General Photonics DOP-101 Degree of Polarization Meter 1260-1650nm Fiber Optic

General Photonics DOP-101 Degree of Polarization Meter 1260-1650nm Fiber Optic: Real-Time DOP Measurement Across the S, C, and L Bands

The General Photonics DOP-101 Degree of Polarization Meter 1260-1650nm Fiber Optic uses a patented maximum and minimum search technique to measure and display the degree of polarization (DOP) of a light source in real time with high accuracy and wide dynamic range. It is aimed at engineers characterizing depolarized light sources such as ASE and SLED sources, Raman amplifier pumps, and depolarizers, and for monitoring OSNR and PMD on optical signals or measuring optical amplifier noise figure.

Key Features and Benefits of the General Photonics DOP-101 Degree of Polarization Meter 1260-1650nm Fiber Optic

• Patented max/min search measurement technique — Provides simple and accurate measurement of both low and high DOP sources, avoiding the accuracy compromises of polarimeter-based and polarization scrambler-based systems.
• 1260 to 1650 nm operating wavelength range — Covers the S, C, and L bands from a single instrument for broad telecom application coverage.
• No wavelength calibration required — Operates across the full wavelength range without recalibration when changing source wavelengths.
• 0 to 100% DOP measurement range — Full-scale coverage handles fully polarized signals down to fully depolarized sources in one instrument.
• ±0.5% DOP accuracy with 0.1% resolution — Delivers the precision needed for depolarizer qualification and low-DOP source characterization.
• 0.2 second measurement speed — Rapid measurement supports real-time monitoring and production test workflows.
• Simultaneous optical power measurement — Reports absolute power alongside DOP, enabling DOP power dependence testing and verification of the optical connection quality.
• Front-panel real-time LCD display — 2 x 20 character display shows DOP and power readings at a glance.
• Multiple communication interfaces — RS-232, USB, Ethernet, and GPIB support integration into automated test systems and remote monitoring setups.
• Compact 2U half-rack form factor — Fits into standard 19" racks or benchtop setups without dominating the workspace.

Advanced Capabilities

The DOP-101's patented maximum and minimum search technique is what makes it accurate across the full 0 to 100% DOP range. Polarimeter-based systems are expensive and can be inaccurate at low DOP levels, while polarization scrambler-based instruments lose accuracy on high DOP sources. The max/min search approach delivers ±0.5% accuracy across the entire DOP range, making it equally suitable for characterizing near-fully-polarized DFB laser outputs and near-fully-depolarized ASE sources on the same instrument without changing measurement modes or techniques.

The simultaneous power measurement is the other technical strength worth calling out. Reporting absolute optical power alongside DOP with ±0.25 dB accuracy allows engineers to characterize DOP as a function of input power — critical for verifying that depolarizers maintain their specified DOP across the full operating power range. It also provides an immediate check on the quality of the optical connection to the instrument, so a bad connector or contaminated ferrule can be identified before it corrupts a measurement campaign.

Calibration and Quality Assurance

Every General Photonics DOP-101 is calibrated prior to shipping to OEM specifications. The order includes a Calibration Certificate, Calibration Label, and full Calibration Data. This means the instrument arrives traceable, audit-ready, and ready to use straight out of the box — no need to schedule a calibration cycle before putting it into service.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Operating Wavelength Range	1260 to 1650 nm standard
DOP Resolution	0.1%
DOP Accuracy	± 0.5%
Repeatability	± 0.5%
Measurement Speed	0.2 second
DOP Range	0 to 100%
Operating Power Range	-25 dBm to +6 dBm
Optical Power Accuracy	± 0.25 dB
Operating Temperature	0 to 50 °C
Storage Temperature	-20 to 70 °C
Front Panel Display	2 x 20 character LCD display
Wavelength Calibration	Not required
Power Supply	100–120 VAC, 50–60 Hz, or 200–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz
Communication Interfaces	RS-232, USB, Ethernet, GPIB
Dimensions	2U, 19" half rack width; 3.5" (H) × 8.5" (W) × 14" (L)
Available Connector Types	FC/APC