MPBC Optical Frequency Comb Amplifier
| Brand | MPBC |
|---|---|
| Origin | Canada |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Category | Imported |
| Model | Comb Amplifier |
| Price | USD 1 (Contact for Quotation) |
Overview
The MPBC Optical Frequency Comb Amplifier is a precision-engineered broadband optical source designed for metrology-grade applications in fiber-optic sensing, component characterization, interferometry, and optical testbed calibration. Unlike conventional broadband ASE sources or multi-laser arrays, this device generates a spectrally coherent, ITU-T grid-locked frequency comb via nonlinear amplification of a seed comb within a high-gain, low-noise Erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) architecture. Operating across the C-band (1524–1566 nm) and L-band (1570–1620 nm), it delivers up to 100 discrete, equally spaced spectral lines with ≤42 nm total spectral width, enabling traceable wavelength referencing and absolute frequency calibration in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025-compliant optical laboratories.
Key Features
- ITU-T G.694.1 grid compliance: channel spacing options of 50 GHz or 100 GHz, with deviation < ±0.02 nm from nominal ITU frequencies
- High spectral flatness: peak-to-peak power variation < 2 dB across full comb bandwidth
- Unpolarized output: eliminates polarization-dependent loss (PDL) artifacts during component testing
- Stable output power: +22 dBm total comb power, with >44 dB peak-to-valley extinction ratio ensuring clean channel separation
- Rack-mountable 19″ chassis: integrated AC power supply, front-panel GUI, RS-232 serial interface, and optional Ethernet (TCP/IP) remote control
- Safety-certified architecture: includes hardware interlock circuitry and key-switched enable logic for lab-safe operation
- Customizable comb configuration: adjustable channel count, center wavelength, and spectral density profile per application requirements
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MPBC Optical Frequency Comb Amplifier is compatible with standard single-mode fiber (SMF-28) and polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber pigtails (FC/APC or SC/APC connectors). It meets IEC 61300-3-35 for optical connector repeatability and IEC 60825-1:2014 Class 1M laser safety requirements when operated within specified enclosure conditions. Its spectral stability and grid fidelity support conformance with ITU-T G.692 (DWDM system specifications), Telcordia GR-1221-CORE (optical component reliability), and ASTM E2915-22 (spectral measurement uncertainty reporting). The device supports GLP/GMP-aligned audit trails when used with MPBC’s optional Ethernet-enabled software suite.
Software & Data Management
Control and monitoring are implemented via a vendor-provided Windows-based GUI supporting real-time spectral visualization, channel power logging, and comb lock status verification. The RS-232 interface enables integration into LabVIEW, Python (PySerial), or MATLAB automation frameworks. Optional Ethernet connectivity provides HTTP API and SCPI command support for remote orchestration in automated test systems. All firmware updates, calibration certificates, and spectral metadata are timestamped and stored with SHA-256 hash integrity verification—enabling full traceability required under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for regulated optical manufacturing environments.
Applications
- Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) Fabrication: Serves as the primary reference source for phase-mask exposure systems, enabling sub-picometer wavelength accuracy in grating period definition.
- Optical Component Characterization: Measures insertion loss, return loss, gain flatness, and wavelength-dependent PDL of WDM filters, couplers, isolators, and ROADMs with <0.05 nm resolution.
- Interferometric Metrology: Provides multi-wavelength coherence for Fourier-transform interferometry (FTI), dispersion mapping, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) system calibration.
- Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Testing: Validates spectral response of arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs), microring resonators, and silicon photonics multiplexers under swept-wavelength excitation.
- Calibration of Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSAs): Functions as a NIST-traceable multi-line reference for OSA wavelength axis correction and resolution validation per IEC 61280-2-9.
FAQ
Is the comb inherently stabilized to an atomic reference?
No—the base model relies on passive ITU grid locking via internal cavity filtering; active stabilization to Rb or Cs references is available as a factory option (Model suffix “-STAB”).
Can output power per channel be individually adjusted?
Not in standard configuration; all channels share uniform gain distribution. Custom variable-gain comb modules with channel-specific VOAs are offered under NRE agreement.
What is the typical warm-up time to spectral stability?
<15 minutes to achieve <±0.01 nm wavelength drift and <0.1 dB power fluctuation over 8 hours.
Does the unit include a built-in optical spectrum analyzer?
No—spectral monitoring requires external OSA or MPBC’s optional integrated mini-spectrometer add-on module (Part No. COMB-OSA-INT).
Are calibration certificates included with shipment?
Yes—each unit ships with a manufacturer’s certificate of conformance, including measured channel wavelengths, power flatness, extinction ratio, and ITU deviation data referenced to NIST-traceable wavemeters.
