Thorlabs PM60C-Manual
Thorlabs PM60C-Manual
User Guide
Field Service Fiber Optic Power Meter
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1
Chapter 1 Introduction
Intended Use
The PM60 and PM61 series devices are designed for laboratory and field service use to measure the optical power
from fiber light sources. The devices may not be used or integrated into equipment that is applied in
pharmaceutical, medical, or military applications.
The product may only be used in accordance with the instructions described in this manual. Any other use will
invalidate the warranty.
The CE marking on the product is the manufacturer's declaration that the product complies with the
essential requirements of the relevant European health, safety, and environmental protection legislation.
The symbol on the product, the accessories or packaging indicates that this device must not be treated as
unsorted municipal waste but must be collected separately.
Description
The PM60 and PM61 Series Fiber Optic Power Meters are simple to use, fast tools that allow power measurements
of optical signals and signal power trends. They also feature convenient data storage and remote connectivity.
Each unit contains a long-lasting rechargeable battery which can be recharged via a USB-C connector or wirelessly
through a built-in inductive charging coil (PM61 series only), ensuring the power meter can be operated
continuously throughout an extended workday.
The compact size and rugged design of the PM60 and PM61 series power meters makes them ideal for laboratory
and field use. Each unit comes with a 2.5 mm ferrule adapter to connect to the most commonly used fiber tips,
such as FC or SC. Thorlabs also offers additional adapters for different fiber connectors.
The PM61 series has additional features like the built-in visual fault locator that emits light in three different
modes to trace fibers and identify breaks. It further comes with Bluetooth connectivity and a wireless charging
coil.
Technical Data
1.4.1 Specifications
All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5 °C and 45 ± 15% relative humidity (non-condensing).
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Field Service Fiber Optic Power Meter Chapter 1 Introduction
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Field Service Fiber Optic Power Meter Chapter 1 Introduction
Components
Touchscreen Display
Control Pad
Charging LED
USB 2.0 Type-C
Connector
Fold-out Stand
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Field Service Fiber Optic Power Meter Chapter 1 Introduction
FCC Designation
Class B FCC Designation:
The following statement applies to the products covered in this manual, unless otherwise specified herein. The
statement for other products will appear in the respective accompanying documentation
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Users that change or modify the product described in this manual in a way not expressly approved by Thorlabs
(party responsible for compliance) could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Thorlabs is not responsible for any radio television interference caused by modifications of this equipment or
the substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment other than those specified by Thorlabs. The
correction of interference caused by such unauthorized modification, substitution or attachment will be the
responsibility of the user.
The use of shielded I/O cables is required when connecting this equipment to all optional peripheral or host
devices. Failure to do so may violate FCC and ICES rules.
This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits according to IEC 61326-1 for using connection
cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).
03882-16-05903
Korean KC Mark and Registration Number: “Este equipamento opera em caráter secundário,
isto é, não tem direito a proteção contra
interferência prejudicial, mesmo de estações do
mesmo tipo, e não pode causar interferência a
sistemas operando em caráter primário.”
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Field Service Fiber Optic Power Meter Chapter 2 Safety
Chapter 2 Safety
The safety of any system incorporating the equipment is the responsibility of the assembler of the system.
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual will only apply when the
unit is operated correctly as it was designed for.
Changes to this device cannot be made nor may components not supplied by Thorlabs be used without written
consent from Thorlabs.
Explosion Warning
The PM60 and PM61 series devices must not be operated in explosion endangered
environments!
Do not open the instrument. Apart from the battery replacement described in Chapter
5.5, there are no user-serviceable parts inside!
The PM61 series is compliant with the IEC 60825-1:2022 standard. Laser radiation may be encountered at the
optical output port.
The following information on the sticker, located under the stand on the back of the device, indicates the
presence of the built-in laser, including the symbol “DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM”:
Chapter 3 Installation
Warranty Information
The precision PM60 and PM61 series devices are only serviceable if returned and properly packed into the
complete original packaging including the complete shipment plus the cardboard insert that holds the enclosed
devices. If necessary, ask for replacement packaging. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
Installation Instructions
The PM60 and PM61 series fiber power meters are ready to operate out of the box. However, to regulatory
requirements, the unit will be shipped with a battery charge level of less than 30%, so it is advisable to fully charge
the battery prior to first use. Connect the PM60 or PM61 series to a compatible wall plug adapter or PC with a
USB power port using the supplied USB connector and then allow the power meter to fully charge (usually within
2 hours).
