One System.
One Shot.
Complete Beam Analysis.
Classical M² measurements capture the laser beam at multiple positions along the optical axis, which usually requires mechanically moving the sensor. This costs time, requires alignment, and makes the measurement more dependent on the operator.
The CAM SQUARED M² measurement systems instead use a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor that captures wavefront and intensity distribution in a single shot. From this, the required observation planes are reconstructed and the M² factor is determined in accordance with ISO 11146. Our M² measurement instruments also provide other important parameters, such as beam diameter, divergence, beam waist, focus diameter, Rayleigh length, and astigmatism.
Key Features of Our M² Measurement Systems
No scanning, no translation stage, no need to swap focusing optics, no complex alignment. A single measurement delivers the complete beam caustic.
M² determination according to ISO 11146, for comparable and documentable results in research and quality assurance
M² factor, divergence, beam waist, Rayleigh length, astigmatism, and BPP, all from a single dataset
Identical conditions deliver identical values, independent of the operator and alignment effort
CAM SQUARED – Characteristics and Design
All our CAM SQUARED M² measurement systems use a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor. It captures intensity and phase simultaneously, without requiring any mechanical movement. From the intensity images, the system then calculates the observation planes required by ISO 11146.
One Shot. Fast M² Measurement.
CAM SQUARED instruments reconstruct the beam path from a single shot, rather than capturing the laser beam at multiple positions along the beam axis, as classical M² measurement systems do. This reduces both measurement effort and alignment, enabling fast beam analysis of both CW and pulsed lasers.
The method is also well suited to observing dynamic beam properties, such as thermally induced changes, and supports the precise alignment of optical setups in the lab and in production.
Comprehensive Laser Beam Analysis
In addition to the M² factor, CAM SQUARED captures other important parameters for precise beam analysis and beam quality assessment. The measurement data allow a detailed evaluation of beam propagation, focusability, and beam dynamics.
Key Measurement Parameters
- M² factor for assessing beam quality
- Beam diameter and focus diameter
- Divergence angle
- Beam size and waist position
- Rayleigh length
- Beam parameter product (BPP)
- Astigmatism
- Beam caustic and beam propagation
This makes CAM SQUARED a comprehensive solution for characterizing, analyzing, and optimizing laser beams, covering everything from beam quality and focusing to beam propagation.
Compact and Easy to Integrate
Magnetically coupled mounts allow the measurement system to be mounted, removed, and repositioned quickly and with high repeatability. This makes it easy to integrate CAM SQUARED into existing lab and production setups.
Technical Specifications of the CAM SQUARED M² Measurement Systems
CAM SQUARED instruments are available in four pupil sizes, as well as VIS, NIR, and SWIR versions. The right configuration depends on the beam diameter and wavelength of your laser source.
CAM SQUARED M
For small laser beams
- Aperture size: 5 × 3.7 mm²
- Recommended beam diameter: 7 – 3 mm at 1/e²
- Wavelength range: 350 – 1100 nm
- Measurement rate: 125 Hz
- M² accuracy: 5%
CAM SQUARED L
For medium-sized laser beams
- Aperture size: 9 × 5.1 mm²
- Recommended beam diameter: 7 – 4.2 mm at 1/e²
- Wavelength range: 350 – 1100 nm
- Measurement rate: 50 Hz
- M² accuracy: 5%
CAM SQUARED XL
For large laser beams
- Aperture size: 8 × 10.2 mm²
- Recommended beam diameter: 7 – 8.2 mm at 1/e²
- Wavelength range: 350 – 1100 nm
- Measurement rate: 30 Hz
- M² accuracy: 5%
CAM SQUARED XXL
For very large laser beams
- Aperture size: 22 × 22 mm²
- Recommended beam diameter: 2 – 17.8 mm at 1/e²
- Wavelength range: 350 – 1100 nm
- Measurement rate: 30 Hz
- M² accuracy: 5%
CAM SQUARED SWIR
For the SWIR wavelength range
- Aperture size: 3 × 7.4 mm²
- Recommended beam diameter: 6 – 6 mm at 1/e²
- Wavelength range: 980 – 1650 nm
- Measurement rate: 150 Hz
- M² accuracy: 5%
Optional Wavefront Analysis
For more advanced investigations, CAM SQUARED can be extended with complete wavefront analysis.
In addition to M² determination, this provides further information on the phase and optical aberrations of the laser beam. This supports, for example, collimation, alignment, and the optimization of optical systems.
One Software for All Devices
All CAM SQUARED instruments are supplied with the WAVESQUARED software. The software enables intuitive M² measurement, evaluation, and analysis: the M² factor is measured live, and beam caustic, divergence, beam waist, and astigmatism are displayed. The WAVESQUARED software also shows the intensity distribution and laser beam propagation directly.
All measured parameters and their physical behavior are visible in a single window, and M² evaluation is performed according to the ISO 11146 standard. All results can also be documented and exported.
This allows the WAVESQUARED software to provide fast analysis of laser beam quality in everyday lab work, development, and quality assurance.
Want to Know Which CAM SQUARED Variant Fits Your Laser Source?
Talk to Our Experts.
FAQ – CAM SQUARED M² Measurement Devices
Which Laser Beam Parameters Can Be Measured With CAM SQUARED?
CAM SQUARED enables comprehensive beam analysis. In addition to the M² factor, it can determine beam diameter, divergence, focus diameter, beam waist, Rayleigh length, beam parameter product (BPP), and astigmatism, among other parameters.
How Does Single-Shot M² Measurement Work?
A Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor captures wavefront and intensity distribution simultaneously in a single shot. From this, the required observation planes are reconstructed and evaluated for M² measurement according to ISO 11146. No mechanical movement of the sensor along the beam axis is required.
What Are the Advantages of Single-Shot M² Measurement?
Eliminating the need for mechanical scanning reduces measurement time, mechanical complexity, and alignment effort. This also makes CAM SQUARED well suited to the fast analysis of pulsed lasers and dynamic changes in beam quality.
Can CAM SQUARED Also Measure White Light or Broadband Radiation?
Yes. The Shack-Hartmann measurement principle is, in principle, also suitable for polychromatic and broadband radiation. Wavefront determination is based on evaluating the position of the spots on the detector. Wavelength mainly affects spot size, while spot position is generally preserved.
For specific applications, TOPAG recommends selecting a sensor based on wavelength, spectral bandwidth, and the appropriate sensor variant.
How Is Laser Power Adjusted for Reliable M² Measurement?
The power reaching the sensor must fall within the suitable measurement range. Depending on the application, laser power can be reduced using optical attenuators. At higher power levels, reflective wedge plates, suitable mirrors or beam samplers can be used, for example. Component optical quality should be high enough that additional wavefront errors do not affect M² measurement accuracy.
How Should CAM SQUARED Be Set Up for Precise Beam Analysis?
The laser beam should be fully captured on the sensor and correctly centered, taking into account the recommended beam diameter for the respective CAM SQUARED variant. For a stable measurement, multiple frames can be averaged, and exposure time and signal level can be optimally adjusted.
Which Lasers Is CAM SQUARED Suitable For?
CAM SQUARED instruments are suitable for M² measurement and beam analysis of both CW and pulsed lasers. The right variant is selected primarily based on wavelength and beam diameter. Dynamic changes in beam quality can also be investigated.
Can I Test CAM SQUARED Before Purchasing?
Yes. By arrangement, TOPAG offers a demo system for hands-on testing. Alternatively, we can arrange an on-site demonstration. This allows you to test the M² measurement system with your own laser source under real operating conditions.