Agilent 11896A Option 025 Lightwave Polarization Controller with 1 m FC/PC Fiber Pigtails

Agilent 11896A Option 025 Lightwave Polarization Controller

The Agilent 11896A Option 025 is an automated lightwave polarization controller designed for polarization-sensitive optical measurements and system characterization. Originally introduced as the HP 11896A, this instrument uses a fiber-loop architecture to generate all possible states of polarization across a broad operating wavelength range from 1250 nm to 1600 nm.

Option 025 equips the polarization controller with 1 m fiber pigtails terminated with FC/PC connectors. This configuration supports integration with compatible single-mode lightwave sources, optical receivers, spectrum analyzers, power meters, devices under test, and other fiber optic laboratory equipment.

The 11896A changes polarization while introducing extremely small optical power variations. Insertion-loss variation during polarization adjustment is specified at no more than ±0.002 dB with Option 025. This low variation helps reduce measurement uncertainty in applications such as polarization-dependent loss, polarization-dependent gain, optical coupling analysis, and polarization mode dispersion test preparation.

The controller supports precise manual adjustment, automatic polarization scanning, nine user-programmable Save/Recall registers, eight selectable scan-rate settings, and full HP-IB remote operation. These capabilities make the Agilent 11896A suitable for research, component development, manufacturing, quality assurance, and automated optical test systems.

Features and Benefits of the Agilent 11896A Option 025

• Complete polarization adjustment: Generates all possible states of polarization using a controlled fiber-loop design.
• Broad wavelength coverage: Operates from 1250 nm to 1600 nm for compatible single-mode optical applications.
• Option 025 fiber interface: Includes 1 m fiber pigtails terminated with FC/PC connectors.
• Extremely low power variation: Limits insertion-loss variation during polarization adjustment to ±0.002 dB.
• Low insertion loss: Provides insertion loss below 1.5 dB under the documented conditions.
• Manual polarization control: Allows precise adjustment using the front-panel controls and display.
• Automatic polarization scanning: Sweeps polarization across the Poincaré sphere without continuous manual adjustment.
• Eight scanning rates: Allows the polarization scan speed to be matched to the connected measurement system.
• Nine Save/Recall registers: Stores user-selected polarization settings for rapid retrieval.
• HP-IB remote control: Supports remote interrogation, automated adjustment, and optical test-system integration.
• High optical input capability: Supports a maximum operating input power of +23 dBm.
• Wide application range: Supports PDL, polarization-dependent gain, optical waveguide testing, polarization scrambling, and launch-condition adjustment.

Fiber-Loop Polarization Control

The Agilent 11896A uses controlled fiber loops to modify the state of polarization of an applied optical signal. Adjusting the fiber loops changes the polarization transformation while maintaining a continuous optical path through the instrument.

The controller can produce all possible states of polarization and cover the complete Poincaré sphere in a pseudo-random manner during automatic scanning. This capability allows a device under test to be evaluated across a broad set of polarization conditions.

The 11896A adjusts polarization rather than optical power. Its low adjustment-related insertion-loss variation is particularly valuable when small changes in measured power must be attributed to the polarization response of the device under test rather than to the controller.

Option 025 FC/PC Fiber Pigtails

Option 025 provides 1 m fiber pigtails terminated with FC/PC connectors. The pigtails simplify connection to compatible single-mode optical sources, devices under test, receivers, power meters, and other optical instruments.

The pigtails should be routed with a suitable bend radius and protected from pulling, twisting, crushing, abrasion, and sharp equipment edges. Mechanical stress or movement can change polarization conditions and affect sensitive measurements.

FC/PC connectors use non-angled physical-contact ferrules. FC/APC connectors must not be directly intermated with the FC/PC interfaces because the angled and non-angled ferrule geometries are incompatible.

Every optical connector should be inspected and cleaned before use. Contamination can increase insertion loss, introduce unwanted reflection, reduce repeatability, and damage mating optical surfaces.

