Products HomeSWIR Camera Beam Profiler
- 1050 - 1700 nm Wavelength Range
- Beam Diameter: 120 µm to 15.0 mm
- For Continuous Wave, Pulsed Beams, and Single Pulses
- Mounting Adapter for M2 Measurement Extension Set
BCIR1
SWIR Camera Beam Profiler and Filter Wheel with 6 Neutral Density Filters Included
Application Idea
Mount the BCIR1(/M) beam profiler with the BCIRM2A mounting adapter on the M2MS M2 extension set to create a complete beam quality measurement system.
BCIRM2A
SWIR Camera Beam Profiler Mounting Adapter for M2MS
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| Table 1.1 Key Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Item # | BCIR1(/M) |
| Wavelength Range | 1050 - 1700 nm |
| Power Range | 1 µW - 1 Wa,b |
| Beam Diameter | 120 µm - 15.0 mm |
| Compatible Light Sources | CW, Pulsed |
| Sensor Size | 19.2 mm x 15.4 mmc |
| Resolution | 1280 x 1024 pixel, ROI Selectable |
Click to Enlarge
Figure 1.2 The BCIR1(/M) beam profiler can be mounted to a standard post via the 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) tapped mounting hole on its base.
Features
- Full 2D Analysis of Continuous Wave or Pulsed Laser Beam Profiles
- High Resolution: 1280 x 1024 Pixels, Selectable Region of Interest
- Low Noise: Temporal Signal-to-Noise Ratio ≤60 dB
- 14-Bit SWIR Camera
- Large Sensor Area (19.2 mm x 15.4 mm) for Beam Diameters Up to Ø15.0 mm
- Protective Glass Shields Sensor from Dust and is Designed to Minimize Interference Fringes
- Integrated Filter Wheel with Six Neutral Density Filters
- User-Calibratable Power Readout
- Exposure Time: 0.65 - 30 ms
- Ambient Light Correction Feature
- External Trigger Input
- Optional M² Extension Kit for Automated M² Analysis (See Below)
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Figure 1.3 One Possible Configuration of the Beam Software GUI Showing Beam Settings, Calculation Results, 2D Projection, and 3D Profile.
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Figure 1.5 The BCIR1(/M) beam profiler can be mounted on the M2MS M2 measurement system using the BCIRM2A adapter.
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Figure 1.4 The BCIR1(/M) beam profiler is mounted on the BCIRM2A adapter.
Thorlabs' Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Beam Profiler is designed to measure the shape, size, and position of laser beams in the wavelength range from 1050 - 1700 nm. The camera sensor is based on a thin film of colloidal quantum dots, providing comparable performance in the NIR to CMOS cameras in the visible region. It allows complex mode patterns (like flat top and donut) to be identified while optimizing a laser system. Compared to scanning slit beam profilers, camera beam profilers can capture a more detailed beam profile and provide a true, real-time 2D analysis of the beam's power density distribution.
This beam profiler is suited for use with either continuous wave or pulsed sources in the SWIR wavelength range and beam diameters from 120 µm - 15.0 mm. Several trigger modes allow flexible capturing of single pulses, including a TTL input for triggered single pulse detection of signals with repetition rates up to 1 kHz; see the manual for more information.
An integrated filter wheel with 6 absorptive neutral density (ND) filters allows the profiler to be adapted for use with beam intensities from single microwatts to 1 W (see the Specs and ND Filter tabs for details). Each ND filter is AR coated over the SWIR range for 1050 - 1700 nm. Engraved labels are included on the filter wheel to indicate the ND filter pre-installed in each slot; the filter display window on both sides of the filter wheel shows which filter is currently in front of the camera. If filters need to be removed or replaced, the wheel can be opened using a flathead screwdriver (see the manual for more information on removing filters).
The input aperture is internally SM1 (1.035"-40) threaded for easy integration with Thorlabs' lens tube systems and mounts for other optical components such as additional attenuation filters, and also features four 4-40 threaded holes for compatibility with our 30 mm cage systems. The BCIR1(/M) SWIR camera beam profiler has a 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0) tapped hole on its base, centered on the entrance aperture, for post mounting as shown in Figure 1.2. Additionally, we offer the BCIRM2A mounting adapter which connects to the beam profiler via the tapped mounting hole and two alignment pins (see Figure 1.4), allowing straightforward mounting to our M2MS M2 measurement system as shown in Figure 1.5 (sold separately below).
