Ideal Light Sources

Ideal Light Sources

Fiber Optic Light Sources are used in conjunction with Fiber Optic Power Meters to determine the optical loss on both single mode and multimode cables. Applications here at TEquipment are for the telecommunications industry. Wavelengths outputs are 850 & 1300 nm multimode and 1310 & 1550 nm single mode.

For 650 nm red source visual fault finders, our selection of models is under the Optical Fault Finders category. While it is a light source, it is more a fault finder since a standalone device.

Model specifications should state if they are designed for multimode or single mode applications and wavelengths, but you can also determine it from the type of light source. LED based light sources are designed for multimode fiber and laser light sources are for single mode.

Selection advice for Fiber Optic Light Sources

• LED and Laser Fiber Optic Sources are available that have are suitable for only one application 850/1300 nm multimode or 1310/1550 nm single mode.
  
  Spend more and you can have a Quad Wavelength fiber optic light source for the two multimode and single mode wavelengths. This would be best for an installer/contractor with different types of customers
   
• Consider a Fiber Optic Test Kit. Purchase a light source as a replacement or if you have multimode but find need for single mode or vice-versa. If the intention is to purchase a light source and optical power meter, then best value is to purchase a Fiber Optic Test Kit. See TEquipment website category by the same name that includes a light source and power meter
   
• NIST Calibration Certificate. For applications certifying fiber cabling, consider getting a light source with a NIST certificate. OWL, for example, offers NIST certificate standard with their models
   
• POF (plastic optical fiber). Plastic multimode fiber does exist for some specialized applications. Since the plastic core is much larger would require a different LED light source and power meter for 650-660/850 nm. Largest use for plastic fiber are for short distance audio cables. TEquipment carries a model from Advanced Fiber Solutions for this application

What is multimode and single mode fiber optic cable?
Certainly, there is much more information and science involved but the very basic differences:

• Single mode is for outside use over long distances. Higher bandwidth. Uses lasers which are more expensive, so not used for indoor applications
• Multiple modes of light in a wider core fiber cable using LED light. Shorter distances and less bandwidth, though there is ongoing research to increase bandwidth and distance to rival single mode