Laser power is a core parameter for evaluating laser performance. The accuracy of test results directly affects equipment acceptance, product quality inspection and reliability of research data.
When commissioning a testing service, clients usually focus on two key questions: How does the testing workflow run? How is the lead time determined?
01 Key Pre-Test Confirmation: What Will Be Measured?
Step 1: Identify the Unit Under Test
Two main categories with entirely different technical approaches:
Laser power meter itself: falls under the scope of verification / calibration for measuring instruments.
Complete laser equipment: categorized as product performance testing, conducted in accordance with relevant product test method standards.
Step 2: Confirm Critical Parameters
Different purposes correspond to different testing depths and report formats. After confirming this information, the laboratory will recommend the most suitable test plan for you.
02 Testing Execution: From Sample Receipt to Report Issuance
Step 1: Sample Receipt & Task Assignment
Samples can be delivered by courier or collected on-site.
On-site testing is available for large equipment that cannot be shipped to the lab.
For projects involving technical confidentiality, testing commences after signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
Step 2: Laboratory Measurement
Tests are performed by qualified engineers following selected standards. For complete machine power testing, core considerations are listed below:
Beam stability: Measurements shall be taken only when the laser beam is stable; the laser must warm up until thermal equilibrium is reached.
Wavelength matching: Detector responsivity varies with wavelength, therefore a probe matched to the laser wavelength must be selected.
Range selection: The probe measuring range must cover the measured power to prevent damage caused by over-range operation.
Data requirements: Multiple readings shall be continuously collected at specified time intervals. The average value shall be calculated, while maximum and minimum values are recorded to assess power fluctuation.
Step 3: Report Issuance
Test reports will be issued once testing is completed. Reports with CMA or CNAS accreditation can be used for bidding & tendering, e-commerce platform entry, industrial failure diagnosis and other scenarios.
Reports are available in digital (English & Chinese) and hard-copy versions. Follow-up services include report interpretation, technical consultation and retest arrangement.
03 Testing Lead Time
Factors affecting lead time: sample quantity, optical path complexity, whether multi-power points or multi-wavelength measurements are required, and current laboratory scheduling.
04 How to Develop an Efficient & Reasonable Test Plan
The complexity of a test plan directly determines project efficiency. Clients may strike a reasonable balance between measurement accuracy and turnaround speed.
For routine quality inspection: Verify whether the equipment meets rated power. A test plan with a small number of test points delivers the shortest lead time.
For forensic assessment or high-spec tender projects: Full test points are required to produce reports with lower measurement uncertainty, which naturally takes more time.
For equipment covering multiple wavelengths: Each wavelength must be tested separately, which will be reflected in project scheduling.
Clarifying your end application and fully communicating equipment operating mode (continuous / pulsed) and core pain points with engineers in the early stage is an effective strategy to avoid repeated testing and shorten lead time.
05 What We Can Offer
As a professional third-party laser testing laboratory, we provide the following laser power testing services:
Full-scope testing: output power, average power, peak power, power instability and other parameters
Accreditation assurance: CNAS and CMA accredited laboratory; reports valid domestically and internationally recognized
End-to-end project management: one-stop service from requirement confirmation and sample testing to final report release
Extended services: concurrent testing for wavelength, beam quality factor (M²), light intensity distribution and other full optical parameters