The integrated power meter can be user calibrated and is perfectly suited for simultaneous power and beam shape optimization without the need for an external power meter. A measured mean value of the ambient light intensity is subtracted from the beam profile measurement to compensate for ambient light. The automatic exposure feature adapts the camera settings to the actual beam intensity. The USB 3.0 interface allows up to 18 full frames per second at full resolution. Measurements at higher frame rates can be achieved and transferred with reduced frame sizes.
The BCIR1(/M) SWIR camera beam profiler utilizes Thorlabs' Beam software package, which can be downloaded via the links in the Software tab. Features of the software package are listed under the User Interface tab. Driver information, file locations, and reference notes for interfacing with our beam profilers using LabVIEW™, C, Visual C#, and Python are available in the user manual, which can be found by clicking on the red Docs icon (
) next to the item number below. The BCIR1(/M) beam profiler is compatible with software version 9.3 or higher.
An M2 measurement extension set is available below to convert the SWIR camera beam profiler into a fully-automated M² measurement system. Thorlabs also offers UV and VIS CMOS camera beam profilers and scanning slit beam profilers, as well as complete M² analysis systems with included beam profilers.
| Table 2.1 BCIR1(/M) Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Wavelength Range | 1050 - 1700 nm |
| Power Range | 1 μW - 1 Wa,b |
| Beam Diameter | 120 µm - 15.0 mm |
| Compatible Light Sources | CW, Pulsed |
| Absorptive Neutral Density Filters | |
| Nominal Attenuation Values | 10 dB, 20 dB, 30 dB, 40 dB, 50 dB, 60 dB |
| AR Coating Wavelength Range | 1050 - 1700 nm |
| Sensor | |
| Chip | 1.3 MP onsemi Acuros 1280, 24.6 mm Diagonal, Cover Glass with Interference Fringe Supression |
| Aperture Size (Max) | 19.2 mm x 15.4 mmc |
| Pixel Size | 15.0 µm x 15.0 µm |
| Resolution (Max) | 1280 x 1024 pixel, ROI Selectable |
| Camera | |
| Shutter | Global |
| Binning | 1 x 1; 2 x 2; 4 x 4; 8 x 8; 16 x 16 |
| Frame Rate (Max) @ Full Resolution | 18 fpsd |
| Frame Rate @ 640 x 512 Pixels | >28 fpsd |
| Frame Rate @ 320 x 256 Pixels | >36 fpsd |
| Pulse Frequency | Up to 1 kHz (Single Pulse Detection, Pulse Width >0.5 ms), >10 kHz (Multi-Pulse Detection) |
| Image Digitization | 14 Bit |
| Temporal Signal-to-Noise Ratio | ≤60 dBe |
| Temporal Signal-to-Noise Ratio | >45 dBe |
| Exposure Range | 0.65 - 30 ms |
| Image Capture Modes | Single Frame, Continuous, Hardware Triggered |
| Sensor Distance to Front Filter Holder Surface |
17.4 mm (0.69") |
| Warm-Up Time for Rated Accuracy | 10 min |
| Interfaces | |
| Trigger Input | 0 - 3.3 V (LVTTL), BNC Jack; TTL Compatible, Low: 0 to +0.8 V High: 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Trigger Delay | 250 µs |
| Pulse Width | 1 µs (Min) |
| PC Interface | USB 3.0 (Micro-B) |
| General | |
| Operating Temperature | 10 to 35 °C |
| Storage Temperature | 0 to 55 °C |
| Size (H x W x D) Incl. Filter Wheel | 101.4 mm x 84.8 mm x 102.6 mm (3.99'' x 3.34'' x 4.04'') |
| Weight | 630 g (1.39 lbs) |
| Mounting Holes | Imperial: 1/4"-20; Metric: M6 x 1.0 mm |
| Power Consumption | 6.5 W - 12 W |
| Power Supply Output Voltage Range | 6 - 16 VDC |
| Included Power Supply | 12.0 VDC, 24 W |
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Figure 2.2 The operating power range depends on the beam diameter, the selected optical filter, and the wavelength. For example, the blue-dashed lines show the minimum and maximum powers that the BCIR1 profiler can detect for a 1550 nm source that has a beam diameter between 120 µm and 15.0 mm. Note that the neutral density filter will begin to heat up and can be damaged if exposed to incident powers above 1 W for more than a few seconds.
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Figure 2.3 This graph shows the relative reponse curve of the BCIR1(/M) beam profiler without the use of an ND filter. The blue-shaded region marks the specified operating wavelength range.
