THORLABS PAX1000 User Manual

© 2019 Thorlabs GmbH41
PAX1000
5.2.6.2 ER Measurement Tool
The tool ER Measurement allows the easy measurement the Extinction Ratio of PM fibers.
During the measurement, the fiber must change enough to cause at least a change of polariza-
tion that describes a circle on the Poincaré Sphere: The smaller the circle diameter, the higher
the ER value.
1. Prepare your setup . Ensure a correct coupling of the light signal into the fiber - the dot on
the Poincaré Sphere representing the SOP out of the fiber should lay as close as possible to
the H mark. Azimuthal deviations from the Horizontal polarization are not critical, whereas a
position towards the poles indicates an ellipticity that is caused by miscoupling of the light
into the fiber under test.
2. Start the ER Measurement tool from the appropriate button in the view ribbon:
3. Enter the operating wavelength of your light source.
Note : An exact wavelength value is essential for minimum measurement errors.
4. Select the measurement time between 3 and 10 s. During measurement, the fiber stress
must cause at least a full circle on the Poincaré Sphere. The higher the stress applied to the
fiber, the shorter the time to achieve this.
You may select for a first try the maximum time of 10 s and check the box Stop on Circle
Completed.
5. Start the fiber stress and the ER measurement.
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THORLABS PAX1000 Specifications

General

Brand	THORLABS
Model	PAX1000
Category	Measuring Instruments
Language	English