Basic Concept

The field of fibre optics is still expanding and is of high common interest. Therefore, this experiment is a valuable contribution for students entering this technology.
The tremendous success of optical fibre communication, combined with high mass production, makes it possible to make use of sophisticated components even for single mode devices and fibres. Consequently, this experiment makes comprehensive approach to commercial parts reducing or even completely removing difficult alignment tasks. Within this experiment, no alignment is required; all connections are done with fibre patch cables.

Experimental Set-up

The laser diode slot-in module provides an optical output for the laser radiation. A variety of measurements concerning the diode laser itself are performed by connecting the output to the rotational stage. For experiments with optical fibres, a slot-in module comprises in total of 5 km of either mono or single mode fibre. By modulating the diode laser, time resolved measurements are carried out allowing to measure e.g. the speed of light inside the fibre. Due to the arrangement of 5 segments, the attenuation of the fibre can be measured without the need to cut the fibre. A photodetector slot-in module provides accurate results. Although it is fibre coupled, it can be used for external measurements using the provided fibre telescope.