High Power Laser Calibrations 

at NIST

NIST Measurement Services: 

NIST 

Special 

Publication 

250-77 

Xiaoyu Li 

Joshua Hadler 

Christopher Cromer 

John Lehman 

Marla Dowell 

NIST Special Publication 250-77 

NIST MEASUREMENT SERVICES: 

High Power Laser Calibrations 

at NIST 

 

Xiaoyu Li 

Joshua Hadler 

Christopher Cromer 

John Lehman 

Marla Dowell 

Optoelectronics Division 

Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory 

National Institute of Standards and Technology 

Boulder, CO 80305

September 2008 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary 

National Institute of Standards and Technology 

Patrick D. Gallagher, Deputy Director 

 
Certain commercial entities, equipment, or materials may be identified in this document in order to describe 

an experimental procedure or concept adequately. Such identification is not intended to imply 

recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, nor is it intended to 

imply that the entities, materials, or equipment are necessarily the best available for the purpose. 

National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 250-77 

Natl. Inst. Stand. Technol. Spec. Publ. 250-77, 22 pages (September 2008) 

CODEN: NSPUE2 

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

WASHINGTON: 2000 

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 1

2 Calibration Service Summary ..................................................................................... 1 

3 Theory of Measurement .............................................................................................. 2 

3.1 System Basics and Measurement Principle ........................................................ 2 

3.1.1 NIST Primary Standard for High Power Laser Measurements .................. 3 

3.1.2 Measurement System .................................................................................. 4 

3.2 Measurement Equations ...................................................................................... 4 

3.3 Data Analysis ...................................................................................................... 5 

3.3.1 Power Meters .............................................................................................. 5 

3.3.2 Energy Meter .............................................................................................. 6 

3.3.3 Calorimeter ................................................................................................. 7 

4 Measurement System .................................................................................................. 8 

4.1 Measurement Standards ...................................................................................... 8 

4.2 Laser Sources ...................................................................................................... 8 

4.3 Optical Setup ....................................................................................................... 8 

4.3.1 Attenuator ................................................................................................... 8 

4.3.2 Shutters ....................................................................................................... 8 

4.3.3 Mirrors and Focusing .................................................................................. 8 

4.3.4 Chopper Wheels .......................................................................................... 9 

4.4 Data Acquisition ................................................................................................. 9 

5 Standard Operating Procedures ................................................................................. 10 

5.1 System Startup .................................................................................................. 10 

5.2 Optical Alignment ............................................................................................. 10 

5.2.1 Beam Extent .............................................................................................. 10 

5.2.2 Beam Alignment ....................................................................................... 10 

5.3 Data Acquisition ............................................................................................... 11 

5.3.1 Software Setup .......................................................................................... 11 

5.3.2 Software Operation. .................................................................................. 12 

5.4 Data Analysis .................................................................................................... 12 

6 Uncertainty Evaluation ............................................................................................. 13 

6.1 Measurement Standard Uncertainties ............................................................... 14 

6.1.1 Absorptivity (Type B) ............................................................................... 14 

6.1.2 Electronics (Type B) ................................................................................. 14 

6.1.3 Heater Leads (Type B) .............................................................................. 14 

6.1.4 Inequivalence (Type B) ............................................................................. 14 

6.1.5 Electrical Calibration (Type A) ................................................................ 14 

iii 
iv 

6.2 Measurement System Uncertainties .................................................................. 15 

6.2.1 Optical Shutter (Type A) .......................................................................... 15 

6.2.2 Laser/System Instability (Type B) ............................................................ 16 

6.2.3 Aperture Effects ........................................................................................ 16 

6.2.4 Chopper Wheel Ratio (Type A) ................................................................ 16 

6.2.5 Test Meter Measurement (Type A) ........................................................... 16 

7 Quality Control. ........................................................................................................ 16 

8 Summary ................................................................................................................... 17

9 References ..................................................................................................................18 
High Power Laser Calibrations at NIST 

Xiaoyu Li, Joshua Hadler, Christopher Cromer, John Lehman, and Marla Dowell 

National Institute of Standards and Technology 

Optoelectronics Division 

325 Broadway 

Boulder, Colorado 80305 

This document describes the calibration service for the responsivity of laser power meters 

and detectors used with high power continuous wave lasers at laser wavelengths of 1.06 

and 10.6 μm. An overview of the calibration procedures, measurement system, and 

uncertainty analysis is presented. A sample calibration report is included in this document 

that is similar to that which is provided to the customer. The calibration report contains 

an absolute calibration factor and a summary of the uncertainty assessment for the device 

under test. 

Keywords: laser energy; laser metrology; laser power; optical detector calibration 

1 Introduction 

This calibration service provides absolute responsivity measurements for high power 

continuous wave (CW) laser power meters that are traceable to System Internationale (SI) 

units [1,2] through electrical standards at laser wavelengths of 1.06 and 10.6 μm. [3,4] 

For the purpose of this discussion, we define high power as power levels greater than or 

equal to 2 W. The service identifications (IDs) for calibration services discussed in this 

document are 42110C and 42111C. Low power CW (power ≤ 2 W) calibration services 

are discussed elsewhere. [5] 

2 Calibration Service Summary 

The provision of calibration services (or measurement services in this document) is an 

essential element of the work of the Sources, Detectors, and Displays Group (as part of 

the Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory). In the conduct of this work, as in 

all its efforts, the group is committed to excellence that is characteristic of a global leader 

in measurements and standards. Our goal is to provide measurement services that meet 

the needs of our customers and, through continuous improvement, to anticipate their 

needs, exceed their expectations, and deliver outstanding value to the nation. [6] 

