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Measurement of Fiber Optic Power

Because of the massive growth of the optical communications networks during the past years, a need for accurate measurements of fiber optic power has risen. Our fiber optic power meters are based on InGaAs photodiodes. We have two types of detectors; one type utilizes a simple plain photodiode, attached to an aluminum frame, while the other type consists of an integrating sphere with a photodiode attached to it. We have extended the power range of our fiber optic measurements to 1 nW - 200 mW at the 1550 nm wavelength window and 1 nW - 7 mW at the 1310 nm wavelength window.

Related Journal Paper

J. Envall, P. Kärhä and E. Ikonen
”Measurements of fibre optic power using photodiodes with and without an integrating sphere”
Metrologia, 41, 353-358 (2004)

Related Courses

S-108.2110 Optiikka
S-108.3110 Optical Communications

Contact Person

Tuoma Hieta

tuomas.hieta(at)tkk.fi

Project pictures

Figure 1. Closeup of an InGaAs photodiode. The diameter of the active area (the reflective circle at the center) is 5 mm.

Figure 2. Two detectors with plain photodiodes. On the left: detector with fiber adapter removed. On the right: detector with fiber adapter attached and fiber connected.

Figure 3. Integrating sphere detector.

Figure 4. Fiber coupled laser source at 1310 nm wavelength.

Figure 5. Erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) is used to amplify the laser power at 1550 nm wavelength window. Powers as high as 1 W can be reached.