VariDelay II MDL-003 Miniature Motorized Variable Optical Delay Line
Fiber-coupled miniature motorized free-space optical delay line for OEM use, with a 100 ps single-pass delay range and stepper motor control.
- Center wavelengths (λc)
- SM, single pass: 1310/1550 dual window, 1060, or 840nm; SM, double pass: 1310 or 1550nm; PM, single pass: 1310, 1550, 1060, or 840nm
- Wavelength range
- λc ±50nm
- Operating wavelength
- SM: 840 ± 50nm, 1060 ±50 nm, 1260 to 1650 nm; PM: 840, 1060, 1310 or 1550 ± 50 nm
- Optical delay range
- 0 to 100 ps, single-pass
Overview
The MDL-003 is a fiber-coupled variable optical delay line in which the delay adjustment path is in free space. It is intended for OEM applications that require continuous scanning capability in a small footprint.
The standard device has a delay range of 100 ps. An internal mirror can be installed so that light double-passes the device, doubling the delay range to 200 ps. In the double-pass configuration, input and output signals travel on the same pigtail, so a circulator or PBS may be needed to separate them in some applications.
Delay control uses a stepper motor and two position sensors. The single-pass version is available with SM or PM pigtails, and a mini stepper motor driver board is available as an accessory.
Typical uses include short-range optical path adjustment and scanning in optical coherence tomography (OCT) and other interferometric systems, as well as network optical path length control and timing alignment. An MDL can be combined with a fiber stretcher or phase shifter for coarse and fine delay adjustment.
Key Features
- Compact
- Stepper motor
- Two position sensors for delay control
- Low insertion loss
- High stability
- High reliability
- Optional double-pass configuration doubling the delay range
- Available with SM or PM pigtails
- Driver board available
Specifications
| Center wavelengths (λc) | SM, single pass: 1310/1550 dual window, 1060, or 840nm; SM, double pass: 1310 or 1550nm; PM, single pass: 1310, 1550, 1060, or 840nm |
|---|---|
| Wavelength range | λc ±50nm |
| Operating wavelength |
SM: 840 ± 50nm, 1060 ±50 nm, 1260 to 1650 nm; PM: 840, 1060, 1310 or 1550 ± 50 nm
Other wavelengths available upon request
|
| Optical delay range |
0 to 100 ps, single-pass
Double pass device has 200 ps delay range; double pass not available for 840 or 1060nm
|
|
Optical delay range (double-pass)
Double pass
|
200 ps |
| Optical delay resolution |
30 µm
Single-pass at maximum speed
|
| Optical delay accuracy |
±40 µm
Single-pass at maximum speed
|
| Optical delay repeatability |
±40 µm
Single-pass at maximum speed
|
| Actuation speed | 50 ps/s (single-pass) max. |
| Insertion loss |
1 dB
Single pass device without connectors; page states 1.0 dB (1310/1550nm single pass)
|
| Insertion loss variation |
±0.3 dB over entire range
Single pass device without connectors
|
| Return loss |
55 dB
Single pass device without connectors
|
|
Extinction ratio
PM
|
> 18 dB for PM model |
| Optical damage power threshold | 100 mW |
| Fiber type (1060nm) | HI1060 or PM Panda |
|---|---|
| Fiber type (1310 and/or 1550nm) | SMF-28 or PM Panda |
| Electrical interface | 2 - phase stepper motor drive signal; 2 sensor connections |
|---|
| Operating temperature | 0 to 50 |
|---|---|
| Storage temperature | -20 to 60 |
| Dimensions | 2 (L) x 1.4 (W) x 0.55 (H) |
|---|
Specifications are taken from the manufacturer's documentation. See the datasheet for complete and current values.
Applications
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- Optical Fourier spectrum analysis
- Optical interferometry
- Delay generation and measurement
- Optical time division multiplexing (OTDM)
- Fiber sensors
- Network optical length control and timing alignment
- Short range optical path adjustments and scanning
Options & Accessories
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| 84 | Wavelength: 840nm |
| 10 | Wavelength: 1060nm |
| 13 | Wavelength: 1310 nm |
| 15 | Wavelength: 1550 nm |
| 35 | Wavelength: 1310 & 1550 nm — Dual window 1310/1550nm, available only for SM single-pass devices |
| 10 (Delay Range) | Delay range: 100 ps |
| SS | Fiber type: SM |
| PP | Fiber type: PM Panda |
| S | Pass: single |
| D | Pass: double — Only available with SM fiber; not available for 840 or 1060nm |
| Connector | Connector type: FC/PC, FC/APC, SC/PC, SC/APC or NC = no connectors — Others specify |
| Driver board | MDL-003 Stepper Motor Driver Board — Mini controller board available as an accessory |
Documents & Resources
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