Gould 44-10355-03-55440 Low-Polarization C-Band Fiber Optic Tap Coupler

Gould 44-10355-03-55440 Low-Polarization Fiber Optic Tap Coupler

The Gould 44-10355-03-55440 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, creating a representative optical sample without interrupting the main transmission path.

The tap output can be connected to a compatible photodiode, optical power meter, monitoring receiver, alarm circuit, or feedback controller. This allows optical power to be monitored while most of the original signal continues through the primary path toward the next optical component or system output.

Gould 44 Series Low-Polarization Tap Couplers operate from 1530 nm to 1565 nm, covering the principal C-band region used by many erbium-doped fiber amplifiers, WDM and DWDM systems, tunable laser sources, optical transmitters, and laboratory photonics systems. The low-polarization design helps minimize changes in optical response as the input state of polarization varies.

Features and Benefits of the Gould 44-10355-03-55440

• Low-polarization performance: Typical polarization sensitivity of 0.2 dB or less helps reduce monitoring variations caused by changes in the optical state of polarization.
• C-band wavelength coverage: Designed for operation from 1530 nm to 1565 nm.
• EDFA monitoring: Developed for use with erbium-doped fiber amplifiers and related optical power-control systems.
• Passive optical power sampling: Directs a controlled portion of the input signal to a tap path without requiring electrical power.
• Low through-path loss: Preserves the main optical power budget while providing a separate monitoring signal.
• Stable tap response: Published tap-leg variation includes the effects of wavelength and all states of polarization.
• Thermal stability: Provides typical optical variation of 0.2 dB or less over the documented 0 °C to 65 °C range.
• Single-mode construction: Gould 44 Series configurations use Corning SMF-28 9/125 µm fiber.
• High directivity: Documented 1x2 configurations provide typical directivity of at least 50 dB.
• Continuous operation: Divides the optical signal whenever light is present, with no switching or external control required.
• Flexible system integration: Suitable for optical amplifier assemblies, monitoring modules, laboratory equipment, and production fixtures.
• Multiple available configurations: The product family includes different tap ratios, port arrangements, fiber proof-test ratings, packages, and connector options.

Optical Power Sampling

A fiber optic tap coupler separates a controlled portion of an incoming optical signal from the primary transmission path. Most of the signal continues through the main output, while a smaller optical sample is directed to the tap output.

This arrangement allows system operators and control electronics to monitor optical power without disconnecting the fiber or routing the entire signal through the monitoring detector. The tap signal can support continuous output monitoring, source supervision, amplifier feedback, fault detection, and alarm generation.

The Gould 44-10355-03-55440 is a passive device. It does not amplify, detect, convert, regulate, or electrically process the optical signal. A separate detector or monitoring instrument is required to measure the power available at the tap output.

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 coupler can be installed at the input or output of an amplifier to provide an optical monitoring signal.

When installed at an EDFA output, the primary path carries most of the amplified signal toward the optical network or next component. The tap path directs a smaller sample to a photodiode or power-monitoring circuit.

The monitoring signal can be used to track amplifier output, support automatic gain control, provide automatic power control, identify changes in optical performance, or activate protection and alarm functions. The exact control function depends on the external monitoring electronics rather than the coupler itself.

1530 nm to 1565 nm C-Band Operation

The Gould 44 Series is designed for optical wavelengths from 1530 nm to 1565 nm. This range covers the principal C-band region used by many optical amplifiers, telecommunications transmitters, WDM components, tunable lasers, and optical test systems.

The published insertion-loss and tap-leg variation specifications include wavelength-dependent effects across the complete 1530 nm to 1565 nm range. This makes the product family suitable for fixed-wavelength and multiwavelength systems operating within the supported band.

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

Low Polarization Sensitivity

The state of polarization in single-mode fiber can change because of fiber movement, mechanical stress, vibration, temperature, source characteristics, and upstream optical components. These changes can create variations in the response of polarization-sensitive devices.

The Gould Low-Polarization Tap Coupler is designed to minimize this effect. Typical polarization sensitivity is specified at 0.2 dB or less. The published performance data includes all states of polarization across the documented wavelength range.

Low polarization sensitivity helps the tap output provide a more consistent representation of the actual optical power. This is especially useful when the tap signal is used for EDFA feedback, calibrated monitoring, optical source stabilization, or comparative laboratory measurements.

Available Coupling Ratios

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 percentage directed to the tap output, while the second value represents the nominal percentage remaining in the main through path.

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

 

The supplied family literature does not provide a complete field-by-field interpretation of extended part number 44-10355-03-55440. The exact coupling ratio of this individual component should therefore be confirmed from its original test data, port labels, accompanying documentation, or direct optical measurements.

Coupling Ratio Selection

The required tap ratio depends on the optical power available in the system and the sensitivity of the connected monitoring detector. Lower-percentage taps preserve more power in the primary path, while higher-percentage taps deliver a stronger monitoring signal.

A 1/99 or 2/98 coupler can help minimize through-path loss when the source provides enough optical power for a sensitive detector. A 5/95 or 10/90 coupler provides a stronger monitoring signal but leaves a smaller nominal portion in the through path.

The monitoring detector must be capable of accepting the available tap power. A tap output from a high-power optical amplifier may require an additional optical attenuator before connection to a sensitive power meter or photodiode.

Insertion-Loss Performance

The maximum through-port and tap-port insertion losses depend on the selected coupling ratio. The published values include wavelength effects from 1530 nm to 1565 nm and all states of polarization.

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 values represent the documented internal coupler performance. External connector pairs, fusion splices, adapters, patch cords, and fiber routing can add further loss to the complete optical system.