Within the ranges listed in Table 2.1 (see also Table 4 of the NIST Technology Service’s 

General Information on Optical Radiation Measurements for Lasers and Optoelectronic 

Components Used with Lasers [7]), NIST can perform calibrations at the laser power (or 

energy) and wavelength specified by the customer (special arrangements can be made to 

perform calibrations at higher power levels at remote locations by use of a customersupplied source). These ranges are determined by the combined limits of our standards 

and available laser sources. For these measurements, the customer’s meter, or device 

under test (DUT), is sent to NIST, where it is then compared to the appropriate laboratory 

standard by use of a reflective chopper wheel measurement system. The DUT may 

simply be a standalone detector, or it may be an integrated system with an independent 

display. Customers’ meters are measured in the configuration as received by NIST. A 

1 
system consisting of a detector and display combination is calibrated as a unit. That is, 

components of the system are not calibrated independently. Normally, the absolute 

responsivity is characterized but no physical adjustments are made to the customer’s 

meter. At the completion of the calibration measurements, the DUT and a calibration 

report are sent to the customer. The calibration report summarizes the results of the 

measurements and provides a list of the associated measurement uncertainties. The 

laboratory standards used as references for these measurements were designed and built 

at NIST. All of the critical parameters (electrical calibration coefficient, absorptivity, 

etc.) for the laboratory standards have been evaluated at the laser wavelengths and power 

levels for which they are used. 

Wavelength 

(μm) 

Power Range Typical Relative Expanded Uncertainty 

(k=2) (%) 

1.06 2 W to 1 kW 1 

10.6 2 W to 2 kW 1 

Table 2.1: Laser power and energy measurement capabilities. 

More information can be found in the NIST Optoelectronics Division Quality Manual 

(QM-II) for descriptions of NIST, the NIST Optoelectronics Division, and their quality 

systems.[8] 

3 Theory of Measurement 

Chopper Wheel 

NIST Standard 

 Laser 

Shutter 1 Lens 

DUT 

Shutter 2 

Data 

Acquisition 

Monitor 

Detector 

Figure 3.1 High power laser measurement system. The calibration is performed by direct substitution of the 

DUT with the NIST standard. The signal from the Monitor Detector is used to normalize the signals of both 

the DUT and NIST standard. A focusing lens is placed in the designated position to adjust the beam size for 

small area (< 10 mm) detectors at a laser wavelength of 10.6 μm. The lens is omitted for all other 

calibrations. 

3.1 System Basics and Measurement Principle 

The principal calibration method used in this service is the direct substitution method. [9] 

In this method, the response of a DUT is determined by direct substitution with a NIST 

standard (as shown in Figure 3.1). During the substitution measurements, a chopper 

wheel serves as a beam splitter, reflecting a portion of the laser beam onto a monitor 

2 
detector and transmitting a portion of the beam onto either the DUT or NIST standard. 

The signal from the monitor detector is used to normalize the responses of both the DUT 

and NIST standard. Since a rotating chopper wheel is involved, this system is only 

suitable for measuring detector systems having a relatively slow (millisecond or slower) 

temporal response, such as thermal detectors, and using CW lasers or pulsed lasers with 

high pulse repetition frequencies (5 kHz or greater). 

3.1.1 NIST Primary Standard for High Power Laser 

Measurements 

Scale:

10 cm

Absorbing Cavity

Calorimeter Case

Temp Controlled Jacket

Electrical Heater

Temperature Sensor

Reflector

Figure 3.2 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional view of the NIST standard for high power laser 

measurements. The NIST standard is an electrically calibrated laser calorimeter, also referred to as the Kseries laser calorimeter. Optical radiation enters the cavity from the left along the direction of the arrow. 

Historically, NIST calibration services for laser power and energy meters have been 

provided by use of calorimeters that were electrically calibrated and directly traceable to 

SI units through electrical standards. Presently, two identical electrically calibrated 

calorimeters, also known as the K-series laser calorimeters, serve as the NIST primary 

standards for the high power laser measurements. A schematic diagram of the calorimeter 

is shown in Figure 3.2. The calorimeter consists of a thermally isolated absorbing cavity 

surrounded by a temperature-stabilized jacket. The reflector at the back of the cavity 

spreads the optical radiation over the walls of the cavity, where it is absorbed and turned 

into thermal energy. A temperature sensor records the temperature rise of the cavity due 

to the absorbed energy, referenced to the jacket. An electrical heater is used to calibrate 

the thermal response of the calorimeter by injecting a known amount of electrical energy, 

thus establishing traceability to SI units of power and energy for optical radiation 

measurements. [9,10] The current through the heater is determined by measuring the 

voltage across a NIST-calibrated resistor with a NIST-calibrated voltmeter. The data 

analysis for these devices is complicated and is described briefly in section 3.3.3. 

