Performance Specifications

1. Above specifications are for device without connector. All parameters are tested at room temperature.
2. For devices with connectors, IL will be 0.3dB higher, RL will be 5dB lower and ER will be 2dB lower. The default connector key is aligned to slow axis. Power transmits through the connector less than 2W.
3. For >5W high power applications, we will use heat sink package, contact DK Photonics for details.
4. Since the light is bidirectionally reversible, PBC can also be used as PBS.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a 1550nm polarization beam combiner/splitter?

A 1550nm polarization beam combiner/splitter is a fiber optic component that can operate as either a polarization beam combiner or a polarization beam splitter. It combines light from two polarization-maintaining (PM) input fibers into a single output fiber or splits light from one input fiber into two orthogonal polarization output fibers.

2. How does a polarization beam splitter work?

A polarization beam splitter (PBS) separates light entering a single input fiber into two output fibers with orthogonal polarization states. Because the device is bidirectionally reversible, it can also function as a polarization beam combiner depending on the direction of light transmission.

3. What is the difference between a polarization beam combiner and a polarization beam splitter?

A polarization beam combiner combines light from two PM input fibers into a single output fiber, while a polarization beam splitter separates light from one input fiber into two orthogonally polarized output fibers. The same device can perform both functions because it operates bidirectionally.

4. What are the common applications of a fiber polarization beam splitter and combiner?

A fiber polarization beam splitter and polarization beam combiner are commonly used to combine the output of two pump lasers into a single fiber to increase pump power in EDFA and Raman amplifier applications.

5. What operating wavelength and bandwidth does the 1550nm polarization beam combiner/splitter support?

The device has a center operating wavelength of 1550 nm with an operating bandwidth of ±40 nm, making it suitable for optical systems operating around the 1550 nm wavelength.

6. What are the insertion loss and extinction ratio specifications?

The polarization beam splitter offers a typical insertion loss of 0.40 dB (P Grade) and 0.50 dB (A Grade), with maximum insertion loss of 0.60 dB and 0.70 dB, respectively. For PBS operation, the minimum extinction ratio is 22 dB (P Grade) and 20 dB (A Grade).

7. What optical fibers are supported by the polarization beam combiner/splitter?

Ports 1 and 2 use PM1550-XP polarization-maintaining fiber, while Port 3 supports either SMF-28e fiber or PM1550-XP fiber, depending on the application requirements.

8. What power handling options are available?

The fiber optic beam combiner is available with maximum power handling options of 0.5 W, 1 W, 2 W, 3 W, 5 W, 10 W, and 20 W. For applications above 5 W, DK Photonics provides a heat sink package for improved thermal management.

9. Can the polarization beam combiner/splitter be customized?

Yes. DK Photonics offers custom polarization beam combiner/splitter solutions, including custom fiber pigtails, different operating wavelengths, higher power handling, and other customer-specific requirements.

10. How do connectors affect the performance of the polarization beam combiner/splitter?

For devices supplied with connectors, the insertion loss increases by 0.3 dB, the return loss decreases by 5 dB, and the extinction ratio decreases by 2 dB. The default connector key is aligned to the slow axis, and connectorized devices are recommended for power transmission below 2 W.