Ceramic calibration filter

A method for calibrating a laser comprising the steps of:

• a) energizing said laser;
• b) placing a ceramic calibration filter on an optical axis of said laser;
• c) measuring an output power of a laser signal passing through said ceramic calibration filter;
• d) comparing said output power to a first predetermined value;
• e) when said output power is greater than said first predetermined value lowering an input power level of said laser and repeating steps a) through d);
• f) when said output power level is less than said first predetermined value, go to step g);
• g) comparing said output power to a second predetermined value;
• h) when said output level is less than said second predetermined value, increasing said laser power level and repeating steps a) through d);
• and
• i) when said output power level is greater than said second predetermined value, said calibration is complete.