Abstract: A differential adjuster that utilizes a tool interface for affecting either a coarse adjustment or a fine adjustment is presented. The differential adjuster includes an intermediate actuator sleeve with a tool interface to accommodate a tool for performing adjustments. The intermediate actuator sleeve includes a first threaded surface operatively engaging a housing to adjust the position of the intermediate actuator sleeve relative to the housing, and a second threaded surface operatively engaging a push rod to adjust the position of the intermediate actuator sleeve relative to the push rod. The first threaded surface contains threads that are a different pitch than the second threaded surface.

Abstract: An optical imaging system includes an optical radiation source (410, 510), a frequency clock module outputting frequency clock signals (420), an optical interferometer (430), a data acquisition (DAQ) device (440) triggered by the frequency clock signals, and a computer (450) to perform multi-dimensional optical imaging of the samples. The frequency clock signals are processed by software or hardware to produce a record containing frequency-time relationship of the optical radiation source (410, 510) to trigger the sampling process of the DAQ device (440). The system may employ over-sampling and various digital signal processing methods to improve image quality. The system further includes multiple stages of routers (1418, 1425) connecting the light source (1410) with a plurality of interferometers (1420a-1420n) and a DAQ system (1450) triggered by frequency clock signals to perform high-speed multi-channel optical imaging of samples.

Abstract: It is possible to improve the manner in which the chromatic dispersion of a sample (4) is determined. To this end, the sample (4) is irradiated in an interferometer (10), with the light of a radiation source (1). A downstream polarimeter (50) measures both the power changes and the polarization changes of the interference radiation. In the downstream evaluation unit (7) the wavelength-dependent chromatic dispersion can be determined.

Abstract: A swept wavelength meter provides a real-time wavelength calibration scheme for a swept laser. The calibration scheme generates an electrical signal from a swept optical output of the swept laser that is cyclical with respect to the wavelength of the swept optical output over a defined range of wavelengths. The point on the electrical signal at any given time provides an accurate phase for the swept optical output at that point. The electrical signal in turn is calibrated by generating calibration references from the swept optical output using known absorption lines within the defined range of interest. The wavelength of the swept laser is calibrated as a function of a reference wavelength from the known absorption lines and the phase at the given point. Simultaneously forward and reflective measurements may be taken, with the forward measurement being used as a normalizing measurement for determining insertion and return loss automatically for a device under test.

Abstract: A polarization scan module is presented. The polarization scan module according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a swept-wavelength optical source providing a light signal that sweeps over a range of optical wavelengths, the light signal having a state of polarization; and a polarization rotator that rotates the state of polarization over a Poincare sphere as the light signal wavelength is swept within the range to produce a test optical signal. A single sweep polarization dependent loss measurement can be achieved with some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, measurements of the state of polarization and optical power at the input and output of an optical component being tested together with the known optical wavelength for the state of polarization, taken at four different polarizations, can provide a set of measurement data that can be used to compute the polarization dependent loss.

Abstract: It is to be possible for the chromatic dispersion of a sample (4) to be determinable in an improved manner. To this end the sample (4) is radiographed, in an interferometer (10), with the light of a radiation source (1). A downstream polarimeter (50) measures both the power changes and the polarisation changes of the interference radiation. In the downstream evaluation unit (7) the wavelength-dependent chromatic dispersion can be determined.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for producing a predeterminable polarization mode dispersion by means of double refracting elements provides for the production of a second-order polarization mode dispersion. An element is envisaged which twists the polarization principal axes by an appropriate angle at the output of an arrangement for producing first-order PMD, and the light signal exiting this element is fed into an arrangement which is also an arrangement for producing first-order PMD to produce an output signal having both first- and second-order PMD.

Abstract: A high precision linear adjuster for coarse and fine relative axial motion between a first member and a second member includes a sleeve fixed to the first member and a coarse adjustment body mounted for coarse axial movement to the sleeve. An actuator pin is slidably mounted in the coarse adjustment body for axial movement along an axis. The actuator pin engages the second member for moving the second member with respect to the first member with axial movement of the actuator pin. A main body is fixed to the coarse adjustment body and has a first tapered surface that is inclined with respect to the axis. The main body has a first thread. A drive screw having a second thread is threaded to the first thread for axial movement of the drive screw with respect to the main body, with rotation of the drive screw. The drive screw has a second tapered surface that is inclined with respect to the axis.