Protodel launches 'world's smallest' in-line polarizer

July 5, 2002--Protodel International Ltd. (www.protodel.com) has introduced what it claims is the world's smallest in-line fiber-optic polarizer.

Half the size of the company's most recently introduced all-fiber, in-line polarizer, this new product features a steel tube that is only 30 mm in length and 3 mm in diameter.

This new specialized device is available in three configurations (SM/SM 30 mm, SM/PM 40 mm, and PM/PM 50 mm), and offers a high extinction ratio (> 50dB), with low insertion loss (<0.1 dB) and near zero back reflection
(< -70dB).

It has been designed with particular reference to the space-conscious needs of the defence and test and measurement markets, where size is important and input/output polarization is critical to ensure optimum operation.

Dr. Ian Giles, chief executive of ProtoDel said, "Our scientists have reduced the size of the device to enable customers to reduce the size of their instrumentation in certain applications, while still allowing for the bend radius. As with any pigtailed device, there is a bend radius of 25mm on each side before the fiber can be bent on these new devices.

"We are able to reduce the size of the polarizer by changing one stage of our fabrication process and so produce what we believe is the smallest in-line polarizer on the market -- while still maintaining the high extinction ratio and near zero back reflection of our other products."

Unlike alternative technologies, there are no bulk optics, no free space, and no internal interfaces to reflect light. This means back reflections are very low (at least -70dB) and the polarizers can be used for higher-power applications, right next to the source. They operate over a large wavelength range (1280-1625 nm) with an extremely low insertion loss.