NATL INST OF STAND & TECH

NIST Measurement Services:

High Power Laser Calibrations nist

at NIST l^tr^\- Publication

250-77

Xiaoyu Li

Joshua Hadler

Cliristopher Cromer

John Lehman

Maria Dowell

•^57

National Institute of Standards and Technology • U.S. Department of Commerce

NIST Special Publication 250-77

NIST MEASUREMENT SERVICES:

High Power Laser Calibrations

at NIST

Xiaoyu Li

Joshua Hadler

Christopher Cromer

John Lehman

Maria Doweii

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 1

0

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
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

r

iv
High Power Laser Calibrations at NIST

Xiaoyu Li, Joshua Hadler, Christopher Cromer, John Lehman, and Maria 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 ^im. 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 |im. [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 421 IOC and 421 1 IC. 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 Power Range Typical Relative Expanded Uncertainty

(|im) (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

DUT

Chopper Wheel

Shutter 1 Lens ^ y\ Shutter 2

Figure 3.1 High power laser measurement system. The calibration is performed by direct substitution ofthe DUT with the NIST standard. The signalfrom the Monitor Detector is used to normalize the signals ofboth

the DUT and NIST standard. Afocusing lens is placed in the designatedposition to adjust the beam sizefor

small area (< 10 mm) detectors at a laser wavelength of 10.6 /urn. The lens is omitted for alTother

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

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 cavityfrom the left along the direction ofthe 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 thennally 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 p, and incident laser power (or

energy) designated as O, we can write

X = p(£> 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 p 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 C = -. 3.2

O

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
R

CD 3.3

MS

where 0s and 0m-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

c =1 ^DUT nK

X

M~DUT

3.4

In Eq. 3.4, the laser power (or energy values) 0m-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 x-e^) of the theoretical maximum x. In 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.

o -S3

a.o

Injection

period

. Shitter

oifen

/ Settling i. i/ period

Rating ^ period

Shutter cldsed

Measurement

period

Rating

period

Figure 3.3 Example ofpower meter output as afunction oftime 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.

6
3.3.3 Calorimeter

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

Chumey in Theory of Isoperibol Calorimetry for Laser Power and Energy

Measurements. {\2] Calorimeter theory is a mature field and the discussion in West and

Chumey 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,

where K is the calorimeter calibration factor and € 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; £• 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 fimction 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 Chumey. [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.

3.5

3

p.O

Measurement

Shutter open

Shiitter closed

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

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 Hmited 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 421 IOC and 421 UC calibration services rely on a suite of commercial laser sources,

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

l^m 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 |j,m. 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 retro- reflection 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.

GPIB Card

Computer

Measurement

Electronics

Measurement

Electronics

[Measurement Gate Signal

Timing Card

Shutter Control

Laser Shutter

Figure 4. 1 Block diagram ofhigh 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 Ntimes (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 |Lim 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 retro- reflection 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 (A^, 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.

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 hmits, 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, ±

6i, and zero probability of being outside that region). If the distribution is rectangular, the

standard deviation, as, for each Type B error component is equal to Sj/S"^ and the total standard uncertainty is approximated by (Sag ) 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

where the x values represent the individual measurements and Nis the number ofx values

used for a particular Type A error component. The standard deviation of the mean is Sr/N^', and the total standard uncertainty of the mean is [i:(Sr^/N)] 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

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.

6 Uncertainty Evaluation

Zx2 (Zx)'

6.1

6.2

13
6. 1 Measurement Standard Uncertainties

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

QMIII specific to the 421 IOC and 421 1 IC caHbration 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 IHeater 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 Q 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

as(%) S,(%) 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

as(%) Sr(%) N

Laser/System Instability

Optical Shutter

Test Meter Measurement

Beam splitter Ratio

0.29

0.01 6

0.15 10

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 Cliopper 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 IVIeter 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 )Lim 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
9 References

[I] 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 81 1, 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. Mostl, 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 (421 lOC/421 1 IC) Calibration Services Quahty 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#421 10

[Accessed June 12, 2007].

[8] NIST Optoelectronics Division, http://www.boulder.nist.gov/div8 1

5

[Accessed

June 12,2007].

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

Range 5-lOOOW, 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.

[II] 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. Chumey 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).

18
[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 PubHcation 250-62, Aug 2004.

19

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