Manual Polarization Controller

SKU: PMCM

The manual polarization controller utilizes stress-induced birefringence to alter the polarization in a single-mode fiber. The fast axis of the fiber, which lies in the plane of the spool, is adjusted concerning the transmitted polarization vector by manually rotating the paddles to twist the fiber. We offer two and three independent spools to create two or three independent fractional wave plates. This configuration simulates a combination of two paddles (a quarter-wave plate and a half-wave plate) or three paddles (a quarter-wave plate, a half-wave plate, and a quarter-wave plate) to transform an arbitrary input polarization state into an arbitrary output polarization state, theoretically. The amount of birefringence induced in the fiber is a function of the fiber diameter, paddle diameter, the number of fiber loops per spool, and the wavelength of the light. For shorter wavelengths, we recommend winding 3 to 4 loops of the fiber on each paddle to create sufficient retardance. However, in practice, their ability to achieve certain polarization states is limited due to the imperfection of the waveplates. They are typically utilized by actively rotating the paddles while measuring the output polarization state. Once the desired state is achieved, the device will maintain the status for a while, allowing one to complete a measurement. For a polarization controller that can achieve all the desired polarization states and lock to the selected polarization state, one can order our waveplate-rotating-based Manual Mini Polarization Controller version. The base is made of aluminum metal for ruggedness, while the paddles are made of Delrin plastic for fiber protection. We offer fully winded units with all types of single-mode fiber and FC/APC or FC/PC connectors