Fiber Optic Splitters/Couplers/Taps
1550nm 2x2 Polarization-Maintaining (PM)
Description
These 2x2 Polarization-Maintaining (PM) Fiber Couplers are designed
for operation at 1550 nm and are available with a 50:50, 60:40,
70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 90:10, or 99:1 coupling ratio. 2x2 couplers
are bidirectional and can be used to both split and combine
signals.
PM couplers are manufactured using PANDA fiber, which allows them
to maintain a high polarization extinction ratio (PER) when light
is launched along the slow axis of the fiber. As seen in the
diagram below, stress rods run parallel to the fiber's core and
apply stress that creates birefringence in the fiber's core,
allowing polarization-maintaining operation. Typical applications
for PM couplers include optical sensors, optical amplifiers, and
fiber gyroscopes.
Our High Polarization Extinction Ratio (PER) Couplers provide a PER
of ≥25 dB when measured with connectors while the standard PM
Couplers provide a PER of ≥20 dB when measured with connectors. All
the couplers have a specified operating temperature range of -40 °C
to 85 °C but the actual PER will vary slightly over the entire
range. Note that within an optical system the achievable PER is
always limited by the element with the lowest PER within the
system.
All of these 1550 nm couplers have a maximum power handling of 1 W
with connectors or bare fiber and a maximum power handling of 5 W
when spliced. These couplers undergo extensive individual testing
and verification of the PER.
Couplers are available with 2.0 mm narrow key FC/PC and FC/APC
connectors. When using the couplers as a combiner, connect a fiber
terminator to the unused output port, as a fraction of the light
will travel through this leg of the device. Fiber leads are
jacketed in Ø900 µm Hytrel®* tubing and the leads are 0.8 m long.
Custom coupler configurations with other wavelengths, fiber types,
coupling ratios, alignment axes, or port configurations are also
available. Please contact us with inquiries.
*Hytrel® is a registered trademark of DuPont Polymers, Inc.
PANDA PM Fiber Cross Section
The connector key is aligned to the slow axis of the fiber.
Features
* 1550 nm Polarization-Maintaining Fiber Optic Couplers
* 50:50, 60:40, 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 90:10, or 99:1 coupling ratio
* Bidirectional Coupling (Either End Can Be Used as an Input)
* 2.0 mm Narrow Key FC/PC or FC/APC Connectors
* 0.8 m Long Fiber Leads with a Tolerance of +0.075 m / -0.0 m
* ≥20.0 dB or ≥25.0 dB Polarization Extinction Ratio (PER) Options
* Individual Test Report Included with Each Coupler
* Contact Us for Custom Wavelength, Coupling Ratio, and Connector
Options
Specifications
| Item | Specification |
| Port Configuration | 2x2 |
| Center Wavelength | 1550nm |
| Bandwidth 1 | ±15nm or ±40nm |
| Excess Loss 1 | 0.3dB (Typ.), 0.4dB (Max.) |
| Extinction Ratio 2 | 20dB (Min.) |
| Return Loss 1 | 55dB (Min.) |
| Directivity | 50dB (Min.) |
| Max. Power Level 3 | 500 mW (With Connectors or Bare Fiber) 2 W (Spliced) |
| Fiber Type 4 | PM Panda Fiber |
| Axis Alignment | Both Axis Working |
| Package Size | Ø3.0 mm x 54.0 mm |
| Jacket | Ø900 µm Hytrel® Loose Tube |
| Pigtail Tensile Load | 5N |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 to 85 °C |
| Storage Temperature Range | -40 to 85 °C |
| Coupling Ratio 1 | Coupling Ratio Tolerance | Coupling Ratio 1 | Coupling Ratio Tolerance |
| 50:50 | ±4.8% | 5:95 | ±1.5% |
| 40:60 | ±3.9% | 3:97 | ±0.8% |
| 30:70 | ±2.5% | 2:98 | ±0.7% |
| 20:80 | ±2.3% | 1:99 | ±0.5% |
| 10:90 | ±2.1% | 0.5:99.5 | ±0.2% |
Notes:
1. Values are specified with a slow axis launch at room temperature
without connectors and measured at the center wavelength through
the input port.
2. Specified with a slow axis launch at room temperature with
connectors and measured at the center wavelength through the input
port.
3. Specifies the total maximum power allowed through the component.
Coupler performance and reliability under high-power conditions
must be determined within the user's setup. See Usage Tips for
safety and handling information.
4. The fiber used in this coupler is compatible with patch cables
using Coherent’ PM1550-XP fiber, Other fiber types may be available
upon request. Please contact us with inquiries.
Usage Tips
1. Before connecting a component to a system, make sure the light
source is turned off. Inspect both the input and output fiber ends;
debris or contamination on the end face can lead to fiber damage
when operated at high power.
2. After connecting the component, the system should be tested and
aligned using a light source at low power. The system power can be
ramped up slowly to the desired output power while periodically
verifying all components are properly aligned and that coupling
efficiency is not changing with respect to optical launch power.
3. Optical connectors can be removed and the device can be spliced
into a setup for operation at higher optical powers. Fiber ends
should always be cleaned and cleaved prior to splicing.
Ordering Information
Port Configuration,
Wavelength,
Coupling Ratio,
Package Type, Fiber Type,
Input: Connector Type, Cable Diameter, Cable Length
Output: Connector Type, Cable Diameter, Cable Length
Other Special Requests
Example:
Polarization-Maintaining Fiber Coupler,
2x2,
1550nm,
50:50,
Tube type, Corning Panda PM 1550 fiber,
Port 1: FC/APC, 0.9mm, 1.5 Meters,
Port 2: FC/APC, 0.9mm, 1 Meter,
Port 3: FC/APC, 0.9mm, 1.5 Meters,
Port 4: FC/APC, 0.9mm, 1 Meter.
*0.9mm Color-coded Tube
*Note: Customized Color-coded Combination is Available.
