Beam Probes for Co2 Lasers

CO2 Laser Beam Probes

The CO2 Laser Beam Probes are handheld plates designed to simplify the alignment of IR optical systems. They display the laser beam as a dark image on a fluorescent background using the same UV-excited, thermal-sensitive surfaces developed for our Thermal Image Plates.

The small size of the Beam Probes permits them to be placed close to optical parts and accurately show the position of a laser beam relative to an aperture. Tasks such as determining when a CO2 laser beam is striking the center of a mirror or entering the aperture of a power meter are simplified with the use of the Beam Probes.

Each Beam Probe covers a different sensitivity range which extends from 200 w/cm2 to 0.05 w/cm2. The seven Beam Probes correspond to surfaces #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 described in our Thermal Image Plate Data Table. Each Beam Probe is 1/8" thick, 1 1/2" wide, and 6" long. The end of each probe is tapered to 1/32" thickness so that the thermal-sensitive surface can be brought close to optical parts.

Operation of the Beam Probes requires the use of a UV lamp such as our MAC22UV to illuminate the surface. Although any long-wave ultraviolet lamp can be used, our MAC22UV offers small size, high illumination level, and the ability to stand on end.

Power Dissipation

The Beam Probes are designed primarily to be used with medium and low-power laser beams. The thinness of the plates, while allowing accurate positioning, does limit the heat dissipation of this model. The maximum allowable power is 50 watts for intermittent duty. When used with laser beam powers between 50 watts and 10 watts, the plates should be allowed to cool after absorbing 700 watt seconds of energy. The Beam Probes can be used indefinitely with beam powers of 7 watts or less.

Individual Beam Probes

• MAC23-1 (60-200 w/cm2)
• MAC23-2 (30-100 w/cm2)
• MAC23-3 (15-50 w/cm2)
• MAC23-4 (7.5-25 w/cm2)
• MAC23-5 (2.5-11 w/cm2)
• MAC23-7 (0.4-3.2 w/cm2)
• MAC23-8 (0.06-0.4 w/cm2)
• MAC22UV, Ultraviolet Lamp

Description

Model MAC23S consists of seven Beam Probes and one fabric case. Each Beam Probe covers a different sensitivity range which extends from 200 w/cm2 to 0.05 w/cm2. The five Beam Probes correspond to surfacs #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 as described in our Thermal Image Plate Data Sheet.

Each Beam Probe is 1/8" thick, 1 1/2" wide, and 6" long. The end of each probe is tapered to 1/32" thickness so that the thermal-sensitive surface can be brought close to optical parts.

Operation of the Beam Probes requires the use of a UV lamp such as Macken Instruments' Model 22-UV to illuminate the surface. Although any long-wave ultraviolet lamp can be used, Model 22-UV offers small size, high illumination level, and the ability to stand on end.

Power Dissipation

The Beam Probes are designed primarily to be used with medium and low-power laser beams. The thinness of the plates, while allowing accurate positioning, does limit the heat dissipation of this model. The maximum allowable power is 50 watts for intermittent duty. When used with laser beam powers between 50 watts and 10 watts, the plates should be allowed to cool after absorbing 700 watt seconds of energy. The Beam Probes can be used indefinitely with beam powers of 7 watts or less.