In case the PM60 or PM61 series should be operated remotely, install the Optical Power Monitor software from
the Thorlabs website. It comes with all required instrument drivers, examples, and an application to perform all
settings and visualize or record the measurement results. It includes useful tools like firmware update wizard, user
calibration, and laser calculator.
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Field Service Fiber Optic Power Meter Chapter 4 Operation
First Measurements
Some hints to perform accurate laser power measurements:
• Press the power on/off button to turn on the PM60 and PM61 series fiber power meters.
• Make sure there is no dirt on the fiber ends and clean them if necessary.
• Open the dust cap.
• Connect the fiber tip to the installed PM20-25 2.5 mm ferrule adapter. See Chapter 3.4 for separately
available fiber adapters of the PM20 series.
• Navigate to the main measurement screen - out of the box default screen.
• Set the wavelength of your laser light source.
• Turn the unit to auto-ranging or select an appropriate measurement range.
• Perform a zeroing with switched off laser.
• Turn on the laser and read the displayed measurement result.
Chapter 4 Operation
Switching On and Off the Device
The PM60 and PM61 series powers up after pressing the button with the standby symbol (Ƅ) on the front left of
the device. The unit is ready to operate after a few seconds for booting and checking the sensor calibration data.
For most standard measurement applications, no additional warm-up time is required.
To turn off the instrument, press and hold the standby button (Ƅ) for longer than 0.3 seconds and release when
the display shows "shutting down". In case the unit hangs up for any reason, keep the button pressed (>1 second)
until the unit is forced to shut off.
The devices are equipped with a configurable shutdown timer to extend battery capacity, for more details refer
to the chapter personalization\timers.
There is also an emergency shutdown in case of low battery. In this case, you should recharge the battery as
quickly as possible by connecting it to a USB power supply or, only for the PM61 series, by placing it on a wireless
charging station.
All screens consist of a header with access to the menu (≡), different display pages, and information symbols for
battery (charging) state, remote interfaces, and when the internal memory is mapped to a PC. Up to four circular
dots show the screen position in the measurement screen carousel. In the measurement views, the header can
be expanded by a down swipe to show the current date and time, battery State of Charge (SoC), and device item
number.
All measurement views consist of a menu footer containing up to twelve buttons that are arranged in groups of
four.
Rev. B, July 1, 2024 Page 11
Field Service Fiber Optic Power Meter Chapter 4 Operation
Pressed state
Disabled state
Focused states
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Field Service Fiber Optic Power Meter Chapter 4 Operation
Main Menu
Enter the main menu by pressing the physical Menu button (≡) or the menu icon in the left upper corner of the
touch display. To exit the menu, press the physical Menu button again or in the touch screen the left arrow button
(exits for one level) or the home button (exits to the last measurement screen).
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Field Service Fiber Optic Power Meter Chapter 4 Operation
4.3.2 Application
In this menu and its submenus, all operationally relevant settings are arranged in a table with selectable rows.
On the PM61 Series, the “Application” menu item with its entire setting range is only visible and configurable for
the administrator. Please enter the “Users” menu with administrator privileges, to apply all settings for ordinary
users.
1. Measurement
The measurement menu gives an overview of all measurement settings. A complete configuration can be
done here, or in the measurement screen, using the footer menu buttons. For a better overview and to
avoid scrolling, the menu is divided into 2 pages that can be navigated using the arrow keys in the footer
of the menu window.
Measurement Menu Page 1
ſ Range: Shows the actual measurement range or auto-ranging. Pressing the entry,
a window will open to select between 21 power ranges or auto-ranging.
ƍ Wavelength: Shows the selected wavelength setting. Pressing the entry will show a new
window with four preconfigured wavelength settings. By long-pressing on
an entry, the correction wavelength can be adjusted within a number picker
dialog.
Ɓ Correction: Allows entry of a value in dB for attenuation or gain, and in percent for
transmission to compensate for external optical elements in the fiber
network.
Measurement Menu Page 2
ƌ Update: Sets the update rate, in combination with an averaging of the displayed
measurement value between 1/s with 1000 times averaging, 3/s with 333
times averaging and 10/s with 100 times averaging.
Ǝ Analog Filter: The analog filter restricts the full analog bandwidth of up to 100 kHz,
depending on the chosen measurement range, down to 16 Hz for all
measurement ranges.
