PolaMight MPC-201 Multifunction Polarization Controller
All-fiber multifunction polarization controller with manual control, variable-rate scrambling, SOP modulation and triggered random SOP generation.
- Operating wavelength range
- 1260 to 1620 nm (standard) or 980 to 1310 nm
- Insertion loss
- < 0.5 dB with connectors (< 0.1 dB intrinsic)
- PDL
- < 0.05 dB with connectors
- Activation loss
- < 0.05 dB with connectors
Overview
The MPC-201 (PolaMight) is an all-fiber polarization controller that can generate any output polarization state. It combines a low-loss fiber squeezer polarization controller with drive and control electronics, and adds built-in functions for periodic modulation and polarization scrambling. The product has been discontinued; the manufacturer lists the MPX 2010 Multifunction Polarization Controller as its replacement.
Operating modes
The instrument has four operational modes: variable-rate polarization scrambling, manual polarization adjustment, polarization modulation and externally triggered random SOP generation. In manual mode, the output polarization is set by adjusting the control voltage applied to each fiber squeezer, either from the front panel or through a remote control interface.
Scrambling methods
Tornado scrambling traces a spiral pattern about a static or rotating axis with a nearly uniform SOP variation rate, intended for system stress tests. Rayleigh scrambling generates a continuous trace with a Rayleigh distribution of SOP variation rate, emulating SOP variation in a fiber link. Triangle scrambling produces a continuous trace with uniform sphere coverage for PDL measurement, and Discrete scrambling covers the Poincaré sphere with discrete random points at a uniform rate.
In SOP modulation mode, each polarization control axis can be driven with a sine, square or triangle wave. In externally triggered mode, discrete random SOPs are generated in response to a trigger input, which suits recirculating loop applications and other setups requiring synchronization with other devices. The MPC-201 can also emulate the Agilent 11896A polarization scrambler function, allowing it to act as a plug-in replacement for that discontinued device.
Key Features
- Multiple polarization control and scrambling functions
- Tornado scrambling (quasi-uniform rate distribution)
- Real-fiber SOP variation emulation (Rayleigh rate distribution)
- Triangle scrambling for uniform sphere coverage
- Discrete SOP scrambling
- Externally triggered random SOP generation
- Agilent 11896A scrambling emulation
- SOP modulation with sine, triangle or square waveforms
- Manual polarization control via four fiber squeezers
- Low IL, PDL, PMD, and activation loss (AL)
- Bright OLED display
- USB, Ethernet, RS-232 and GPIB interfaces
- Easy to use
Specifications
| Operating wavelength range | 1260 to 1620 nm (standard) or 980 to 1310 nm |
|---|---|
| Insertion loss | < 0.5 dB with connectors (< 0.1 dB intrinsic) |
| PDL |
< 0.05 dB with connectors
A low PDL/activation loss version (0.01 dB intrinsic) is available upon request for PDL measurement applications. Web page lists 0.05 dB with connectors.
|
| Activation loss |
< 0.05 dB with connectors
A low PDL/activation loss version (0.01 dB intrinsic) is available upon request for PDL measurement applications.
|
| Return loss | > 50 dB with connectors (> 65 dB intrinsic) |
| PMD | < 0.1 ps with connectors |
| Optical power handling | 1000 mW |
| Discrete random states | 0.00 to 20,000 points/s |
|---|---|
| Triangle | 0.00 to 2000 x 2π rad/s |
| Rayleigh rate distribution | 0.00 to 2000 rad/s (mean) |
| Tornado (quasi-uniform rate distribution) | 0.00 to 2000 revolutions/s |
| Agilent 11896A scrambling emulation | Speed settings 1 – 8, matched to Agilent 11896A settings |
| External trigger mode | Random SOP per TTL trigger pulse, up to 20,000 points/s |
| Number of channels (squeezers) | 4 |
|---|---|
| Range | 0 – 4π each squeezer |
| Waveforms | Sine, Triangle, Square |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 0.00 to 1000 Hz |
| Amplitude | 0 to 3π peak-to-peak |
| Communication interfaces | USB, Ethernet, RS-232, and GPIB |
|---|---|
| Electrical trigger connectors | BNC |
| Output trigger | TTL pulse per SOP generated in discrete scrambling mode |
| Input trigger | One random SOP generated per TTL pulse received in trigger mode |
| Front panel display | OLED graphic display |
| Operating temperature | 0 °C to 50 °C |
|---|---|
| Power supply | 100 – 240 VAC, 50 – 60 Hz |
| Form factor | 2U, 19" half rack width |
| Dimensions | 14" (L) x 8.5" (W) x 3.5" (H) |
Specifications are taken from the manufacturer's documentation. See the datasheet for complete and current values.
Applications
- Recirculating loop experiments
- Real-fiber SOP variation emulation
- PMD emulation
- Polarization scrambling
- PDL and DOP measurement
- System polarization dependence experiments
- Polarization performance testing of coherent receivers
- PIC and silicon photonics testing
Options & Accessories
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wavelength range 1260 – 1620nm — Ordering code position for wavelength range |
| 2 | Wavelength range 980 – 1310nm — Ordering code position for wavelength range |
| FC/PC | FC/PC connector type |
| FC/APC | FC/APC connector type |
Documents & Resources
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