THORLABS PAX1000 User manual

Compact Polarimeter
PAX1000
Operation Manual
2019

Version:
Date: 1.2 26-Feb-2019
Copyright © 2019 Thorlabs GmbH

Foreword
Contents
1 General Information 1
11.1 Safety 31.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories 41.3 Requirements
2 Getting Started 5
52.1 Parts List 62.2 Operating Principle 72.3 Operating Elements 82.4 Mounting 92.5 Installing Software 142.6 First Steps
3 Graphical User Interface (GUI) 15
153.1 General 163.2 GUI Overview 173.3 Menu File 203.4 Menu Device 223.5 Menu View 223.6 Menu Tools 223.7 Menu Help 233.8 Status Bar
4 PAX1000 Settings 24
5 Operating Instruction 25
255.1 Alignment Assistance 265.2 PAX1000 Measurements 275.2.1 Measurement Value Table 295.2.2 Polarization Ellipse 295.2.3 Poincaré Sphere 315.2.4 Scope Mode 345.2.5 Long Term Measurement 345.2.5.1 Settings 355.2.5.2 Measurement 365.2.6 Extinction Ratio Measurement 385.2.6.1 ER Measurement Wizard 415.2.6.2 ER Measurement Tool 435.2.7 Virtual Device 435.2.8 Multiple Devices

6 Write Your Own Application 45
466.1 32 Bit Operating Systems 486.2 64 Bit Operating Systems
7 Maintenance and Service 50
507.1 Version Information 517.2 Troubleshooting
8 Tutorial 53
538.1 Polarization of Light 538.1.1 The Nature of Polarization 548.1.2 Handedness of Polarization 588.1.3 Mathematical Representation of an Electromagnetic Wave 608.1.4 Polarization Ellipse 628.1.5 Poincaré Sphere 638.1.6 Polarization in Fibers 658.1.7 Polarization Parameters - Definitions 678.2 Polarization Measurement Technique 678.2.1 Rotating Waveplate Technique 718.3 Polarization Control and Transformation 718.3.1 Bulk Optics 718.3.2 Fiber Polarization Controllers 728.3.3 Fiber Polarization Scrambler 738.4 Extinction Ratio Measurement on PM Fibers 738.4.1 Definition 738.4.2 Measurement 758.4.3 Correction of the Polarimeter ER Measurements
9 Appendix 79
799.1 Technical Data 809.2 Dimensions 829.3 Certifications and Compliances 839.4 Warranty 849.5 Copyright and Exclusion of Reliability 859.6 Thorlabs 'End of Life' Policy 869.7 List of Acronyms 879.8 Literature 889.9 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

© 2019 Thorlabs GmbH
We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application
in the field of optical measurement. To help us to live up to your
expectations and constantly improve our products we need your
ideas and suggestions. Therefore, please let us know about possible
criticism or ideas. We and our international partners are looking
forward to hearing from you.
Thorlabs GmbH
Warning
Sections marked by this symbol explain dangers that might result in
personal injury or death. Always read the associated information
carefully, before performing the indicated procedure.
Please read this advice carefully!
This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.
Attention
Paragraphs preceded by this symbol explain hazards that could
damage the instrument and the connected equipment or may cause
loss of data.
Note

© 2019 Thorlabs GmbH1
PAX1000
1 General Information
Thorlabs polarimeters are terminating, wave-plate-based modules for free-space and - with in-
stalled fiber collimator - fiber-based measurements of the state of polarization (SOP). Their high
dynamic range of 70 dB, three models covering the visible to near-infrared range, and accuracy
of ±0.25° on the Poincaré sphere opens a wide spectrum of application possibilities.
Each measurement sensor is calibrated at different wavelength points. These base points are
interpolated.
The PAX1000 is basically powered via the USB port. For a measurement speed higher that 50
samples per second, an additional power supply is required - please connect the DS15 power
supply to your mains outlet and to the PAX1000.
Note
Polarization measurements with the PAX1000 are possible only for monochromatic coherent
light (e.g., laser emission)!
1.1 Safety
Attention
The safety of any system incorporating the equipment is the responsibility of the assem-
bler of the system.
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual
will only apply when the unit is operated correctly as it was designed for.
Use for external power supply of the PAX1000 only the supplied by Thorlabs GmbH
power adapter.
The PAX1000 must not be operated in explosion endangered environments!
Do not open the cabinet, there are no parts serviceable by the operator inside!
Refer servicing to qualified personnel!
Only with written consent from Thorlabs GmbH may changes to single components be
made or components not supplied by Thorlabs GmbH be used.
This precision device is only serviceable if properly packed into the complete original
packaging. If necessary, ask for a replacement package prior to return.
Attention
The following statement applies to the products covered in this manual, unless other-
wise specified herein. The statement for other products will appear in the accompanying
documentation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules and meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Standard ICES-003 for digital apparatus. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Opera-
tion of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in
which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Thorlabs GmbH is not responsible for any radio television interference caused by modi-
fications of this equipment or the substitution or attachment of connecting cables and

© 2019 Thorlabs GmbH
1 General Information
2
equipment other than those specified by Thorlabs GmbH. The correction of interference
caused by such unauthorized modification, substitution or attachment will be the re-
sponsibility of the user.
The use of shielded I/O cables is required when connecting this equipment to any and all
optional peripheral or host devices. Failure to do so may violate FCC and ICES rules.
Attention
Mobile telephones, cellular phones or other radio transmitters are not to be used within
the range of three meters of this unit since the electromagnetic field intensity may then
exceed the maximum allowed disturbance values according to IEC 61326-1.
This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits according to
IEC 61326-1 for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).

