PCD-005 Polarization Scrambler Module with Microprocessor Controller

All-fiber polarization scrambler module that gives output DOP below 5% with multiple wavelength bands and remote control.

Center wavelengths: λ range 1: 1310, 1480, 1550, 1600nm; λ range 2: 980, 1060, 1310nm
Wavelength range: λc ±50nm
Operating wavelength range: > 100 nm
Output DOP: <5%

Datasheet

Overview

The PCD-005 Polarization Scrambler Module randomizes the instantaneous polarization state of output light, producing a time-averaged depolarization effect. It contains circuitry that covers several wavelength bands, improves temperature performance and adds remote control.

The PCD-003/005 polarization scramblers pair a fiber squeezer polarization controller with dedicated driver electronics, which gives uniform Poincaré sphere coverage within a few milliseconds. The scramblers run at the resonance frequencies of the polarization controller, so the scrambling rate is fixed. The all-fiber construction keeps insertion loss and back reflection low, and phase and amplitude modulation are minimal.

The module is designed to plug into sensor equipment or measurement instruments with little development effort. Its digital circuitry keeps the SOP distribution uniform across a wide operating temperature range, which suits it to sensor field applications. The scrambler can be enabled or disabled, and the wavelength band changed, from the front panel or remotely over RS-232. The PCD-005 is the module counterpart of the PCD-104 instrument.

Key Features

Fast, uniform sphere coverage (DOP <5% when averaged over 2 ms)
Low insertion loss, return loss, PDL and PMD
Low residual phase and amplitude modulation
Multiple wavelength bands
Remote operation wavelength control
RS-232 control option
Enable/disable scrambling remotely

Specifications

Optical

Center wavelengths	λ range 1: 1310, 1480, 1550, 1600nm; λ range 2: 980, 1060, 1310nm
Wavelength range	λc ±50nm
Operating wavelength range	> 100 nm Center wavelength ± 50 nm
Output DOP	<5% Averaging time ≥2ms; at 500 Hz detection bandwidth
Insertion loss	<0.6 dB with connectors, <0.05 dB intrinsic For SMF-28 compatible fiber
Average PMD	<0.05 ps
Intrinsic PDL	<0.05 dB, excluding connectors 0.01 dB typical per datasheet
Return loss	>65 dB, excluding connectors
Optical power handling	> 1000 mW
Residual amplitude modulation	<±0.01 dB
Residual phase modulation	<0.1π

Electrical and Physical

Power consumption	12 W typical
Operating temperature	10 to 45 °C Standard temperature range
Board dimensions	220 × 100 × 30 mm (L × W × H)

Ordering Information

Temperature range	ST = standard
Connector type	FC/PC, FC/APC, SC/PC, SC/APC, or NC = no connectors Others specify
Wavelength range	01 = 1260 - 1650 nm; 02 = 980 - 1310 nm

Specifications are taken from the manufacturer's documentation. See the datasheet for complete and current values.

Applications

Optical device test and characterization
Manufacturing test of fiber optic assemblies
OEM modules for fiber optic sensing
PDG (polarization dependent gain) mitigation
Facilitating PMD compensation
Facilitating PDL measurement
Polarization sensitivity elimination in fiber sensor systems and measurement systems