ModCon Mode Controller FAQs
1) Does the ModCon work at 850 and 1300nm?
2) Does the ModCon work at other wavelengths?
3) Do I need a different Modcon for 50/125 and 62.5/125 fiber testing?
4) Are ModCons available for other fiber sizes than 50/125 and 62.5/125 fiber?
5) What is the maximum input power that the ModCon can take?
6) If the output connector becomes damaged can I repolish it?
7) If the output connector becomes damaged can I reterminate it?
8) Can I add a "Sacrificial Patchcord" to the output of the ModCon to protect the output connector?
9) Does the ModCon contain any active components?
10) Can the ModCon's modal distribution be adjusted by the user?
11) Are there any special handling requirements for the ModCon?
12) Is the ouput connector a "Reference Grade Termination"?
1) Does the ModCon work at 850 and 1300nm?
Yes ModCons are routinely tested at both wavelengths and although there is slight difference in EF, both are within the IEC template for Telecom ModCon or the 85/85 requirements for Aerospace ModCons. See modcon website for details.
2) Does the ModCon work at other wavelengths?
Yes we have tested the ModCon at various other wavelengths namely 1060, 1550 and 1625nm. The ModCon performs well at these wavelengths but as there is no internationally agreed standard at these wavelengths we do not provide any performance data.
3) Do I need a different Modcon for 50/125 and 62.5/125 fiber testing?
Yes is essential that you use a Modcon which is built using the correct output fiber to match your fiber under test.
4) Are ModCons available for other fiber sizes than 50/125 and 62.5/125 fiber?
We can make ModCons with other fiber sizes. However as there are no internationally agreed standards for other fiber sizes we do not carry them as standard products. If you want us to make a Mode Controller for other sizes please contact Arden Photonics technical support to discuss what you need to achieve. For example it may be that you need as close to a fully filled condition as possible or perhaps the actual modal launch conditions are not as important as consistency and stability. We have a lot of experience in this area and would love to hear from you with your particular requirements.
5) What is the maximum input power that the ModCon can take?
In the specification we say the maximum launched power into a ModCon should be less than 10mW but we have set this limit on the basis that we have tested with sources like this and they are currently about the highest power telecom sources we see. If you have anything brighter which you would like to know about please contact us. We believe the ModCon could take more power but we have not got the test data to support that claim yet.
6) If the output connector becomes damaged can I repolish it?
Yes, you can repolish both the input and output connectors and it won't affect the Modal Launch Condition provided at the output of the ModCon. Be careful you don't overpolish it though because you may affect the geometry (Radius of Curvature) of the connector. If the output connector is damaged we can offer a low-cost retermination and recalibration service for your ModCons. Please contact our sales office or your local distributor for more details.
7) If the output connector becomes damaged can I reterminate it?
No, the output connector is a "Reference Grade Termination" which is rigorously tested in-house using the Modal Explorer to ensure that the ModCon meets its published specification. If you remove the termination and fit your own we cannot guarantee that it will meet the Encircled Flux requirement of IEC 61280-4-1. If the output connector is damaged we can offer a low-cost retermination and recalibration service for your ModCons. Please contact our sales office or your local distributor for more details.
8) Can I add a "Sacrificial Patchcord" to the output of the ModCon to protect the output connector?
No, the fiber used in the output tail of the ModCon is specially selected to have very tight fiber geometry. If you add your own "Sacrificial Patchcord" to the output of the ModCon it is likely that it will distort the modal launch provided by the ModCon.
9) Does the ModCon contain any active components?
No, the ModCon is a purely passive device. It consists of a Mode Scrambler stage followed by a Mode filter. The Encircled Flux at the output of the ModCon is carefully set by our in-house technicians using Arden's real time Encircled Flux meter, the MPX Modal Explorer. Both stages are then potted to ensure no drift or movement over time.
10) Can the ModCon be adjusted by the user?
No, the ModCon is factory set using our traceably calibrated EF meter to ensure long term compliance with the published requirements. There is no chance to change the distribution after initial manufacture even if you send it back to the factory.
11) Are there any special handling requirements for the ModCon?
The ModCon will be an integral part of your test set up and we suggest you handle it with the same care you would give your test equipment and reference test leads. Make sure you don't over bend the leads. We recommend a minimum bend radius of 75mm.
12) Is the ouput connector a "Reference Grade Termination"?
Yes, the ModCon output connector is a Reference Grade Termination. It is made with specially selected fiber which has very tight geometrical tolerances (core diameter/ concentricity) and high quality singlemode standard connector parts.