3 
3.1.2 Measurement System 

A schematic diagram of the high power measurement system is shown in Figure 3.1. A 

diamond-turned reflective chopper wheel serves as a beam splitter, directing one beam to 

a NIST standard and the other beam to a monitor detector. In this mode of operation, 

while the absolute value of the chopper wheel ratio is not critical, it is critical that the 

value does not change during the calibration measurements. The monitor detector is a 

commercial thermal detector with good uniformity. The positions of the monitor and 

standard can be swapped. The mechanical properties of the chopper wheel allow 

predictable attenuation control by adjusting the ratio of the open and reflective areas. On 

occasion, the chopper wheel is used as an attenuator to accommodate customer’s meters 

that need to be calibrated at power levels beyond the normal operating range of the NIST 

standards. In this case, the absolute value of the chopper wheel attenuation is critical and 

determined by a series of measurements in the low-level laser power laboratory. The 

uncertainties associated with the two chopper wheel methods are discussed in section 

6.2.4. The dual optical shutters (shutter 1 and shutter 2) allow the operator to 

accommodate different injection time requirements, hence total incident energy, between 

the monitor detector and the standard. 

3.2 Measurement Equations 

For the purposes of discussing the general measurement theory of this service, we assume 

an ideal detector having uniform response as a function of wavelength, position, 

temperature, etc. Specific issues such as uniformity, spectral response, linearity and 

others will be discussed in more detail in the uncertainty section (Section 6) of this 

document. 

For a detector with a measured output X, responsivity ρ, and incident laser power (or 

energy) designated as Φ, we can write 

X = ρ ⋅Φ . 3.1 

X might be a voltage, current, or numerical reading from an analog or digital meter. In 

practice, the calibration factor C is determined by measurements of both the incident laser 

power (and energy) and the response of the detector. If the output is the voltage or current 

measured from the DUT, then C is the responsivity ρ of the detector. Otherwise, if the 

output is the observed reading from a meter, the calibration factor is applied to the meter 

readings to obtain agreement between the DUT and NIST standards. The calibration 

factor C may be expressed as 

Φ = X C . 3.2 

The chopper wheel ratio is used to determine the average absolute power that is incident 

on the DUT. The nominal value of the chopper wheel ratio can be determined by 

simultaneously measuring both the transmitted and reflected beams incident on the 

standard and the monitor detector. The chopper wheel ratio R, more generally known as 

the beam splitter ratio, may be expressed in terms of the total laser energy measured by 

each standard as 

4 
SM

S R

Φ −

Φ = , 3.3 

where ΦS and ΦM-S are the laser power (or energy) as recorded by simultaneous 

measurements of the standard and the monitor detector, respectively. The absolute value 

of the chopper wheel ratio is not critical; the critical issue is that the value does not 

change during the course of the measurement. Once the chopper wheel ratio is 

determined, the calibration factor, CDUT, of the DUT can be determined by substituting 

the DUT for the standard. From Eqs. 3.2 and 3.3 the DUT calibration factor CDUT can be 

expressed as 

⎥

⎦

⎤ ⎢

⎣

⎡

Φ =

−DUTM

DUT

X

R

C 1 3.4 

In Eq. 3.4, the laser power (or energy values) ΦM-DUT are those recorded by simultaneous 

measurements of the monitor detector and DUT. 

3.3 Data Analysis 

In general, measurements of the DUT and standards are performed at discrete temporal 

intervals. Two mechanical shutters define the injection period where laser radiation is 

injected into the standard and DUT. Chopper wheel ratio measurements are performed 

before and after the DUT measurements. In general, the K-series laser calorimeters are 

used as the standard. On occasion, transfer standards are used as the standards. The 

transfer standards can be either power or energy detectors. The chopper wheel ratio is 

independent of the type of standard used. 

Given the nature of the service, measurements are made across a wide range of power 

and energy levels and often with a combination of detector types. For the purpose of this 

discussion, we will look at the three basic analytical methods as they apply to the nature 

of the systems used in this service: power meters, energy meters, and calorimeters. 

3.3.1 Power Meters 

The process for a laser power meter calibration begins by sampling the DUT background 

output for a duration called the first rating period before shutter 2 (see Figure 3.1) is 

open. This is followed by a shutter-open period (both shutter 1 and 2 open), during which 

the laser impinges on the DUT. Laser power meters generally have an output that reaches 

an equilibrium value some time after the shutter is opened, which is called the settling 

period. 

The detector settling period is derived from the thermal and electrical time constants, 

which are determined largely by the detection mechanism and related electronics, 

respectively. [11] In general, the settling period is the difference between the time at 

which optical radiation is incident on the detector and the time at which the detector has 

achieved steady state, and may be evaluated on a case by case basis. We typically define 

the settling period as seven times the dominant (slowest) time constant of the detection 

system. With this definition, the magnitude of the detector output will be at 0.1 % (as 

defined by ) of the theoretical maximum x. In −7 ⋅ ex Figure 3.3, the settling period is 

5 
shown graphically as the duration between the shutter open condition and the starting 

point of the measurement period. 

After the settling period, N readings of the DUT output are acquired and then averaged. 

The shutter is closed for another period equal to the settling period. A second set of 

samples of the background output is acquired from the DUT, which is called the second 

rating period. The signal from the DUT can then be calculated by subtracting the average 

background from both rating periods from the average DUT output during the 

measurement period. If the DUT has an analog or digital display, then visual readings 

may be recorded at equal time intervals by the operator during this process, otherwise 

standard automated data acquisition practices are followed, e.g., GPIB or serial port read 

out. 

The monitor detector monitors the incident laser power during the measurement. The 

DUT signal is normalized to the monitor detector signal. The calibration factor is 

determined by dividing the normalized DUT signal by the beam splitter ratio R. 

