While many laser systems operate with near-Gaussian beams, other laser systems possess non-Gaussian beams that propagate differently and exhibit significantly different spatial distributions (see above figure for examples). In some cases, a laser resonator emits a beam with a higher-order TEM_mn mode. Depending on the resonator geometry, these modes can be cylindrical in nature and are called Laguerre-Gaussian beams or rectangular and are called Hermite-Gaussian beams. In other cases, a laser beam is modified by an optical system to such an extent that its profile and propagation can no longer be approximated using the Gaussian beam analysis. Flat-top beams are one such example where a beam exhibits a nearly constant irradiance over its beam width. Given the steep edges of the beam profile, the diameters of these beams are often characterized by their full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) values as opposed to the HW1/e² radius values used for Gaussian beams. Such flat-top beams are important for laser-based material processing where a constant irradiance provides more uniform material modification. The propagation of these beams can be quite complicated and is often encountered when a laser beam overfills a focusing objective in order to generate a very small spot size in high-resolution microscopy.

The new LBP2 series laser beam profilers are available with a visible (190 - 1100 nm) CCD or a phosphor coated (1440 - 1605 nm) CCD camera. Both the cameras feature high resolution 1624 x 1224 array.  In order to minimize interference and provide the most accurate laser beam profile, the protective window is removed and the cameras are shipped with an ND filter and a protective cap premounted on them.

Each laser beam profiler comes with stackable neutral density filters (one ND1 and two ND2 filters) with a 19 mm clear aperture, 1 inch-32UN (C-Mount).  They are used to protect the camera by attenuating the beam and to help the camera measure the beam size accurately by keeping the intensity level below saturation.  The damage threshold for these ND filters is 50 W/cm², however, distortion due to thermal lensing can happen at as low as 5 W/cm².  These filters are also separately available for purchase as (red metal housing), (black), and (green). 

The LBP2 software and camera installation is simple and easy. See the video for step-by-step instructions.

The LBP2 software interface offers a broad range of functions and ISO approved quantitative results with an ease-of-use software user interface. The patented UltraCal algorithm, guarantees the data baseline or "zero-reference point" is accurate to 1/10 of a digital count on a pixel-by-pixel basis. ISO 11146 requires that a baseline correction algorithm be used to improve the accuracy of beam width measurements.

The new is ideal for users who need to look at the profiles of 193 to 360 nm beams. There is a fluorescent plate that converts UV radiation that is poorly imaged by silicon camera into visible light. Then it is imaged onto the CCD. This converter has a high light output, wide linear dynamic range and high damage threshold. Resolution is 35 X 35 um, and the dimensions are Ø31 X 120 mm.

The new is the UV beam splitter that can be mounted onto the input aperture of the LBP2-UVIMG, to allow imaging higher power/energy beams onto the CCD camera. While the saturation intensity of LBP2-UVIMG is ~ 15 mJ/cm² and ~20 mJ/cm² at 248 nm with the filters included in the LBP2 beam profilers, 20 times stronger beam can be imaged once the LBP2-UVBS is mounted on the imager.

Part Number	Description	Replacement
LBP2-HR-VIS3	Beam Profiler, 190-1100 nm	SP90608
LBP2-HR-IR3	Beam Profiler, 1440-1605 nm	SP90563
LBP2-SAM-BB2	Beam Sampler, 190-1550 nm	SP90467
LBP2-SAM-UV2	Beam Sampler, 266-355 nm	SP90464
LBP2-SAM-VIS2	Beam Sampler, 400-700 nm	SP90465
LBP2-SAM-NIR2	Beam Sampler, 1064 nm	SP90466
LBP2-ND1	ND1 Attenuator	SPZ08234
LBP2-ND2	ND2 Attenuator	SPZ08235
LBP2-ND3	ND3 Attenuator	SPZ08253
LBP2-UVBS	UV Beam Splitter	SPZ17015
LBP2-UVIMG	1X UV Image Converter	SPZ17023