Gould 44-00355-01-33780 Low-Polarization C-Band Fiber Optic Tap Coupler

Gould 44-00355-01-33780 Low-Polarization Fiber Optic Tap Coupler

The Gould 44-00355-01-33780 is a low-polarization fiber optic tap coupler designed for optical power monitoring in erbium-doped fiber amplifier systems and other polarization-sensitive single-mode applications. The coupler separates a controlled portion of an incoming optical signal and directs it to a tap path while allowing most of the signal to continue through the primary optical path.

Operating across wavelengths from 1530 nm to 1565 nm, the coupler covers the C-band region used by many optical amplifiers, telecommunications systems, laboratory instruments, and photonics components. Its low-polarization design helps limit changes in tap response as the input state of polarization varies, improving the usefulness of the monitoring signal in systems where polarization conditions may change over time.

The Gould 44 Series was developed for use with erbium-doped fiber amplifiers and other applications requiring low insertion loss and minimal polarization sensitivity. Available configurations within the product family include several tap ratios, 1x2 and 2x2 port arrangements, different performance series, multiple packaging styles, and Corning SMF-28 fiber with different proof-test ratings.

Features and Benefits of the Gould 44-00355-01-33780

• Low-polarization design: Typical polarization sensitivity of 0.2 dB or less helps reduce changes in the monitoring signal as the optical state of polarization varies.
• C-band wavelength coverage: Designed for operation from 1530 nm to 1565 nm.
• EDFA monitoring capability: Developed for use with erbium-doped fiber amplifiers and related optical power-control systems.
• Controlled optical power sampling: Directs a portion of the input signal to a monitoring path while maintaining a primary through path.
• Low through-path loss: The 44 Series provides ratio-dependent through-port insertion-loss performance for preserving the main optical signal.
• Stable tap-leg response: Published tap-leg variation limits include the effects of wavelength and all states of polarization.
• Thermal stability: Provides typical thermal variation of 0.2 dB or less over the documented 0 °C to 65 °C range.
• High directivity: The documented 1x2 configuration provides typical directivity of at least 50 dB.
• Single-mode optical fiber: Uses Corning SMF-28 9/125 µm fiber in the documented 44 Series configuration.
• Multiple system applications: Supports photodiode monitoring, amplifier feedback, source supervision, power stabilization, and optical testing.
• Passive optical operation: Requires no electrical power or active control electronics.
• Flexible integration: Suitable for installation in amplifier assemblies, laboratory systems, production fixtures, and optical monitoring equipment.

Optical Power Sampling

A fiber optic tap coupler divides an incoming optical signal into a primary through path and a lower-power tap path. The through path carries most of the available optical power toward the next component or output, while the tap path provides a representative sample for monitoring or control.

The tap output can be connected to a compatible photodiode, optical power meter, monitoring receiver, alarm circuit, or feedback controller. This arrangement allows optical power to be observed without interrupting the main signal or routing the complete signal through the monitoring detector.

Tap couplers are commonly used in closed-loop optical systems. A monitoring detector measures the tap signal, and the resulting electrical signal can be used to regulate an amplifier, supervise a source, detect output changes, or generate an alarm when the optical signal moves outside an acceptable range.

Designed for Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers

The Gould Low-Polarization Tap Coupler family was specifically designed for operation with erbium-doped fiber amplifiers. An EDFA can use a tap coupler at its input, output, or another selected point in the optical path to provide a monitoring signal for a photodiode.

At the amplifier output, the through port can carry the amplified signal toward the optical network or device under test. The tap port can deliver a smaller signal to the amplifier’s monitoring circuitry. The resulting measurement may be used to track output power, support automatic gain control, detect amplifier faults, or maintain a selected operating level.

The coupler itself does not amplify, detect, convert, or regulate the optical signal. It is a passive component that provides the optical sample required by a separate detector or control system.

1530 nm to 1565 nm C-Band Operation

The Gould 44 Series Low-Polarization Tap Couplers operate from 1530 nm to 1565 nm. This wavelength range covers the primary C-band region used by many erbium-doped fiber amplifiers, WDM systems, tunable lasers, optical transmitters, receiver test systems, and passive fiber optic components.

The published insertion-loss and tap-variation specifications account for changes across the documented wavelength range. This helps support optical systems in which the signal wavelength may change or multiple C-band wavelengths may pass through the same component.

Applications outside the 1530 nm to 1565 nm range should not be assumed to meet the listed performance values. The exact operating wavelength of the optical system should be confirmed before the coupler is installed.

Low Polarization Sensitivity

The state of polarization in a single-mode fiber can change because of environmental temperature, fiber movement, mechanical stress, vibration, upstream components, or the characteristics of the optical source. A conventional coupler may produce a slightly different tap response as polarization changes.

The Gould 44 Series is designed to minimize this effect. Typical polarization sensitivity is specified at 0.2 dB or less. The published performance values include the effects of all states of polarization across the 1530 nm to 1565 nm range.

