Optics question - laser power sources

[DanielFaraday]

We have a 532 nm laser that we use with our Raman tool. The only power indicator on the control is in the form of a percentage. I know that at 100%, the laser has a power of 25 mW. Does this scale linearly with power percentage? In other words, does 50% power translate to 12.5 mW?

 

[Dr Lots-o'watts]

On some systems I'm familiar with, it can be roughly linear within some range, but it's not a rule of thumb I would readily apply for critical applications or for all lasers. There may also be a threshold under which no lasing occurs. You may want to specify what machine you are using exactly (in case someone here is familiar with it), or contact the manufacturer. If you come the point where you need accurate measurement, my colleagues will be happy to help, as this happens to be our specialty.

www.gentec-eo.com

 

[sophiecentaur]

You could always measure / calibrate it using a camera, looking at a spot on the wall. (Make sure that the gamma has been corrected for).