Beam Waist Analyzer Monitor (BWA-MON)

The Beam Waist Analyzer Monitor (BWA-MON) and software enables true “real-time” laser beam measurement, analysis and monitoring of low to very high power CW and pulsed lasers. The system design is based on the international standards ISO 11146 and ISO 13694 which relate to lasers and laser related equipment and laser beam spatial metrics.

Watch inventor Michael J. Scaggs of Haas Laser Technologies give a brief overview of the Beam Waist Analyzer Monitor.

In every laser application, the laser beam profile provides valuable information for the most efficient use of the laser. By monitoring the laser beam's spatial profile, circularity, centroid, astigmatism and M-squared values, you have early warning of any problems with the laser and entire beam delivery optical system. This relates to increased quality, process reliability, and reduced scrap. In addition, as the focal position can be monitored in real time, a feedback loop can be utilized to compensate for thermal lensing in systems susceptible to this phenomenon.

The BWA-MON is a patented instrument (USPTO 8,237,922; 8,427,633; 8,619.247; 8,711,343; 8,848,177; 8,848,178; 8,848,179) that measures the focused beam waist of a laser beam without moving parts when used in conjunction with the Haas LTI BWA-CAM. Prior to the advent of the BWA-CAM, all other beam waist analyzer devices use some sort of moving or spinning components which make real time measurement of a laser's M-squared impractical for on-line or real time applications. The BWA-MON is a modular focus head design that can be configured for most applications and laser wavelengths. The design contains no “moving components” and provides instantaneous measurement and analysis of the laser beam and its optical elements.  The BWA-MON offers for the first time the ability to provide six sigma processing with a laser as all the measured beam metrics can travel with any part being manufactured.

The BWA-MON is a laser focusing head utilizing more than thirty years of beam delivery expertise at Haas Laser Technologies, Inc. The monitoring of the system occurs while the system is processing material; whether it is cutting, drilling, welding, marking or any type of laser process.

Beam Waist Analyzer Monitor (BWA-MON) Features

- Real Time Laser Beam Analysis

- Instant M-Squared Measurement (<200 milliseconds)

- Monitor Near and Far Field Laser Beams

- Patterns in Real Time

- All ISO Beam Profile Parameters. Available in Real Time While Cutting, Drilling, Welding or Marking With No Disruption of Process Beam!

- Patented technology

Beam Waist Analyzer Monitor (BWA-MON) Specifications

- Measures focal spot sizes > 50 microns (spot sizes small than 50 microns require optional focal extender)

- Laser beam monitoring from milliwatts to 20 kilowatts

- Rayleigh lengths from 200 microns to 48 mm (> 48 mm requires optional mechanical insert)

- Incorporated in Haas Laser Technologies 25mm and 50mm series focus heads

- Dual camera and single camera configurations

- GigE Power Over Ethernet connection with cable lengths to 100 meters

- 190nm to 1100nm with optionally UV coated CMOS sensor and 7.5 μm to 13.5μm with micro bolometer sensor.

- Actual 22.9mm C.A.(for 25mm series) and 45.5mm C.A.(for 50mm series)

- CE certified