Multichannel Instruments splits into two divisions, introduces optical spectrum analyzer

For over a year, Multichannel Instruments has been developing products for the fiber optic Telecom market. This has now materialized in a rapid growth and structural changes within the organization. Multichannel Instruments will in the soon split into two divisions: Spectroscopy & Telecom

The division of spectroscopic instrumentation will be responsible for the Mechelle spectrographs and related products, which are focused on the educational, academic, R&D and industrial spectroscopic markets.

The division of instrumentation optic-optic telecom will be responsible for the new line of instruments, called Raptelle, optimized for industrial applications within the telecom market, especially on-line production control of tunable lasers and other DWDM components.

The Raptelle is a new type of Optical Spectrum Analyser (OSA) based on a patent pending optical design. So far two models are available; the Raptelle 10000 covering the range 1000 - 1650 nm and the Raptelle 20000 covering the range 1500 -1650 nm at higher resolution.

In most OSA systems a linear InGaAs array records a spectral segment of at most 512 channels. Selection of the segment to be recorded is made by mechanical adjustment of some optical component. In the Raptelles, on the other hand, the division into segments is provided inherently by the optics in such a way that the more than 30 segments appear statically underneath each other on a two-dimensional sensor of InGaAs type. The InGaAs camera, having 320 x 256 pixels, record all the segments in parallel. Each segment represents a sub-spectrum of the full spectral range. Through the software the segments are joined together resulting in more than 5000 simultaneously recorded channels covering the full spectral range. Consequently there are no moving parts in the system. For the DWDM component manufacturer the system offers many advantages. The InGaAs camera can operate at a frame rate of more that 100 /s. At the rate of 50 times per second the system acquires, with high precision, all data necessary for the DWDM component calibration. This will provide the manufacturer with means for an immediate increase in the rate of production of tunable lasers and other DWDM components with assured quality control. Further achievements are timesaving and cost reduction. It is the combination of speed and precision that makes the Raptelle a unique instrument for the telecom component manufacturer.

The Raptelles, which are no bigger than a shoebox, are virtually service free. They have no moving parts that may cause disturbances in the production. The Raptelles are completely computer-operated to allow integration with other equipment. The software is easily adapted to the manufacturers environment and platform. The price of the Raptelles has not been disclosed.

For more information, visit www.multichannel.se.