1250 nm to 1600 nm Wavelength Range

The Agilent 11896A operates across wavelengths from 1250 nm to 1600 nm. This range supports common single-mode telecommunications and lightwave test applications near 1310 nm and 1550 nm, together with other compatible wavelengths within the specified range.

Insertion-loss variation with wavelength is specified at no more than ±0.1 dB across any 100 nm wavelength range. The optical source, pigtails, device under test, receiver, and other system components must support the selected wavelength.

A new optical reference may be required when the test wavelength changes. Connector condition, fiber routing, source stability, and detector response should remain controlled throughout the measurement.

Low Insertion-Loss Variation

Insertion loss through the 11896A is specified at less than 1.5 dB. More importantly for polarization-sensitive power measurements, Option 025 limits insertion-loss variation during polarization adjustment or rotation to ±0.002 dB.

This low variation helps separate the actual polarization sensitivity of the device under test from power changes introduced by the polarization controller. It is useful when measuring components with low polarization-dependent loss or gain.

The total loss of a complete setup also includes FC/PC connector pairs, external patch cords, adapters, splices, the device under test, and the receiving instrument.

Automatic Polarization Scanning

Automatic scanning continuously changes the output state of polarization and covers the complete Poincaré sphere in a pseudo-random manner. This reduces the need for repetitive manual adjustment during PDL and polarization-sensitivity measurements.

The 11896A provides eight scan-rate settings. The scan speed can be selected to match the response time of the device under test and the acquisition speed of the connected optical receiver.

Available scan rates can support relatively fast single-wavelength PDL measurements and longer swept-wavelength measurements. Rapid scanning can also simulate a depolarized signal in supported applications.

Manual Adjustment and Position Control

Manual controls allow precise polarization changes while the operator monitors the response of a connected power meter, receiver, spectrum analyzer, or polarization analyzer.

Mechanical angular resolution is 0.18°, corresponding to 180° divided into 1,000 encoder positions. Fast-axis alignment accuracy at the home position is specified at ±0.18°.

Angular adjustment accuracy is specified at ±0.18° for the minimum step size and for adjustments larger than the minimum step size. Maximum rotation rate is 360° per second.

Nine Save/Recall Registers

The controller provides nine Save/Recall registers for storing user-selected polarization settings. Stored positions can be recalled to support rapid movement among previously established polarization conditions.

Angular repeatability after Save/Recall is specified at ±0.18°. This function is useful for comparative measurements, repeated test sequences, production procedures, and experiments requiring movement among several selected polarization states.

Saved instrument states should be verified through the connected measurement system when a procedure requires traceable or highly repeatable polarization conditions.

Polarization-Dependent Loss Measurements

The 11896A is designed for polarization-dependent loss measurements in compatible single-mode optical components and systems. A polarized source signal passes through the controller and device under test while an optical receiver monitors changes in transmitted power.

Automatic polarization scanning exposes the device to many states of polarization. The difference between the measured maximum and minimum transmitted powers can be used to determine PDL according to the selected measurement method.

Typical single-wavelength PDL measurement time is approximately 2 to 10 seconds for devices with PDL below 1.0 dB when the controller is used in a compatible measurement system.

Polarization-Dependent Gain Measurements

The Agilent 11896A can support polarization-dependent gain measurements of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers and other compatible active optical devices. The controller varies the input polarization while the measurement system monitors amplifier output power or gain.

Its extremely low adjustment-related power variation helps prevent the controller from introducing significant uncertainty into the gain measurement.

Optical power must remain within the controller’s +23 dBm maximum operating input limit and within the safe operating limits of every source, amplifier, receiver, and measurement instrument in the test path.

Optical Waveguide TE and TM Mode Testing

The 11896A can support optical waveguide transverse electric and transverse magnetic mode testing. Manual or automatic polarization adjustment allows the input launch condition to be varied while the response of the waveguide or integrated optical device is measured.