Series 1 and Series 2 Tap-Leg Variation

The Gould 44 Series was offered in Series 1 and Series 2 performance configurations. Both series share the same documented maximum through-port and tap-port insertion-loss values for each coupling ratio. The primary published difference is the maximum allowed variation 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 applicable performance series for part number 44-10355-03-55440 should be confirmed from the component label, original documentation, or available optical test records.

Thermal Stability

The Gould 44 Series documentation identifies a temperature range from 0 °C to 65 °C, with typical thermal stability of 0.2 dB or less. This supports use in controlled telecommunications equipment, amplifier assemblies, production systems, and laboratory environments.

Temperature changes can affect fiber stress, coupling conditions, connector performance, and overall system loss. The coupler should be protected from concentrated heat sources, rapid thermal changes, moisture, and mechanical strain.

Applications requiring operation under demanding environmental conditions may require additional system-level temperature testing after the coupler has been installed in its final enclosure.

Corning SMF-28 Single-Mode Fiber

The documented Gould 44 Series configurations use Corning SMF-28 9/125 µm single-mode fiber. The family was available with 100 kpsi or 200 kpsi proof-tested fiber.

The exact fiber proof-test rating of part number 44-10355-03-55440 should be confirmed from its manufacturing documentation or product markings. The available family specification does not fully decode every section of the extended part number.

The pigtails should be routed with an appropriate bend radius and protected from pulling, twisting, crushing, abrasion, and sharp enclosure edges. Mechanical stress near the package exits can increase optical loss or damage the internal fiber.

Port Configuration

Gould 44 Series tap couplers were available in 1x2 and 2x2 configurations. A documented 1x2 LRT configuration was also available within the family.

A 1x2 coupler normally includes one input, one primary through output, and one lower-power tap output. A 2x2 coupler provides a four-port arrangement for applications requiring the corresponding optical configuration.

The exact port arrangement of part number 44-10355-03-55440 should be confirmed by examining the number of fiber leads, checking port labels, reviewing original documentation, or performing optical continuity and power measurements.

Package and Connector Options

The Gould Low-Polarization Tap Coupler family was supplied in package style 12 and could be repackaged into package styles 22, 25, and 31 or modular boxes.

The product family also supported connectorized and unterminated configurations. The exact connector type, connector polish, fiber length, package style, and port identification of this component should be confirmed from the physical unit.

When connectors are fitted, 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 cause excessive insertion loss, poor return loss, and connector 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 optical source supervision
• WDM and DWDM system development
• Telecommunications component manufacturing
• Optical component characterization
• Laboratory photonics systems
• Automated optical test equipment

Product Overview

Brand	Gould
Part Number	44-10355-03-55440
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, port labels, or continuity testing
Operation	Passive optical power division
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 from 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 identified before the coupler is installed. Reversing the tap and through paths can produce unexpected power levels and prevent the monitoring or transmission system from functioning as intended.

If port labels are unavailable, a stable source operating within the 1530 nm to 1565 nm range can be connected to a possible input while calibrated optical power meters monitor the remaining ports. The higher-power output is normally the through path, while the lower-power output is the tap path.

The measured coupling ratio should be calculated only after accounting for reference-cable and connector losses. Measurements should be recorded with the source wavelength, launch power, reference procedure, connector configuration, and identified fiber paths.

Installation and Fiber Handling

The coupler should be mounted without applying stress to the package or fiber pigtails. All leads should be routed with an appropriate bend radius and protected from pulling, crushing, twisting, abrasion, and sharp edges.

For unterminated pigtails, fusion splicing should use a program 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 inspected and tested at a suitable wavelength within the coupler’s operating range. Splice trays, sleeves, and enclosures should not force the fibers into tight bends.

Connector Considerations

If connectors are installed, all connector end faces should be inspected and cleaned before mating. Contamination can increase insertion loss, reduce return loss, create unstable monitoring results, and permanently damage interfaces in higher-power optical systems.

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

Connector type, polish, pigtail length, fiber proof-test rating, package style, and port labels should be verified from the individual component and product photographs before installation.

System Integration Considerations

The expected tap output should be calculated before a photodiode or power meter is connected. A high amplifier output can produce enough tap power to overload a sensitive detector even when only a small percentage of the signal is diverted.

The complete through-path power budget should include the coupler insertion loss, fusion-splice losses, connector losses, patch-cord attenuation, and any other passive components in the optical path.

When the tap signal is used in a feedback loop, the installed coupler and detector should be characterized together. The relationship between tap power and through power should be measured under the required wavelength, polarization, and temperature conditions.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The Gould 44-10355-03-55440 receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Evaluation may include inspection of the package, pigtails, fiber coatings, strain relief, installed connectors, protective caps, port markings, and identification labels.

Optical testing may include continuity through each available path, identification of the input, through, and tap leads, through-port insertion loss, tap-port insertion 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 operating range. Polarization response may be evaluated using a compatible polarization controller, stabilized C-band source, and calibrated optical power meters.

The exact testing scope depends on the product’s port configuration, coupling ratio, package style, connector or pigtail arrangement, fiber condition, available optical access, required wavelengths, and calibrated test equipment.

Buyer Considerations

Buyers should confirm the complete part number as Gould 44-10355-03-55440 and review all available labels, photographs, port markings, and optical test records. The supplied family specification does not provide a definitive interpretation of every character in the extended part number.

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

The component should be inspected for package damage, crushed or sharply bent fiber, coating defects, stretched pigtails, loose strain relief, contaminated connectors, and other conditions that could 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 44-10355-03-55440 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.