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Click for Raw Data
Figure 3.2 This graph shows the filter attenuation with respect to wavelength for the six ND filters included with the BCIR1(/M) beam profiler. The wavelength range of this AR coating covers 1050 nm to 1700 nm, which is indicated by the blue shaded region.
Neutral Density Filters
BCIR1(/M) SWIR Camera Beam Profiler
The BCIR1(/M) beam profiler comes with six absorptive neutral density (ND) filters. The filters have an AR coating deposited on both sides, coated for the 1050 to 1700 nm operating range.
BCIR1(/M) SWIR Camera Beam Profiler
Computer Connection
USB 3.0 Micro B Connector
A CABU31 USB 3.0 A to Micro B Cable, 3 m long, is included with the beam profiler.
Trigger Input
BNC Male Connector Integrated into Hirose 12-Pin Y-Cable
Do not exceed input voltages between 0.0 V to +5.5 V.
Low: 0 to +0.8 V
High: 2.0 to 5.5 V
Power and Trigger Input
12-Pin Hirose Connector
Accepts Included Y-Cable for Input Power (6 - 16 VDC) and Input Trigger Signals (0 - 3.3 V LVTTL)
M2MS Extension Set
Computer Connection
USB 2.0
A USB 2.0 Mini-B to A cable is included with each extension kit.
Optional Connection
USB 2.0
Two USB 2.0 Type A ports are included for connecting slit beam profilers and one other device, such as the TSP01 USB temperature and humidity controller. The BCIR1(/M) beam profiler requires USB 3.0 and should not be connected to this port.
DC Power Supply
15 V / 3 A AC Adapter with a 5.5 mm Outer Diameter DC Connector
Alignment Laser
3.5 mm Mono Jack
Main Window
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Figure 5.1 The main window of the GUI includes the menu bar, tool bar, status bar, and a frame where several windows can be displayed. This screenshot includes several panels: Beam Settings, Calculation Results, 2D Projection, and 3D Profile. The Beam Settings Panel displays all important information in a single location; this panel can be unpinned from the main window and moved to a second location, such as another monitor.
Thorlabs Beam Software for the BCIR1(/M) SWIR Camera Beam Profiler
- GUI with Adjustable Layout: Windows with Different Measurement Results
can be Rearranged and Resized within the Workspace - 2D and 3D Views of the Beam Profile
- Selectable Overlays such as Peak, Centroid, and Cut Profiles
- 3D View is Fully Rotatable
- M² and Divergence Measurements Compliant with ISO 11146
- Data Export:
- Results can be Exported from Windows in Different Formats
- Sequential Saving
- Pass/Fail Tests with Customizable, Lockable and Savable Pass/Fail Parameters
- Power Correction Available for Absolute Power Measurements
- Supports TSP01 for Temperature Logging During Long-Term Measurements
Thorlabs' Camera Beam Profilers, Scanning Slit Beam Profilers, and M² Measurement Systems all use the Thorlabs Beam software package. Figures 5.1 through 5.7 highlight key features and measurement modes that can be used with our camera beam profilers, including 2D projections of the beam profile and measurement of the beam stability and position. If an M² Extension Set (available below) is added to the system, the software also enables M² and beam divergence measurements (shown in Figures 5.6 and 5.7).
The latest version of the Beam software package can be downloaded from the Software tab.
2D Projection of the Beam Profile
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Figure 5.2 The 2D Projection graph shows the image from the Beam Profiler indicating the power intensity distribution within the selected Region of Interest (ROI). Buttons along the side allow users to save the image, show or hide the x and y scales, mark the centroid or peak positions, and display an approximated Beam Ellipse superimposed on the image.
Calculation Results
Beam Stability
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Figure 5.4 The Beam Stability Window allows the stability versus time to be recorded and viewed. Display options include the Centroid Positions, Latest Plotted Centroid, Rolling Centroid Positions, Reference Positions, and Smallest Enclosing Circle.
Plot Centroid and Peak Positions
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Figure 5.5 The positions of the X and Y peak and X and Y centroid positions can be displayed as a function of time in this window.
M2 Measurements
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Figure 5.6 The beam diameter and location of the beam waist are shown after an M² analysis has been performed. Note: This functionality is only enabled when using a beam profiler with one of the M² systems.