Low polarization sensitivity is valuable when a tap signal is used for calibrated power monitoring, amplifier feedback, source stabilization, or comparative optical measurements. Reducing polarization-related variation helps the monitoring signal more accurately represent changes in actual optical power.

Thermal Performance

The source documentation identifies a thermal operating range from 0 °C to 65 °C, with typical thermal stability of 0.2 dB or less. This supports use in controlled production equipment, optical amplifier assemblies, laboratories, and other technical environments.

Temperature changes can affect the optical properties of fiber and passive components. The coupler’s documented thermal stability helps limit changes in its optical response across the supported temperature range.

The component should still be installed away from localized heat sources, severe thermal gradients, mechanical stress, and conditions outside the specified range. System-level qualification may be required when the coupler is installed in an application with demanding environmental requirements.

Tap Ratio and Part-Number Considerations

The Gould 44 Series was available with nominal coupling ratios of 1/99, 2/98, 5/95, and 10/90. The first value represents the nominal tap percentage, while the second value represents the nominal portion directed through the primary path.

The available source identifies the family-level ordering structure, but the complete interpretation of every field in part number 44-00355-01-33780 is not fully defined in the supplied material. The precise coupling ratio, performance series, port arrangement, package style, fiber proof-test rating, connector configuration, and pigtail details should therefore be confirmed from the individual component label, product photographs, or available test data.

No coupling ratio should be assumed solely from the abbreviated product name. Optical testing of the through and tap ports can be used to identify the approximate split ratio when the original configuration record is unavailable.

Available 44 Series Coupling Ratios

Nominal Coupling Ratio	Approximate Tap Portion	Approximate Through Portion
1/99	1%	99%
2/98	2%	98%
5/95	5%	95%
10/90	10%	90%

 

Choosing the Appropriate Tap Ratio

The required tap ratio depends on the amount of optical power available in the system and the sensitivity of the monitoring detector. A smaller tap percentage preserves more optical power in the main path, while a larger tap percentage provides a stronger monitoring signal.

A 1/99 or 2/98 configuration may be appropriate when the through-path power budget is critical or the available optical signal is relatively strong. A 5/95 or 10/90 configuration provides more power to the monitoring detector but introduces a greater nominal reduction in the primary path.

The selected monitoring detector must be capable of accurately measuring the tap output without exceeding its maximum optical input. Additional attenuation may be required when high amplifier output power is used with a sensitive photodiode or optical power meter.

Corning SMF-28 Single-Mode Fiber

The documented Gould 44 Series configurations use Corning SMF-28 9/125 µm single-mode fiber. Available fiber options included 100 kpsi and 200 kpsi proof-tested versions.

The component should be connected or spliced to compatible single-mode fiber. Fusion-splice programs, cleave preparation, recoating, protection sleeves, and handling procedures should be appropriate for SMF-28 fiber and the installed coating dimensions.

Fiber pigtails should be handled carefully. Excessive bending, twisting, pulling, crushing, or mechanical stress near the package exit can increase loss or damage the fiber.

Package and Connector Options

The Gould Low-Polarization Tap Coupler family was supplied in package style 12 and could also be repackaged into styles 22, 25, and 31 or modular enclosures. The exact packaging of part number 44-00355-01-33780 should be verified from the individual component.

The product-number structure also supports different connector options, including an unterminated configuration. The exact connector type, connector polish, pigtail length, and port identification are not established by the supplied family specification alone.

If connectors are installed, connector type and polish must match the connected equipment. UPC and APC connectors should not be directly intermated. An unterminated coupler requires compatible fusion splicing or another suitable termination method.

Typical Applications

• Erbium-doped fiber amplifier output monitoring
• EDFA input and feedback monitoring
• C-band optical power sampling
• Photodiode monitoring assemblies
• 1550 nm optical source supervision
• Optical power stabilization systems
• WDM and DWDM equipment development
• Telecommunications equipment manufacturing
• Optical component characterization
• Laboratory photonics systems
• Automated optical test equipment
• Polarization-sensitive optical applications

Product Overview

Brand	Gould
Part Number	44-00355-01-33780
Product Series	44 Series
Product Category	Low-Polarization Fiber Optic Tap Coupler
Operating Wavelength Range	1530 nm to 1565 nm
Fiber Type	Corning SMF-28 9/125 µm single-mode fiber
Polarization Sensitivity	Typically 0.2 dB or less
Primary Application	Optical power sampling in EDFAs and other polarization-sensitive C-band systems

 

General Optical Specifications

Specification	Details
Wavelength Range	1530 nm to 1565 nm
Available Family Coupling Ratios	1/99, 2/98, 5/95, and 10/90
Available Family Port Configurations	1x2, 2x2, and documented 1x2 LRT configuration
Typical Polarization Sensitivity	0.2 dB or less
Typical Directivity	At least 50 dB for the 1x2 configuration
Documented Temperature Range	0 °C to 65 °C
Typical Thermal Stability	0.2 dB or less
Specification Coverage	Includes wavelength effects from 1530 nm to 1565 nm and all states of polarization

