Santec SPA-100 Swept Photonics Analyzer performs loss analysis via OFDR
Santec Corp. has introduced the SPA-100 Swept Photonics Analyzer. The SPA-100, paired with the company’s tunable laser source, leverages optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) to analyze fiber-optic and photonic devices for insertion loss and return loss with a spatial resolution of better than 5 µm.
The wide sweep range of the tunable laser and the high resolution of the SPA-100 – the highest available, Santec asserts – enables technicians to perform accurate analysis of small devices like silicon photonic circuits, fiber-optic components, and compact fiber-optic assemblies. The built-in software displays a trace that shows reflectance and loss events along the waveguide to support fault location as well as measurement of parameters such as waveguide length and refractive index.
Meanwhile, the SPA-100 system uses coherent detection technology to perform transmissive wavelength-dependent loss measurement as well with a dynamic range of better than 70 dB in a single scan, thus saving measurement time by obviating the need to change optical power meter ranges.
Finally, a patented proximity sensing function enables the fiber probe to sense the distance between the probe and the silicon wafer to facilitate the alignment process during the wafer-level characterization process in a silicon photonic chip production line.
Santec will display the SPA-100 will be displayed at OFC 2023 from March 7-9.
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
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