Laser technology has become deeply integrated into industrial manufacturing, medical surgery, scientific research, and consumer electronics. As a core indicator of laser performance, laser power directly determines the effectiveness and safety of the equipment. Whether for product development, quality control, or market access, an authoritative laser power test report is an essential compliance document. This article provides a systematic overview of laser power testing and the full process for obtaining a test report.
I. What is Laser Power?
Laser power refers to the optical energy radiated by a laser per unit time and is a key parameter for evaluating the output performance of laser equipment. For continuous‑wave lasers, the average output power is typically the focus; for pulsed lasers, pulse energy, peak power, and average power must also be measured. Accurate laser power measurement not only provides data support for product development and production but also serves as a critical basis for laser safety – the power level directly determines the laser product‘s safety classification (e.g., Class 1 to Class 4).
II. Testing Standards and Methods
Laser power testing must strictly comply with national or international standards to ensure data accuracy and report authority.
Core national standards:
GB/T 13863 "Test methods for laser radiation power, energy and their instability" – specifies test methods for continuous and quasi‑continuous laser power, pulse energy, peak power, and instability. This standard is currently being revised to align with the latest version of ISO 11554.
GB/T 7247.1 "Safety of laser products" – the basic safety standard for market access of laser products; power measurement is the core basis for safety classification.
GB/T 6360 "Specifications for laser power and energy measuring instruments" – specifies technical requirements for power and energy test equipment.
Product‑specific test standards: For example, solid‑state lasers refer to GB/T 15175, and semiconductor lasers refer to GB/T 31359.
Common test methods: Laser power testing typically uses calorimetric or photoelectric methods, where a calibrated detector converts the optical signal into a measurable electrical signal, and the power value is derived through data processing. Strict environmental control is required during testing, and measurement instruments must be traceable to national metrological standards.
III. Test Report Issuance Process
The standard process for obtaining a laser power test report is clear and transparent, generally comprising the following six steps:
Consultation and evaluation: Contact a third‑party testing body with CNAS, CMA, or equivalent accreditations; provide basic product information for a preliminary technical assessment by engineers.
Contract signing: Confirm test standards, items, timeline, and costs, and sign the service contract.
Sample preparation and delivery: Prepare a complete sample consistent with mass production, and attach technical documentation such as product specifications, circuit diagrams, and laser module specifications.
Laboratory testing: Engineers conduct testing on laser power, wavelength, power instability, and other items according to the standard.
Report compilation and review: Collate data, prepare the test report, and complete a three‑level review.
Report delivery: Deliver the official report bearing CNAS/CMA marks (both electronic and printed versions).
IV. Timeline and Costs
Timeline: The standard testing cycle is typically 5‑7 working days, with expedited services available from some organisations (as fast as 3 working days).
Costs: Fees vary depending on product type, test items, and standard requirements. Single‑item laser power testing is estimated to be in the hundreds of RMB; if full performance testing or safety classification certification is involved, the cost is typically in the thousands. It is recommended to confirm the detailed quotation with the testing body before submission.
V. Recommended Professional Body: Shenzhen Zhongwei Inspection
Shenzhen Zhongwei Inspection Technology Co., Ltd. (CTNT) is a professional laser product testing and certification organisation, holding CNAS, CMA, and other authoritative accreditations. It is one of the few organisations fully accredited for both laser safety testing and performance parameter testing.
Its laser performance testing capabilities include:
Core parameters: Laser power, wavelength, power instability.
Beam quality: Beam divergence angle, beam diameter, beam quality factor (M²).
Pulse characteristics: Pulse width, repetition rate, pulse energy.
With over ten years of experience in laser product testing, equipment covering a power range from pW to 5 kW, and having served more than 5,000 customers with over 10,000 successful cases, CTNT has long provided professional testing services to listed companies, research institutes, and SMEs.
