Get optical signals in shape
-- Test & Measurement World, 10/1/2009 2:00:00 AM
Filters and signal processors change the amplitude and phase of electrical signals, but optical signals also need shaping. The S-Series of programmable optical processors from Finisar allows you to develop your own filters for processing optical signals. You can use either the single-output WS1000S or the quad-output WS4000S to filter and shape optical signals. These instruments let you simulate the amplitude and phase distortions that occur in optical networks for testing fiber-optic components and systems.
The S-Series instruments use a technology borrowed from projection TV: LCoS (liquid crystal on silicon). LCoS devices work by reflecting incoming light based on an image in the silicon that changes according to the amount of voltage applied to it. They produce a 256-level gray-scale image with 10-mm resolution, which affects the reflectivity of the silicon. The image characteristics can change the amplitude and phase of the reflected optical signal. Reflectivity is also wavelength dependent, so you can get wavelength-sensitive reflection images. You can thus create programmable filters, modulate light carriers, re-time pulses, split pulses, and control dispersion.
The four-channel WS4000S lets you take a single input and switch it among four outputs. Each output channel can have a different reflective image.
The S-Series instruments come with Windows-based software that lets you develop images and upload them to the instrument through its USB port. For automated applications, you can develop software in LabView with drivers shipped with the instrument. Finisar reports that Linux drivers will be available by the end of 2009.
Prices: WS1000S—$24,000; WS4000S—$42,000. Finisar, www.finisar.com.
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