HP 11896A Polarization Controller

The HP 11896A adjusts optical polarization and not power. Its optical fiber loop design provides all states of polarization with extremely small optical insertion-loss variations (+/-0.002 dB) over a wide spectral range (1250 to 1600 nm). This performance combination maximizes measurement accuracy for power-sensitive applications like polarization-dependent loss and gain. This is because the measurement uncertainty contributed by the polarization controller is minimized.

The HP 11896A produces all states of polarization and covers the entire Poincare sphere in a pseudo-random manner.

[ Features ]

+/-0.002 dB insertion loss variation with adjustment
1250 nm to 1600 nm coverage
Manual, auto-scan, and HP-IB adjustments

[ Specifications ]

Operating Wavelength Range: 
1250 to 1600 nm

Insertion Loss: 
<1.5 dB

Variation with adjustment/rotation: 
=< ą 0.002 dB (Opt. 025)

Variation with wavelength:
=< ą 0.1 dB¹

Polarization Extinction Ratio²:
>40 dB 

Polarization Adjustment: 
Resolution³
0.18° (180°/1000 encoder positions)

Fast axis alignment accuracy at home position³:
ą0.18°

Angular adjustment accuracy³:
(minimum step size):               ą 0.18°
(greater than minimum step size):  ą 0.18°

Settling time (characteristic):
< 1 sec

Memory Save/Recall registers: 
9 

Angular repeatability after Save/Recall³:
ą 0.18°

Number of scan rate settings : 
8

Maximum rotation rate³:
360°/sec

Maximum Operating Input Power Limitation: 
+ 23 dBm

Optical Port Return Loss (characteristic):
Total reflection >55 dB⁴
Individual reflections > 60 dB 

Power Requirements: 
47 to 63 Hz
90 to 250 Vrms
60 VAmax

Weight:
4.5 kg (10 lb)

Dimensions: (H x W x D): 
10 x 21.3 x 36 cm
3.9 x 8.4 x 14.2 in


^{1)Specifies for any 100 nm wavelength range.
2)Extinction ratio only refers to polarized portion of the optical signal.
3)Angles are mechanical rotation angles of fiber loops and wave plates.
4)Physical contact connector total return loss is typical >37 dB.}

[ Ordering ]

HP 11896A Lightwave Polarization Controller Opt 011 DIAMOND HMS-10/HP connector interface Opt 013 DIN connector interface Opt 014 ST connector interface Opt 017 SC connector interface Opt 025 Pigtails (1m) with FC/PC connectors Opt 1CM Rackmount kit Opt 1CN Handle kit Opt 1CP Rackmount and handle kit Opt UK6 Commercial calibration certificate with test data

All orders include the following:
FC/PC connector interfaces

[ Key Literature ]

HP 11896A and HP 8169A Polarization Controllers5965-5720E ( PDF)
PN 11896-2 Polarization-dependent Loss Measurements Using Modular Test System Configurations ( PDF)

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[ Assistance ]

To help you make the right product choices

Local Sales Office

[ Related ]

Related product families available online:

Polarization Analyzers