Laser OWL SingleMode Laser Source
The Laser OWL singlemode laser source provides high output and stability in an economical price. The laser diodes use temperature compensated outputs, and are calibrated to couple -10dBm of optical power into singlemode fiber. The source is simple to operate with an intuitive 2-button interface - one button to control power and the other to select output wavelength. LED indicators highlight the selected source and verify that battery power is sufficient to maintain the calibrated output power.
The Laser OWL is a laser-based light source designed to test singlemode fiber optic links. The LED indicator shows whether the unit is ON or OFF, and whether the battery has enough power to maintain its calibrated output power. Its dual-wavelength 1310 and 1550nm light sources provide dual wavelength testing that conforms to international testing standards. Lasers such as the ones in Laser OWL light sources produce intense beams of infrared energy that are invisible to the eye.
NEVER LOOK INTO A LIGHT SOURCE OR THE END OF A FIBER THAT MAY BE ENERGIZED BY A SOURCE! Exposure to such energy can cause serious retina damage, and prolonged exposure can cause blindness.
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Functional Description
- 1310nm port - Houses a 1310nm singlemode source and can be either a ST, SC, or FC connector.
- Charger Port - Allows for charging of re-chargable 9-volt batteries, as well as wall power operation.
- 1550nm port - Houses a 1550nm singlemode source and can be either a ST, SC, or FC connector.
- 1310nm Indicator LED - Indicates the ON/OFF status of the 1310nm laser source.
- 1550nm Indicator LED - Indicates the ON/OFF status of the 1550nm laser source.
- Charger Indicator LED - Indicates the status of the charger port.
- Power Button - Powers the unit ON or OFF.
- Wavelength Select Button - Switches the unit between 850nm and 1300nm.
NOTE: DO NOT USE BATTERY CHARGING PORT WITH NON-RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES. THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR EXPLOSION AND DAMAGE MAY OCCUR TO THE UNIT AND/OR THE USER.
NOTE: During normal operation, if the Output LED (3) is not lit, this indicates that the battery has insufficient power, and must be replaced.
Applications
The Laser OWL singlemode laser source can be used as a diagnostic and measurement tool of optical transmission systems and fiber optic links. These applications can be found in several industries, including premise, LAN, CATV, and Telco.
The Laser OWL singlemode laser source is designed to emit a temperature-stabilized source of light to be used for optical loss measurement. The optical power emitted by the Laser OWL serves as an optical reference, which is otherwise known as the “zero” point when a power meter is “zeroed”. Optical loss measurements are useful for measuring the attenuation, or loss, of a fiber link. The loss value can then be compared to a pre-calculated link budget, which is used to determine if the fiber link will operate within the parameters of the transmission equipment.
The formula for calculating loss in a fiber link is: L = Pa - Pr, where L is the amount of optical loss in dB, Pa is the absolute power in dbm, and Pr is the reference power in dBm.
Optical loss measurements can also be used for fiber optic link certification. Link certification is a process where optical loss measurements are compared to a link budget calculated using fiber optic cabling standards.
Maintenance and Calibration Procedures
- Repair of this unit by unauthorized personnel is prohibited, and will void any warranty associated with the unit.
- The battery compartment is covered by a sliding plate on the back of the unit. Remove the rubber boot to expose the back of the unit. One 9v battery is required for operation.
- For accurate readings, the optical connectors on the PCVFL and the connectors on the patch cords should be cleaned prior to attaching them to each other. Minimize dust and dirt buildup by replacing the dust caps after each use.
- It is recommended to have Optical Wavelength Laboratories calibrate the Laser OWL once per year.
Warranty
- Optical Wavelength Labs products have a two-year factory warranty, which covers manufacturer defect and workmanship only, valid from the date of shipment to the original customer.
- Products found to be defective within the warranty will be either repaired or replaced, at the option of Optical Wavelength Labs.
- This warranty does not apply to units that have been repaired or altered by anyone other than Optical Wavelength Labs, or have been subjected to misuse, negligence, or accident.
- In no way will Optical Wavelength Labs liabilities exceed the original purchase price of the unit.
- To return equipment under warranty, please contact Optical Wavelength Labs for a RMA number. To ensure quick turnaround, please include a short description of the problem and a phone number where you can be reached during normal business hours.