Gould 44-10355-02-55430 Low-Polarization C-Band Fiber Optic Tap Coupler

Gould 44-10355-02-55430 Low-Polarization Fiber Optic Tap Coupler

The Gould 44-10355-02-55430 is a passive single-mode fiber optic tap coupler designed for optical power monitoring in erbium-doped fiber amplifiers, C-band telecommunications equipment, photonics assemblies, and other polarization-sensitive optical systems. The coupler divides an incoming optical signal between a primary through path and a lower-power tap path, providing a representative signal that can be connected to a photodiode, optical power meter, monitoring receiver, or feedback circuit.

The Gould 44 Series operates across wavelengths from 1530 nm to 1565 nm. This range covers the principal C-band region used by many EDFAs, WDM and DWDM systems, tunable laser sources, optical transmitters, component test systems, and laboratory photonics applications.

The low-polarization design helps reduce variations in coupler response as the state of polarization changes. Typical polarization sensitivity is specified at 0.2 dB or less. The published performance data includes the effects of wavelength across the complete 1530 nm to 1565 nm operating range and all states of polarization.

Features and Benefits of the Gould 44-10355-02-55430

• Low polarization sensitivity: Typical polarization sensitivity of 0.2 dB or less helps reduce monitoring errors caused by changes in the optical state of polarization.
• C-band operation: Designed for optical wavelengths from 1530 nm to 1565 nm.
• EDFA-compatible design: Developed for use with erbium-doped fiber amplifiers and related optical monitoring systems.
• Controlled optical power sampling: Diverts a defined portion of the input signal to a tap path while preserving the primary through path.
• Low through-path insertion loss: Supports optical monitoring while minimizing additional loss in the main signal path.
• Stable tap response: Published tap-leg variation includes the effects of wavelength and all states of polarization.
• Thermal stability: Typical optical variation is 0.2 dB or less over the documented 0 °C to 65 °C temperature range.
• Single-mode fiber construction: The Gould 44 Series uses Corning SMF-28 9/125 µm fiber.
• Passive operation: Requires no external electrical power, software, firmware, or active control electronics.
• Flexible optical integration: Suitable for amplifier assemblies, monitoring modules, optical test systems, photonics equipment, and production fixtures.
• Multiple family configurations: The 44 Series was available with several coupling ratios, port arrangements, fiber proof-test ratings, packages, and connector options.
• Professional monitoring applications: Supports photodiode feedback, source supervision, output-power tracking, and automated optical testing.

Optical Power Sampling

A tap coupler separates a controlled portion of an optical signal from the primary transmission path. Most of the incoming signal continues through the main path, while a lower-power sample is delivered through the tap path.

The tap output can be connected to a compatible photodiode, optical power meter, alarm circuit, monitoring receiver, or automatic control system. This arrangement allows optical power to be monitored without interrupting the primary signal or directing the complete optical output into the monitoring detector.

Because the Gould 44-10355-02-55430 is a passive component, the optical split occurs continuously whenever a signal is present. No electrical power or external command is required to select or activate the optical paths.

Designed for Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers

Gould Low-Polarization Tap Couplers were specifically designed for use with erbium-doped fiber amplifiers and other polarization-sensitive applications. A tap coupler can be installed at the input or output of an EDFA to provide a monitoring signal for control, protection, and performance-tracking functions.

At an amplifier output, the primary path carries most of the amplified signal toward the next optical component or network interface. The tap path sends a smaller portion of the signal to a photodiode or monitoring instrument.

The monitoring signal can support amplifier output supervision, automatic gain control, automatic power control, source stabilization, fault detection, and alarm generation. The coupler supplies the optical sample, while the connected detector or control system performs the measurement and any required regulation.

1530 nm to 1565 nm C-Band Operation

The documented wavelength range of the Gould 44 Series is 1530 nm to 1565 nm. This operating band supports many C-band telecommunications, optical amplifier, WDM, DWDM, and photonics applications.

The published insertion-loss and tap-leg variation specifications include wavelength-dependent effects across this complete range. This helps support monitoring systems that operate at one fixed C-band wavelength or carry several wavelength channels through the same coupler.

Performance outside the specified wavelength range should not be assumed. Applications at 1310 nm, 1490 nm, 1625 nm, or other wavelength regions require a coupler designed and characterized for those wavelengths.

