New microprocessor-driven fibre polarization controllers bring enhanced flexibility for engineers

Phoenix Photonics, the UK-based optical fibre components specialist, has today unveiled two new products as part of its expanded Firebird instrumentation range at the ECOC exhibition, Amsterdam, 17-19 September (Stand number 614).

ECOC marks the global launch of a programmable polarization control instrument and an associated polarization controller microprocessor interface.

The microprocessor interface enables the already popular EPC (electronic polarization controller) to be programmed directly from either a desktop or laptop computer through a simple USB interface. It is totally compatible with the existing Firebird control software and additional interface software is also available for engineers who wish to write their own control programme.

The polarization control instrument integrates the EPC and the PCI into a single bench-top instrument. Fully compatible with the Firebird control software, USB and RS232 standard communication links and optional GPIB and Ethernet links are also available. Additional functionality is included in the bench-top version.

“The analogue controllable EPC has proved very popular with customers and we have developed the new Microprocessor Interface and Windows-based software for programming the polarization transfer function in the fibre in response to their requirements,” said Dr. Ian Giles, CEO of Phoenix Photonics.

“The bench-top instrument brings together both modules into a compact, easy-to-use format, allowing us to introduce additional functionality to widen flexibility. We are particularly pleased, in line with customer expectations, that the technology we use allows us to offer them world-class quality instruments at a highly competitive price,” he added.

In addition to the new Firebird products, Phoenix is also showing its full range of components, modules and instruments.

At the associated conference, Dr. Giles will also be presenting a paper on a novel method to de-multiplex and measure the modes in Few Mode Fibre (FMF) called, “Method to Visualise and Measure Individual Modes in Few Mode Fibres (FMF)”. This will be presented, tomorrow, Tuesday 18 September. (Paper TU.1.F.5).

“At Phoenix Photonics we invest heavily in R&D for future products and utilizing our expertise in polarization control, together with our in-house proprietary technology in fibre handling, we are investigating methods for mode control in Few Mode Fibres (FMF). These have great potential for future telecommunications systems and the work I will be presenting is part of that activity,” said Dr Giles.