© 2019 Thorlabs GmbH3
PAX1000
1.2 Ordering Codes and Accessories
PAX1000VIS
Polarimeter, Wavelength Range 400 to 700 nm
Included Accessories:
·F240FC-A Fiber Collimator
·KAD12F SM1 Threaded Adapter for the Fiber Collimator
·SM1M10 SM1 Lens Tube
·End Cap (Laser-Engraved Cross-Hair)
PAX1000VIS/M
Same as PAX1000VIS, but with metric mounting threads
PAX1000IR1
Polarimeter, Wavelength Range 600 to 1080 nm
Included Accessories:
·F240FC-B Fiber Collimator
·KAD12F SM1 Threaded Adapter for the Fiber Collimator
·SM1M10 SM1 Lens Tube
·VRC2SM1 alignment disk with mounting adapter
PAX1000IR1/M
Same as PAX1000IR1, but with metric mounting threads
PAX1000IR2
Polarimeter, Wavelength Range 900 to 1700 nm
Included Accessories:
·F240FC-C Fiber Collimator
·KAD12F SM1 Threaded Adapter for the Fiber Collimator
·SM1M10 SM1 Lens Tube
·VRC2SM1 alignment disk with mounting adapter
PAX1000IR2/M
Same as PAX1000IR2, but with metric mounting threads

© 2019 Thorlabs GmbH
1 General Information
4
1.3 Requirements
These are the requirements for the PC intended to be used for remote operation of the
PAX1000.
Hardware Requirements
CPU: 2.4 GHz or faster
RAM: min. 2 GB
Graphic card Min. 1024x768 pixel graphic resolution
Hard disc Min. 1 GB of available free space (32 bit operating system)
Min. 2.3 GB of available free space (64 bit operating system)
Interface free USB2.0 port, USB cable according the USB 2.0 specification
Mouse A mouse is required for access to graphic options in the GUI
Software Requirements
The PAX1000 software is compatible with the following operating systems:
·Windows®7 (32-bit, 64-bit)
·Windows®8.1 (32-bit, 64-bit)
·Windows®10 (32-bit, 64-bit)
For operation of the PAX1000, the following software is required as well:
·NI-VISA®Runtime (Version 5.4 or later)
·Microsoft®.Net (Version 4.6.1 or later)
·DirectX9®or higher
Above mentioned software is included with the Thorlabs GmbH PAX1000 installation package,
and will be installed automatically, if the required minimum versions are not recognized.

© 2019 Thorlabs GmbH5
PAX1000
2 Getting Started
2.1 Parts List
Inspect the shipping container for damage.
If the shipping container seems to be damaged, keep it until you have inspected the contents
and you have inspected the PAX1000 mechanically and electrically.
Verify that you have received the following items within the package, depending on the ordered
item:
1. PAX1000VIS (PAX1000VIS/M) Polarimeter, Wavelength Range 400 – 700 nm
2. F240FC-A Fiber Collimator
3. KAD12F SM1 Threaded Adapter for the Fiber Collimator
4. SM1M10 SM1 Lens Tube
5. SM1CP1 End Cap (Modified: Laser-Engraved Cross-Hair)
6. Cable USB 2.0, A to Mini-B, 1.5 m length
7. Power Supply DS15
8. Quick Reference Manual
or 1. PAX1000IR1 (PAX1000IR1/M) Polarimeter, Wavelength Range 600 to 1080 nm
2. F240FC-B Fiber Collimator
3. KAD12F SM1 Threaded Adapter for the Fiber Collimator
4. SM1M10 SM1 Lens Tube
5. VRC2SM1 with mounting adapter
6. Cable USB 2.0, A to Mini-B, 1.5 m length
7. Power Supply DS15
8. Quick Reference Manual
or 1. PAX1000IR2 (PAX1000IR2/M) Polarimeter, Wavelength Range 900 to 1700 nm
2. F240FC-C Fiber Collimator
3. KAD12F SM1 Threaded Adapter for the Fiber Collimator
4. SM1M10 SM1 Lens Tube
5. VRC2SM1 with mounting adapter
6. Cable USB 2.0, A to Mini-B, 1.5 m length
7. Power Supply DS15
8. Quick Reference Manual