NorthLab´s ProView LD™ is a highly advanced interferometer for cladding diameters between 125 – 720μm ..
NorthLab´s ProView XD™ is a highly advanced interferometer for cladding diameters between 250 – 1200μm ..
NorthLab ProView Interferometers
NorthLab’s ProView interferometers are highly advanced tools designed for precise measurement and inspection of fiber optic end faces with cladding diameters between 125 to 720μm (ProView LD) or 220 to 1200μm (ProView XD). They are specially crafted for R&D and manufacturing applications where accurate and rapid fiber optic end face inspection is essential.
The ProView comes equipped with state-of-the-art software supported by complex algorithms for accurate fiber end face analysis and reporting. The compact design makes it an ideal addition to production benches. The ProView can be used side-by-side with cleavers, fusion splicers, and other fiber optic preparation tools.
The ProView connects to an external PC (not included) via a USB 3.0 cable for power and user control. It includes a universal-sized v-groove clamp assembly, accommodating standard fiber holders from FITEL or Fujikura and allowing the use of bare fibers. Optional holders are also available for inspection of standard connectors like SMA, FC/PC, ST/PC, LD80.
With NorthLab’s ProView interferometer, engineers and technicians perform precise and fast end face inspection, ensuring the quality and performance of fiber optic components during manufacturing processes. Its versatility, accuracy, and user-friendly software make it an indispensable tool for fiber optic R&D, manufacturing, and fiber optic cleaver maintenance purposes.
Fiber Optic End-face Interferometry Inspection: A Technical Overview:
Fiber optic end-face interferometry inspection is a pivotal non-destructive method used to gauge the end-face geometry and quality of optical fibers, both connectorized and bare non-connectorized cleaved fibers. Ensuring the precision of these end-faces is vital for the dependable transmission of light signals in fiber optic systems.
Here’s an enhanced technical summary:
Principle of Operation:
Interferometry, at its core, involves splitting light waves from a singular source and subsequently combining them to create interference patterns. Analyzing these patterns unveils anomalies and irregularities on the fiber end-face.
Key Parameters Measured:
- Radius of Curvature: Confirms the fiber end-face curvature adheres to industry norms.
- Apex Offset: Identifies the peak of the end-face curvature relative to the core center of the fiber.
- Fiber Height: Assesses how the fiber protrudes or recedes concerning the surrounding medium, especially vital for bare fibers where there’s no ferrule.
- Surface Roughness: Quantifies the end-face’s smoothness and uniformity.
Visualization:
- Contemporary interferometers produce detailed 3D visualizations of both connectorized and bare fiber end-faces, highlighting defects, contamination, or scratches.
Benefits:
- Quality Assurance: Ensures that fiber optics, whether connectorized or not, meet stringent industry specifications for optimal performance.
- Reduced Signal Loss: Perfect end-face geometry and alignment, ascertained through interferometry, minimize potential signal disruptions at transmission or connection junctures.
- Cost Efficiency: Early flaw detection during the production phase minimizes waste and optimizes yield.
Applications:
- Primarily employed in fiber optic manufacturing for quality control, interferometry also finds its place in research, optical labs, and on-the-field installations for diagnostic and upkeep tasks.
In essence, fiber optic end-face interferometry inspection is an indispensable technique for preserving the excellence and trustworthiness of fiber optic communication frameworks. By delving deep into interference patterns, it offers a comprehensive evaluation of the quality and geometry of fiber end-faces, laying the foundation for flawless light transmission.
