- #1
lcr2139
- 58
- 0
Hello, I would like to measure power from a photodiode. How do I go about doing this? What would the circuit look like?
How to Measure Power Using a Photodiode?
- Thread starter lcr2139
- Start date
-
- Tags
- Measure Photodiode Power
Click For Summary
SUMMARY
To measure power from a photodiode, a current-to-voltage converter circuit using an operational amplifier (op-amp) is essential. This circuit operates the photodiode at zero voltage to measure the short circuit current, which correlates to the photon flux received. Calibration is necessary to convert this current into power, requiring knowledge of the laser's wavelength. An optical attenuator may be needed for high-output lasers to prevent damage and ensure accurate readings.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of current-to-voltage conversion using op-amps
- Knowledge of photodiode operation and characteristics
- Familiarity with laser specifications, including wavelength and power supply
- Experience with calibration techniques for optical measurements
- Research the design and implementation of current-to-voltage converter circuits with op-amps
- Learn about photodiode calibration methods for accurate power measurement
- Explore the use of optical attenuators for high-output laser applications
- Investigate techniques for measuring signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in photodiode systems
Electronics engineers, optical engineers, and researchers involved in laser power measurement and photodiode applications will benefit from this discussion.
- #2
lcr2139
- 58
- 0
I would like to measure the power of a laser through a photodiode, i mean.
- #3
berkeman
Admin
- 69,345
- 24,661
The traditional circuit is a current-to-voltage converter with an opamp:lcr2139 said:
http://i.stack.imgur.com/hgwKe.gif
- #4
Baluncore
Science Advisor
2025 Award
- 16,726
- 10,394
The circuit given above operates the LED as a photodiode at zero voltage and so measures the short circuit current. Short circuit current is a measure of the flux of photons being received. That current can be converted to power if the wavelength (colour) of the photons is known. You will need to calibrate the system. You may need to use an optical attenuator for higher output lasers.
For better answers more information is needed.
Why do you want to measure the power ?
What is the laser wavelength or colour ?
What is the power supply for the laser ?
Does the laser have a manufacturers part number ?
What sort of photodiode did you plan to use ?
For better answers more information is needed.
Why do you want to measure the power ?
What is the laser wavelength or colour ?
What is the power supply for the laser ?
Does the laser have a manufacturers part number ?
What sort of photodiode did you plan to use ?
- #5
lcr2139
- 58
- 0
I successfully hooked up my photodiode to an oscilloscope and got a good reading. Is there a way to measure noise, or SNR?
- #6
lcr2139
- 58
- 0
lcr2139 said:
or should i use an optical spectrum analyzer?
- #7
Baluncore
Science Advisor
2025 Award
- 16,726
- 10,394
I am not a mind reader. Why do you not answer questions?
What type of laser are you using?Baluncore said:
Similar threads
- · Replies 10 ·
- · Replies 48 ·
- · Replies 25 ·
- · Replies 13 ·
- · Replies 1 ·
- · Replies 12 ·
- · Replies 1 ·
- · Replies 18 ·