Ɖ Acquisition: The PM60 and PM61 series can detect maximum power levels by a software
peak detection algorithm. The acquisition menu can be set for CW beams
with permanent readout or for two kinds of maximum value detection, the
peak mode for pulsed signals down to several µs pulses or sinusoidal or
triangular signals; and the top mode for rectangular signals. Both peak and
top mode get armed when the signal exceeds the trigger level, that was set
under the trigger menu.
Ƒ Trigger: For proper peak detection, the trigger level should be set between 50% and
90% of the expected peak power level.
Ƥ Min: Enter the minimum acceptable power level in W or dBm; or the minimum
acceptable loss value in dB or %. Pressing the value will open the numerical
input dialogue screen. Pressing the ƛ/Ɯ eye labels deactivates or
activates the low limit.
ƥ Max: Enter the maximum acceptable power level in W or dBm; or the maximum
acceptable loss value in dB or %. Pressing the value will open a numerical
input dialogue window. Pressing the ƛ/Ɯ eye labels deactivates or
activates the low limit.
For quality documentation purposes, it is possible to record the results in a file to the internal memory.
The stop record criteria and interval can be configured between measurements on the second page of the
pass / fail menu.
Ƣ Stop: Configure the stop criteria in number of samples, time to record, or chose
manual to stop the recording by hitting the stop button in the footer menu.
Ƣ Stop: Configure the stop criteria in number of samples, time to record, or chose
manual to stop the recording by hitting the stop button in the footer menu.
4.3.3 Personalization
The personalization menu allows individual settings and consists of following sub menus:
Ɗ Language: The device language can be switched between English, German, Chinese
(simplified), Spanish, French and Japanese.
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Field Service Fiber Optic Power Meter Chapter 4 Operation
Ə Scheme: Switches the GUI design between dark, bright, and black.
Ƈ Brightness: Sets the display brightness level in 5 steps. The brightness level has a
significant influence on the battery operating time. It is advisable to use the
brightness dimming function.
Ƈ Timers: There are individual timers for the display dimming function (Ƈ) and the
auto shut-down function (Ƅ). Both timers can be individually set for
battery operation (ƅ) and external power supply operation (Ɔ).
ƕ Date/Time: The PM60 and PM61 series have a built-in real-time clock that is constantly
powered when the battery is connected and can provide the extremely low
operating current required. Setting the correct date and time can be done
remotely or using the date and time scales in this menu.
ƃ Key tone: When activated, each physical button operation will be confirmed with a
beep sound. There is no tone on touch screen events.
4.3.5 Connectivity
The connectivity menu consists of following functions and information:
Go To Local: Press this button to lock out from remote operation and return to device
operation.
Bluetooth On/Off: For the PM61 series, the Bluetooth transmitter can be permanently
switched off in the interface menu, for example, for radio-critical
environments. The Bluetooth function is activated by default and will also
be activated again after a factory reset.
SD Memory: Per default and after each restart, the built-in NAND flash memory (eMMC)
is mapped to the power meter file system to allow measurement data
storage.
To access eMMC, the PM60 or PM61 series device must first be connected
to a computer via a USB cable. After pressing the SD Memory menu, the icon
will switch to “PC” and the connected computer will detect a flash drive with
folders for data records, screenshots, and device logs. The data can be
exchanged by drag and drop. After data exchange, press again on the SD
Memory menu to switch the memory back to the PM60 or PM61 series
device.
When pressing the SD Memory menu without connected PC, a warning will
appear, and the memory will remain in possession of the power meter. It
further appears a dialogue to switch back the memory to the PM60 or PM61
series device, when trying to start data logging while the memory is mapped
to a PC.
USB-ID: The USB-ID consists of a vendor ID (0x1313 for Thorlabs), the device ID
(0x80BB for PM60 and PM61 Series), and the device serial number.
4.3.6 Information
This menu shows the device's serial number and sensor information. There are three buttons on the right side of
the footer menu to display firmware and hardware revisions, detailed battery information, and free flash memory.
The middle button shows an information and error log, and the left button performs a reset to the factory settings.
Glossary of Symbols
Header Line
Menu button. This icon is left in the header line and its graphic is used on the right
physical button.
Back button. In sub menus, the “Menu” icon swaps with an arrow showing to the left
side. The meaning is “go back” or go one level higher.