Low Polarization Sensitivity

The state of polarization in a single-mode fiber can change because of temperature, vibration, fiber routing, mechanical stress, upstream optical components, or movement of the connected fiber. These changes can affect the response of polarization-sensitive optical devices.

The Gould Low-Polarization Tap Coupler is designed to minimize this effect. Typical polarization sensitivity is specified at 0.2 dB or less, helping the tap output provide a more stable representation of the actual optical power.

Low polarization sensitivity is particularly useful when the sampled signal is used for calibrated power monitoring, EDFA feedback, optical source control, comparative component measurements, or long-term system supervision.

Coupling Ratio 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 portion directed to the tap path, while the second value represents the nominal portion remaining in the primary through path.

The complete part number is provided as 44-10355-02-55430. However, the available family specification does not provide a complete field-by-field interpretation of this exact extended part number. The precise coupling ratio of this individual coupler should therefore be verified from the product label, original test data, port markings, or direct optical measurements.

A coupling ratio should not be assigned solely from an unsupported interpretation of the suffix. When original configuration records are unavailable, a stable C-band laser source and calibrated optical power meters can be used to identify the through path, tap path, and approximate optical split.

Available Gould 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%

 

Coupling Ratio Selection

The appropriate coupling ratio depends on the optical power available in the system and the sensitivity of the monitoring detector. Lower tap percentages preserve more power in the main path, while higher tap percentages provide a stronger signal to the monitoring equipment.

A 1/99 or 2/98 coupler may be appropriate when through-path power is critical or when the source provides enough power for a sensitive monitoring detector. A 5/95 or 10/90 coupler provides more monitoring power but introduces a greater nominal reduction in the primary signal.

The selected monitoring detector must remain within its supported input range. A tap output from a high-power optical amplifier may require additional attenuation before it is connected to a sensitive photodiode or power meter.

Insertion-Loss Performance

The maximum insertion loss depends on the coupling ratio. A smaller tap percentage normally produces lower loss in the primary path and greater loss in the tap path.

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

 

These insertion-loss values describe the internal component performance under the documented conditions. External connectors, fusion splices, adapters, patch cords, and fiber routing can add further loss to the installed optical system.

Series 1 and Series 2 Tap Stability

The Gould 44 Series was offered in Series 1 and Series 2 performance configurations. Both series use the same documented maximum through-port and tap-port insertion-loss values for each available coupling ratio. The principal published difference is the maximum variation allowed in the tap leg.

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

 

The published tap-leg variation values include the effects of wavelength from 1530 nm to 1565 nm and all states of polarization. The applicable Series 1 or Series 2 designation for this individual coupler should be confirmed from the complete component records or measured performance.

Thermal Stability

The Gould 44 Series documentation specifies operation from 0 °C to 65 °C, with typical thermal stability of 0.2 dB or less. This supports use in controlled telecommunications equipment, optical amplifier assemblies, laboratories, manufacturing systems, and photonics test fixtures.

Temperature changes can affect fiber stress, coupling conditions, connector performance, and system loss. The coupler should be installed away from concentrated heat sources and protected from rapid thermal changes when stable monitoring performance is required.

Applications involving demanding environmental conditions may require system-level temperature testing after the component is installed in its final enclosure.

Corning SMF-28 Single-Mode Fiber

The Gould 44 Series uses Corning SMF-28 9/125 µm single-mode fiber. Available family configurations include fiber proof-tested to either 100 kpsi or 200 kpsi.

The exact proof-test rating of the fiber used in part number 44-10355-02-55430 should be confirmed from original manufacturing records, labels, or supplied test documentation. The complete extended part number is not fully decoded by the available family specification.

The fiber pigtails should be routed with a suitable bend radius and protected from pulling, twisting, crushing, pinching, and sharp enclosure edges. Mechanical stress near the component package or fiber exit can increase optical loss or damage the internal fiber.

Port Configurations

The Gould Low-Polarization Tap Coupler family was available in 1x2 and 2x2 configurations. The documented ordering information also identifies a 1x2 LRT configuration.

A 1x2 coupler normally provides one input, one through output, and one tap output. A 2x2 coupler provides a corresponding four-port arrangement that can support additional optical routing or bidirectional system requirements.

The exact port configuration of Gould part number 44-10355-02-55430 should be confirmed from the number of fiber leads, port labels, original documentation, or optical continuity testing.

