PolaRITE III MPC-4X 4-Channel Mini Dynamic Polarization Controller

All-fiber, four-squeezer dynamic polarization controller in a low-profile package for reset-free control and polarization scrambling.

Wavelength range: 1260-1650nm or 980-1310nm standard, Others available
Wavelength: 1260 to 1650 nm standard, others specify
Number of fiber squeezers: 4
Polarization control range: 0-4π per squeezer

Datasheet

Overview

The MPC-4X is the four-squeezer version of the Luna (formerly General Photonics) MPC series of electrically controlled, all-fiber polarization controllers, also known as the PolaRITE III. It uses fiber squeezing technology and is housed in a low-profile enclosure 0.63 inch high, intended for integration into test equipment, fiber sensors, fiber lasers and optical network modules.

Like the three-squeezer version, the MPC-4X can generate any polarization state on the Poincaré sphere. The fourth fiber squeezer provides an extra degree of freedom for reset-free operation and polarization scrambling.

The all-fiber construction keeps insertion loss and back reflection low, with minimal activation loss, and works over a wide wavelength range. An athermal package design gives temperature stability over a wide temperature range. Each fiber squeezer is driven by an analog control voltage of 0-150V.

The MPC can be combined with a miniature piezo driver card. Supplied together, the two make up the PCD-M02, which accepts a 0-5V analog control voltage or a 12-bit TTL digital signal to set the output polarization from any input polarization state.

Key Features

Four fiber squeezers for reset-free operation and polarization scrambling
Low insertion and activation loss
Fast response
Compact low-profile package
All-fiber construction with low back reflection
Athermal package design for temperature stability
Driver board available (PCD-M02)

Specifications

Optical

Wavelength range	1260-1650nm or 980-1310nm standard, Others available
Wavelength	1260 to 1650 nm standard, others specify
Number of fiber squeezers MPC-4X	4 4X = 4 Channel
Polarization control range	0-4π per squeezer
Intrinsic insertion loss	0.05 dB Values are referenced without connectors
Insertion loss with connectors	<0.6 dB
Return loss	> 65 dB
Max. activation loss	0.01 dB (P grade), 0.05 dB (A grade) With 0-150VDC applied to all axes; the web page gives <0.05 dB
PDL	<0.05 dB
Polarization mode dispersion	0.05 ps Web page gives <0.05 ps
Fiber pigtail	single mode fiber standard, others specify

Electrical and Dynamic

Vπ at DC	35 volts max. @ 1550nm At 23°C; web page gives <35V
Rise and fall time	30 µs max. 10 to 90% transition for a voltage change of Vπ
Control voltage per squeezer	0-150V Analog control voltage
Maximum applied voltage	150 volts

Environmental

Operating temperature	-25 to 80 °C
Storage temperature	-40 to 85 °C

Physical

Package height	0.63 inch

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

Applications

Optical coherence tomography
OEM modules for fiber optic sensing
PMD compensation
PMD emulation
Polarization stabilization
Polarization demultiplexing
Coherent communications
PDL measurement
PDL elimination in optical instruments such as optical spectrum analyzers
Automatic polarization stabilization for E/O modulators and interferometers
Reduction of EDFA polarization dependent gain
Improvement of signal-to-noise ratio in long-haul transmission systems
Output stabilization in fiber laser systems
Fiber sensor
Fiber laser
Testing equipment

Options & Accessories

Option	Description
FC/PC	FC/PC connectors
FC/APC	FC/APC connectors
SC/PC	SC/PC connectors
SC/APC	SC/APC connectors
NC	No connectors
1	Operation wavelength 480 nm
2	Operation wavelength 633 nm
4	Operation wavelength 820 nm
6	Operation wavelength 980 - 1310 nm — Standard wavelength range
P	P grade — Activation loss 0.01 dB; specify if activation loss is important for the application
A	A grade — Activation loss 0.05 dB