VDL-004 Fiber Optic Delay Line

840-1650 nm; Delay Range 0-130 ps (4 cm); RL 55 dB; Fiber Type SMF-28, HI780, HI1060, PM Panda; IL <0.8 dB; PDL 0.1 dB

General Photonics’ VDL-004 module is a miniature variable optical delay line designed specifically for OEM applications. This device offers continuous control with high precision, zero backlash, and good thermal stability.

An internal mirror can be installed to cause light to double pass the device, doubling the delay range. A locking mechanism is provided for locking the delay at a permanent position. The VDL-004 delay line module generally comes with single mode (SM) or polarization maintaining (PM) fiber pigtails per customer requirement.

With a footprint of only 78 x 22 x 15 mm for a delay range of 130 ps (40 mm), the device can be easily integrated into larger instruments or assemblies for precision optical path length control or timing alignment. Convenient mounting brackets allow mounting in any orientation, as well as easy integration of multiple units on a base plate to form an array.

Key Features:

• Compact Size: 78 x 22 x 15 mm
• Continuous Adjustment
• Zero Backlash
• Low Insertion Loss: <0.8 dBInsertion Loss Variation: <0.4 dB Over Entire Range
• High Stability
• Flexible Mounting Options
• Position Locking Included
• Operating Wavelength: 840, 1060, 1310, 1550, 1260 to 1650 nm
• Optical Delay Range: 0 to 130 ps (40 mm) Continuous
• Optical Delay Resolution: 3.34 ps (1 mm) Per Full Turn
• Delay Repeatability: <20 µm
• Zero Point Delay Offset: 230 ps
• Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL): 0.1 dB (SM Fiber)
• Return Loss (RL): 55 dB
• Polarization Extinction Ratio: 20 dB (PM Model)
• Optical Power Damage Threshold: 300 mW
• Fiber Type: SMF-28, HI780, HI1060, PM Panda

Applications: Microwave Photonics; Phased Array Antennas; Coherent Detection Systems; Optical Time Division Multiplexing (OTDM); Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT); Optical Interferometry; Optical Fourier Spectrum Analysis; Fiber Sensors