Kokyo LA Large-Aperture Laser Beam Profiler
| Brand | Kokyo |
|---|---|
| Model | LA |
| Aperture Range | 2 µm to 800 mm |
| Wavelength Range | 190 nm – 16 µm |
| Power Density Range | 0.001 W/m² – 100 kW/m² |
| Origin | Imported (Asia) |
| Compliance | ISO 11146-1:2005, ISO 13694:2003, ANSI Z136.1 |
| Software | Customizable beam analysis suite with multi-camera synchronization |
| Hardware Options | Modular detector heads (CMOS/InGaAs/MCT), motorized attenuators, calibrated ND filters, beam sampling optics |
Overview
The Kokyo LA Large-Aperture Laser Beam Profiler is an engineered optical measurement system designed for quantitative characterization of high-energy, large-diameter laser beams in industrial, scientific, and defense applications. It operates on the principle of direct-imaging beam profiling—capturing spatial intensity distributions using calibrated, high-dynamic-range sensor arrays—and integrates computational algorithms compliant with ISO 11146-1:2005 (determination of beam widths, divergence, and M²) and ISO 13694:2003 (measurement of laser beam power density distribution). Unlike scanning-slit or knife-edge systems, the LA platform delivers full 2D intensity maps without motion-induced artifacts, enabling accurate assessment of beam homogeneity, centroid stability, and near-field/far-field propagation behavior. Its design addresses a critical metrology gap: the reliable analysis of beams exceeding 100 mm in diameter—common in high-power CO₂, fiber, disk, and ultrafast amplifier systems—where conventional profilers suffer from saturation, clipping, or insufficient pixel resolution.
Key Features
- Large-format, modular sensor architecture supporting apertures from 2 µm up to 800 mm via interchangeable imaging heads (CMOS for UV–VIS–NIR; InGaAs for SWIR; MCT for MWIR–LWIR)
- Real-time, high-fidelity beam profiling at frame rates up to 120 Hz (full resolution), with hardware-triggered acquisition synchronized across multiple cameras
- Integrated attenuation management: motorized neutral density filter wheels, reflective beam samplers, and water-cooled heat sinks for continuous-wave and pulsed operation up to 100 kW/m²
- ISO-compliant M² calculation engine with automated beam waist detection, Rayleigh range determination, and propagation modeling (z-scan)
- Ruggedized optomechanical housing rated for laboratory and field-deployable use, with thermal drift compensation and vibration-isolated mounting interfaces
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The LA profiler accommodates free-space collimated, focused, and divergent beams from solid-state, gas, diode, fiber, and ultrafast lasers—including Q-switched, mode-locked, and CW sources. It supports beam diameters ranging from micrometer-scale focal spots to meter-class collimated outputs used in lidar transmitters, directed energy systems, and synchrotron beamlines. All measurements adhere to international standards: ISO 11146-1 (beam width definitions: D4σ, knife-edge, 1/e²), ISO 13694 (irradiance uniformity), and ANSI Z136.1 (laser safety classification support). System calibration certificates are traceable to NIST or PTB standards. For regulated environments (e.g., medical laser manufacturing or aerospace QA), optional audit-ready software modules provide 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic signatures, change control logs, and GLP/GMP-aligned report generation.
Software & Data Management
The proprietary BeamStudio™ software provides a unified interface for real-time visualization, batch analysis, and automated reporting. Key capabilities include multi-camera spatial registration, time-resolved beam stability tracking (centroid jitter, RMS diameter fluctuation), beam propagation simulation (based on ABCD matrix formalism), and export of raw TIFF/HDF5 datasets for third-party processing (MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW). The API supports integration into automated test benches via TCP/IP or USB3.0 protocols. All software updates undergo regression testing against reference datasets from NIST SRM 2461 and ISO-defined test cases. Audit trails record user actions, parameter changes, and calibration events with timestamped metadata.
Applications
- High-power laser system commissioning and maintenance (fiber lasers >10 kW, CO₂ lasers >5 kW)
- Lidar transmitter validation: far-field pattern analysis, beam steering accuracy, and multi-channel alignment verification
- Free-space optical communication link optimization: beam pointing stability, divergence control, and atmospheric turbulence impact assessment
- Industrial laser processing diagnostics: focus spot quality monitoring during welding, cutting, and additive manufacturing
- Ultrafast amplifier characterization: temporal-spatial coupling analysis, pulse front tilt mapping, and spectral beam profiling
- LED and VCSEL array uniformity evaluation for automotive lighting and sensing applications
FAQ
What wavelength ranges does the LA system support?
The LA platform covers 190 nm to 16 µm through swappable sensor modules—CMOS (190–1100 nm), InGaAs (900–1700 nm), extended InGaAs (1–2.2 µm), and cooled MCT (2–16 µm)—each with factory-calibrated quantum efficiency curves.
Can the system measure M² for beams larger than 500 mm?
Yes. Using telecentric relay optics and multi-camera stitching algorithms, the LA achieves sub-pixel centroid resolution across apertures up to 800 mm while maintaining ISO 11146–defined M² uncertainty <±5% (k=2) under controlled environmental conditions.
Is remote operation supported for cleanroom or hazardous environments?
Fully supported via Ethernet-connected head units with IP65-rated enclosures. All control, acquisition, and data streaming occur over standard TCP/IP; no local PC is required at the measurement point.
How is calibration maintained over time?
Each sensor module includes onboard photodiode reference channels for real-time responsivity monitoring. Annual recalibration services include aperture verification, wavelength-dependent QE mapping, and M² validation using NIST-traceable reference beams.
