Gentec-EO SOLO2 Single-Channel Laser Power and Energy Meter

Gentec-EO SOLO2 Single-Channel Laser Power and Energy Meter

The Gentec-EO SOLO2 is a portable, microprocessor-based single-channel meter designed for laser power and energy measurements. When connected to a compatible Gentec-EO detector head, the SOLO2 provides measurement display, statistical analysis, data acquisition, internal storage, analog output, and computer-controlled operation for laboratory, production, service, alignment, and research applications.

The SOLO2 supports compatible photodiode, thermopile, and pyroelectric detector technologies. The available measurement range, wavelength coverage, response time, accuracy, maximum power, maximum energy, and damage limits are determined primarily by the connected detector head. The meter itself supports power measurements from 0.1 nW to 10 kW and energy measurements from 0.1 µJ to 20 kJ when used with an appropriate compatible detector.

The instrument combines a 240 x 160 pixel graphical LCD with several measurement displays, including real-time numerical readings, a bar graph, line plots, histograms, statistical results, and a digital tuning needle. Measurement data can be stored internally and transferred to a compatible computer through USB or RS-232 for further analysis and documentation.

A compatible Gentec-EO detector head is required to perform optical measurements. A detector head should be considered included only when it is specifically identified in the product listing.

Features and Benefits of the Gentec-EO SOLO2

• Single-channel laser measurement: Operates with one compatible Gentec-EO power or energy detector head.
• Wide power capability: Supports measurements from 0.1 nW to 10 kW when paired with a suitable detector.
• Broad energy capability: Supports pulse-energy measurements from 0.1 µJ to 20 kJ with a compatible energy detector.
• Automatic detector recognition: Reads calibration and configuration information from supported intelligent DB-15 detector connectors.
• Personal Wavelength Correction: Applies detector-specific wavelength correction using stored spectral data from compatible detector heads.
• Multiple display modes: Provides real-time, line-plot, histogram, statistics, average, fluence, peak-power, and digital tuning-needle displays.
• Integrated statistics: Calculates current, minimum, maximum, average, standard deviation, RMS stability, and peak-to-peak stability.
• Internal data acquisition: Stores as many as 225,000 data points when memory is not required by other advanced functions.
• USB and RS-232 interfaces: Supports remote control, data transfer, acquisition, and firmware updates.
• Analog output: Provides a 0 V to 1 V full-scale output for external monitoring equipment.
• Pass/Fail testing: Allows upper and lower measurement limits to be configured for quality-control applications.
• Portable operation: Uses rechargeable NiMH batteries for up to 11 hours of operation without the backlight.

Laser Power Measurement

When connected to a compatible power detector, the SOLO2 measures continuous-wave or average laser power. Supported detector technologies include photodiode and thermal power sensors equipped with a compatible interface.

The meter supports a system-level power range from 0.1 nW to 10 kW. The actual usable range depends on the detector head connected to the DB-15 input. The SOLO2 automatically limits its available scales according to the recognized detector configuration.

Photodiode power measurements can be displayed in watts or dBm. Thermal detector measurements use power scales extending from the microwatt region to kilowatts, subject to the connected detector’s capabilities.

The accelerated response function, called Anticipation, uses detector calibration data and processing algorithms to provide a faster indication than the natural response of a thermopile detector. The documented accelerated response time is approximately one second, although actual performance varies with the detector head.

Laser Energy Measurement

When connected to a compatible pyroelectric or other supported energy detector, the SOLO2 measures the energy of individual laser pulses. Its system-level energy range extends from 0.1 µJ to 20 kJ, subject to the connected detector’s range and damage limits.

The documented digital energy resolution is 5 nJ. The meter supports energy scales from 10 µJ through 30 kJ, while the detector determines which scales are available during operation.

Pulse repetition rates up to 3 kHz can be captured in acquisition mode without missing points under the documented conditions. Statistics mode supports up to 2 kHz without missing points. At higher repetition rates, the SOLO2 may sample a reduced portion of the incoming pulses.

