I was using a power meter PM100, with a Si-photodiode sensor head, to measure the intensity of the white light source (250 W quartz halogen lamp). I have recorded the power, shown by the sensor, by setting the wavelength equal to 633 nm (i.e. the maximum intensity is supposed to be at this wavelength, in the spectrum); however, this value for the intensity (power divided by area of the sensor) is only true for the monochromatic light (supposed to use for laser light?) and want to estimate the intensity (of the white light source) from the measured value. I have the responsivity curve for the senor, I used, and the intensity at a wavelength. How can I estimate the total power/intensity of the light source?
Your help will be much appreciated.
Best Answer
You need to know the spectral distribution of the source, then fit that curve to the measured reading at the given wavelength. Then the total power output will be the integral under this curve, per solid angle. That is you also need to take into account the total spread of the light through a some surface in space. And then integrate over this surface as well.
I suggest this is done via some appropriate software, MATLAB would be my first choice, but you might have a different preference.