Divergence Measurements
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Figure 5.7 The divergence of the beam is shown after an M² analysis has been performed. Note: This functionality is only enabled when using a beam profiler with one of the M² systems.
| System Requirements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows® 8.1 (32 Bit or 64 Bit), 10 (32 Bit or 64 Bit), or 11 (for Beam Version 9.0 or Higher) |
|
| Connectivity | Scanning-Slit | USB 2.0 High Speed Port |
| Camera | USB 3.0 High Speed Port | |
| Monitor Resolution | 1024 x 758 Pixel (Min), ≥16 Bit Color Depth | |
| Processor (CPU) | Minimum | ≥3.0 GHz Intel Core (i5 or Higher)a |
| Recommended | Intel Core 2 i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 (3.0 GHz Min) | |
| Memory (RAM) | Minimum | 4.0 GB RAM |
| Recommended | 8.0 GB RAM | |
| Graphics Adapter | Required | OpenGL (Specification GLX 1.3 Up) |
| Minimum | Radeon: X100 Series ≥X850, X1000 Series ≥X1600, HD Series ≥2400; Geforce: 7 Series ≥7600, 8 Series ≥ 8500, 9 Series ≥9600; Quadro: FX Series ≥FX770M |
|
| Recommended | Radeon: HD Series ≥7000; Geforce: GTX Series ≥500; |
|
| Hard Drive | Minimum | 2 GB of Available Disk Space |
Software Packages for Thorlabs' Beam Profilers
The Beam software package can be downloaded by clicking on the Software button below. Please refer to the manual's programming references for interfacing with our beam profilers using LabVIEW™, C, Visual C#, and Python.
The BCIR1(/M) beam profiler is compatible with Beam version 9.3 or higher.
Features
- Settings Panel Displays All Important Parameters in a Central Location
- Customizable Calculation Results
- Measured Parameters can be Individually Hidden
- Adjustable Row Heights
- Enhanced Beam Stability Window Measures and Displays the
Smallest Enclosing Circle Around the Centroid Point Cloud
- Alignment Wizard to Aid in Correctly Aligning the M2MS M2 Measurement Systems
- Language Settings of English, German, or Chinese
Software
Version 9.3.6303.789 (November 11, 2025)
Standard full version of software package for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows with driver and graphical user interface for operating the device in standard applications.
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Zoom- 1.3 MP SWIR Camera-Based Analysis of Complex Beam Profiles
- Includes Six AR-Coated ND Filters on a Wheel
- Combine with BCIRM2A Adapter and M2MS Extension Set Below to Build Complete M2 Measurement System
- Physical Dimensions (Including Filter Wheel): 101.4 mm x 84.8 mm x 102.6 mm (3.99'' x 3.34'' x 4.04'')
The BCIR1(/M) SWIR camera beam profiler is designed for beam analysis over the 1050 - 1700 nm wavelength range. The profiler includes a front-mounted filter wheel with six ND filters (see the ND Filters tab more details) to attenuate the beam and a 1.3 MP SWIR camera to image the beam profile in two dimensions. The profiler features a 1/4"-20 (M6 x 1.0 mm) tapped hole on the bottom for post mounting. This hole, along with the Ø2.0 mm pin holes on either side of it, can be used to attach the profiler to the BCIRM2A mounting adapter for mounting to the M2MS M² Measurement System Extension Set (both sold separately below).
A 12-pin Hirose Y-cable for input power and trigger signals, CABU31 USB 3.0 A to micro B cable (3.0 m length), 12.0 VDC power supply, filter cap, and quick-start guide are shipped with each beam profiler.
Zoom- Use to Securely Mount the BCIR1(/M) SWIR Camera Beam Profiler to the M2MS M2 Measurement System
- Two Ø2.0 mm Dowel Pins Ensure Repeatable and Precise Positioning of the Profiler
The BCIRM2A SWIR Camera Beam Profiler Mounting Adapter for M2MS serves as an extension to both the BCIR1(/M) SWIR Camera Beam Profiler and the M2MS M² Measurement System. It enables secure mounting of the BCIR1(/M) SWIR Camera Beam Profiler (sold separately above) to the M2MS M² Measurement System (sold separately below).
The adapter features a counterbored hole for attaching to the base of the BCIR1(/M) profiler using a 1/4"-20 (M6 × 1.0) screw that is 3/4" (20 mm) long. Two Ø2.0 mm dowel pins mate with the bottom-located pin holes on the BCIR1(/M) beam profiler, ensuring repeatable and precise positioning of the profiler.
After attaching the profiler, the BCIRM2A SWIR camera beam profiler mounting adapter can be firmly attached to the M2MS with the two included M4 x 0.7 screws (10 mm long). Three Ø4 mm through holes on the adapter line up with the pins on the M2MS system for repeatable and precise positioning.
