FILTER PRODUCTS

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FILTER PRODUCTS

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Fiber Stretchers

Fiber stretchers, also called phase shifters, offer the attractive feature to tune and modulate the path length of the light within the fiber core and so the resulting optical delay does. They are based on voltage-driven Piezo ceramics and need to be controlled with proper electronics drivers. Any type of fiber may be assembled, ...

Specifications

Operational Wavelengths: 1310 – 1550 nm
Fiber Stretch: 20 um/Volt
Optical Path Displacement: 6 um/Volt
Time Delay: 0.5 ps/Volt
Fibers: SM, PM
Fiber stretchers, also called phase shifters, offer the attractive feature to tune and modulate the path length of the light within the fiber core and so the resulting optical delay does. They are based on voltage-driven Piezo ceramics and need to be controlled with proper electronics drivers. Any type of fiber may be assembled, ...

Specifications

Operational Wavelengths: 1310 – 1550 nm
Fiber Stretch: 20 um/Volt
Optical Path Displacement: 3 um/Volt
Time Delay: 0.5 ps/Volt
Almost All Fibers: SM, MM, PM

Fiber Stretchers: Fine Control for Optical Path Length and Phase Modulation

In advanced fiber optic systems, precise control of optical path length is crucial for applications such as interferometry, fiber sensing, quantum optics, and coherent communications. Fiber stretchers are specialized tools that enable this control by physically elongating a section of optical fiber, allowing for high-resolution modulation of phase, delay, or polarization states. These devices offer a non-intrusive, low-loss method of dynamic adjustment that is widely used in both research and commercial systems.

What Are Fiber Stretchers?

A fiber stretcher is an opto-mechanical or piezoelectric device that modulates the length of an optical fiber to alter the phase or timing of light traveling through it. By applying precise mechanical force to the fiber, the stretcher can achieve sub-nanometer changes in optical path length, translating into picosecond-level timing adjustments or phase shifts.

Unlike other modulation techniques, fiber stretchers do not introduce significant optical losses or signal distortion, making them ideal for highly sensitive applications where signal integrity is paramount.

Key Features of Fiber Stretchers

Modern fiber stretchers are designed for precision, stability, and integration ease. Typical features include:

  • High Precision Control: Ability to stretch fiber with resolutions down to sub-nanometer levels.

  • Wide Modulation Range: Capable of producing time delays or phase shifts across a broad range depending on application needs.

  • Low Insertion Loss: Maintains signal quality and integrity during modulation.

  • Fast Response Time: Piezo-driven stretchers offer rapid actuation for dynamic modulation applications.

  • Compact and Flexible Design: Suitable for lab setups or integration into larger optical systems.

Applications of Fiber Stretchers

Fiber stretchers find application across a wide variety of advanced fiber optic systems:

  • Interferometry: Used to adjust the optical path in interferometers for phase matching or scanning.

  • Quantum Optics: Enable precise delay control in photon entanglement experiments or time-bin encoding.

  • Optical Sensing: Modify delay lines in distributed or point fiber optic sensors for calibration and signal processing.

  • Coherent Communications: Facilitate phase tuning in coherent receivers and optical signal processing systems.

  • Research and Development: Allow fine-tuned experimentation with optical delays, polarization control, and modulation.

Benefits of Using Fiber Stretchers

  • Non-Destructive Modulation: No need for optical-electrical conversion or active signal modulation—ideal for maintaining signal purity.

  • High Stability and Repeatability: Ensure consistent performance in long-term testing or deployed systems.

  • Versatile Integration: Can be incorporated into a variety of systems, from benchtop experiments to telecom-grade hardware.

  • Real-Time Adjustments: Piezoelectric models provide dynamic control for rapidly changing optical conditions.

Conclusion

Fiber stretchers are powerful tools for anyone working with sensitive optical systems that require fine-tuned path length or phase modulation. Their high precision, low loss, and flexible integration make them a valuable component in both research laboratories and commercial optical networks. Whether you're calibrating an interferometer or fine-tuning a quantum optics experiment, fiber stretchers provide the level of control needed to push performance boundaries.

Did You know?

Did you know fiber stretchers are devices that precisely control the optical path length by mechanically stretching optical fibers? This fine adjustment enables dynamic modulation of light phase or delay without interrupting signal transmission. Fiber stretchers are commonly used in interferometry, fiber optic sensing, and quantum communication to maintain phase coherence and stabilize signals. By physically elongating the fiber, these devices allow real-time control of optical signals, supporting advanced measurement and communication techniques. Fiber stretchers are essential tools in experimental photonics and high-precision optical systems where phase stability is crucial.