Integrating sphere photodetector for measurement of continuous-wave and peak laser power

An integrating sphere photodetector utilizing an integrating sphere and a silicon photodiode sensor was developed for measuring both continuous-wave and peak laser power over a spectral wavelength range from 514 to 1064 nm with an estimated average power range from 100 ..mu..W to 50 W and peak power greater than 1 kW. This universal detector simplifies optical coupling, improves the peak-measurement accuracy of pulses having rise-times greater than 10 ns, and increases the accuracy and repeatability of some continuous-wave-measurements applications. Its wide acceptance angle of approximately 30 degrees provides a means of collecting all of the output from such widely diverging sources as laser diodes.