Home button. Pressing this button quits the menu and jumps to the last measurement
screen.
Quit button. Quit sub-menu.
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Field Service Fiber Optic Power Meter Chapter 4 Operation
Ordinary user. User has restricted privileges, needs to be configured by the admin user.
There are up to three ordinary users that can have individual configurations.
Edit button. Enter the user menu or rename a user.
Digital menu button. Configures the physical menu button to a predefined action. This
can be a one-time auto-ranging, starting/stopping the data logging, or activating the
VFL. By default, the button is configured to access the menu.
Enter the settings to configure the available options for each user, including the admin
user. A 4-digit password is necessary to access the settings. The factory default
password is <0000>.
Change the administrator password. A factory reset, that can only be performed by the
admin user, will reset the password to default <0000>.
Export / Import all device settings to a JSON file (java script object notation). This
feature can be used after entering the password, to apply the same settings to multiple
devices.
Pass / fail button. Enter the pass / fail analysis configuration (PM61 Series Only).
4.4.4 Connectivity
Interface button. Enter the remote-control interface menu.
Allocates the device flash memory to the device (default) or to a per USB connected
computer, accessible as a mass storage device.
Factory reset button. Performs a factory reset. All device settings will be set to default.
Configures the device log from info log to debug and info mode.
Information button. Shows detailed device information, like firmware and hardware
revision, battery state and free flash memory.
Up / down buttons. Turns the measurement one range more insensitive (up) or
sensitive (down). After pressing one of the arrow icons, the unit goes in manual
ranging.
The auto-set function can on one hand perform a “one-time-auto-ranging”, while the
instrument remains in manual ranging; or in peak or top mode, find the optimal
measurement range and trigger level setting.
Switches the measurement units between linear representation of the measurement
value in Watts or logarithmic representation in dBm.
Wavelength button. Opens the dialogue for the spectral correction to change the user
wavelength.
Delta button. Turns on and off the relative measurement view by taking the
measurement value at the time of pressing the button as reference value.
Zero button. Zeroes the measurement value to compensate for dark current or
backlight.
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Trigger button. Set the trigger level for peak and top mode between 3% and 90% of the
measurement range
Laser button. Turns on and off the laser of the visual fault locator.
Pass / fail mode buttons. Switches the pass-fail analysis between absolute and relative
measurement.
Record button. Starts and stops the pass-fail analysis record. The measurement data
automatically get stored to the internal memory.
Delete button. Deletes the last record.
Reset the reference value for the loss measurement to the actual power level
Record button. Starts and stops the recording of data. The measurement data
automatically get stored to the internal memory.
Graphical representation between strip chart showing the last 10 seconds or the
complete graph from start.
Defines the stop criteria of the recording. It can be set to manual operation or stopping
after a certain time, or number of recorded samples.
To exit the dialogue screen without changes, press the quit button (⊗) in the header line.
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Field Service Fiber Optic Power Meter Chapter 4 Operation
Power Measurements
The main measurement screen shows a large digit numerical representation of the actual power value, supported
by a circular level display indicating the level within the selected measurement range.
All settings can be done with the button carousel in the footer menu.
Clicking or navigating and confirming on the information sign () will add an overlay with all relevant
measurement configurations. Clicking within the information frame will close the dialogue.
4.6.1 CW Mode
This is the basic power measurement, where the measurement value continuously gets updated. Enabled options
like attenuation, zeroing, filtering, or auto ranging are indicated as icons right to the set wavelength.
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Field Service Fiber Optic Power Meter Chapter 4 Operation
4.7.2 Statistics
In combination with the graphical representation of the data logging, there is a statistic view on the same set of
data. During and after the record it is possible to switch between both views by swiping right or left or navigating
over the dots in the header line.
The statistics view offers, along with the number of samples, time elapsed and the interval time, the mean value,
the ratio, and minimum and maximum value of the data record in an overview.
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Field Service Fiber Optic Power Meter Chapter 4 Operation
In the pass/fail settings menu, it is also possible to omit one of the limits by pressing the eye label ƛ and
unselecting one of the Min or Max markers. The corresponding line in the menu will then be shown as disabled
and the eye label shows Ɯ.
The limit not considered is then displayed in the measurement window as “------”.
