default or not.

2.2.3 Power Measurement

Warning:

Do not exceed maximum head limits for power, energy, power density and energy density as listed in tables 6 and 7 in section 9.2. Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the absorber.

To subtract background and set current reading to zero:

1. From the bargraph power measurement screen press the rightmost button then press "offset". Press the “next” twice to return to the bargraph screen.

2. Press "offset" again to cancel. See Section 4.4.2.1. for full details.

To use the Orion TH to fine tune Laser power:

1. From the bargraph power measurement screen press the rightmost button twice then press "tune".

2. Set the percentage range of the power scale to be displayed by repeatedly pressing the left key.

3. Set the horizontal sweep time using the middle soft key See Section 4.4.2.2. for full details.

2.3 Photodiode Heads

2.3.1 Use of the Orion PD with photodiode

type heads

To set type of laser being used:

1. From the bargraph power measurement screen, press the rightmost button once and press "config".

2. Press “value” and “select” to choose the laser wavelength. Press “exit”. If you want the choice to be saved permanently as the startup default, press “yes”, otherwise press “no”.

2.3.2 To choose manual or automatic

ranging or dBm

1. From the bargraph measurement screen, press the rightmost button then press “config”.

2. Select RANGE: and with “value” choose the appropriate manual range, autorange or dBm (logarithmic scale).

3. Press "exit" and then press “yes” if you want the choice to be the startup default or “no” if not.

2.3.3 Selecting Chosen Wavelengths

1. From the power measurement mode with the bargraph display, press the rightmost button twice and then press “wvlnth”

2. Press "select" until the wavelength you wish to change is highlighted. Press "change".

3. Press "up" and "down" to change the wavelength. Press "done". Repeat step 2 for other wavelengths desired. When finished press exit and the new values will be saved.

2.3.4 Choosing Wavelength Used

1. From the bargraph measurement screen, press the rightmost button twice and press "wvlnth". Press “select” until the correct laser type or wavelength is displayed.

2. Press “exit” to return to the bargraph screen. (If the wavelength you want is not among the 6 choices see section 2.3.3).

2.3.5 Choosing Measurement Range and

Filter Setting

1. From the bargraph measurement screen, press the rightmost button once and press “config”.

2. Press "select" and then choose the appropriate manual power range, autorange or dBm by pressing the "up" or "down" buttons.

3. Press “select” again and choose the desired setting, filter IN or OUT.

4 Press "exit" and then press the “yes” if you want the

choice to be the default startup. Press “no” if you only want the choice until the instrument is turned off.

2.3.6 Power Measurement

Warning:

Do not exceed maximum head limits for power, energy, power density and energy density as listed in tables 6 and 7 section 9.2 Head Specifications. Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the absorber.

To offset current reading and set to zero:

1. From the bargraph power measurement screen press the rightmost button, press "offset" then press “next” twice to return to the bargraph screen.

2. Press "offset" again to cancel. See Section 4.4.2.1 for more details.

To use the Orion PD to fine tune laser power:

1. From the bargraph power measurement screen press the rightmost button twice then press "tune".

2. To set the power expansion scale to ±50% ,±120% or ±20% as desired, press the left hand soft key several times. The default value is ±50%. If the laser power will change a lot, use a large value; if a little, use a small value.

3. Set the horizontal sweep time to the rate desired, using the middle soft key. The default value is 1 minute.

4. Press “tune” to return to the measurement screen. Measure the power of the laser and adjust the laser until you determine that the power has reached a maximum.

2.4 Pyroelectric and Photodiode Energy Heads

2.4.1 Selecting Chosen Wavelengths

(not applicable to BB heads)

1. From the bargraph display, press the rightmost button twice, press “more” then press “wavelength” then “go”.

2. Press "select", "change" then "up" and "down" to change the first wavelength desired. Press "done". Repeat for other wavelengths desired up to 6. Now press exit. The change will be saved. For details see section 6.2.1

2.4.2 To set type of laser being used:

1. From bargraph measurement screen, press the rightmost button and press "config". Press “value” until the correct laser type or wavelength is displayed and press “exit”.

2. If you want the value saved as the startup default, press “yes”. Otherwise press “no”.

2.4.3 To set Laser Pulse Width and Average

1. From the bargraph measurement screen,

press the rightmost button twice and press "setup".

2. Now press "value" to select proper

setting for your laser pulse width. If your laser pulses are longer than the short pulse setting, then the long pulse setting should be selected and if shorter, then the short pulse setting should be selected.

3. Now press "select" until "average over" is

highlighted. Now press "value" until the time period you wish to average over is displayed. If you do not want to average, but collect individual pulses then select "none".

