PolaZero DEP-002 Passive Fiber Optic Depolarizer for Broadband Light Sources

Passive fiber optic depolarizer for broadband light sources with coherence lengths of 0 to 30 mm, producing an output DOP below 5%.

Center wavelength: 1310 or 1550 nm standard, others available
Operating wavelength range: ±50 nm
Output DOP: <5%
Coherence length of light source: 0 to 30 mm

Datasheet

Overview

The DEP-002 is a member of the Luna DEP series of passive fiber optic depolarizers, originally developed under the General Photonics PolaZero name. It is intended for broadband light sources with coherence lengths from 0 to 30 mm and reduces the output degree of polarization (DOP) to below 5%.

A depolarizer works by introducing a differential delay between the orthogonal polarization components of the light that is longer than the coherence length of the source. This removes the phase relationship between the two polarization components. The internal structure and package size can differ depending on the coherence length or spectral width of the light to be depolarized.

The device is passive and requires no power source. Standard versions are offered at 1310 nm or 1550 nm center wavelength, with other wavelengths available. The DEP-002 is typically built with all-PM fiber but is designed to connect to SM fiber on both the input and output sides; a version for an SM output light source can be built when specified at ordering.

Depolarizers are used to neutralize polarization dependence in fiber sensor and communication systems, to reduce the effects of PDL or polarization sensitivity of optical components and instruments, and to depolarize pump lasers in Raman amplifiers.

Key Features

Low output DOP <5%
Customizable for different wavelengths and coherence lengths
Passive device, no power source required
Low insertion loss
Wide operating wavelength range
Compact size

Specifications

Optical

Center wavelength	1310 or 1550 nm standard, others available
Operating wavelength range	±50 nm
Output DOP	<5%
Coherence length of light source DEP-002	0 to 30 mm For broadband sources
Residual extinction ratio	< 0.5 dB
Optical power handling	300 mW min.

Fiber

Fiber type DEP-002	Typically all PM fiber, designed to connect to SM fiber on both input and output sides Datasheet: DEP-002 can be built for an SM output light source; specify when ordering

Environmental

Storage temperature	-40 to 85 °C

Physical

Dimensions DEP-002	85 × 60 × 10 mm or 85 × 85 × 15 mm Depending on the coherence length of the light source

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

Applications

Fiber optic sensor systems
Optical communication systems
FBG-based fiber sensor systems
Brillouin, Raman or Rayleigh scattering based distributed fiber sensor systems
Raman amplifier pump depolarization
Reducing polarization sensitivity of optical instruments
Reducing PDL effects of optical components
OEM modules for fiber optic sensing

Options & Accessories

Option	Description
15	Wavelength: 1550 nm — Ordering code for wavelength
13	Wavelength: 1310 nm — Ordering code for wavelength
FC/PC	FC/PC connectors — Connector type
FC/APC	FC/APC connectors — Connector type
NC	No connectors — Connector type