Light sources for use in the laboratory are available with lasers and/or LEDs. They are used together with power meters for insertion loss measurements.

In addition to bench-top devices, so-called rack mounts are also available. The primary difference between the two is the number of integrated light sources. Rack mounts have up to twenty-four light sources, whereas the bench-top devices only have four light sources.

Laser and LED sources are used as basic light sources in the laboratory, the attenuation measurement of passive optical components, or optical connectors and cables. These light sources can also be used in automated measurement stations.

We offer bench-top light sources from the manufacturers OptoTest, Viavi, and General Photonics.

Light Sources from OptoTest

Light sources from OptoTest can be equipped during production with up to four channels – with laser sources, LEDs, or a combination of both. These sources are ideally suited for use as stand-alone units.

LED Sources. Single-channel and dual-channel light sources provide the necessary operating conditions to meet CPR and IEC requirements. They have the following features:

• Wavelengths freely configurable during production
• Freely-adjustable power level in the parts-per-thousand range: Adjustments can be made via this device or a USB interface.
• Operation with two wavelengths possible using an internal 1x2 switch
• Most connectors are supported, for example: FC, ST, SC, LC, etc.

Laser Sources. Only stabilized laser sources are integrated: either Fabry-Perot lasers or DFB lasers. Standard wavelengths, such as 635 nm, 850 nm, 1310 nm, 1490 nm, 1550 nm, and 1625 nm, are available. These lasers have the following features:

• Adjustable power level – depending on the laser – up to +13 dBm; adjustment using a USB interface or the front panel
• Optional: internal switch with high repetition rate
• Supports TEC-cooled lasers
• Compatible with most connectors, for example: FC, ST, SC, LC, etc.

Up to twenty-four individual or switched light sources can be integrated into the rack mount systems. They can be equipped with lasers, LEDs, or a combination of both.

Save: Instead of equipping each port with a single source, it is possible to incorporate an internal switch. Depending on the intended use and equipment, this can save real costs.

LEDs with a single wavelength have a large core to meet the overflow conditions in 62.5/125 MM fibers, which are available for the wavelengths 850 nm and 1300 nm.

Single-wavelength sources for 1310 nm and 1550 nm are equipped with standard 9/125 fibers.

The dual wavelengths 1310 nm and 1550 nm, which operate in a single port, are also available on an optional basis (only in twelve-channel models).

LED Sources

• Up to twenty-four LED sources in a single rack
• Wavelengths can be freely configured during production
• Power can be adjusted via the device’s front panel or a USB interface
• Controlled launch conditions, customer-specific CPR possible
• Dual-wavelength operation possible with internal 1x2 switch
• Supports most connectors, for example: FC/PC, ST/PC, SC/PC, etc.

Multi-channel Laser Sources

• Up to twenty-four laser sources in a single rack or twelve dual sources (1310/1550)
• Desired wavelength combination integrated during production
• Supports all standard connectors, for example: FC/PC, ST/PC, SC/PC, etc.

CWDM (coarse wavelength division multiplex) is a widely used method to increase the bandwidths of fiber optic networks. For this purpose, connectors and components have to be measured and characterized at different wavelengths. For this purpose, the basic units of the OP715 (benchtop unit) and OP750 (benchtop or rack unit) multichannel sources can be configured with the appropriate CWDM lasers. They support all 18 wavelengths that are used according to ITU G.694.2 when testing CWDM components.