Terahertz power meter measures to +/- 8% accuracy

17th May 2014

Mick Elliott

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Advantest’s terahertz power meter, the TAS5500 is a basic measurement instrument that computes the strength of terahertz waves by detecting the heat generated when these waves are absorbed by matter. This enables input power to be measured to ±8% accuracy.The measurement accuracy is based on the Japanese national standard for infrared power measurement, recalibrated for the terahertz region with measurement data accumulated by Advantest during the company’s years of developing terahertz analysis equipment.

The power meter has been calibrated with reference to the AIST national power standard for infrared waves of 10.6um. The measurement range of this standard has been extended to the terahertz region by calculating the difference in heat generated when terahertz waves vs. infrared waves are absorbed. The amount of heat absorbed by a calorimeter varies depending on the type of electromagnetic wave absorber used and the wavelength of the input waves, potentially creating measurement uncertainty.

The meter utilises an absorber with a steady absorption ratio, and relies on abundant absorption data for each specific wavelength accumulated by Advantest during the company’s terahertz analysis system R&D activities, improving measurement stability and accuracy.

The meter boasts a portable, compact form factor - 115mm W x 67mm D x 79mm H - and weighs just 900 grams. It connects to the user’s PC via USB port for ease of usability. Frequency range is 0.3 to 10THz and the measurement range is 100mW to 20uW. Response time is 30 seconds or less and the power ,eter’s operating temperature ranges from +10 degrees C to +30 degress C.