How to calculate pulse energy?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating pulse energy from a pulse laser using a photodiode (PD) and oscilloscope. The key formula for energy calculation is derived from the relationship between power and time, where energy equals power multiplied by time. Calibration of the photodiode output voltage to optical power is essential, and using a reference light source can aid in this process. Understanding the characteristics of the photodiode and the nature of the laser beam is crucial for accurate measurements.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of photodiode operation and characteristics
  • Familiarity with oscilloscope usage for voltage measurement
  • Knowledge of power and energy calculations in physics
  • Basic principles of laser optics and beam propagation
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  • Research calibration techniques for photodiodes in optical measurements
  • Learn about the relationship between optical power and electrical output in photodiodes
  • Study the principles of pulse energy calculation in laser applications
  • Explore the use of power meters for accurate energy measurements
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Researchers, optical engineers, and anyone involved in laser technology and photonics who needs to accurately measure pulse energy from laser systems.

Jiho
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The pulse laser is converted by photo detector(PD) into electrical current. And we can see output voltage of photo detector by using oscilloscope.

Now we get voltage function detected by PD. Now I need to calculate energy of pulse. But I don't know how I do it.. Is there any formula I can use??
 
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Jiho said:
The pulse laser is converted
I should hope not :rolleyes: !
You want to know an expression for the conversion of some voltage resulting from a laser pulse that hits a photodiode. So you need to calibrate your setup. Not so easy. You don't happen to have a power meter, I suppose ? So what do you know of your photodiode ?
 
Jiho said:
The pulse laser is converted by photo detector(PD) into electrical current. And we can see output voltage of photo detector by using oscilloscope.

Now we get voltage function detected by PD. Now I need to calculate energy of pulse. But I don't know how I do it.. Is there any formula I can use??
I think the simple assumption is that the output voltage of the diode is proportional to optical power. Maybe you could then obtain a reference by using the light from a known source - not a standard candle (!) but maybe a known lamp. You would need to study the units of illumination to do this. Remember the laser has a parallel beam so it does not fall with distance (until many km).
The energy contained in the pulse will be its power x time.
 

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