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Problem
The NIST Optical Meter eliminates the issue of depending on most of the optical power being absorbed by the sensor, allowing the technology to obtain high-accuracy power monitoring during laser use.
Invention
With this technology, high-power laser beams from 1-kilowatt (kW) up to 140 kW (and beyond) can be measured accurately using optical radiation pressure. By shining a laser beam on a reflective surface and then measuring how much the surface moves in response to the light’s pressure, researchers can measure the laser’s force (and therefore, its power) and use the light that bounces off the surface directly for manufacturing work. Through proper selection of materials, polishing, and coatings, the reflective surface can be tuned for the amount of reflection and wavelengths being measured.
Potential Commercial Applications
- The optical power is determined in real time while the radiation reflected from the optical meter is available for use.
- This technology can be used directly for applications like cutting and welding.
Competitive Advantage
- Fast characterization of optical power
- Optical power determined in real time
- Does not rely on the absorption of radiation
- Low cost