Zoom| Item # | M2MS | |
|---|---|---|
| Wavelength Range | 400 - 2700 nma | |
| Beam Profiler Compatibilityb | BC207VIS(/M)c BP209-VIS(/M) BP209IR1(/M) BP209-IR2(/M) BC210CV(/M)c BCIR1(/M)d |
|
| Internal Translation Stage |
Travel Range | 100 mm |
| Velocity (Max) | 500 mm/s | |
| Effective Translation Range | 200 mm (Total) ±100 mm (from Focal Point) |
|
| Lens Focal Length | 250 mm | |
| Optical Axis Height | 70 mm (Without Additional Feet) |
|
| M² Measurement Range | >1.0 (No Upper Limit) | |
| Typical M² Accuracy | ±5% (Depends on Optics and Alignment) |
|
| Minimum Detectable Divergence Angle |
<0.1 mrad | |
| Applicable Light Sources | CW, Pulseda | |
| Typical Measurement Time | 15 - 30 s |
|
| General Specifications | ||
| Size | 300 mm x 175 mm x 109 mm (Without Beam Profiler) |
|
| Weight | 4.2 kg (Without Beam Profiler) |
|
- Combine with BCIR1(/M) Beam Profile with BCIRM2A Mounting Adapter (Sold Separately) to Build a Complete M2 Measurement System
- Mirrors for the 400 - 2700 nm Range
- Mounting Adapters Included for BC207 and BC210C* Series Camera Beam Profilers and BP209 Scanning Slit Beam Profilers
- Includes an Alignment Laser
This extension set is designed to convert Thorlabs' Camera or Scanning Slit Beam Profilers into a fully automated, motorized M² measurement system. The M2MS measurement system has internal mirrors for wavelengths between 400 - 2700 nm. A magnetic mount at the input port allows the included AR-coated lenses (see boxes below) to be easily switched out to optimize the system for your laser source.
The beam profiler and focusing lens remain in a fixed position. For M2 measurements, the beam path length is varied using a movable retroreflector mounted on a translation stage, which has a translation range of 100 mm and a maximum velocity of 500 mm/s.
Figure G3.1 Each extension kit ships with a Class 1 alignment laser.The side of the M² measurement system features an integrated USB 2.0 hub, which has ports for the slit beam profiler, one other device such as the TSP01 USB temperature and humidity controller, and a mini USB output connection to a PC. The translation stage inside of the system also communicates with the computer through this hub. As the BCIR1(/M) and BC207 and BC210C series beam profilers use USB 3.0 ports, they should be connected directly to a PC using their included USB 3.0 cables when used with the M2MS system. The M2 measurement system extension set is controlled via the Thorlabs Beam software package which is also used to control our beam profilers (see the Software tab) and enables accurate measurements of a variety of beam-related parameters.
The housing of the M2 measurement extension set rests on four feet at the corners created by a 0.5 mm deep relief cut in the base. A set of RDF1 rubber damping feet are included. Five M6 x 1.0 mm taps allow for the installation of four damping feet with one near each corner or in a configuration using three damping feet.
More information about these complete M² measurement systems, as well information about M2 measurement systems that incorporate our scanning slit beam profilers can be found here.
*Users who purchased an M2 measurement system extension set before August 8, 2023 and wish to use a BC210C Series Camera Beam Profiler may receive the appropriate adapter by contacting Tech Sales.
Lenses Included with M2MS*
Lenses with f = 250 mm Mounted in CXY1QF Quick Release Plate:
- LA1461-A (AR Coated for 350 - 700 nm)
- LA1461-B (AR Coated for 650 - 1050 nm)
- LA1461-C (AR Coated for 1050 - 1700 nm)
- LA5255-D (AR Coated for 1650 - 3000 nm)
*Additional lenses for longer IR wavelengths and the CXY1QF quick release front plate are available separately to enable further customization of the M2 measurement system.
Accessories Included with M2MS
- Alignment Laser
- USB 2.0 to Mini B Cable, 3 m
- USB 2.0 to Mini B (Angled), 0.5 m
- 15 V, 3.0 A Power Supply
- Adapters for BC207, BC210C, and BP209 Profilers
- 0.05" Hex Key
- 3 mm Balldriver
- Four CL6 Rail Clamps
- Six M4 x 0.7 mm Cap Screws
SWIR Camera Beam Profiler