 

44 Series Coupling Performance

Coupling Ratio	Maximum Through-Port Insertion Loss	Maximum Tap-Port Insertion Loss
10/90	0.7 dB	10.5 dB
5/95	0.35 dB	13.5 dB
2/98	0.2 dB	18.0 dB
1/99	0.15 dB	21 dB

 

Tap-Leg Variation by Performance Series

Coupling Ratio	Series 1 Maximum Variation	Series 2 Maximum Variation
10/90	0.3 dB	0.5 dB
5/95	0.4 dB	0.6 dB
2/98	0.4 dB	0.6 dB
1/99	0.4 dB	0.6 dB

 

Fiber and Packaging Options

Option	Details
Fiber Code 03	Corning SMF-28 9/125 µm fiber with 100 kpsi proof test
Fiber Code 32	Corning SMF-28 9/125 µm fiber with 200 kpsi proof test
Standard Package Style	Style 12
Available Repackaging	Styles 22, 25, and 31
Additional Packaging	Modular box configurations
Connector Configuration	Verify from part label, installed pigtails, and product photographs

 

Port Identification and Installation

The input, through, and tap paths should be positively identified before installation. Incorrectly connecting the tap and through fibers can produce unexpected optical levels and may prevent the monitoring circuit or primary signal path from functioning correctly.

If the fibers are colour coded or labelled, their identification should be documented before routing or splicing. When markings are missing, a stable C-band source and calibrated optical power meter can be used to determine the path arrangement and approximate tap ratio.

Fiber leads should be routed with an appropriate bend radius and without tension, twisting, pinching, crushing, or sharp contact with equipment edges. Mechanical stress near the coupler package or pigtail exits can increase insertion loss or damage the internal fiber.

Connector and Splicing Considerations

If the coupler is connectorized, every connector end face should be inspected and cleaned before mating. Contamination can increase insertion loss, reduce return loss, create measurement instability, and cause permanent damage in higher-power applications.

The connector type and polish must match the connected equipment. UPC and APC connectors should not be directly intermated because the different ferrule geometries can increase loss and damage the connector surfaces.

For unterminated pigtails, fusion splicing should use settings appropriate for Corning SMF-28 fiber. The fibers should be properly stripped, cleaned, cleaved, aligned, fused, and protected. Completed splices should be tested at the intended C-band wavelength.

Optical Power and Detector Considerations

The optical level delivered to the tap port depends on the input power, actual coupling ratio, insertion loss, wavelength, polarization state, connector losses, and any additional components in the path.

The connected monitoring detector must support the resulting optical power. A sensitive photodiode or power meter can be overloaded if the tap output from a high-power source or optical amplifier exceeds the detector’s maximum input.

System designers should account for through-port insertion loss when calculating the main-path power budget. Connector losses, fusion-splice losses, external patch cords, and other passive components must be added to the coupler’s internal loss.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The Gould 44-00355-01-33780 receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Testing may include visual inspection of the package, pigtails, strain relief, fiber coatings, connectors, labels, and optical paths.

Optical verification may include continuity through each path, identification of the through and tap legs, insertion-loss measurement, coupling-ratio evaluation, tap-output stability, and comparison at representative wavelengths within the 1530 nm to 1565 nm operating range.

When suitable equipment is available, testing can include measurements at several states of polarization using a compatible polarization controller, stable C-band source, and calibrated optical power meters. This helps evaluate changes in the through and tap outputs as polarization varies.

The exact testing scope depends on the port configuration, connector style, pigtail condition, available optical access, coupling ratio, wavelength requirements, polarization-control equipment, and calibrated reference instruments.

Buyer Considerations

Buyers should confirm the complete part number as Gould 44-00355-01-33780 and review all available labels and photographs. The supplied family specification does not provide a definitive field-by-field interpretation of the entire suffix.

The exact coupling ratio, performance series, port configuration, package style, fiber proof-test rating, connector type, connector polish, lead length, and port identification should be confirmed before installation.

The package and fiber leads should be inspected for cracks, crushing, sharp bends, damaged coatings, stretched pigtails, loose strain relief, contaminated connectors, or other conditions that could affect optical performance.

Only the tap coupler, optical pigtails, connectors, protective caps, mounting hardware, enclosure, measured test data, calibration records, 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, telecom, laboratory, production, optical test, inspection, cleaning, electronic test, RF/microwave, and photonics applications. The Gould 44-00355-01-33780 provides low-polarization C-band optical power sampling for amplifier manufacturers, telecommunications laboratories, photonics developers, production facilities, system integrators, and research organizations.

Buyers should review the complete part number, product photographs, coupling ratio, port configuration, package style, fiber condition, connector configuration, optical test results, and included accessories before purchase.