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Ophir BeamSquared 2.0

MKS Instruments, Inc. (NASDAQ: MKSI), a global provider of technologies that enable advanced processes and improve productivity, announces Ophir® BeamSquared™ 2.0, the newest version of the company's M2 laser beam propagation system designed to help users optimize laser performance. A robust, portable device, BeamSquared automatically measures the propagation characteristics of CW and pulsed lasers quickly, in less than one minute. It can optionally measure wavelengths above 1.8µm, including CO2 and terahertz, in manual mode. The new version adds expanded 3D display and reporting options, an Automation interface via .NET components, and customizable measurement options.

BeamSquared is designed for continuous use applications, from scientific research to rapid prototyping to fabrication and machining. The system includes the BeamSquared M2 software and an optical train. The software measures beam propagation characteristics on both the X and Y axes, including waist diameters, full angle divergences, waist locations, Rayleigh lengths, M2 or K and BPP factors, astigmatism, and asymmetry. The system displays 2D or 3D beam profiles for visual verification of beam behavior through focus.

The BeamSquared 2.0 system can be mounted horizontally or vertically to optimize bench space. New 3D functions include a 3D slice display and the ability to add 3D displays to reports. Reports can also incorporate a new beam caustic chart, in addition to setup information, laser measurements, and a variety of statistics. A new Automation interface via .Net components allows users to build custom applications the incorporate the laser beam analysis and processing power of BeamSquared.

BeamSquared is a camera-based system. Users add their choice of camera best suited for their application:

•  The Ophir Pyrocam pyroelectric array camera accurately captures and analyzes wavelengths from 1.06μm - >3000μm. Available in two versions: Pyrocam IVs, a 25.6 X 25.6mm active array and Pyrocam IIIHR, a smaller-format OEM version with a 12.8 X 12.8mm array.

•  The Ophir SP300 silicon CCD camera accurately captures and analyzes wavelengths from 190nm - 1100nm. It features a compact design, wide dynamic range, unparalleled signal to noise ratio, and reduced blooming

•  The Xeva XC-130 high resolution InGaAs camera accurately captures and analyzes wavelengths from 900nm - 1700nm. It features operation at room temperature, a wide dynamic range, a fast data capture rate, and a large array that makes it ideal for large beam NIR laser and telecom mode field analysis.

MKS Instruments has also released its Pyrocam IV USB, a laser beam profiling camera that allows users to see their laser beam for dynamic alignment and proper operation. The camera features a 320 x 320 pixel pyroelectric array that can profile beams up to 1 inch (25 mm) without the need for reduction optics. It also includes a new USB 3.0 interface that provides a quick and easy connection to PCs for beam analysis, 2D and 3D beam display, as well as trending, data logging, and storage.

The Pyrocam IV measures both pulsed and CW (continuous wave) lasers, from 13 to 355 nm and 1.06 to >3000 µm. The compact device includes an integral focal plane chopper for CW beams and thermal imaging. The plug-and-play USB interface can be quickly and easily connected to a PC for further analysis of the beam. For those with a network connection, the Pyrocam IV is optionally available with a Gigabit Ethernet interface.

Stated Gary Wagner, General Manager, Ophir-Spiricon (U.S.), "Pyrocam cameras are the only devices that allow 3D viewing of laser beams at IR or longer wavelengths. These cameras are being used in rapidly expanding applications in the 3-5 µm Mid-IR region. Lasers that produce 3-5 µm light are typically Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCL), which are now being used for military IR countermeasures, nanotechnology, and some new biotechnology and medical applications."

The Pyrocam IV ensures alignment and proper operation of CO2 and telecom NIR lasers, as well as infrared sources out to the Far IR THz range. A 16-bit A/D converter provides reliable measurement and analysis of both large signals and low level signals in the wings of the laser beam. A signal to noise ratio of 1000:1 means beams of 30 mW/cm2 are easily visible. The company's patented Ultracal® baseline algorithm allows multiple frames to be summed, enabling views of beams as low as 1 to 2 mW/cm2.

The Pyrocam IV works with Ophir BeamGage®, the industry's most advanced laser beam analysis software. It includes all the algorithms and calculations needed to make accurate, ISO approved laser beam measurements. The software provides 2D and 3D viewing, advanced image processing features, NIST traceable power measurements, trend charting, data logging, pass/fail production testing, and multilingual support for English, Japanese, and Chinese.

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