ThorLabs WFS10-5C Wavefront Sensor

The Thorlabs WFS10-5C is a high-resolution wavefront sensor employing the Shack-Hartmann principle for precise optical wavefront measurement and analysis. A microlens array divides the incident beam into smaller beams, each focused onto a CMOS camera sensor. Deviations in focal spot positions from reference locations reveal wavefront distortions, making this instrument essential for adaptive optics, laser characterization, and optical system alignment.

– Technical Specifications

Sensing Architecture
• Shack-Hartmann principle with microlens array (MLA150M-5C, chrome mask)
• Lenslet pitch: 150 µm
• Lenslet diameter: Ø140 µm (fused silica)
• Active lenslets: up to 73 × 45 (maximum)

Optical Performance
• Wavelength range: 300–1100 nm
• Wavefront accuracy: λ/10 RMS (absolute, internal reference)
• Wavefront sensitivity: up to λ/150 RMS
• Maximum wavefront slope: ±1°
• Dynamic range: measurement sensitivity inversely proportional to minimum measurable slope

Camera & Sensor
• CMOS sensor, 640 × 480 pixels (software selectable)
• Pixel size: 5 × 5 µm
• Frame rate: 23–880 FPS
• Exposure time: 4 µs–83.3 ms
• Minimum pulse width: 100 µs

Physical & Environmental
• Lens mount: C-mount
• Operating temperature: 5–35 °C (non-condensing)
• Storage temperature: −20 to 60 °C
• Mounting threads: 1/4″-20, 8-32, M4, M6
• Includes external C-mount to internal SM1 (1.035″-40) adapter

– Key Features

• Real-time wavefront and intensity distribution measurements
• USB 2.0 Type-A to Mini-B connectivity
• TCP/IP live data readout
• Software-selectable trigger slope (low-high or high-low)
• Exposure range spans microsecond to tens-of-millisecond timescales

– Typical Applications

• Adaptive optics system characterization
• Laser beam quality assessment
• Optical alignment and system diagnostics
• Wavefront aberration quantification

– Compatibility & Integration

Standard C-mount lens interface with included adapter for SM1 optical bench integration. USB and TCP/IP interfaces enable both direct control and networked measurement workflows.