4. Press "exit". If you wish to save the new

settings, then after the above changes, from the bargraph screen press the

rightmost button, press “config”, press “exit” and “yes”.

Warning:

Incorrect readings will result if pulse width is not set up correctly.

Note:

Some heads have only one time setting for all pulse widths. In that case “N.A.” appears.

2.4.4 Setting Configuration

1. After you have set up the pulse width and average settings (see section 2.4.3.) from the bargraph measurement screen press the rightmost button and press “config”.

2. Press "select" until the laser wavelength is highlighted. Now press value to select the laser wavelength you want to be the default. The Orion PE will now be correctly calibrated for the absorption of the detector at the wavelength of the laser type selected.

3. Press "select" and "value" to choose the default energy range. Now press “select” and value again to see if you want to be in the display or scope mode.

4. Now press exit when all selections have been made. Now press "yes" if you want to save all current settings (including those selected previously in the setup screen), or "no" if you want to save the settings only until the instrument is turned off.

2.4.5 Setting up PE-DIF diffuser heads to

diffuser IN or OUT setting

1. Press the rightmost button twice and press “setup”.

2. Press “select” until the diffuser setting is highlighted and select “IN” or “OUT” as desired. With “select” and “value” choose the correct pulse width setting.

3. Press “exit” and press the rightmost button then “config”. Choose the correct wavelength setting. Note that only wavelengths compatible with the diffuser setting are visible.

4. If you wish to save these settings as the defaults, from the main display, press the rightmost button then press “config”. Press “exit” and “yes” to save all present settings including diffuser IN or OUT and pulse width setting.

2.4.6 Energy Measurement

Warning:

Do not exceed maximum head limits for power, energy, power density and energy density as listed in tables 6 and 7 section 9.2 Head Specifications. Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the absorber.

With the pyroelectric head, you have been supplied a test slide with the same coating as on your pyroelectric detector. You can also obtain this slide from your dealer. You should use this slide to test the damage threshold with your laser pulses. If the slide is damaged, then either enlarge your beam or lower the laser energy until damage is no longer seen.

To use the Orion PE to measure Laser Energy

Press the rightmost button once then press "config" then “select” until RANGE is highlighted. Press “value” to choose the correct energy range, then press exit. If you wish to save this value as the default, press “yes”, otherwise “no”.

Note:

The correct energy scale is the lowest one which is higher than the maximum energy measured. If the energy measured is lower than 10% of full scale, choose the next lower scale. Otherwise the readings will not be accurate.

Chapter 3 The Orion Display Unit

3.1 General Description

The model Orion laser power/energy meter represents a new level of sophistication, sensitivity, compactness and accuracy, coupled with ease of operation. It can operate with all Ophir thermal heads. It has smart connector technology. Simply plugging in the head configures and calibrates the Orion to operate with that head. The Orion displays power or energy measurements in both digital and analog form at the same time. It will also autorange, so you do not have to set scales; or it can manual range if you wish. It will remember what mode you were using before you turned it off and will return to that mode when turned on. You can subtract background. You can also zero the Orion at the touch of a button.

The main instructions are clearly shown on the screen so you should not have to refer to this manual very often. Above all, the Orion has advanced circuitry and digital signal processing for excellent sensitivity, signal to noise ratio, accuracy, and response time. It also has special circuitry to reject electromagnetic interference.

3.2 Smart Connectors and Multihead Operation

The Orion display is very compact and can operate with either any Ophir laser measuring head compatible with the Orion model you have chosen. The Orion TH is compatible with all Ophir thermal heads, the Orion PD is compatible with all Ophir photodiode heads and the Orion PE is compatible with all Ophir pyroelectric heads. If you need to work with several heads of different types, you should choose the Ophir Nova display which is compatible with all types. The head configuration and calibration information is stored in an EEROM in the head connector plug. This means that when the head is plugged in, the Orion automatically identifies the head type, calibration and configuration. The user does not have to adjust anything.

Note:

The Orion automatically loads the head information when first turned on, so when changing heads, the display should be turned off, the new head plugged in and then be turned on again.

When no head is plugged in and the Orion is turned on, the display indicates "No Head Connected" and gives the user the opportunity to change the power line frequency or rezero the instrument. See section 3.5.

3.3 Soft Keys and Rightmost Button

3.3.1 Rightmost Button

The Orion is equipped with "soft keys". That is, the functions of the keys change as indicated by the legend above each key. (See Figure 4). When the Orion is first switched on, the first screen usually has a digital display with a bargraph along the bottom. In order to access the soft keys, press the rightmost button, located on the right of the panel. Pressing the rightmost button again will access more functions. Pressing it yet again will bring it back in a cyclical manner to the original bargraph screen.

