PCM-001

Polarization Control and Measurement Module

The PCM-001 from Inline Photonics is a high-precision polarization control and measurement system designed to meet the growing demands of optical testing and signal stabilization.

Combining a Babinet-Soleil-type lossless polarization controller with an optional linear or logarithmic optical power meter (OPM), it offers a cost-efficient, high-performance, and scalable solution for a wide range of polarization-sensitive applications.

Features

Babinet-Soleil type lossless polarization controller
Ultra-low Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD < 0.02 ps)
High extinction ratio
(PER > 40 dB)
Integrated optical power meter (selectable LOG or linear scale)
USB interface

Made In USA

With ultra-low activation loss (<0.01 dB), polarization mode dispersion (PMD <0.02 ps), and a high polarization extinction ratio (PER > 40 dB), the PCM-001 delivers exceptional accuracy in Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL) and Degree of Polarization (DOP) measurements. Its robust design makes it equally suited for R&D laboratories, high-throughput production lines, and field-testing environments.

The PCM-001 has the following benefits

Enables stable, broadband, and lossless polarization control for precise optical measurements
Maintains signal integrity and delivers precise polarization measurments
Ensures polarization purity and precise discrimination between polarization states.
Able to monitor power directly, saving setup time and simplifying measurements
Allows quick setup, remote operation, and seamless automation

Polarization Controller

Operating Wavelength

1260nm to 1650nm, or 1060nm, other wavelengths available

Input/Output Optical Fiber

SMF-28 equivalent or Hi1060 equivalent

Insertion Loss Excluding Connector

0.01 dB (typical) @1550nm or 1310nm

Return Loss

>55 dB (excluding connector)

Maximum Optical Power Handling

26 dBm

Vπ

60 V (typical)

Polarization Dependent Loss

0.01 dB (typical)

Activation Loss

<0.01 dB

Polarization Scrambling Speed

<5 s

Polarization Extinction Ratio

>45 dB

Operating Wavelength

900nm to 1650nm

Optical Power Range

+10 dBm to -65 dBm

PolaArray-OLS-100-ASE/SLD Broadband Light Source

LOG Optical Power Meter (optional)

Optical Linearity

+/-0.1 dB from +10 dBm to -50 dBm

+/-0.2 dB form -50 dBm to -65 dBm

Optical Input Coupling

SM fiber or free space

Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL) and Insertion Loss (IL) Measurement

Maximum Power Searching Time

<2 s

Minimum Finding Searching Time

<3 s

PDL Measurement Time

<5 s

PDL Measurement Range

>45 dB

PDL measurement accuracy

+/-(0.02+PDL*1%) dB when input optical power=0 dBm

Degree of Polarisation (DOP) Measurement

DOP Accuracy

+/- (DOP*0.5% + 0.003) where DOP=0 to 1

Maximum Input Optical Power

10 dBm

Minimum Input Optical Power

-35 dBm

Measurement Time

5 s for DOP 0 to 95 %, 30 s for DOP 95 to 100%

Electrical Interface

Enable/Disable

LVTTL or TTL

Analog Voltage Input/Output

0 to 3 V

Sync Digital Input/Output

TTL

Communication Ports

Full-speed USB and UART

General

Operating Temperature Range

5 to 50°C

Storage Temperature Range

-20 to 70°C

Power Supply

+12 VDC /3A ( for module product)

100~240 VAC (for instrument product)

Dimensions (module)

226.5 mm x 125 mm x 51.5 mm

Notes:

Specifications are given at 23°C and without connectors.

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Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL) Measurement

Polarization Control and Optimization

Degree of Polarization (DOP) Measurement

Elimination of Polarization Sensitivity in Optical Systems

Polarization Dependent Gain Mitigation

Configuration Options

Configuration Setup for PDL Measurement

Configuration Setup for DOP Measurement

Configuartion Setup for Polarization Stabilizer with Linear Polarization

Polarization Measurement PCM-001 (4).png

Configuartion Setup for Polarization Stabilizer with Linear Vertical/Horizontal Polarization Output

Polarization Vertical HorizontalMeasurement PCM-001 (6).png

Configuartion Setup for Polarization Scrambler and Controller