In short
- Start from the wavelength. It decides the profiler family: UV–VIS–NIR for 300–1100 nm, SWIR up to 2.05 µm, MWIR for 1.5–5.7 µm and LWIR for 7.7–12 µm.
- Match the beam to the sensor. At least 10 pixels across the beam, and the beam under about one third of the sensor width.
- Plan the power. Camera sensors need only a small fraction of the beam. Most set-ups need attenuation or a beam sampler.
- Check the software. ISO 11146 second-moment widths, pass/fail tests and reports matter as much as the camera.
What a laser beam profiler measures
Laser beam profiling measures the spatial distribution of a laser beam’s intensity. It tells you whether the beam will perform as intended in research, material processing, medical treatment or telecommunications.
A laser beam profiler has two parts: a detector that captures the beam and software that analyses it. Together they measure beam width, divergence, uniformity, position and shape (Gaussian, top-hat and others). These parameters decide how well the beam focuses, how evenly it exposes a target and whether it keeps its quality over time.
Six specifications that matter
The sensor must respond at your laser’s wavelength. Detector material and coatings set the range, from UV to far IR.
Pixel size limits how small a beam, or how fine a feature, you can resolve. Small beams need small pixels.
The ratio between the weakest and strongest intensity the sensor can record. It matters for beams with wings, side lobes or hot spots.
How fast the profiler captures and analyses frames. Real-time alignment and production monitoring need speed.
The sensor must hold the whole beam without clipping its edges. Large or diverging beams need a large sensor or optics.
Beam width, ellipticity, centroid, ROI, power distribution and trends over time, plus test modes and reports for QA.
Which detector for your wavelength?
Enter the laser wavelength. The tool shows the detector family and the matching IZAK profiler.
Will the beam fit the sensor?
For accurate ISO 11146 second-moment widths, aim for at least 10 pixels across the beam and keep the beam under about one third of the sensor width.
How much power reaches the sensor?
Peak irradiance and fluence of a Gaussian beam at the measurement plane. Use it to plan attenuation before the beam reaches a camera.
Free engineering tool
Gaussian Beam CalculatorRayleigh range, divergence and beam size at any distance, with a live view of the spot on the sensor.Choosing by laser type
Nd:YAG lasers1064 nm · material processing, medical
Choose a profiler with high dynamic range and good NIR response. Pulse width, beam size and the sensor’s damage threshold all matter. The IZAK UV–VIS–NIR profiler covers 1064 nm; send us the pulse parameters and we will confirm the right model and attenuation.
Laser diodes around 800 nmpumping, medical, sensing
These need high spatial resolution and NIR sensitivity. Diode bars and stacks produce wide, asymmetric beams, so the sensor size follows the beam size and divergence at the measurement plane.
SWIR lasers1.1–2.05 µm · telecom, medical, inspection
Used in fiber communication, skin treatments, wafer inspection and gas sensing. The IZAK SWIR beam profiler covers the short-wave IR up to 2.05 µm, including 1310 and 1550 nm.
MWIR lasersHo ≈ 2.1 µm, Tm ≈ 2.0 µm and above
Holmium and thulium lasers run CW or pulsed with a wide range of pulse widths and repetition rates. High peak power calls for high dynamic range, and MWIR sensors often need cooling to reduce noise.
CO₂ lasers9.3 / 10.6 µm · cutting, engraving, medical
Choose the LWIR profiler, which covers 7.7–12 µm. Beam power and size drive the attenuation and integration design; the IZAK LWIR profiler is configured for the wavelength, beam size and power at the sensor.
Production-line QAany wavelength
Speed and repeatability come first: fast frame rates, a robust mount, and software that automates tests, applies pass/fail limits and writes a report for every unit.
Free PDF · 6 pages
Take the checklist with you
- Wavelength-to-detector map, 0.3 to 12 µm
- Pixel-pitch and sensor-size rules with worked examples
- Pulsed vs CW, attenuation and production QA checklists
- A fill-in specification worksheet for your RFQ
Enter your details and the PDF is sent to you.
Watch: the IZAK Beam Profiler application
What to send us for a recommendation
With these details an engineer can recommend the detector, attenuation and integration level in one reply:
- Laser type and wavelengthe.g. Nd:YAG, 1064 nm
- CW or pulsedpulse width, energy and repetition rate
- Power or energyat the measurement plane
- Beam size and divergencewhere you will measure
- EnvironmentR&D bench, OEM integration or production line
- Software needsreports, pass/fail, automation interface
Frequently asked questions
QCan one beam profiler cover UV, visible and infrared?
QHow many pixels should cover the beam?
QDo I need attenuation?
Tzachi Sabati
CEO, IZAK Scientific
Physicist specializing in photonics and quantum technologies, with deep expertise in quantum sensors and advanced optical systems. Leads the Advanced Quantum Lab course at the Technion, bridging academic excellence with industry innovation. At IZAK Scientific, provides cutting-edge photonics-based solutions, developing customized inspection and sensing systems for R&D and production. Passionate about advancing quantum sensing applications and integrating novel technologies to meet industry needs.