Note:

The first set of menu choices can be accessed without pressing the right hand key. Simply pressing the appropriate key from the bargraph screen will operate that key even though the label is not visible. So if you remember the position of the key you can take a shortcut. If the soft key is an alternating "toggle" type, the label will be visible while the key is being pressed.

3.3.2 Soft Keys

The soft keys accessed by the rightmost button have functions defined by the legend above the key. The legend usually indicates what will happen when pressing the key. For example, if "config" appears above a key, pressing that key will change the Orion into the configuration mode.

Some functions operate when the key is pressed and are canceled when the key is pressed again. The keys show reverse highlighting when operational. Pressing the same key again cancels the operation and the highlighting.

Figure 3

Orion Rear Panel View

Figure 4.

Orion Top View

3.4 Power Up and Shut Down

To turn the Orion on:

1. Push up the slide switch on the left side of the Orion display. (See Figure 4)

2. The unit will switch on, and the display will appear. If no head is connected, a display showing "No Head Connected" will appear. If a head is connected, the appropriate default measurement screen will appear.

To switch the Orion off:

1. Return the Switch to its original position.

2. If you wish to save the current Orion configuration, use the "config" function before switching off. For measurements of the same type, the Orion does not need to be set up each time. See section 4.2

3.5 Orion Functions which are independent of Head

Type

When no head is connected to the Orion and it is turned on, the message "No Head Connected" appears. In this mode, the user can adjust either the power line frequency so the instrument can be adjusted for minimum interference at the power line frequency, or the user can zero the instrument to eliminate any offsets.

3.5.1 Line Frequency

The Orion is factory set for 50 Hz. If your country uses 60 Hz you must reset the line frequency.

To reset the line frequency:

1. Turn on the Orion while the head is disconnected.

2. Press "select" until "line frequency" is highlighted.

3. Press "go" then change to select the correct line frequency.

4. Press "exit" to save the new value and exit.

3.5.2 Zero Adjustments

In the Orion, all adjustments, including zeroing internal circuits, are done from the software. This ensures simple and accurate realignment. It is recommended to rezero the Orion every 2 months for best performance. The simple zeroing procedure follows.

1. If a head is connected, disconnect the head, turn off the instrument then back on again so the Orion can identify that no head is connected. "No Head Connected" will be displayed.

2. Turn on the Orion, and let it run for at least 30 seconds before performing zero adjustment.

3. Press "go".

4. Make sure the instrument is not in an electrically noisy environment and is undisturbed. Press "go" and wait for message, "zeroing completed". Now press "exit" and "saved" will be exhibited, indicating that the zero configuration has been saved.

Note:

For best results using the Orion TH with thermal heads, it may be necessary to do the procedure once with the head disconnected then afterwards again with the head connected.

After completing steps 1 - 4 above, Connect the head and make sure it is at room temperature and well shielded from any stray thermal power. It may be best advised to lay the head with the absorber face down on the table.

5. Switch the instrument off then on again with the head connected.

6. Press the rightmost button twice then "zero".

7. Now press “go”. Zeroing completed will appear when the zeroing is finished. Press “exit”.

3.5.3 Baud Rate

If your Orion is equipped with the RS232 feature, the baud rate can be set by selecting “baud rate”, pressing “go”, and selecting the appropriate rate. For most purposes, the default of 9600 Baud will suffice.

3.6 Backlight

The backlight illuminates the display from the rear and is operated by a push button on the back panel (See Figure 3). Since the backlight consumes considerable power, it is operable only when the charger is plugged in. The electroluminescent backlight does have a finite lifetime of about 10,000 hours. Therefore, it is recommended only to use it when necessary. To turn on the backlight, push the push button while the charger is connected. To turn off the backlight, push the button again.

3.7 Kickstand

The Orion is equipped with a kickstand on the underside of the case so the display can be tilted for easy viewing. The kickstand folds away in a recessed slot when not in use. When the Orion is folded flat, it is only 203 x 95 x 35 mm, the most compact unit of this type on the market.

3.8 Charging

The Orion is operated by a rechargeable battery. To charge the battery, plug the charger into the jack labeled “12VDC” on the back panel, (Figure 3). Note the polarity of the charger. The Orion will charge the batteries at about the same rate whether it is on or off and whether the backlight is on or off – it fully charges in about 14 hours. However, it will charge more slowly while operating a pyroelectric type head. It is not recommended to leave the charger plugged in for much longer than 14 hours, in order to preserve the battery lifetime. The unit will operate about 18 hours from one battery charge. When the battery is low, "BAT" flashes on and off indicating that the battery needs recharging. However, even with “BAT” displayed, the unit will operate properly for about one hour before its accuracy will be impaired.

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