Measuring laser power as a force: A new paradigm to accurately monitor optical power during laser-based machining operations

Published

February 14, 2016

Author(s)

Paul A. Williams, Brian J. Simonds, Jeffrey W. Sowards, Joshua A. Hadler

Abstract

In laser manufacturing operations, accurate measurement of laser power is important for product quality, operational repeatability, and process validation. Accurate real-time measurement of high-power lasers, however, is difficult. Typical thermal power meters must absorb all the laser power in order to measure it. This forces power meters to be large, slow and exclusive (that is, the laser cannot be used for its intended purpose during the measurement). To address these limitations, we have developed a different paradigm in laser power measurement where the power is not measured according to its thermal equivalent but rather by measuring its momentum (radiation pressure). Very simply, light reflecting from a mirror imparts a small force perpendicular to the mirror which is proportional to the optical power. By mounting a high- reflectivity mirror on a high-sensitivity force transducer (scale), we are able to measure laser power in the range of tens of Watts up to ~ 100 kW. The critical parameters for such a device are mirror reflectivity, angle of incidence, and scale sensitivity. We will describe our experimental characterization of a radiation-pressure-based optical power meter. We have tested it for modulated and CW laser powers up to 92 kW in the laboratory and up to 20 kW in an experimental laser welding booth. We will describe current accuracy, temporal response, sources of measurement uncertainty, and hurdles which must be overcome to have an accurate power meter capable of routine operation as a turning mirror within a laser delivery head.

Proceedings Title

SPIE Photonics West

Volume

9741

Conference Dates

February 14-18, 2016

Conference Location

San Francisco, CA

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

Radiation pressure, high power laser, metrology, radiometry, laser welding

Citation

Williams, P. , Simonds, B. , Sowards, J. and Hadler, J. (2016), Measuring laser power as a force: A new paradigm to accurately monitor optical power during laser-based machining operations, SPIE Photonics West, San Francisco, CA, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=920153 (Accessed April 25, 2024)