FiberLabs AMP-FL Benchtop Optical Amplifier
| Brand | FiberLabs |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Type | Benchtop Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA) |
| Wavelength Band | C-band (1525–1565 nm) |
| Configuration | Telecom & Non-Telecom Applications |
| Core Technology | Erbium-Doped Fiber with Pump Laser Integration |
| Compliance | RoHS-compliant optical module architecture |
| Target Use | R&D, Optical Metrology, Photonics Laboratory Systems |
Overview
The FiberLabs AMP-FL is a high-stability, benchtop erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) engineered for precision optical signal boosting in laboratory and pre-deployment R&D environments. Operating within the standard C-band (1525–1565 nm), it leverages proprietary rare-earth-doped fiber design and thermally stabilized 980 nm pump laser diodes to deliver low-noise, polarization-insensitive gain across variable input power levels. Unlike rack-mounted telecom amplifiers optimized for network resilience, the AMP-FL prioritizes spectral fidelity, gain flatness (< ±0.5 dB over 35 nm), and repeatability—making it suitable for applications where signal integrity, not channel count or long-haul reach, is paramount. Its compact form factor and integrated thermal management enable stable operation under continuous duty cycles typical of optical coherence tomography (OCT) source characterization, wavelength-tunable laser testing, and interferometric sensor calibration.
Key Features
- Benchtop form factor with front-panel gain/power controls and real-time LED indicators for pump status, output power, and fault conditions
- Adjustable small-signal gain up to 40 dB with input power range from –30 dBm to –10 dBm
- Optimized noise figure ≤ 5.0 dB (typ.) at maximum gain, meeting ITU-T G.661 definitions for low-noise EDFA performance
- Integrated analog monitor outputs for forward/reverse power tracking, compatible with external data acquisition systems
- Passive thermal stabilization without active cooling fans—ensuring ultra-low acoustic and vibration signature for sensitive interferometry setups
- RS-232 and USB-C interfaces supporting SCPI command set for remote gain calibration, sweep sequencing, and firmware updates
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AMP-FL accepts standard single-mode fiber inputs (SMF-28 or equivalent) with FC/APC or FC/PC connectors (adapters available upon request). It maintains compatibility with pulsed sources (nanosecond to CW), modulated carriers (up to 10 GHz RF envelope), and broadband ASE sources used in optical component characterization. All units conform to IEC 60825-1:2014 Class 1M laser safety requirements when operated with enclosed fiber paths. Electrical design meets EN 61326-1 (EMC for laboratory equipment) and EN 61010-1 (safety for electrical equipment). For regulated environments, optional configuration logs and parameter audit trails can be enabled to support GLP documentation workflows.
Software & Data Management
FiberLabs provides the free AMP-Control Suite—a Windows-based application enabling gain profiling, power sweep automation, and multi-unit synchronization via TCP/IP. The software exports timestamped CSV files compliant with ASTM E2704-19 standards for optical test data archival. All internal settings are stored in non-volatile memory with write-protection options to prevent accidental reconfiguration during long-duration experiments. Firmware supports secure boot and signed update packages, aligning with NIST SP 800-193 guidelines for firmware integrity assurance. Audit log entries—including user ID (via Windows login), timestamp, and modified parameter—are retained for ≥30 days and exportable for FDA 21 CFR Part 11-aligned validation protocols.
Applications
- Characterization of tunable lasers, DFBs, and external cavity diodes in photonic integrated circuit (PIC) development
- Signal conditioning in optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) and distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) test benches
- Boosting weak signals from fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor arrays prior to demodulation
- Pre-amplification stage in coherent receiver test configurations for QPSK/QAM modulation analysis
- Stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) threshold studies requiring controlled, low-RIN gain profiles
- Calibration reference for optical power meters and spectrometers operating in the C-band
FAQ
Is the AMP-FL suitable for amplifying pulsed laser signals?
Yes—the amplifier supports pulse widths from 1 ns to CW, provided peak power remains below +23 dBm to avoid nonlinear effects in the doped fiber.
Can gain be locked to maintain constant output power under varying input conditions?
Yes—closed-loop automatic gain control (AGC) mode is available via software or analog voltage input (0–5 V), with response time < 100 µs.
Does FiberLabs offer custom gain flattening filters for L-band or extended C-band operation?
Yes—custom variants (e.g., AMP-FL-L, AMP-FL-E) are available under NRE agreement; lead time typically 12–16 weeks.
What is the maximum total harmonic distortion (THD) introduced by the amplifier at full gain?
THD remains < –45 dBc across the specified dynamic range, verified per IEC 61280-2-9 methodology.
Are calibration certificates traceable to NMI standards included with shipment?
A factory calibration report (with uncertainty budget per ISO/IEC 17025 principles) is provided; NIST-traceable certification is available as an add-on service.