The software trigger level is adjustable from 0.1% to 99.9% of the selected scale in 0.1% increments. The default trigger setting is 2%. Metallic-mode detector configurations use a fixed hardware trigger level of 3%.

Compatible Detector Recognition

The SOLO2 uses a female DB-15 probe input for compatible Gentec-EO detector heads. Supported intelligent detector connectors store information such as detector type, model, serial number, sensitivity, calibration wavelength, wavelength correction data, and response characteristics.

Supported power detectors and newer energy detectors connect directly to the DB-15 input. The meter reads the detector information and automatically configures the appropriate measurement mode and available scales.

Earlier energy detectors with BNC connectors may require a compatible universal BNC-to-DB-15 adapter. Compatibility should be verified before an older detector is connected. Detector heads designed for earlier incompatible meter platforms should not be connected directly, even if the connector appears mechanically similar.

Personal Wavelength Correction

Compatible detector heads contain detector-specific spectral calibration data in the intelligent connector. The SOLO2 reads this information and applies a wavelength correction based on the selected measurement wavelength.

A wavelength can be selected from the detector’s available list or entered as a custom value within the supported range. For custom wavelengths, the meter interpolates a correction factor from the data stored in the detector.

This function helps account for changes in detector responsivity across the optical spectrum. The wavelength range and available correction data depend on the connected detector head.

Real-Time and Graphical Displays

The graphical LCD provides several formats for viewing optical measurements. The real-time display presents the current value in a large numerical format together with a bar graph, detector information, active range, resolution, and wavelength.

The line-plot and histogram displays allow users to observe power or energy trends over time. The histogram updates at a documented rate of three points per second and scrolls continuously as new measurements are added.

The digital tuning needle updates at 15 Hz and provides a responsive visual indication for laser alignment and fine adjustment. A standard needle view and a centered-zero needle view are available.

A high-resolution display mode adds another significant digit to the numerical reading. This can help users observe small relative changes, although the absolute measurement accuracy remains dependent on the detector and calibration.

Statistical Analysis

The SOLO2 includes built-in statistical processing for evaluating optical power and energy measurements. Statistics can run in the background while another display mode remains active.

• Current value: Displays the most recent measurement.
• Maximum value: Records the highest measurement within the selected sample period.
• Minimum value: Records the lowest measurement within the selected sample period.
• Average value: Calculates the average of the measurements in the sample.
• Standard deviation: Indicates the distribution of measurements around the average.
• RMS stability: Expresses standard deviation as a percentage of the average.
• Peak-to-peak stability: Expresses the difference between the maximum and minimum as a percentage of the average.
• Elapsed time: Tracks the duration of a power measurement sample.
• Pulse count: Reports the number of measured pulses in energy mode.
• Repetition rate: Calculates the laser pulse frequency in energy mode.
• Average power: Calculates average power from pulse energy and repetition rate.

Configurable Data Sampling

The SOLO2 allows the sample rate, averaging period, total acquisition duration, and time-stamp operation to be configured according to the application.

Power measurement sample rates can be selected from one point per day up to 100 points per second through the user interface. Sample periods can be defined in seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, or a selected number of points or pulses.

Acquisition can run for one sample period, a specified duration, a selected number of periods, or continuously. Users can record raw values, statistics, or both.

Internal memory can hold as many as 225,000 data points when other memory-dependent features are not active. The meter can move selected data into flash memory so results remain available after power is removed.

Pass/Fail and Threshold Testing

The SOLO2 supports upper and lower reference limits for production testing, incoming inspection, stability monitoring, and quality-control applications.

Threshold mode allows the operator to define an upper bound, lower bound, and reference value. Pass/Fail display modes provide a clear visual result when a measurement remains within or moves outside the selected acceptance limits.

