Optical Power Meter for Applications in Silicon Photonics (SiP)

The low-loss coupling of (light) power from a glass fiber into a photonic component (or vice versa) is an essential prerequisite for functional optical networks. In addition to its high-precision mechanical coupling systems, PI (Physik Instrumente) offers the F‑712.PM1 power meter with which the accuracy of the coupling can be monitored. The power meter converts the optical signal with high resolution and extremely high bandwidth (20 kHz) into a voltage signal. It operates in a wide wavelength range from 400 nm – 1550 nm and, therefore, enables work in the visible and infrared ranges without switching.

The design of the optical input enables measuring of the optical signal independent of the position of the optical fiber in the connector. A photodiode can also be connected using an additional current input and the diode current can be converted into a logarithmic voltage signal. The precise, logarithmical output signal is ideal for optical alignment systems. The optical power meter is, therefore, suitable for the fastest fully automatic alignment systems available on the market.