Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer
Premium lab equipment with High Resolution and Dynamic Range
An Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer, based upon the Optical Backscatter Reflectometry technology, which allows to measure the reflection and transmission of fiber optic components in the spatial domain with a high resolution and dynamic range.
Key figures
Wavelength ranges available
(Any custom range available upon request)
Thanks to the integration of our own homemade external cavity tunable laser source (TLS) as a local oscillator, we offer Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometers in the O band and C+L band, with a high resolution thanks to our mode hop-free local oscillator technology. The TLS can be integrated inside the equipment or into an external benchtop as an option. The advantage of the latter configuration is that the TLS can be used as a local oscillator and be connected to our other equipment that are also based on interferometric principle (OSA, OCSA).
Available wavelength ranges:
O Band
1260 – 1360 nm
C+L Band
1525 – 1630 nm
Custom wavelength ranges (upon request):
Below T Band
Below 1030 nm
T Band
1030 – 1260 nm
E Band
1345 – 1450 nm
S Band
1445 – 1520 nm
Above C+L Band
Above 1630 nm
Specifications
Based upon an Optical Backscatter Reflectometry principle, allows for high resolution measurements over fiber optic components
Resolution
Dynamic range
- Measurement range: up to 244 m
- Sensitivity: –135 dB
- Insertion loss dynamic range: 18 dB
Length modes
We are able to provide 3 possible lengths for your fibers, up to 244 m, based upon your requirements. The length mode will determine the measurement time given a certain resolution. The following table shows the specifications of the length modes for the reflection configuration.
Length modes
We are able to provide 3 possible lengths for your fibers, up to 244 m, based upon your requirements. The length mode will determine the measurement time given a certain resolution. The following table shows the specifications of the length modes for the reflection configuration.
Reflection mode
In reflection mode, our Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer allows you to measure and map the events happening within your network, such as fibers and connected optical components.
Reflection mode
In reflection mode, our Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer allows you to measure and map the events happening within your network, such as fibers and connected optical components.
Unmatched Sensitivity of < -135 dB
Shown here is a reflectivity measurement of a 5m fiber with two FC/APC connectors. Our equipment offers a sensitivity of -135 dB.
Measurement of a SMF28 fiber
We present here a measurement example of a phase modulator (SMF28 fiber) using the 8 µm resolution. We can see each event happening within the Device Under Test.
Measurement of a Bragg grating
The equipment also allows to measure the transfert function of photonic integrated circuits (PIC) and optical components with a resolution of 8 µm (zero dead zone), with the highest dynamic range in the market (120 dB).
High reflectivity measurements for long distances (up to 244 m)
Our Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer is able to do measurements over a range of up to 244 m (customizable under request). Shown here is an example of such a measurement.
Transmission mode
In transmission mode, our Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer allows you to measure the average insertion losses of your entire network, as well as your fiber’s effective group delay or signal time-of-flight in the fiber.
Transmission mode
In transmission mode, our Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer allows you to measure the average insertion losses of your entire network, as well as your fiber’s effective group delay or signal time-of-flight in the fiber.
Highest dynamic range in the market of >120 dB
By using a fibered Faraday mirror with a FC/APC connector, we can achieve a high reflectivity measurement. We are able to measure peaks with amplitudes of > -10 dB, a dynamic range of > 120 dB.
Polarization analysis
Our Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer has the distinctive ability to display both orthogonal polarizations simultaneously and separately. Additionally, we can recombine them and provide a polarization-independent measurement
Measurement of the time delay and spectral response
By measuring the reflectivity versus length of the optical component, our brand new software allows to analyze the insertion and return loss in the spectral and time domain.
Multi-mode fiber characterization
Analysis on multimode fiber is possible. After various tests on multimode fiber, we were able to demonstrate good quality measurements on 50/125 µm and 62.5/125 µm fibers. A mode converter was used, with care, to obtain the most significant results possible.
Polarization analysis
Our Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer has the distinctive ability to display both orthogonal polarizations simultaneously and separately. Additionally, we can recombine them and provide a polarization-independent measurement
Measurement of the time delay and spectral response
By measuring the reflectivity versus length of the optical component, our brand new software allows to analyze the insertion and return loss in the spectral and time domain.
Multi-mode fiber characterization
Analysis on multimode fiber is possible. After various tests on multimode fiber, we were able to demonstrate good quality measurements on 50/125 µm and 62.5/125 µm fibers. A mode converter was used, with care, to obtain the most significant results possible.
Features
- Multiple wavelength ranges available
- Reflection and transmission measurements
- Highest dynamic range in the market
- Spatial Resolution < 8 µm
Applications
- Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC)
- Optical communications (data center)
- Passive optical components (Switches, waveguides,filters…)
- Quality assessment of fiber connectors and splices
- Optical cable maintenance and construction
- Civil engineering
- Aeronautics
Data handling
- USB connectors (3x USB-A in front panel)
- Ethernet port
- 12” Panoramic touch screen
Tools and documentation
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