Pass/Fail operation can be combined with graphical monitoring or analog output. Acceptance limits should be selected according to the detector’s accuracy, process requirements, measurement stability, and the complete uncertainty of the test setup.

Relative Measurement Mode

Relative mode displays changes as a percentage of the measurement present when the function is activated. This is useful for monitoring laser stability, alignment changes, optical transmission variations, or other measurements where the change from a reference is more important than the absolute value.

For example, a decrease from 40 W to 38 W can be displayed as a 5% reduction from the reference. Relative mode can be enabled or disabled without changing the connected detector.

Correction Factors

The user can apply two multipliers and two offsets to the measured value. These correction factors support test setups containing beam samplers, attenuators, optical losses, or other components that require the displayed reading to be adjusted.

Corrections are applied in the following order: Multiplier 1, Offset 1, Multiplier 2, and Offset 2. Each entry uses a seven-digit floating-point value.

The meter continues to show the uncorrected detector reading as the head value. This helps users verify that the actual optical power or energy remains within the connected detector’s limits even when a large correction multiplier is applied.

Fluence and Power Density Measurements

The fluence display converts an energy measurement into joules per square centimetre or a power measurement into watts per square centimetre. The user enters the beam area or the diameter of a circular beam at the detector surface.

This function supports applications requiring energy-density or power-density information. The entered beam size must accurately represent the illuminated area on the detector for the calculated result to be meaningful.

The laser beam must remain within the detector aperture, and the detector’s maximum power density or energy density must not be exceeded.

Peak Power Calculation

In energy mode, the SOLO2 can calculate peak power from the measured pulse energy and a user-entered pulse width. Pulse-width units from picoseconds to milliseconds are available.

The calculated value assumes that the pulse-energy and pulse-width information adequately represent the laser pulse. It is a mathematical estimate and does not replace a high-speed temporal measurement when detailed pulse shape or instantaneous peak power must be characterized.

USB and RS-232 Computer Control

The SOLO2 provides USB and RS-232 interfaces for remote control and data transfer. The USB interface appears to a compatible computer as a serial communication port.

Only one communication interface should be connected at a time. Supported RS-232 baud rates include 9,600, 19,200, 38,400, and 115,200 baud. The documented serial configuration uses eight data bits, no parity, one stop bit, and no flow control.

The meter supports text and binary command formats. Remote commands can retrieve measurements, configure data sampling, select a wavelength, apply corrections, control acquisition, enable statistics, set trigger levels, change display modes, query detector information, and manage the analog output.

Compatible PCSOLO software can provide remote viewing, instrument control, and computer-based data acquisition. Software, drivers, and compatibility with the buyer’s operating system should be verified before purchase.

Analog Output

The SOLO2 provides a 0 V to 1 V analog output for connection to compatible external equipment such as a chart recorder, voltmeter, oscilloscope, or data-acquisition interface.

One volt corresponds to the full-scale value of the selected measurement range. The documented output accuracy is ±1%, and the output impedance is 10 kO.

The analog output uses a female 1/8-inch jack. The function must be enabled through the instrument controls or a compatible remote command.

Battery and Power Options

The SOLO2 uses four rechargeable 1.2 V NiMH AA batteries. Battery operating time is approximately 11 hours with the backlight turned off and approximately six hours with the backlight operating.

A complete battery recharge requires approximately six hours using the compatible external power supply. USB power can operate the meter without consuming battery energy, but USB operation does not recharge the batteries.

The documented external supply accepts 100 V to 240 V AC at 50 Hz or 60 Hz and provides 9 V DC output. A compatible Gentec-EO power supply should be used to avoid damage to the meter.

