So, what’s so great about polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber optic cable assemblies? They hold big benefits in applications where polarization stability is critical. Below we explain these advantages and the main applications where they can help you the most. We conclude with some information about L-com’s recent expansion of this line of amazing products.
What Is a Polarization-Maintaining Cable?
A PM fiber optic cable assembly is designed to preserve the polarization state of light as it travels through the optical fiber. In a standard fiber, the polarization of light can change due to various factors like stress and temperature, but PM fibers are constructed to minimize these effects.
PM fibers are often designed with a core that has anisotropic properties, meaning it has different refractive indices for different polarization directions. This design helps in confining light with a specific polarization state to the core, reducing the impact of external factors on polarization.
Benefits:
- Stability: PM fibers maintain the polarization state of light as it travels through the fiber. This ensures that the orientation of the light’s electric field remains constant, providing stability in the optical signal. Also, PM fibers are less susceptible to environmental factors such as stress and temperature changes compared to standard fibers.
- Reduced Crosstalk: In systems with multiple optical channels, crosstalk − unintended interference between channels − can be a big issue. PM fibers help reduce crosstalk by confining each polarization state to its designated path, preventing unwanted interactions. Also, PM fibers minimize the coupling between different polarization modes, leading to better isolation of signals. This is particularly important in high-density communication systems and optical networks.
- High Precision: PM fibers enable precise control over the polarization state of light. This control is crucial in applications where the exact orientation of the electric field needs to be maintained for accurate signal transmission or measurement. Second, in interferometric sensors and metrology setups, high precision is paramount. PM fibers contribute to the accuracy of measurements by ensuring that the interference patterns are not compromised due to changes in polarization. Third, in applications like optical coherence tomography (OCT), where coherent light is used for imaging, PM fibers help maintain the coherence of the light, resulting in sharper and more accurate images.
Popular Applications:
- Fiber Lasers and Amplifiers: PM fibers are crucial in fiber lasers and amplifiers where maintaining a specific polarization state enhances performance and power efficiency.
- Guidance and Inertial Systems: In applications like fiber optic gyros used in navigation systems, where maintaining precise orientation information is essential, PM fibers help preserve signal integrity.
- Metrology and Interferometric Sensors: PM fibers contribute to accurate measurements in interferometric setups by minimizing polarization-induced variations in the signals.
- Telecom: In high-speed data transmission, maintaining polarization can be vital for signal quality and integrity.
- Test and Measurement: PM fibers are used in various test setups to ensure the reliability and accuracy of measurements.
Biomedical Imaging: In certain biomedical imaging techniques, such as polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT), PM fibers are used to maintain polarization states for enhanced imaging quality. - Sensing in Harsh Environments: PM fibers are suitable for sensing applications in harsh environments, such as oil and gas exploration, where the fiber may be subjected to extreme temperatures and pressures. The polarization-maintaining feature ensures reliable and accurate measurements.
- Defense and Aerospace: In defense and aerospace applications, PM fibers play a role in sensing and communication systems where maintaining signal integrity is critical. This includes applications like avionic systems, secure communications, and remote sensing.
L-com’s New Polarization-Maintaining Assemblies
Reap the benefits of fiber optic simplex cable that is polarization-maintaining with our newly expanded line that includes over five dozen additions. These patch cables are aligned to a slow axis to preserve polarization for reduced crosstalk and rock-stable signals in many environments.
Key Features:
- Strong Signal Transfer − Low insertion loss and high return loss for powerful signals with minimal reflection.
- Rugged – Our loose-tube cable places fibers in individual tubes for extra protection. Choose from loose-tube PVC or the more durable loose-tube Hytrel.
- Useful Wavelengths – See four popular options: 980, 1064, 1310, and 1550 nm.
- Connector Choices – Choose from various combinations of six different simplex connectors: FC/APC, LC/APC, SC/APC, FC/PC, LC/PC, and SC/PC.
- Optimal Lengths – Standard lengths are 1, 2, or 5 meters, or you can order a custom cable assembly.
These new polarization-maintaining fiber optic cable assemblies are in stock now and available for immediate shipment. All orders on in-stock products placed before 6 p.m. CST weekdays will ship the same day. Need help deciding on the right cable assembly for your application? Connect with one of our L-com technical experts now. Call us toll-free at 1-866-506-2818, chat with us live, or email us at sales@l-com.com.
