The MKS Instruments/Newport 1815-C is a portable optical power meter engineered to measure optical power across six decades, from nanowatts to kilowatts. This battery-powered instrument configures as either a current-measuring device for semiconductor photodiodes or a voltage-measuring device for disk thermopiles, making it adaptable to both low-power and high-power measurement applications. The meter delivers ±3% accuracy with full wavelength compensation traceable to NIST/NPL standards.
Technical Specifications
• Measurement Range: 20.00 nW to 2.000 mW (low-power); 20.00 µW to 2.000 W with attenuator; 2 W to 2 kW (high-power)
• Display: 3.5-digit annunciated LCD
• Sample Rate: 2.5 Hz
• Range Switch: 6 positions (one per decade)
• Measurement Accuracy: ±3% (typical) with wavelength compensation
• Maximum Input Ratings: 5 mA (current); -6 V to +3 V (voltage); 300 mV maximum measurable input voltage
• CAL Factor: Default 1.00E+0
• Power Source: 6 × 1.5 V AA alkaline batteries
• Battery Life: 130–180 hours (alkaline); BAT indicator activates at 7 V
• Dimensions: 3.25 × 6.0 × 6.25 inches (83 × 152 × 159 mm)
• Weight: 1.5 lb (0.7 kg)
• Enclosure: ABS plastic
– Key Features
• Front-panel Range and ZERO functions enable rapid setup and baseline correction
• Wavelength compensation CAL feature maintains traceable calibration across the measurement spectrum
• Six-position range selector provides decade-by-decade gain control
• BNC signal input and output connectors with analog output support
• SETUP DIP switch bank for instrument configuration
• Operates on standard alkaline cells; internal voltages remain below 9 V
– Typical Applications
• Laser characterization and light source power validation
• Laboratory and field optical power measurements requiring portable operation
• Detector performance verification across low-power and high-power regimes
– Compatibility & Integration
Works with Newport’s Low-Power and High-Power detector families. Specific compatible detector models are listed in the operator’s manual.