Typical Applications

• Continuous-wave laser power measurement
• Pulsed laser energy measurement
• Photodiode detector measurements
• Thermopile power measurements
• Pyroelectric energy measurements
• Laser alignment and optimization
• Laser source stability analysis
• Optical component characterization
• Production and quality-control testing
• Pass/Fail evaluation
• Long-term data logging
• Laboratory and photonics research

Product Overview

Brand	Gentec-EO
Model	SOLO2
Product Category	Single-Channel Laser Power and Energy Meter
Number of Channels	One
Detector Input	Female DB-15 connector for compatible Gentec-EO detector heads
Measurement Functions	Laser power, pulse energy, statistics, fluence, peak power, relative measurement, and data logging
Computer Interfaces	USB and RS-232
Analog Output	0 V to 1 V full scale
Detector Head Included	Only when specifically identified in the product listing
Primary Application	Single-channel laser power and energy measurement with a compatible detector head

 

Power Meter Specifications

Specification	Details
Supported Power Range	0.1 nW to 10 kW with an appropriate compatible detector
Photodiode Power Scales	3 nW through 3 W across 19 documented scales
Thermal Detector Power Scales	300 µW through 10 kW across 16 documented scales
Digital Resolution	Selected scale divided by 2048
Monitor Accuracy	±0.5% and ±5 µV full scale
Accelerated Response Time	Approximately one second; varies with detector head
Internal Sampling Frequency	200 kHz
Power Display Units	Watts and dBm, with dBm available for compatible photodiode detectors

 

Energy Meter Specifications

Specification	Details
Supported Energy Range	0.1 µJ to 20 kJ with an appropriate compatible detector
Documented Energy Scales	10 µJ through 30 kJ across 20 scales
Digital Energy Resolution	5 nJ
Default Trigger Level	2% of the selected scale
Software Trigger Range	0.1% to 99.9% in 0.1% increments
Metallic-Mode Trigger	Hardware set to 3%
Acquire-Data Repetition Rate	Up to 3 kHz without missing points under the documented conditions
Statistics-Mode Repetition Rate	Up to 2 kHz without missing points under the documented conditions

 

Display and Data Specifications

Specification	Details
Display Type	Graphical LCD with adjustable contrast and backlight
Display Area	Approximately 76.78 mm x 57.58 mm
Display Resolution	240 x 160 pixels
Numerical Display Rate	3 Hz
Bar Graph and Needle Rate	15 Hz
Bar Graph	165 divisions
Display Modes	Real time, line plot, histogram, statistics, average, status, fluence, exposure, peak power, and digital tuning needle
Correction Factors	Two multipliers and two offsets with seven-digit floating-point values
Maximum Data Storage	Up to 225,000 points when advanced memory-dependent features are not in use

 

Analog Output and Communication Specifications

Specification	Details
Computer Interfaces	USB and RS-232
Supported Baud Rates	9,600, 19,200, 38,400, and 115,200 baud
Traditional Serial Format	Eight data bits, no parity, one stop bit, and no flow control
High-Throughput Serial Rate	Up to 200 Hz under the documented conditions
Analog Output Range	0 V to 1 V full scale
Analog Output Accuracy	±1%
Analog Output Impedance	10 kO
Analog Output Connector	Female 1/8-inch jack

 

Physical and Power Specifications

Specification	Details
Dimensions Without Stand	210 mm wide x 122 mm high x 44 mm deep
Weight With Stand	Approximately 0.52 kg
Battery Pack	Four rechargeable 1.2 V NiMH AA batteries
Battery Life Without Backlight	Approximately 11 hours
Battery Life With Backlight	Approximately six hours
Battery Charge Time	Approximately six hours
External Power Supply Input	100 V to 240 V AC at 50 Hz or 60 Hz
External Power Supply Output	9 V DC at 1.66 A for the documented universal supply

 

Detector and Accessory Considerations

The SOLO2 is a measurement monitor and requires a compatible detector head. The meter’s broad power and energy ranges describe its supported system capability and do not mean that one detector can cover the entire range.

Detector type should be selected according to source wavelength, optical power, pulse energy, beam diameter, repetition rate, pulse width, response-time requirement, and maximum power or energy density.