The complete test arrangement may require suitable coupling optics, polarization analysis, optical power measurement, mechanical positioning, and wavelength control.

Polarization Mode Dispersion Test Preparation

The controller can adjust optical launch conditions for compatible polarization mode dispersion measurements. Varying the input state of polarization helps characterize the polarization response of single-mode fiber, components, and complete links.

A complete PMD measurement generally requires additional polarization analysis or timing equipment. The 11896A supplies adjustable polarization but does not independently measure polarization mode dispersion.

HP-IB Remote Control

The 11896A provides HP-IB remote control for automated test applications. Instrument settings can be interrogated remotely, and supported polarization-adjustment procedures can be controlled through a compatible computer or test-system controller.

Remote operation can coordinate polarization scanning with lightwave sources, power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, polarization analyzers, and other compatible instruments.

HP-IB cables, interface adapters, computers, control software, drivers, and automation programs should be considered included only when specifically identified in the product listing.

Typical Applications

• Single-wavelength polarization-dependent loss measurement
• Swept-wavelength polarization-dependent loss measurement
• Polarization-dependent gain testing of optical amplifiers
• Polarization sensitivity measurements
• Single-mode fiber characterization
• Polarization-maintaining fiber evaluation
• Optical isolator and coupler testing
• Optical switch and modulator characterization
• Interferometer testing
• Optical waveguide TE and TM mode testing
• Adjustment of launch conditions for PMD measurements
• Simulation of depolarized signals through rapid scanning

Product Overview

Brand	Agilent
Original Brand	Hewlett-Packard
Model	11896A
Installed Option	Option 025
Product Category	Lightwave Polarization Controller
Polarization Method	Controlled optical fiber loops
Operating Wavelength Range	1250 nm to 1600 nm
Optical Interface	1 m fiber pigtails with FC/PC connectors
Remote Interface	HP-IB
Primary Application	Automated polarization adjustment for polarization-sensitive optical measurements

 

Optical Specifications

Specification	Details
Operating Wavelength Range	1250 nm to 1600 nm
Insertion Loss	Less than 1.5 dB
Insertion-Loss Variation with Adjustment	±0.002 dB or less with Option 025
Insertion-Loss Variation with Wavelength	±0.1 dB or less across any 100 nm wavelength range
Polarization Extinction Ratio	Greater than 40 dB
Maximum Operating Input Power	+23 dBm
Total Optical Port Return Loss	Greater than 55 dB with the documented spliced-pigtail interface
Individual Reflection Return Loss	Greater than 60 dB

 

Polarization Adjustment Specifications

Specification	Details
Mechanical Angular Resolution	0.18°
Encoder Positions	1,000 positions across 180°
Fast-Axis Alignment Accuracy at Home	±0.18°
Angular Adjustment Accuracy	±0.18°
Characteristic Settling Time	Less than 1 second
Save/Recall Registers	Nine
Angular Repeatability After Save/Recall	±0.18°
Scan-Rate Settings	Eight
Maximum Rotation Rate	360° per second

 

Physical and Electrical Specifications

Specification	Details
Dimensions	10 x 21.3 x 36 cm
Dimensions in Inches	3.9 x 8.4 x 14.2 in
Weight	Approximately 4.5 kg or 10 lb
AC Input Range	90 V to 250 V RMS
Line Frequency	47 Hz to 63 Hz
Maximum Power Consumption	60 VA
Specified Operating Temperature	0 °C to 55 °C after a one-hour warm-up period

 

Available 11896A Options

Option	Description
Standard	Front-panel FC/PC connector interfaces
Option 011	Diamond HMS-10 connector interface
Option 013	DIN connector interface
Option 014	ST connector interface
Option 017	SC connector interface
Option 025	1 m fiber pigtails with FC/PC connectors
Option 1CM	Rack-mount kit
Option 1CN	Front handles
Option 1CP	Rack-mount kit with handles

 

Measurement System Integration

A typical polarization-sensitive test system combines a compatible lightwave source, the Agilent 11896A, a device under test, and an optical receiver. The controller changes the input polarization while the receiver monitors the resulting changes in transmitted optical power.