Figure 3.3 Example of power meter output as a function of time t. 

3.3.2 Energy Meter 

The sequence of events for measurement of energy meters is fundamentally the same as 

that of power meter measurements, although the data analysis is slightly different. There 

are many types of energy meters that might require calibration. Some may have an output 

that is similar to that in Figure 3.3, but the analysis may be performed differently 

depending on the specifics of the DUT. The baseline is still determined from the rating 

periods before and after the injection period. The average baseline is subtracted first from 

the entire waveform. The waveform is then numerically integrated from the data acquired 

during the period defined by the start of the shutter open to the end of the settling period 

after the shutter is closed. Other types of energy meters may require a measurement of the 

peak output from the DUT as the output to use in the calibration. If the DUT has an 

analog or digital meter, then visual readings may be recorded by the operator during this 

process. 

For energy meter calibrations, the maximum energy threshold of the standard used will 

determine the total energy incident on the DUT during the measurement. 

Injection 

period 

Shutter

open 

Shutter 

closed 

Settling 

period 

Settling 

period 

Rating 

period 

Detector 

output 

Rating 

period 

Measurement 

period 

t 

6 
3.3.3 Calorimeter 

Laser calorimeters are a special type of energy meter described by E.D West and K.L. 

Churney in Theory of Isoperibol Calorimetry for Laser Power and Energy 

Measurements.[12] Calorimeter theory is a mature field and the discussion in West and 

Churney still forms the basis of current calorimeter measurement theory. A typical 

thermocouple output of a laser calorimeter is show in Figure 3.4. The amount of absorbed 

laser energy E can be computed from the calorimeter’s thermocouple output signal V

from the first law of thermodynamics, 

( ) ⎥ , 3.5 

⎤ ⎢⎡

−+−= ∫ ∞

f t

if ε dtVVVVKE

⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ i t

where K is the calorimeter calibration factor and ε is the calorimeter’s dominant thermal 

time constant. [12] The calorimeter calibration factor is determined from electrical 

calibrations as described in Section 3.1.1; ε is determined by fitting the thermocouple 

signal to a single exponential by use of data taken during the first and second rating 

periods. 

The calorimeter’s settling period is the amount of time it takes for the thermocouple 

response to settle down to a single exponential. During the settling period, the 

calorimeter’s thermocouple output is a complicated function of multiple elements, i.e., 

electronics, thermal constants of individual cavity components. In Figure 3.4, the settling 

time is shown graphically as the duration between the shutter closed and the beginning of 

the second rating period. 

Measurements performed with a calorimeter incorporate the rating periods before the 

shutter is opened and after the calorimeter’s settling period. The mathematical treatment 

of the signal from a calorimeter, also known as the corrected rise equation, which is used 

to define the temperature measured in the calorimeter and corrected for the heat exchange 

internal to the calorimeter during the measurement period, is described in detail by West 

and Churney. [12] The analysis of the response of this detector is still that of an energy 

meter, and the measurement method used is similar to that described in 3.3.2. Thermocouple output 

Figure 3.4 Example of calorimeter’s thermocouple output as a function of time. 

t 

Shutter 

open 

Shutter 

closed 

Rating 

period 

Settling 

period 

Rating 

period 

Measurement 

period 

7 
4 Measurement System 

4.1 Measurement Standards 

Energy and power measurements can be acquired by a variety of types of detectors. Such 

detectors might include, but are not limited to, thermopiles (surface and volume 

absorbers), and calorimeters. More than one type of detector or standard may be 

employed as a transfer standard for any given measurement. NIST standards currently in 

use for this service are the K-Series laser calorimeters (see section 3.1.1). Appropriate 

commercial detectors are used as transfer standards as necessary. (See the K-series 

Calibration Service quality manual (K-series QMIII) for information regarding the 

maintenance and operation of transfer standards.) [6] 

4.2 Laser Sources 

The 42110C and 42111C calibration services rely on a suite of commercial laser sources, 

at fixed wavelengths of 1.06 μm (power levels from 2 W to 1 kW) and 10.6 μm (power 

levels from 2 W to 2 kW). 

4.3 Optical Setup 

The basic optical setup is represented in Figure 3.1. 

4.3.1 Attenuator 

An attenuation system is used for control of the laser power delivered to the measurement 

system that will not impart steering effects or otherwise change the overall beam profile. 

The method of attenuation may change, depending on the laser source and the power 

levels desired. These methods may employ neutral density filters, low transmittance 

mirrors, or optical choppers. [13] 

4.3.2 Shutters 

It is necessary to control and quantify the injection time during a measurement. 

Computer-controlled mechanical shutters are used. The data acquisition system controls 

these shutters remotely and records the duration of the shutter openings. Two shutters 

(shutter 1 and shutter 2, see Figure 3.1) allow the operator to define different 

measurement periods for the DUT and NIST standard. 

4.3.3 Mirrors and Focusing 

The high power calibration service employs a suite of lasers operating at 1.06 and 10.6 

μm and a flexible optical layout to accommodate these wavelengths. Multiple mirror sets 

are maintained, allowing for optimum transmission at a particular wavelength. 

Additionally, lenses are used to allow the operator to adjust the beam size to 

accommodate small area (< 10 mm diameter) detectors at 10.6 μm. The lens is aligned so 

the beam is centered and normal to the surface of the lens. Normal incidence may be 

determined by observing the retro-reflection from the lens, and centering the retroreflection on the upstream mirror. 

