More precise laser power meter?

[ks_physicist]

Hi all, I have been using one of the very cool laser power meters from eBay, which is a great deal -- but it only reads to milliwatt precision. It actually reads in watts to the thousandths place.

It's great that it has range, but I would like to have more precise measurements, perhaps of lasers in the <1 to 10 mW range. I would like to see an output level to the tenth of a milliwatt at least, perhaps hundredth if that is practical. Serial output or other connection to a computer or data logging device would be fantastic, but is not a dealbreaker.

And of course I'm on a budget. Is there anything that offers better precision for lower power lasers that isn't a huge investment?

 

[PhotonWrangler]

Do a search for an Andover Holography LPM-1. This was a small batch of hand-made meters built by an individual who catered to laser enthusiasts. He sold some to CPF members (myself included) back in 2007 and has since stopped making them. You might be able to pick up a used one from a laser hobbyist.