Schafter+Kirchhoff SK010PA Series Polarization Analyzer
| Brand | Schafter+Kirchhoff |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | SK010PA Series |
| Power Range | 0.01–50 mW |
| Angular Accuracy (η, χ) | ±0.4° |
| PER Accuracy | ±0.5 dB |
| DOP Accuracy | ±5% |
| SOP Accuracy (on Poincaré sphere) | ±0.2° |
| Free-Space Beam Diameter Max | 4 mm |
| Sampling Rate | 15 Hz |
| Sensor Active Area | 2.85 × 2.85 mm² |
| Dimensions (W×L×H) | 40 × 70 × 82 mm |
| Interface | USB 2.0 (data + power) |
| Standard Fiber Adapter | FC-APC |
| Optional Adapters | FC-PC, DIN AVIO, ST |
| Software | SKPolarimeter |
| Development Support | LabVIEW VI Library & DLL API |
| Compliance | CE, RoHS |
Overview
The Schafter+Kirchhoff SK010PA Series Polarization Analyzer is a precision optical instrument engineered for quantitative characterization of polarization states in both free-space and polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber-optic systems. Based on the principle of rotating-waveplate polarimetry with four-quadrant photodetector sampling, the SK010PA delivers traceable, high-reproducibility measurements of key polarization parameters—including degree of polarization (DOP), state of polarization (SOP), and extinction ratio (PER)—across visible to near-infrared wavelengths (typically 400–1100 nm, dependent on detector calibration). Designed for integration into R&D laboratories, fiber component manufacturing lines, and optical alignment workstations, the analyzer operates without requiring external calibration sources or mechanical recalibration under stable thermal conditions. Its compact monolithic housing—machined from black anodized aluminum—ensures mechanical stability and minimizes stray-light interference, supporting reliable operation in vibration-sensitive optical tables and microbench environments.
Key Features
- Simultaneous real-time acquisition of SOP, DOP, and PER with 15 Hz native sampling rate and full Stokes vector reconstruction
- High angular resolution: ±0.2° SOP accuracy on the Poincaré sphere, enabled by factory-calibrated waveplate retardance and detector linearity compensation
- Dual-mode operation: supports free-space beam analysis (max. 4 mm Ø collimated input) and PM-fiber-coupled measurement via interchangeable adapters (FC-APC standard)
- Integrated USB 2.0 interface provides both data communication and bus-powered operation—no external power supply required
- Onboard zero-phase calibration routine allows user-initiated reference reset; optional factory recalibration available per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited service
- Robust mechanical design compliant with IEC 60950-1 for laboratory equipment safety and EN 61326-1 for EMC performance
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SK010PA accommodates linearly, circularly, and elliptically polarized light from continuous-wave (CW) lasers, superluminescent diodes (SLDs), and broadband sources with sufficient coherence length for stable interferometric detection. It is routinely deployed in qualification testing of PM fibers, polarization controllers, waveplates, isolators, and integrated photonic circuits. The instrument meets CE marking requirements under the EU Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. All firmware and software comply with GLP-relevant audit trail provisions when used with SKPolarimeter v3.2+, including timestamped parameter logging, user session identification, and exportable CSV/ASCII data files suitable for 21 CFR Part 11–aligned documentation workflows.
Software & Data Management
The SKPolarimeter software suite provides intuitive visualization of polarization dynamics via live Poincaré sphere projection, time-resolved SOP trajectories, and statistical histograms of DOP/PER distributions. Raw Stokes parameter time-series data are stored in HDF5 format for long-term archival integrity and MATLAB/Python interoperability. The SDK includes fully documented LabVIEW VIs and Windows DLLs enabling seamless integration into automated test sequences—e.g., closed-loop polarization alignment during fiber pigtailing or active feedback control in quantum optics setups. Batch processing mode supports multi-file comparative analysis across device lots, supporting ISO 10110–5 and Telcordia GR-1221-CORE conformance reporting.
Applications
- Characterization and alignment of polarization-maintaining fiber components (e.g., PM couplers, Faraday rotators, lithium niobate modulators)
- Quantitative evaluation of waveplate retardance uniformity and fast-axis orientation tolerance
- In-process monitoring of polarization drift in high-power laser delivery systems
- Validation of polarization extinction in telecom transceivers and coherent receiver front-ends
- Research-grade SOP tracking in fiber-based interferometers and cavity ring-down spectroscopy platforms
- Education and training in classical polarization optics and Mueller matrix formalism
FAQ
What wavelength ranges are supported by the SK010PA series?
The standard configuration is optimized for 400–1100 nm; custom detector modules with extended NIR response (up to 1700 nm) are available upon request.
Can the SK010PA measure depolarized or partially polarized light?
Yes—it computes DOP from the full Stokes vector and reports values from 0% (fully unpolarized) to 100% (fully polarized), with ±5% absolute accuracy across the specified power range.
Is fiber adapter interchangeability supported without recalibration?
Yes—mechanical alignment repeatability of <±2 µm ensures consistent coupling efficiency and SOP fidelity across FC-APC, FC-PC, DIN AVIO, and ST interfaces; no per-adapter recalibration is needed.
Does the device support external triggering or synchronization?
Not natively; however, time-stamped data output enables post-hoc synchronization with external DAQ systems using shared GPS or IEEE 1588 PTP clocks.
How often is recalibration recommended for metrological traceability?
Annual verification against NIST-traceable polarization standards is advised for applications requiring ISO/IEC 17025 compliance; field validation using a known quarter-wave plate is recommended quarterly.