8 
4.3.4 Chopper Wheels 

A selection of chopper wheels is used to accommodate different power levels. The 

chopper wheel ratio is measured for each calibration set up before and after the DUT 

measurement. The materials selected for use as chopper wheels are chosen from known 

materials with thermally stable properties. Typically, the chopper wheel is used as a beam 

splitter. In this case, the absolute value of the chopper wheel ratio is not critical. It is 

critical that the chopper wheel ratio R does not change during the course of the DUT 

measurements. To ensure that the ratio does not change, the value for the chopper wheel 

ratio is determined by performing measurements both before and after the DUT 

measurements. On occasion, a chopper wheel is used as an attenuator to accommodate 

different power levels for use with the DUT and NIST standard. In this instance, the 

absolute value of the chopper wheel ratio is critical and the chopper wheel ratio is 

calibrated in the low-level laser power laboratory at three different radii along the open 

sector. The uncertainties associated with these two modes of operation are described in 

section 6.2.4. 

4.4 Data Acquisition 

Data acquisition and analysis are automated by means of a desktop computer and 

customized software. A diagram of the data acquisition system is shown in Figure 4.1. 

Remote communication with the instruments in each detector enclosure allows a single 

computer to monitor both instruments (in the transmitted and reflected beam paths) 

simultaneously. 

Computer

GPIB Card

Measurement

Electronics

Laser Shutter

Shutter Control

Measurement

Electronics

Timing Card

Measurement Gate Signal

Figure 4.1 Block diagram of high power data acquisition system. 

The software allows for independent control of injection time, background measurement 

and correction in real-time. The types of detectors (energy, power, or calorimeter) are 

selected by the operator, and other static elements such as wavelength, beam and 

environmental conditions can all be entered into the main program. The measurement, 

rating, and settling periods are also controlled and set by the operator. 

The software collects data for the initial chopper wheel ratio measurement N times (set by 

the operator). The subsequent DUT measurement and the chopper wheel ratio are used to 

calculate the amount of laser power incident on the DUT based on the NIST standard’s 

value for laser power as referenced by the monitor detector. This measurement will also 

run for N cycles, which number is set by the operator. Following the DUT measurement, 

9 
a second set of chopper wheel measurements is taken to assure that there has been no 

significant drift in the chopper wheel ratio. If both measurements are consistent, the final 

value for the chopper wheel ratio is the average of the all chopper wheel ratio 

measurements. 

5 Standard Operating Procedures 

5.1 System Startup 

All electronics and other support systems are powered up at least one hour prior to the 

start of the measurement. All test equipment is allowed to equilibrate with room 

temperature. The laser is selected for the desired wavelength and power, and is energized 

at least one hour before alignment to allow for stabilization of the laser pointing. 

5.2 Optical Alignment 

Adjustable apertures are set to block stray light (scatter and halo), but not to occlude the 

beam incident on the DUT and/or standard(s). The beam is centered on the DUT, the 

monitor detector, and the NIST standard to within 1 mm. A higher degree of alignment 

accuracy is unnecessary as the diameter of the beam extent is generally 75 % or less than 

the active area of the DUT and the typical diameter of a DUT is 25 mm or greater. 

5.2.1 Beam Extent 

The diameter of the extent of the beam must be smaller than the diameters prescribed by 

the active areas of the DUT and NIST standards. The extent of the beam is defined by the 

diameter where 99.9% of the beam power is contained. The extent of the beam is 

determined by placing a centered adjustable aperture in front of a power detector (placed 

at the same relative position as the DUT), with the aperture set to occlude 0.1% of the 

incident beam. The diameter of the aperture at this point establishes the extent of the 

beam. This diameter should generally be less than 75 % of the diameter prescribed by the 

active area of the DUT. 

5.2.2 Beam Alignment 

The alignment process follows these basic steps: 

• Select the proper optics for the measurement. This includes, but may not be 

limited to: mirrors, chopper wheel, lenses, filters and/or attenuators. 

• Ensure beam is centered on the shutter. 

• Direct the beam toward the chopper wheel (see Fig. 3.1). 

A focusing lens is used for calibrations of small area detectors at 10.6 μm when a laser 

beam size of 10 mm or less is desired. The focusing lens is placed in the necessary 

position to establish proper beam size, and aligned so the beam is centered and normal to 

the surface of the lens. Normal incidence may be determined by observing the retroreflection from the lens, and centering the retro-reflection on the upstream mirror. 

• Steer the beam to the center of the alignment target in each measurement 

enclosure. 

10 
Since the beam area is smaller than the active area of the DUT and NIST standards, the 

alignment itself is not critical as long as the laser beam is centered on, and perpendicular 

to, the DUT, the standards, and the monitor detector. Spatial non-uniformities in the DUT 

are not characterized. It is the customer’s responsibility to evaluate the effect of spatial 

non-uniformities on their measurements. When a DUT exhibits gross deficiencies in 

performance, the measurements are suspended and the customer is contacted for further 

instructions. 

5.3 Data Acquisition 

The data acquisition of this measurement service employs computer-controlled remote 

measurement equipment. The software that controls the measurement also analyzes the 

collected data. Data collection is performed in three separate steps: 

• Chopper wheel ratio measurements are performed. Multiple samples are acquired. 

The number of samples may vary depending on injection time and detectors used. 

• DUT measurements are taken. Again, the number of samples may vary depending 

on detectors and injection times. 

