Optical sensor head offers uncertainty of ±1.8%

 It is targeted at making accurate measurements in challenging applications such as power testing of laser chips in free space light, I/L curve measurement of laser-diode modules and multicore fibre measurements (with an MPO connector adapter).

Key features are a 5mm diameter cooled detector, ideal for measurements in free space, a wavelength measurement range from 800 to 1700nm, and a power measurement range of +15 to -90dBm.

It also offers uncertainty of ±1.8%, high stability with constant-temperature control, and a wide single-range power range of 30dB.

“With the launch of the new optical sensor head, Yokogawa is expanding its multi-application modular optical test platform in line with market demands for higher-speed automatic testing of optical devices in free space, which helps to reduce testing time - and hence costs - compared to fibre-coupled tests.”, says Terry Marrinan, Vice-President Sales & Marketing, Yokogawa Europe & South-East Asia: “Post-production testing of laser diodes needs to be fast because the increasing market demand requires higher quantities and cheaper products, and the fastest way to measure their output is by measuring it in free space to eliminate the time involved in connecting and disconnecting the optical fibre to each laser produced.”

Until now sensors currently available on the market were not sensitive enough to obtain high-precision test results.