Pyroelectric detector heads

**SideFX** · 02-22-2009, 01:02

Hi all!

I've been looking for an affordable laser power meter. I notice there a lot of Laser Precision meters with pyroelectric heads for around $100,- on ebay at the moment, for example the RJ1700:

Now I was told pyroelectric heads are only suitable for pulsed-lasers, not CW. But I also read about people who do use them for CW lasers.

So.. anyone using such a detector for CW here?

**LesioQ** · 02-22-2009, 01:22

Hi,

The detector pictured above looks to me like a part of Lidar system. It used to incorporate YAG-444 avalanche photodiode by EG&G, so not a pyroelectric detector. But this particular one may be different.
Anyway pyroelectric is mostly for short pulse energy metering. For CW and qcw lasers better stick to thermopile (thermal) detector head, preferably with built-in amplifier calibrated for voltage output.
Piotr.K

**lasersbee** · 02-22-2009, 03:30

How much CW power do you need to test....

Jerry

**SideFX** · 02-22-2009, 04:46

Originally Posted by LesioQ

The detector pictured above looks to me like a part of Lidar system. It used to incorporate YAG-444 avalanche photodiode by EG&G, so not a pyroelectric detector. But this one may be different.

The seller is not very detailed in his description, maybe he's mistaking.. i could ask.. Either way, a thermophile seems the way to go, so i'm better off not spending any time on this one i guess.

Originally Posted by lasersbee

How much CW power do you need to test....

1W max is enough for now.. so your laserbee 1 would be a good option

**lasersbee** · 02-22-2009, 13:51

Yeah... that's why I was asking about your power requirements...
The LaserBee I only goes to 1050mW maximum...

Jerry

**SideFX** · 02-23-2009, 14:11

Well.. I just won an auction for a Scientech 362 including a 360001 thermophile head! I can't wait to get this thing delivered

You people need to remind me not to plug it directly into our 230V in blind enthusiasm

**buffo** · 02-23-2009, 16:11

How much, if you don't mind me asking?

Adam

**mixedgas** · 02-23-2009, 17:24

you now own the Porsche of power meters, ROCK STAbLE.

[/quote]

**SideFX** · 02-24-2009, 00:33

Originally Posted by buffo

How much, if you don't mind me asking?

No problem, $190,-

Originally Posted by mixedgas

you now own the Porsche of power meters, ROCK STAbLE.

Thanks! The seller sais it was in storage for quite some time.. but apart from the knob being stiff it was in good condition. I hope I don't get ripped off..

**lasersbee** · 02-24-2009, 13:34

That IS a good power meter... you got a real bargain there...
There are a few members on LPF that use this meter and seem to be
quite happy with it..

Jerry

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