• A second set of chopper wheel measurements are taken. This is to ensure that the 

chopper wheel ratio has not changed during the test meter measurement. 

Data are analyzed after each measurement. 

5.3.1 Software Setup 

Before measurements begin, the data acquisition software needs to have all of the 

necessary information entered. 

The first information to be entered is the general information about the overall 

measurement: 

• Measurement wavelength: this allows the system to compensate for any 

wavelength dependencies that may be inherent to a given standard. For 

calorimeters, this can be the optical reflectance of the calorimeter at a given 

wavelength of the standard being used. 

• Laboratory temperature and humidity. 

• Calibration Service specific information: NIST ID number(s) of the DUT and 

NIST folder number. 

• Any other general information, including, but not limited to, DUT name, 

customer, power level measured, and unique optics used (focusing lenses, for 

example). 

• The settling period is usually seven times the time constant of the DUT. The 

settling time or time constant is generally provided by the manufacturer’s 

specifications. Where the settling period is less than that of the standard being 

used, the settling period of the standard takes precedence. 

• Time interval for each data point recorded. 

Next, information specific to the chopper wheel measurements is entered: 

11 
• Monitor detector/Standard used: both detectors (transmitted and reflected) are 

identified and selected in the software interface. 

• Type of detector: Power, Energy, or Calorimeter. 

• Electronics settings that are enabled for remote control: Gain ranges for remote 

voltage and/or current meters are set. In addition, specific channel allocation on 

multiplexed meters are entered. 

• Time constant of detectors used. 

• Standard/Monitor gain. 

• Background, or rating period, time. 

• Injection times for both monitor and standard, which would be shutter 1 and 

shutter 2. 

• Number of measurements. 

Similarly, this information is set for the DUT measurement. Detector-specific 

information for the monitor detector should not be changed from that defined during the 

chopper wheel measurement. Rating period, injection, settling and time intervals are to be 

set according to the needs of the DUT calibration and may differ from the chopper wheel 

measurements. 

5.3.2 Software Operation. 

During software operation, the chopper wheel measurements are started and the number 

of measurements (N), and the cooling time between each measurement is set. Cooling 

time is set when utilizing any type of thermal detector in the measurement process. The 

purpose is to allow the detector output to settle as the detector, either DUT or standard, 

cools down. This value is variable and depends on the amount of energy injected and the 

desired starting value, where applicable. When the chopper wheel ratio measurements are 

completed, the test meter measurements are launched. The number of measurements (N) 

and cooling time are also entered during this operation. Additionally, the option for 

“visual” recording is available if the DUT output is not compatible with the data 

acquisition system. Often, laser power meters will not have a remote measurement output 

(such as remote computer read back or analog output) and measurements will rely on 

visually recording the meter reading from the display of the test meter itself. The 

software allows for entering this information for each measurement in the set of 

measurements for the test meter. 

5.4 Data Analysis 

Most of the pertinent analysis is performed in real-time during the measurement by the 

software. 

• Power and/or energy levels of both transmitted and reflected beams during the 

chopper wheel measurements are calculated. Selection of the detector and 

detector type determines what algorithms the software will use in analysis. 

• From these power/energy measurements, the chopper wheel ratio is determined, 

and standard deviation is calculated. Selection of gain and range in the software 

12 
settings scales the measurement to the instrument’s gain, and yields the true 

power measured. 

• Power and/or energy levels of both transmitted and reflected beams during the 

DUT measurements are calculated. 

• From these power/energy levels, the calibration factor for the DUT is determined, 

and standard deviation is calculated. 

Following the measurement, the uncertainty contributions are determined depending on 

the detector(s) employed in the measurement; the total uncertainty is calculated. 

6 Uncertainty Evaluation 

The uncertainty estimates for the NIST laser power and energy measurements are 

assessed following guidelines given in NIST Technical Note 1297, “Guidelines for 

Evaluating and Expressing the Uncertainty of NIST Measurement Results” by Barry N. 

Taylor and Chris E. Kuyatt. [14] To establish the uncertainty limits, the error sources are 

separated into Type B errors, whose magnitudes are determined by subjective judgment 

or other nonstatistical method, and Type A errors, whose magnitudes are obtained 

statistically from a series of measurements. 

All Type B error components are assumed independent and to have rectangular or 

uniform distributions (that is, each has an equal probability of being within the region, ± 

δi, and zero probability of being outside that region). If the distribution is rectangular, the 

standard deviation, σs, for each Type B error component is equal to δi/31⁄2 and the total 

standard uncertainty is approximated by (Σσs

2

)

 1⁄2, where the summation is performed 

over all Type B error components. 

Type A errors are assumed to be independent and normally distributed; consequently, the 

standard deviation, Sr, for each component is 

1N

N

x( )

x

S = 

2

2

r

−

∑ −∑

, 6.1 

where the x values represent the individual measurements and N is the number of x values 

used for a particular Type A error component. The standard deviation of the mean is 

Sr/N1⁄2, and the total standard uncertainty of the mean is [Σ(Sr

2

/N)] 1⁄2, where the 

summation is carried out for all the Type A error components. 

The expanded uncertainty is determined by combining the Type A and Type B "standard 

uncertainties” in quadrature (the combined uncertainty) and multiplying this result by an 

expansion factor of 2. 

