THE Complete Solution
- Extremely large power range: nW to kW
- 1000x faster than Thermopiles
- Low cost
Artifex Optical Power Meter OPM150 is a low cost, versatile power monitor for the precise measurement of power, from nW to kW, for use in the lab and for OEM applications.
The Unit is USB powered and controlled.
A graphical user interface and a wide range of accessories make it as easy as possible to use this instrument.
Download OPM150 Broschure here – (pdf – 4MB)!
This product can be equipped with a variety of adapters and accessories for your specific application.
- Interfaces: USB measurement rate: 1.5ms to 999s
- Minimum measureable power: 1nW (photodiode)
- Maximum measureable power: 12kW (Integrating sphere)
- Gain control: 5 gain ranges
- Functions: graph and digital display modes, averaging
The OPM150 Power Monitor – Low cost, versatile and small enough to fit into your pocket!
The OPM150 is a versatile power monitor for use in the lab and for laser servicing as well as for OEM applications. This unit is designed for use with a PC only, thus eliminating the need for a display. This makes the OPM150 very economical!
A very wide range of wavelength and powers. What would YOU like?
Various diode materials allow measurement from 250nm up to 2490nm.
Heads are available covering 250-1000nm, 800-1550nm, 400-1600nm, 800-2000nm, 1000-2200nm and 1300-2490nm. Each head is automatically recognized and its individual calibration data are uploaded to the system.
Thus, changing wavelength range is as simple as swapping heads – all with one base unit.
We offer calibrated attenuation filters which extend the range of the free beam heads by up to three orders of magnitude. The user may load up to 5 separate filter curves to expand the dynamic range and functionality of the unit while ensuring proper calibration.
Calibrated integrating spheres compatible to the OPM150 system round up the selection.
With a response time of 100µs and sampling rates up to 600S/s, there is much more to see than with a thermopile sensor. And no thermal drift to worry about either!
The Software – Integration made easy!
The graphical user interface is intuitive to use and easy to read. The software handles up to two units simultaneously and includes a scope function, data logging and a large, digital display – perfect for daily use in the lab or in the field. Further functions such as auto gain and various storage formats are also included.
The OPM150 is small enough to fit into your pocket and is USB powered and controlled. No extra power supply required, no extra cables on the table.
Not only the small size qualifies this instrument for OEM applications. It is very simple and flexible to integrate into your project. The unit comes delivered with drivers for direct communication or to be used as a virtual COM-port. Furthermore, we provide a full software development kit including the source code for the GUI application as well as a demo LabView-VI.
Our philosophy: Make it as simple as possible to use this instrument!
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Order Code | Description | 30.070.00002 | 30.070.00058 | 30.070.00112 | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | Application | CW and pulsed source > 300kHz | CW | CW and pulsed source > 500Hz | ||
| 2 | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | Input | |||||
| 3 | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | Max. Current | 12 | 4 | 12 | mA | |
| 4 | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | Output | |||||
| 5 | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | Connectors | DB9 (detector head) and USB | DB9 (detector head), BNC and USB | DB9 (detector head) and USB | ||
| 6 | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | Bandwidth | 10 000 | 100 000 | 5 | Hz | |
| 7 | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | Sampling Rate | Standard modes Fast sampling mode |
30 600 |
30 600 |
30 600 |
S/s |
| 8 | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | Gain Stages | 1, 10, 100, 1000, 10000 | 1, 10, 100, 1000, 10000 | 1, 10, 100, 1000, 10000 | V/mA | |
| 9 | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | Accuracy | Detector | ± 5 | ± 5 | ± 5 | % |
| 10 | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | Accuracy | Base Unit | ± 1 | ± 1 | ± 1 | % |
| 11 | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | Reproducibility | Detector | ± 1 | ± 1 | ± 1 | % |
| 12 | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | Linearity | Detector | ± 0.2 | ± 0.2 | ± 0.2 | % |
| 13 | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | Power supply | |||||
| 14 | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | Type | USB | USB | USB | ||
| 15 | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | Dimensions | |||||
| 16 | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | benjamin | 28/04/2026 10:15 AM | Basemodule Head |
60 x 81 x 36 mm (W x L x H) 35 x 30 (Φ x L) |
60 x 81 x 36 mm (W x L x H) 35 x 30 (Φ x L) |
60 x 81 x 36 mm (W x L x H) 35 x 30 (Φ x L) |
mm |
Understanding Bandwidth and Pulse Measurement
When selecting an OPM150 optical power meter, the bandwidth of the base module plays an important role in how rapidly changing optical signals are detected and interpreted. The bandwidth determines how quickly the internal transimpedance amplifier can respond to variations in optical power, which directly influences the suitability of the instrument for continuous wave (CW) sources or pulsed laser systems.
To illustrate this behavior, consider a laser source operating at a pulse repetition rate of 100 kHz with a pulse width of 10 µs. The optical signal changes far faster than the measurement bandwidth of the instrument. In this situation the optical power meter cannot resolve the individual pulses of the laser. Instead, the measurement represents a response to the overall signal rather than the detailed pulse structure.
100 kHz Measurement Unit
– Fast Optical Power Detection
The 100 kHz measurement unit provides the highest bandwidth available for the OPM150 optical power meter. This module is designed for applications requiring rapid optical power detection and fast response to signal changes.
