Newport 1830-C – Laser Optical Power Meter

The Newport 1830-C is a benchtop laser optical power meter engineered for precision measurement across broad spectral ranges and multiple power scales. It delivers 10 pW to 2 W measurement capability with <±0.2% DC accuracy, supporting eight decades of dynamic range across compatible detector types. The instrument accommodates Newport's 818 Series silicon, germanium, and indium gallium arsenide detectors, enabling wavelength coverage from 190 nm to 1800 nm with 1 nm front-panel adjustment resolution. A 4.5-digit backlit LCD updates at 75 ms intervals, while user-selectable measurement units—watts, dBm, dB, and ratio—facilitate both absolute and relative power characterization. The built-in beeper provides real-time optical alignment feedback via frequency modulation with incident power.

– Technical Specifications

• Power Range: 100 fW to 2 W full scale (with OD-3 attenuator, detector dependent)
• Sensitivity: 10 pW minimum; 100 fW achievable
• Measurement Units: W, dBm, dB, ratio
• Dynamic Range: Up to 8 decades (detector dependent)
• DC Accuracy: ±0.2% (typical)
• Display: 4.5-digit LCD, 75 ms update rate; auto-ranging in 200 ms typical
• Wavelength Range: 190 nm to 1800 nm (with compatible detectors); adjustable in 1 nm increments

– Key Features

• Relative power measurements with ratio or dB output
• Compatible with Newport 818 Series low-power detectors (Si, Ge, InGaAs)
• Calibration modules available for pre-selected wavelength accuracy
• Audible beam alignment optimizer with power-responsive frequency
• 0 to 2 V analog output into 1 MΩ load
• Compact metal enclosure: 3.7 in. × 7.5 in. × 9.0 in.; 5 lb
• Operating range: 0°C to +40°C, <70% RH non-condensing

– Interfaces & Control

• RS-232C (9-pin D-Sub) and IEEE-488/GPIB (24-pin D-Sub) for remote operation
• PC integration via serial or parallel control
• LabVIEW driver support available
• AC supply: 100–120 V or 220–240 V, 50/60 Hz

– Compatibility & Applications

The meter integrates with Newport's 818 Series detector ecosystem, supporting both free-space and fiber-coupled measurement configurations. Laboratory research, industrial laser characterization, and system integration applications benefit from its wide spectral sensitivity and multi-scale output formats.