The detector’s active area must capture the complete laser beam. For accurate measurements, the beam should be distributed appropriately across the sensing area without exceeding the detector’s damage limits.

The listing should clearly identify whether a detector head, stand, DB-15 adapter, attenuator, diffuser, external power supply, USB cable, RS-232 cable, carrying case, software, manual, or calibration certificate is included.

Measurement and Operating Considerations

The detector should be allowed to stabilize before the meter is zeroed. Thermal power detectors are sensitive to ambient temperature, drafts, nearby heat sources, and physical handling.

The laser beam should be blocked before performing a zero-offset operation. With photodiode detectors, the detector’s protective cover may be required during the diode-zero procedure.

Maximum detector power, energy, power density, and energy density must never be exceeded. Correction multipliers change the displayed result but do not increase the detector’s physical measurement or damage limits.

Water-cooled and fan-cooled detectors require proper installation and cooling. Detector surfaces can become hot during operation and should be allowed to cool before handling.

Calibration Before Shipment

When technically applicable and selected, the Gentec-EO SOLO2 can be calibrated or performance-verified before shipment. Calibration may include meter input response, scale accuracy, zero-offset operation, detector recognition, data acquisition, analog output, USB communication, RS-232 communication, battery operation, and external power operation.

A complete optical calibration requires the actual detector head because detector sensitivity, wavelength response, measurement range, and accuracy are determined by the meter and detector combination. Calibration should identify the detector model, serial number, measurement mode, wavelength, power or energy points, and applicable uncertainty.

Buyers requiring formal calibration should confirm whether calibration is needed for the SOLO2 monitor alone or for a complete meter-and-detector system. Requested wavelengths, measurement levels, detector configuration, certificate type, recorded results, and measurement uncertainty should be specified before purchase.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The Gentec-EO SOLO2 receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Testing may include power-up, graphical LCD condition, backlight, keypad operation, menu navigation, battery charging, battery operation, external power input, detector-head recognition, scale selection, zero offset, statistics, data acquisition, internal storage, Pass/Fail operation, correction factors, and analog output.

Communication testing may include USB recognition, RS-232 operation, firmware identification, current-value queries, detector-information queries, data transfer, and selected remote-control commands.

When a compatible detector is available, measurement testing may include detector recognition, wavelength selection, autoscaling, relative measurements, real-time display, line plotting, histograms, statistics, and comparison with suitable reference equipment.

The exact test scope depends on the included detector head, available optical sources, power or energy range, wavelength, communication accessories, calibrated reference instruments, battery condition, software compatibility, and included power supply.

Buyer Considerations

Buyers should confirm whether the sale includes only the Gentec-EO SOLO2 meter or a complete measurement system with a detector head. The SOLO2 cannot measure laser power or energy without a compatible detector.

The detector model and version should be confirmed before compatibility is assumed. Earlier detector heads may require a compatible adapter, and some older heads use interfaces that must not be connected directly to the SOLO2.

The condition of the LCD, keypad, DB-15 detector input, USB port, RS-232 port, analog output, external power input, batteries, stand, enclosure, and calibration seal should be reviewed before purchase.

Only the SOLO2 meter, detector head, power supply, USB cable, RS-232 cable, adapter, stand, carrying case, software, documentation, calibration records, and accessories specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included.

Why Buy from AssetRelay?

AssetRelay supplies professional equipment and product solutions for fiber optic, telecom, laboratory, production, optical test, laser measurement, electronic test, RF/microwave, and photonics applications. The Gentec-EO SOLO2 provides flexible laser power and energy measurement capabilities for laboratories, production facilities, service organizations, research teams, laser manufacturers, system integrators, and technical procurement departments.

Buyers should review the product photographs, physical condition, included detector head, detector compatibility, display operation, communication interfaces, battery condition, external power supply, calibration status, functional test results, and included accessories before purchase.