It is a device used to measure power in an optical signal. It is usually done to test optic fibers. Here is where you can get a lot more information on it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_power_meter
YOu can go to the following website to learn more about operatig an optical power meter safely and if you can http://www.thorlabs.com/navigation.cfm?Guide_ID=37
Thor Labs offers many options in the way of optical power meters. They can be purchased from their website: http://www.thorlabs.com/navigation.cfm?Guide_ID=37
Optical power is calculated by dividing the energy of the light beam by the time it takes to deliver that energy. The formula for optical power is: Power (P) = Energy (E) / Time (t). The unit of measurement for optical power is watts (W).
8.2 meter-miles
reflectors
Optical power refers to the ability of a lens or optical system to converge or diverge light. It is typically measured in diopters (D) and indicates the strength of the lens in focusing light onto the retina. Positive optical power converges light (useful for correcting hyperopia), while negative optical power diverges light (useful for correcting myopia).
Yes, one hundred centimeters are exactly one meter.
reflectors
Yes but a complex curve will not have a simple or single optical power.
The most common method is to measure your power usage with a meter. The meter records how much electricity you use and allows the electric company to determine the correct price for your usage. If you check with your local power company they can explain exactly how it works in your area.
It is not necessary that a thinner convex lens have less optical power or a thicker lens has more optical power
Easiest way is looking at the Rx signal information of the device receiving the optical signal. For instance, switches and routers are equipped with removable optical transceivers (SFP) which often have digital diagnostic monitoring ( DDM) capabilities. Available information includes Rx power, temperarure and bias current among others. The other way to easily measure attenuation is by using an optical power meter. In both cases the optical budget of the optical link (in dB), or at least the remote end's Tx power (in dBm) must be known beforehand.