Optical Power Meter Workings explained

Optical Power Meters

An Optical Power Meter is a device known to feature a calibrated sensor that helps in measuring the display and an amplifier.

The sensor part of the device is typically known to a photodiode that has been selected for the given range of power levels and wavelengths.

On the display screen of the device, the set wavelength, and the measured optical power is usually displayed.

Applications

Some of the most common applications for an optical power meter are:

• Measurement of the absolute power in the given fiber optic signal. For the utilization of this application of the optical power meter, it is recommended that the device is required to be appropriately calibrated at the approximate wavelength.
• For measuring the margin of the optical power
• For measuring the optical loss in the given fiber along with a combination of the right source of stable light. As it tends to be a relative test, accurate wavelength calibration is not a specific requirement, until two or more optical power meters are getting utilized for distance issues.

Using an Optical Power Meter & Light Source Together

In most cases, the OPM device is used along with a light source to enable measuring of the signal loss in a fiber optic cable or the fiber optical channel.

The source of light is known to launch into one single end of a fiber optic cable. The optical power meter is typically connected to the other extreme end of the fiber optic cable. This method is used for measuring the optical power that has been received at the other end.

The source of light can be an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or an optical laser that has been designed to be a part of the test set. Alternatively, the equipment for the communication of light wavelength can also be utilized as the light source.

As optical fiber loss tends to vary significantly with the wavelength selected, the optical power meter should be set for testing the same wavelength being utilized.

Experts recommend that the respective test should be carried out by making use of the same wavelength as the one that you tend to use when it comes to the equipment for light wavelength communication.

For example: if the wavelength of the equipment being tested is operating at has a value of 1310nm, the light source, as well as the optical power meter, is expected to be set to the testing value of 1310nm.

Conclusion

An Optical Power Meter is an invaluable tool when it comes to testing. Make the most of the high-end optical power meters. Special considerations are expected to be made when you are testing with the help of the WDM network.