The expanded uncertainty, U, is then 

N

S + 2 = U

2

2 r σ s ∑∑ . 6.2 

The number of decimal places used in reporting the mean value of the calibration factor 

listed in the calibration report is determined by expressing the expanded uncertainty to 

two significant digits. 

13 
6.1 Measurement Standard Uncertainties 

The uncertainties specific to any given reference standard are documented in the K-series 

QMIII specific to the 42110C and 42111C calibration services. [6] However, it is proper 

to discuss the nature of these types of uncertainties, and their contribution to the overall 

uncertainty evaluation for each standard. Not all of the following uncertainty 

contributions will apply to any given standard, and in some cases, only a few will be 

applicable. 

6.1.1 Absorptivity (Type B) 

The absorptivity of thermal-based detectors tends to have a uniform spectral responsivity, 

but the uncertainty in the actual absorptivity value is still essential to account for in the 

error summary for each detector. The uncertainty associated with the absorbtivity of the 

standard calorimeters used in this service is discussed elsewhere by T. Scott. [15] 

6.1.2 Electronics (Type B) 

Where individual standards utilize discrete electronics that are integral to that detector, 

the accuracies of these electronics will also contribute to the uncertainty of the 

measurement. The contributions will vary from detector to detector, depending on the 

electronics, and are accounted for in the individual uncertainties for each detector used. 

6.1.3 Heater Leads (Type B) 

The uncertainty associated with the heater leads is due to the electrical heating that may 

occur due to the finite resistance associated with the leads. The resistance of the leads is 

measured by use of a standard ohm meter. 

6.1.4 Inequivalence (Type B) 

In the case of electrically calibrated standards, the difference in temperature response 

between optically-delivered power and electrically delivered power (during electrical 

calibration of the standard) is described as the inequivalence of the detector. The methods 

used to determine this value for the isoperibol calorimeter are described by E.G. Johnson. 

[16] This uncertainty is currently implemented only for measurements by use of 

electrically calibrated calorimeters. The uncertainty for the inequivalence of the standard 

calorimeters used in this service is covered by T. Scott. [15]

6.1.5 Electrical Calibration (Type A) 

The uncertainty associated with the electrical calibration is determined from a series of 

measurements to characterize the K-series laser calorimeters with a known quantity of 

electrical energy. A known quantity of electrical energy is injected into the calorimeter by 

an electrical heater attached to the calorimeter’s receiver. The amount of electrical energy 

is determined from measurements of the voltage across the heater resistance, the average 

heater current, and the injection time. The heater resistor and a standard resistor are 

connected in series. The nominal resistance of the standard resistor is 1 Ω with an 

expanded uncertainty of 0.0018 %. The average heater current is determined from 

measurements of the voltage drop across a standard resistor and the standard resistor’s 

known resistance. The uncertainty associated with the voltage measurements is 

14 
designated as “Electronics” in Table 6.1. The heater current is chosen such that the 

average power dissipated by the electrical heater is approximately equivalent to the 

average optical power incident on the calorimeter during operation. The sources of 

uncertainty are listed in Table 6.1. 

Source of Uncertainty 

Standard Calorimeter System 

Type B Type A 

σs (%) Sr (%) N 

Inequivalence 0.14 

Electronics 0.06 

Absorptivity 0.34 

Heater Leads 0.20 

Electrical Calibration 0.18 170 

Table 6.1 Example uncertainty budget associated with the electrical calibration of the K-series laser 

calorimeter. 

6.2 Measurement System Uncertainties 

The uncertainties for this measurement system are included in each calibration report. 

The sources of uncertainty are summarized in Table 6.2 and discussed in detail in the 

following subsections. 

Source of Uncertainty 

Measurement System 

Type B Type A 

σs (%) Sr (%) N 

Laser/System Instability 0.29 

Optical Shutter 0.01 6 

Test Meter Measurement 0.15 10 

Beam splitter Ratio 0.05 6 

Table 6.2 Example summary of measurement uncertainties associated with DUT measurements. The 

Chopper wheel ratio is given a more general designation of “Beam splitter Ratio” in the Measurement 

Uncertainty budget. 

6.2.1 Optical Shutter (Type A) 

The evaluation of energy meters and calorimeters requires integration over the entire 

injection time. Precise control of the injection time is accomplished by use of a computercontrolled optical shutter. The injection time is measured at the time of test with a typical 

uncertainty of 0.01 %. 

15 
6.2.2 Laser/System Instability (Type B) 

The variation of laser power during a given measurement can impact the accuracy of the 

measurement. Most lasers will tend to exhibit some form of power instability over the 

relatively shorter durations (100 to 300 sec.) of an individual measurement. The 

uncertainty contribution of laser power stability to the measurement is quantified by the 

difference in the average power over the full injection period and the average power 

measured after the settling time. Because different laser sources will have different drift 

characteristics, modeling of laser power drift was done to determine an upper bound of 

0.50 % contribution, resulting in a standard measurement uncertainty of 0.29 %. 

6.2.3 Aperture Effects 

The aperture effect is a function of the beam size and the properties of the detectors being 

compared, such as the detector area, aperture area, field of view, and spatial uniformity. 

More generally, it is described as an uncertainty contribution due to differing fields of 

view between detectors used in the measurement. If the detectors being compared have 

active areas of different size, in principle the detectors being compared do not see the 

same amount of optical power. The methods used to characterize this effect are described 

in NIST Special Publication SP250-62. [17] However, the contribution to the overall 

uncertainty budget is negligible for this measurement service. 