Figure 20 PM61 Series Pass-Fail Record for Loss and Absolute Power
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Field Service Fiber Optic Power Meter Chapter 4 Operation
Remote Operation
Thorlabs developed their own version of VISA that uses the Thorlabs standalone TLPMX drivers and that
automatically installs with the Thorlabs OPM software package.
It is important to note that both NI-VISATM and TLPMX drivers can be installed at the same time, but only one of
them can be assigned to an instrument at a time. Switching the drivers needs administrators’ rights; it can be
performed in the device manager, or more convenient, with the Thorlabs Driver Switcher App, that is embedded
in the Thorlabs OPM software.
During an active remote session, it is not possible to perform settings that may influence the measurement result,
like changing the wavelength or measurement range.
Please refer to the Thorlabs website and the resources around the Thorlabs OPM optical power monitoring
software for more information and full command reference.
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Field Service Fiber Optic Power Meter Chapter 5 Maintenance and Cleaning
Always cover detectors with protective caps when the unit is not in use.
Do not mechanically rub on any diffused surfaces, this may lead to changes in the
sensor responsivity!
1. Switch off the unit by pressing the on/off power button for > 0.3 seconds.
2. Refer to user manual of the mechanical bulkhead and connector cleaner.
Recalibration
Thorlabs recommends a calibration interval of 12 months. Please contact the Thorlabs technical support team for
your recalibration request and issuing an RMA number.
Battery Replacement
The PM60 and PM61 series meters use smart lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries. These
batteries with built-in protection have been verified with Thorlabs optical power meter
instruments. For this reason, only Thorlabs approved batteries of the same type and
model (2P/LPP 503562) can be used.
Depending on country-specific policies, please contact your local Thorlabs technical
support for assistance.
Front Shell
Front Panel
LiPo Battery
Rear Shell
Torx© Screws
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Field Service Fiber Optic Power Meter Chapter 5 Maintenance and Cleaning
Firmware Update
1. Turn on the unit.
2. Connect the USB cable to a free port of the computer and to the PM60 or PM61 series.
3. Download the new firmware package from the Thorlabs website to your local drive.
4. Open the optical power meter software.
5. Browse to Help\Tools\Firmware Update Tool
6. Select the new firmware file and follow the instructions.
7. Wait until installation is complete, do not turn off the unit during installation!
8. Restart the instrument with the updated firmware.
Failure Troubleshooting
Unit Does Not Turn On Ensure that the battery is sufficiently charged; otherwise, connect the device to
an external power supply.
If not completely charged, press the standby button for > 3 seconds, and try to
start the device again by short pressing the standby button.
Battery Does Not Charge Check for the charging LED; it must blink green during charge. In case the LED
lights red, check the power supply or check for abnormal heating of the device.
Unit Automatically Switches Check the battery status. The unit turns off to protect the battery below 6%
Off
SOC.
Check also the automatic switch off feature in the device settings.
Measurement Value Does Not Check if the unit is in peak mode or top mode. The measurement will only
Update
update on valid trigger conditions. Otherwise restart the instrument.
Unit is Frozen and Does Not Press the power button until the device powers down. Restart the device.
React to Any Interaction
Wireless Charging Function Check the correct orientation of the charging transmitter. Check that the
Does Not Work
transmitter has power and is turned on. The PM61 series charging LED should
flash to indicate charging or be solid when fully charged.
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Field Service Fiber Optic Power Meter Chapter 7 Disposal
Chapter 7 Disposal
Thorlabs verifies our compliance with the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive
of the European Community and the corresponding national laws. Accordingly, all end users in the EC
may return “end of life” Annex I category electrical and electronic equipment sold after August 13, 2005,
to Thorlabs, without incurring disposal charges. Eligible units are marked with the crossed out “wheelie
bin” logo (see right), were sold to and are currently owned by a company or institute within the EC and
are not dissembled or contaminated. Contact Thorlabs for more information. Waste treatment is your own
responsibility. “End of life” units must be returned to Thorlabs or handed to a company specializing in waste
recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public waste disposal site. It is the user’s responsibility
to delete all personal data stored on the device prior to disposal.
EU Importer UK Importer
Thorlabs GmbH Thorlabs Ltd.
Münchner Weg 1 204 Lancaster Way Business Park
D-85232 Bergkirchen Ely CB6 3NX
Germany United Kingdom
sales.de@thorlabs.com sales.uk@thorlabs.com
europe@thorlabs.com techsupport.uk@thorlabs.com
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www.thorlabs.com