Photodiode Sensors convert incident laser photons into charge carriers (electron and holes), which are afterwards measured as voltage or current. Their behaviour of having low noise and high sensitivity enables Photodiodes to detect very low light levels and makes them ideal for low power measurements of CW lasers. Compared to thermal sensors, Photodiodes have a much more confined spectral range and lower spatial uniformity, which can affect the measurement repeatability of very small beams or of beams that are not stable on the detector surface. Photodiode sensors have a saturation limit at, approximately, 1mW/cm2: to operate at higher powers attenuating filters must then be used.

Main Features Laser Point’s series of Photodiode Sensors for laser power measurement was designed to cover a range of powers up to 500mW and a wavelength range that extends to the near IR. These sensors are offered in a slim case that provides enhanced shielding against EM interference and can be supplied with a set of fiber adapters to connect them to standard optical fiber patch cords. In general, Photodiode Sensors are the best choice when very low power measurement and when a fast response time is required. Each of Laser Point’s sensor is individually calibrated against a NIST and PTB standard and is shipped with a Calibration Certificate. Calibration and identification data are stored in the IIS (Intelligent Identification System) sensor’s connector to be automatically downloaded to the power monitor. To ensure constantly accurate measurements, we recommend to recalibrate the sensors every year: Laser Point offers an accurate recalibration service also for Photodiode power sensors. Please contact Laser Point support team or its distributors for recalibration information and pricing. Refer to the “Calibrations at Laser Point” section for a faster turnaround sensor calibration. Laser Point’s Photodiode Sensors are compatible with all Laser Point’s power meters and can also be supplied in the Meterless configuration. The sensors have M4 or 8-32 mounting holes for mounting to 12 mm posts. Posts and holders are included.