6.2.4 Chopper Wheel Ratio (Type A) 

When the chopper wheel is used as a beam splitter, its uncertainty directly affects the 

overall uncertainty. The uncertainty is determined from the standard deviation of the 

chopper wheel ratio measurements by use of the monitor detector and NIST standard (see 

section 3). These measurements are performed both before and after the DUT 

measurements. When the chopper wheel is used as an attenuator, the absolute value for 

its attenuation is determined by a series of attenuation measurements at three different 

radii along the open sector of the chopper wheel. This attenuation calibration is 

performed in the low-level laser power laboratory. The typical standard deviation for the 

chopper wheel ratio in both of these modes of operation is 0.05 % or less. 

6.2.5 Test Meter Measurement (Type A) 

The accuracy of the direct substitution measurement is quantified by the standard 

deviation of the transfer-standard calibration factors (see Eq. 3.4). 

7 Quality Control. 

The Optoelectronic Division measurement services make use of quality assurance 

practices to ensure the validity of measurement results and their uncertainties. Such 

practices include 

• Repeated measurements/calibrations compared over many time intervals 

• Comparison of previous results obtained by use of multiple reference standards if 

available. 

• Routine, periodic internal comparisons of NIST standards that are used in 

calibrating the DUT. 

16 
In the Optoelectronics Division, all calibration, MAP, and remote measurement services 

maintain check standards and control charts for periodic test of the measurement service. 

The procedure for selecting, storing, maintaining, and measuring check standards, control 

charts, and other practices are described in the K-series QM-III. [6] 

When available, historic data from previous measurements of a detector shall be placed 

into the test folder by the Measurement Services Coordinator after the preparation of the 

calibration report. The Calibration Leader and the Group Leader shall review these data 

before signing the calibration reports. If a significant variance from previous results is 

observed, the Group Leader may require another measurement of the check standard and 

calibration item as a test of measurement system conformance. 

8 Summary 

The calibration service provides responsivity measurements of laser power and energy 

meters by direct substitution with the K-series laser calorimeters at laser wavelengths of 

1.06 and 10.6 μm and laser power levels of 2 W and above. These responsivity 

measurements are traceable to SI units through electrical substitution measurements of 

the calorimeters. In this document we have summarized the basic measurement equation, 

the measurement procedure, and described the quantities that contribute to the relative 

standard uncertainty. 

17 
18 

9 References 

[1] Barry N. Taylor, The International System of Units (SI), NIST Special Publication 

330, 2001 Edition. 

[2] Barry N. Taylor, Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI), NIST 

Special Publication 811, 1995 Edition. 

[3] D. E. West and L. B. Schmidt, A System for Calibrating Laser Power Meter for the 

Range 5-1000 W, NBS Technical Note 685 (1977). 

[4] X. Li, T. R. Scott, C. L. Cromer, D. Keenan, F. Brandt, and K. Möstl, Power 

measurement standards for high-power lasers: comparison between the NIST and 

the PTB, Metrologia 37, 445-447 (2000). 

[5] Joshua Hadler, Chris Cromer, and John Lehman, NIST Measurement Services: CW 

Laser Power and Energy Calibrations at NIST. Accepted by MCOM (2005); in 

press. 

[6] X. Li, K-series (42110C/42111C) Calibration Services Quality Manual III (2007). 

[7] Laser Power and Energy Meter (or Detectors Used with Lasers) Calibrations 

(42110C-42111C) 

http://ts.nist.gov/MeasurementServices/Calibrations/laseroptoelectronic.cfm#42110

[Accessed June 12, 2007]. 

[8] NIST Optoelectronics Division, http://www.boulder.nist.gov/div815 [Accessed 

June 12, 2007]. 

[9] E. D. West and L. B. Schmidt, A System for Calibration Laser Power Meters for the 

Range 5-1000W, NBS Tech Note 685 (1977). 

[10] E. D. West, W.E. Case, A.L. Rasmussen, L.B. Schmidt; A Reference Calorimeter 

for Laser Energy Measurements. Journal of Research of the National Bureau of 

Standards – A. Physics and Chemistry 76A No. 1, January-February 1972. 

[11] See for example, E.L. Dereniak, D.G. Crowe, Optical Radiation Detectors, (John 

Wiley & Sons, New York, 1984), p. 136. 

[12] E.D West and K.L. Churney in Theory of Isoperibol Calorimetry for Laser Power 

and Energy Measurements (Journal of Applied Physics – Vol. 41 No. 6, May 1970). 

[13] X. Li, T. Scott, S. Yang, C. Cromer, and M. Dowell, Nonlinearity Measurements of 

High-Power Laser Detectors at NIST. J. Res. Natl. Inst. Stand. Technol. 109, 429-

434 (2004). 

[14] Barry N. Taylor and Chris E. Kuyatt; Guidelines for Evaluating and Expressing the 

Uncertainty of NIST Measurement Results. NIST Technical Note 1297: p.8 1994 

Edition. 

[15] Thomas R. Scott, NBS Laser power and energy measurements. SPIE Proceedings 

Vol 888 Laser Beam Radiometry (1988). 
19 

[16] Eric G. Johnson Jr., Evaluating the inequivalence and a computational 

simplification for the NBS laser energy standards. Applied Optics, Vol 16, page 

2315, August 1977. 

[17] David Livigni, High Accuracy Laser Power and Energy Meter Calibration Service. 

NIST Special Publication 250-62, Aug 2004. 
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