Package and Connector Options

Gould 44 Series couplers were supplied in package style 12 and could also be repackaged into styles 22, 25, and 31 or modular enclosures. The exact package configuration of this component should be determined from the physical unit.

The family was available with connectorized and unterminated fiber options. The connector type, connector polish, pigtail length, and port identification cannot be established from the available family specification alone.

If connectors are installed, the connector type and polish must match the connected equipment. UPC and APC connectors should not be directly intermated because their different ferrule geometries can produce excessive loss and physical damage.

Typical Applications

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

Product Overview

Brand	Gould
Part Number	44-10355-02-55430
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
Coupling Ratio	Verify from the product label, original test data, or optical measurement
Port Configuration	Verify from the physical component and port identification
Primary Application	Low-polarization C-band optical power sampling and monitoring

 

General Optical Specifications

Specification	Details
Operating 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 1x2 Directivity	At least 50 dB
Documented Temperature Range	0 °C to 65 °C
Typical Thermal Stability	0.2 dB or less
Specification Coverage	Includes wavelength effects across 1530 nm to 1565 nm and all states of polarization

 

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 Family Package	Package style 12
Available Repackaging	Package styles 22, 25, and 31
Additional Packaging	Modular box configurations
Connector Configuration	Dependent on the individual component configuration

 

Port Identification and Optical Verification

The input, through, and tap fibers should be positively identified before installation. Connecting the tap and through paths incorrectly can produce unexpected optical power levels and prevent the monitoring or transmission system from operating correctly.

When port labels are unavailable, a stable C-band source can be connected to each possible input while calibrated optical power meters monitor the remaining fibers. The path with the greatest transmitted power is normally the through path, while the lower-power output is the tap path.

Measurements should be repeated in the reverse direction if the application requires bidirectional operation or if the port arrangement is uncertain. All test results should be recorded with the source wavelength, launch power, reference procedure, connector configuration, and fiber identification.

Installation and Fiber Handling

The coupler should be mounted or secured without applying stress to its package or fiber leads. Pigtails should be routed with an appropriate bend radius and protected from sharp edges, abrasion, tension, crushing, and twisting.

For unterminated pigtails, fusion splicing should use settings appropriate for Corning SMF-28 single-mode fiber. The fibers should be stripped, cleaned, cleaved, aligned, fused, and protected using professional fiber optic procedures.

Completed splices should be tested at a suitable wavelength within the 1530 nm to 1565 nm operating range. Splice trays, protection sleeves, and enclosures should not force the fibers into tight bends.

Connector Considerations

If the coupler is connectorized, each connector end face should be inspected and cleaned before use. Contamination can increase insertion loss, reduce return loss, create unstable monitoring results, and damage mating interfaces.

The connector type and polish must match the connected optical equipment. UPC and APC connectors should not be directly intermated.

Connector type, connector polish, fiber lead length, and port labels should be confirmed from the individual component and product photographs before installation.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The Gould 44-10355-02-55430 receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Evaluation may include inspection of the package, fiber pigtails, coating condition, strain relief, connectors, protective caps, port markings, and identification labels.

Optical testing may include continuity through each available path, identification of the input, through, and tap fibers, measurement of through-port loss, measurement of tap-port loss, approximate coupling-ratio verification, and measurement repeatability.

When suitable equipment is available, the coupler may be tested at representative wavelengths within the 1530 nm to 1565 nm range. Polarization-dependent response may be evaluated using a compatible polarization controller, stable source, and calibrated optical power meters.

The exact testing scope depends on the port configuration, connector or pigtail arrangement, coupling ratio, fiber condition, available optical access, source wavelengths, polarization equipment, and calibrated reference instruments.

Buyer Considerations

Buyers should confirm the complete part number as Gould 44-10355-02-55430 and review all available labels, photographs, port markings, and optical test data. The available family specification does not provide a definitive interpretation of every character in the extended part number.

The precise coupling ratio, performance series, port configuration, fiber proof-test rating, package style, connector type, connector polish, pigtail length, and path identification should be verified before installation.

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

Only the tap coupler, optical pigtails, installed connectors, protective caps, mounting hardware, enclosure, optical 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 44-10355-02-55430 supports optical amplifier manufacturers, telecommunications laboratories, photonics developers, system integrators, research organizations, and production facilities requiring low-polarization C-band optical power sampling.

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