When measuring high-frequency pulsed lasers, the detector can respond quickly enough to detect the presence of optical pulses, but the measurement may occur at any point within the pulse envelope. Because the measurement is not synchronized to the pulse timing, the recorded value can fall anywhere between the instantaneous peak power and the time-averaged optical power. For this reason, the highest-bandwidth configuration is typically recommended for continuous wave optical power measurement rather than precise pulse characterization.
10 kHz Measurement Unit – Averaged Measurement of Modulated Sources
The 10 kHz measurement unit offers a slower response than the 100 kHz configuration but still allows the optical power meter to follow relatively fast intensity changes. This makes it suitable for many modulated or partially pulsed optical sources where signal variations occur on moderate time scales.
When measuring very high repetition rate lasers, such as a 100 kHz pulse source with a pulse width of 10 µs, the detector bandwidth is not sufficient to resolve the individual pulse structure. Instead, the measurement electronics smooth the signal, producing an output that appears to be the average optical power delivered by the laser. In these situations, the detector behaves more like an averaging optical power meter rather than a pulse-resolved measurement device.
5 Hz Measurement Unit
– Stable Power Monitoring
The 5 Hz measurement unit is optimized for stable optical power monitoring where signal variations occur slowly over time. With a rise time of approximately 100 ms, the detector effectively integrates the incoming optical power over a relatively long time period.
Rapid fluctuations, such as those produced by high-frequency pulsed lasers, are averaged by the detector response and therefore do not appear in the output signal. Even significant variations within individual pulses have minimal influence on the measured value. This configuration is particularly well suited for continuous wave laser monitoring, optical alignment tasks, and long-term power stability measurements where a stable and noise-resistant measurement is required.
Sampling Rate vs Measurement Bandwidth
All OPM150 measurement units support a maximum sampling rate of 600 samples per second. The sampling rate determines how frequently measurement values are recorded and displayed in the software interface. For example, users may choose to log optical power data at 20 S/s for monitoring or data acquisition purposes.
It is important to distinguish this sampling rate from the internal measurement bandwidth of the detector electronics. The sampling rate controls how often measurements are recorded, while the bandwidth determines how quickly the optical power meter can respond to changes in the incoming optical signal. Selecting the appropriate OPM150 measurement unit ensures that the bandwidth of the detector matches the dynamics of the laser source being measured.
General Operation
What is the OPM150 used for?
The OPM150 is a precision optical power meter used to measure the optical output power of lasers, LEDs, and other photonic devices. It is commonly used in research laboratories, production testing, laser characterization setups, and OEMs.
What wavelength range can the OPM150 measure?
The wavelength range depends on the detector used. Artifex detectors support measurements from the UV through the near-infrared spectrum (250nm – 2490nm).
Can the OPM150 be used to measure white light sources?
Unfortunately, no. The OPM150 uses photodiodes for power measurement and due to the strong wavelength dependence of the responsivity, only monochromatic light sources such as lasers and single colour LEDs can be measured.
What optical power range can it measure?
The measurable power range depends on the detector and configuration, Artifex offers detectors covering a very wide range from nanowatts to thousands of watts.
How accurate is the OPM150?
We specify ±5% calibration accuracy for our detector heads. The base module (amplifier) is specified at ±1% accuracy.
Can the OPM150 measure pulsed lasers?
If the pulse duration is long enough relative to the detector bandwidth. For very short pulses, the average power is measured. A more detailed explanation can be found here on our website:
Understanding Bandwidth and Pulse Measurement
Does the OPM150 require calibration?
Periodic calibration is recommended to maintain measurement accuracy. We recommend recalibration at least once every two years.
Can I connect the OPM150 to a computer?
The device supports PC control for data logging and automated measurements.
I require a configuration that I do not see in your brochure, do you offer customized solutions?
Yes, we do. In order to simplify the process, a checklist detailing the specification which we require can be downloaded from the OPM150 Downloads tab and sent directly to our sales department with any additional information you believe is required.
Setup & Integration
What detectors are compatible with the OPM150?
Artifex Engineering Photodiode detectors and integrating sphere detectors which have a DB9 output port or a BNC to DB9 adapter compatible with Artifex Engineering devices.
Can I use an integrating sphere with the OPM150?
Yes, integrating spheres are often used with the OPM150 to measure total emitted optical power.
What connectors are used for the input?
This depends which detector is being used, but common optical inputs include fiber connectors or free-space detector interfaces. Fibre adapters are available for the Artifex Engineering free space beam detectors.
Is the OPM150 suitable for production environments?
Yes, it is and is often integrated into automated test setups.
What maintenance is required?
Typical maintenance includes:
- periodic calibration
- connector inspection
- optical surface cleaning (dusting with clean, dry air only)
OPM150 Complete System
- Compact and always well sorted
- Easy and flexible
- Cost effective
Optical power meter with detector head and accessories as a flexible solution for the lab!
Conveniently sorted in a small case there is:
- an OPM150 Base Module
- a free beam detector head (either Si or Ge)
- an FC and SMA Fibre Adapter
- two calibrated Attenuation Filters (OD1 and OD2)
- USB cable
- USB stick with software and documentation
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Do you need further information? Find useful links here!
Artifex Software Development Kit
The SDK is a fixed, free component when purchasing a device.
It comes with the source code of the application program (in VB.net) and a LabView VI with the basic functions of the instrument. A description of the communication with the devices and a list of the commands used is also included.