Compatible historical measurement systems may incorporate lightwave multimeters, optical power sensors, optical spectrum analyzers, and polarization analyzers. The specific equipment required depends on whether the application involves PDL, polarization-dependent gain, polarization sensitivity, PMD launch adjustment, or optical waveguide testing.

The source power must remain below the controller’s +23 dBm maximum operating input limit and within the ratings of every connected optical component.

Installation and Fiber Handling

The instrument should be installed on a stable laboratory bench or in a compatible equipment rack using the appropriate rack-mount hardware. Adequate space should be maintained for ventilation, rear-panel connections, front-panel controls, and pigtail routing.

The 1 m pigtails should be supported without introducing tight bends, pulling force, twisting, crushing, or concentrated pressure. Fiber movement should be minimized after the optical reference has been established.

The controller should complete its specified one-hour warm-up period before measurements requiring warranted performance are recorded.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The Agilent 11896A Option 025 receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Evaluation may include AC power operation, startup, display response, front-panel controls, manual polarization adjustment, automatic scanning, scan-rate selection, Save/Recall registers, home positioning, and HP-IB communication.

Optical testing may include continuity through the 1 m FC/PC pigtails, polarization adjustment, automatic scanning, relative insertion loss, adjustment-related power variation, optical return loss, and operation at representative wavelengths within the 1250 nm to 1600 nm range when suitable equipment is available.

The pigtails, FC/PC connectors, strain relief, front-panel controls, display, HP-IB interface, power inlet, enclosure, cooling openings, labels, and installed options may be inspected for contamination, damage, or excessive wear.

The exact testing scope depends on the available lightwave source, optical power meter, polarization analyzer, wavelength range, calibrated references, HP-IB controller, and supporting optical equipment.

Calibration Before Shipment

When technically applicable and selected, the Agilent 11896A Option 025 can be calibrated or performance-verified before shipment. Evaluation may include insertion loss, insertion-loss variation during adjustment, wavelength response, mechanical angular resolution, angular repeatability, scan rates, polarization coverage, and HP-IB operation.

Calibration documentation should identify the instrument model and serial number, installed Option 025 pigtails, connector type, source wavelength, optical power, reference cables, polarization measurement equipment, test procedure, recorded values, and applicable measurement uncertainty.

Buyers requiring formal calibration should specify the wavelengths, optical power, polarization parameters, insertion-loss tests, scan functions, certificate format, recorded results, and required measurement uncertainty before purchase.

Buyer Considerations

Buyers should confirm that Option 025 is installed. This option identifies 1 m fiber pigtails with FC/PC connectors and provides the documented low insertion-loss variation during adjustment.

The pigtail length, connector polish, cable condition, strain relief, and any previous splicing or repair should be inspected before purchase. The exact usable pigtail length may differ if the fibers have been repaired or reterminated.

The listing should identify whether the power cord, rack-mount kit, front handles, HP-IB cable, optical adapters, patch cords, manuals, test records, or calibration documentation are included.

Only the polarization controller and accessories specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included.

Why Buy from AssetRelay?

AssetRelay supplies professional equipment and product solutions for fiber optic, telecommunications, optical testing, photonics, laboratory, production, electronic testing, RF/microwave, inspection, and technical research applications. The Agilent 11896A Option 025 provides precise polarization adjustment for component manufacturers, amplifier developers, telecommunications laboratories, production facilities, system integrators, universities, and research organizations.

Buyers should review the complete model and option label, FC/PC pigtail condition, polarization adjustment, automatic scanning, Save/Recall operation, HP-IB interface, warm-up requirements, calibration status, functional test results, and included accessories before purchase.