HP 8504B Precision Reflectometer

The HP 8504B precision reflectometer provides state-of-the-art lightwave reflection measurements. Individual reflections are measured and displayed as a function of distance or position. Return loss measurements beyond 80 dB are achievable, even when larger reflections are present in the measurement path. Two reflections can be closer than 25 µm (equivalent distance in air) and still be individually identified. Engineers and scientists now have a tool to precisely locate, identify, and quantify individual reflections within lightwave components and assemblies. Designs are optimized easily in the development phase. In product manufacturing, problems are solved quickly as even very small faults an discontinuities are found easily. Calibrated measurements are performed in seconds using a simple user interface and a rapid scan rate.

The HP 8504B precision reflectometer measures connectorized components in single-mode fiber. (Performance is good, but not optimum in multimode fiber). The measurement span can be varied from 1 mm to 40 cm. The location of the 40 cm measurement window can be offset by adding the appropriate length of extension cable. Measurements are made using internal 1300 nm and 1550 nm light sources.

The HP 8504B can also be an important tool in preventing and solving component failure modes. Determining the precise location of a crack or break in a small optical assembly is easily achieved.

In addition to measuring reflections, there are also a variety of other applications including source coherence functions, precision length measurements, and characterization of the effects of birefringence (including polarization mode dispersion and fiber beat length).

[ Features ]

Return loss measurement range beyond 80 dB
25 µm two-event resolution (in air, 16 µm in glass)
1300 and 1550 nm wavelengths
1 mm to 400 mm scan widths

[ Specifications ]

					1300 nm		1550 nm
Return Loss Range:			0 to 80 dB	0 to 80 dB
Return Loss Accuracy:			±2 dB	        ±2 dB
Return Loss Repeatability:		±1 dB	        ±1 dB
Two-Event Spatial Resolution:		25 µm	        50 µm


Supplemental Characteristics
Compatible Fiber:                       9/125 um
Sweep Speed:                            18 mm/sec
Measurement Span¹:                      1 to 400 (270) mm
Source Characteristics:
Peak Wavelength:                        1308 nm ±30 nm
                                        1550 nm ±30 nm
Spectral Width (-3 dB):                 55 nm
Average Power ²:                        -17 dBm

^{1) Measurement span can be offset using fiber extension cables provided in option 001}
^{2) At instrument front panel}

General Specifications:
Weight:                                 35 kg (77 lb)     

Dimensions:  (H x W x D)                370 x 460 x 570 mm
                                        14.6 x 18 x 22.4 in

[ Ordering ]

HP 8504B Precision Reflectometer Opt 001 6 Fiber Optic Cable Pairs Opt 1CM Rackmount kit Opt 1CN Handle kit Opt 1CP Rackmount and handle kit Opt UK6 Commercial calibration certificate with test data

[ Key Literature ]

Measurements of Lightwave Component Reflections with the HP 8504B Precision Reflectometer Product Note 8504-1 ( PDF)

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[ Assistance ]

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[ Related ]

Related product families available online:

Precision Reflectometer