THORLABS INT-POL-1300 User manual

Operation Manual
Thorlabs Instrumentation
Balanced polarization diversity detector for
PS-OCT
INT-POL-1300

Version: 1.1
Date: April 5, 2019
Copyright© 2018, Thorlabs GmbH

Contents Page
1 Overview 1
1.1 Ordering Codes and Customization 1
1.2 Safety 2
2 Getting Started Quickly 3
2.1 Unpacking 3
2.2 Setup 3
2.3 First Operation 4
3 Detailed Description 6
3.1 General Principle of Operation 6
3.2 Optical Input and Detector Response 7
3.3 Electrical Outputs 8
3.4 Basic Measurement Setup 10
4 Maintenance and Repair 12
4.1 General Care 12
4.2 Cleaning 12
4.3 Repair 13
5 Appendix 14
5.1 Technical Data 14
5.2 Mechanical Drawings 15
5.3 Warranty 16
5.4 Certifications and compliances 17
5.5 Thorlabs “End of Life” Policy (WEEE) 18
5.5.1 Waste treatment on your own responsibility 18
5.5.2 Ecological background 19
5.6 List of Figures 20
5.7 List of Acronyms 20
5.8 Addresses 21

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Thorlabs GmbH
This part of the instruction manual contains every specific information on how to
handle and use the INT-POL-1300. A general description is followed by explanations
of how to operate the unit.
Attention
This manual contains “WARNINGS” and “ATTENTION” label in this form, to
indicate danger for persons or possible damage of equipment.
Please read these advises carefully!
NOTE
This manual also contains “NOTES” and “HINTS” written in this form.

1Overview
INT-POL-1300 / page 1
1 Overview
The Thorlabs INT-POL-1300 is a subassembly to be used in polarization sensitive
swept source Fourier domain OCT systems and other applications. It contains two
polarization beam splitters and two balanced detectors.
The S and P polarization states of the optical input signals are split using polarization
beamsplitters (PBS). The split inputs are directed into two balanced detectors, one
for each SOP. These balanced photodetectors subtract the two optical input signals
from each other resulting in the cancellation of common mode noise.
The INT-POL-1300 enables to extract additional information about the birefringence
of the sample by calculating the phase retardation between the two balanced outputs.
1.1 Ordering Codes and Customization
Ordering code:
INT-POL-1300
Please refer to www.thorlabs.com for new models.

1 Overview
INT-POL-1300 / page 2
1.2 Safety
 Attention 
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in
this instruction manual will only apply when the unit is operated cor-
rectly.
Before connecting the power supply to the mains make sure that the
line voltage range marked on the power supply agrees with your lo-
cal supply.
The unit must not be operated in explosion endangered environ-
ments!
Only with written consent from Thorlabs GmbH may changes to sin-
gle components be carried out or components not supplied by
Thorlabs GmbH be used.
This precision device is only dispatchable if duly packed into the
complete original packaging including the plastic form parts. If nec-
essary, ask for a replacement package.
 Attention 
Mobile telephones, handy phones or other radio transmitters are not
to be used within the range of three meters of this unit since the elec-
tromagnetic field intensity may then exceed the maximum allowed
disturbance values according to EN 50 082-1.

2Getting Started Quickly
INT-POL-1300 / page 3
2 Getting Started Quickly
This section is intended to provide information how to quickly set up the
INT POL-1300. More details and advanced features are described in further sections.
2.1 Unpacking
The INT-POL-1300 Balanced Polarization Diversity Detector consists of the following
items:
 INT-POL-1300 Balanced Polarization Diversity Detector
 Switchable Power supply (12V, 250 mA) for 100 V, 120 V, or 230 V line volt-
age
 Operation manual
NOTE
Please check prior to operation, if the indicated line voltage on the power
supply matches with your local mains voltage!
NOTE
If you want to use your own power supply, you can ask Thorlabs for an
appropriate power connector cable.
2.2 Setup
 Carefully unpack the unit and accessories. If any damage is noticed, do not
use the unit. Call Thorlabs and have us replace the defective unit.
 If necessary, mount the unit on your optical table or application.

2 Getting Started Quickly
INT-POL-1300 / page 4
 Switch the power supply to your local main voltage (100 VAC, 120 VAC or
230 VAC), see Figure 1.
Figure 1: Switchable power supply for 100 V, 120 V, or 230 V
 Plug the power connector cable into the DC INPUT.
 Plug the power supply into a 50-60 Hz, 100 VAC outlet (120 VAC, or 230 VAC
resp.) and turn it on.
 Connect RF OUTPUTs and, if required, MONITOR outputs with coaxial cables
to your data acquisition device.
2.3 First Operation
 Please note, that all fiber connectors must have a FC/APC connector!
 Connect the INT-POL-1300 to your OCT setup, for further details please refer
to section 3.4 Basic Measurement Setup.
 For balanced operation (optimum noise suppression), the power at each de-
tector pair has to be the same. This can be achieved by inserting polarization
controllers previous both optical inputs and change the SOP so that both di-
odes are balanced. The monitor outputs helps to adjust the power to the same
level.
 The maximum RF-OUTPUT voltage swing is 3.6 V for high impedance loads
(1.8 V into 50  loads). The RF OUTPUT signal should not exceed this max-
imum output voltage to avoid saturation. If necessary, reduce optical input
power at input ports.
 The maximum MONITOR voltage swing is +10 V for high impedance loads
(+1.5 V into 50  loads). The MONITOR signal should not exceed this maxi-
mum output voltage to avoid saturation. If necessary, reduce optical input
power at input ports.