Thorlabs' Inline Photodetector is used for real-time monitoring of the optical power being transmitted through a fiber. This photodetector monitors in-line power by diverting a controlled amount of light from the fiber core through a secondary waveguide. The waveguide directionally diverts the tapped light to an InGaAs photodiode, preventing back reflections from the detector propagating back into the fiber. The waveguide is inscribed into the fiber at an angle to the optical axis with a femtosecond laser.
- C- and L-Band InGaAs Photodiode for Monitoring Power in a Fiber
- 0.63" x 0.09" x 0.15" (16.0 x 2.3 x 3.7 mm) Compact Housing
- 0.8 m Fiber Lead Length
- Low (≤0.2 dB) Polarization-Dependent Responsivity Ideal for High Sensitivity Applications
- SMF-28 Type Fiber
- Power Monitoring in the C-Band and L-Band
- 1% of Signal Tapped for Measurement
- TO-18 Pin Out
This in-line detection avoids interrupting the light path within the fiber and allows for power monitoring to be incorporated into larger optical assemblies such as fiber optic sensors, OCT systems or wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) systems. For system integration, Thorlabs offers precision cleavers and fusion splicers for low-loss splicing of single mode fibers. For attachment to optical assemblies, we offer a range of compatible photodiode sockets such as the STO46S or STO46P photodiode sockets. Please note that the inline photodetectors available are not calibrated, meaning responsivity will differ slightly from device to device.
Figure 1.1 The Secondary Waveguide Directs Light from the Fiber Core into a Photodiode