HP 8169A Polarization Controller

The HP 8169A provides polarization synthesis relative to a built-in linear polarizer. The quarter-wave plate and half-wave plate are individually adjusted to create all possible states of polarization. Predeterministic algorithms within the HP 8169A enable the transition path from one state of polarization on the Poincare sphere to another to be specified along orthogonal great circles. These features are important because device response data can be correlated to specific states of polarization input to the test device.

[ Features ]
Application Description for HP 8169A

Polarization synthesis
Complete, automatically stepped, adjustments of polarization over the entire Poincare sphere (deterministic)
Single-wavelength polarization-dependent loss measurement w/ HP 8153A or 8509B (2 to 10 seconds typical measurement time for PDL < 1.0 dB)
Swept-wavelength polarization-dependent loss measurement (w/ HP 8153A and 8168D/E/F)
Polarization-dependent gain measurements of EDFA
Polarization nulling for EDFA characterization
Polarization sensitivity measurements of optical coupling factor (power delta vs SOP)
Polarized beam alignment relative to principal polarization states of the test device (w/ HP 8153A)
Polarization adjustment of optical launch conditions for polarization mode dispersion measurements
Simulate depolarized signals using rapid polarization scanning [1]

[1] This polarization controller is best suited for this application; however, either Hewlett-Packard polarization controller may be used.

[ Specifications ]

Operating Wavelength Range: 
1470 to 1570 nm

Insertion Loss: 
Insertion loss 
<1.5 dB

Variation with adjustment/rotation: 
=< ą 0.03 dB (Opt. 020)

Variation with wavelength:
=< ą 0.1 dB

Polarization Extinction Ratio[1]:
>40 dB >45 dB(1530 to 1560nm)
>40 dB(1470 to 1570nm)

Polarization Adjustment: 
Resolution [2]
0.18° (360°/2048 encoder positions)

Fast axis alignment accuracy at home position [2]:
ą0.2°

Angular adjustment accuracy [2]: (minimum step size): 
ą 0.09°

Angular adjustment accuracy [2]: (greater than minimum step size): 
<ą 0.5°

Settling time (characteristic):
< 200 ms

Memory Save/Recall registers: 
9 

Angular repeatability after Save/Recall [2]:
ą 0.09°

Number of scan rate settings : 
2

Maximum rotation rate [2]:
3600°/sec

Maximum Operating Input Power Limitation: 
+ 23 dBm

Optical Port Return Loss (characteristic):
Individual reflections > 60 dB 

Power Requirements: 
48 to 60 Hz
100/120/220/240 Vrms
45 VAmax

Weight:
9 kg (20 lb)

Dimensions: (H x W x D): 
10 x 42.6 x 44.5 cm
3.9 x 16.8 x 17.5 in


[1] Extinction ratio only refers to polarized portion of the optical signal.
[2] Angles are mechanical rotation angles of fiber loops and wave plates.

[ Ordering ]

HP 8169A Lightwave Polarization Controller Polarization controller must be ordered with connector option. Opt 020 Pigtailed fiber ports Opt 021 Straight contact connectors Opt 022 Angled contact connectors Option 021 and 022 require two connector interfaces (see HP 81000XI series).

[ Key Literature ]

HP 11896A and HP8169A Technical Specifications
PDL Measurements Using the HP8169 Polarization Controller

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[ Assistance ]

To help you make the right instrument choices

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[ Related ]

Related product families available online:

Polarization Analyzers