MPX Modal Explorer
The MPX Modal Explorer provides real-time measurement of Encircled Flux. Simply connect your source and patchcord to the MPX, and it will measure their Modal Launch Conditions in real-time.
Standards compliant - have confidence in its accuracy
Encircled Flux is now widely accepted as the preferred way to specify modal filling by IEEE, ISO and IEC. Measurement of Encircled Flux is defined in FOTP-203 - the"Modal Explorer" is the most standards-compliant measurement system available today and has been chosen by major standards labs in the USA and Europe as the basis for their critical measurements.
Robust and reliable - means its ready for production
Its compact size and solid design make it the tool of choice in cable makers, fiber optic instrument companies and VCSEL, laser and LED source makers. In use in factories every day, major players in the industry rely on the Modal Explorer
The Modal Explorer is available for measurements at 850 and 1300nm as well as other custom wavelengths.
Applications
- Source and patchcord characterization for IEC 11801 LAN testing
- VCSEL characterisation for Gigabit Ethernet IEEE 802.3
- Mode-scrambler and mode-filter characterization
- LRM Encircled Flux measurements
- Set up fiber coupled sources
Features and benefits
- End face mode for precise focus giving better repeatability from operator to operator
- Power monitor - ideal for optimising light throughput and modal conditions together for production of pig-tailed light sources.
- Real-time measurement - means for the first time you can adjust modal conditions easily as well as increase productivity
- Internal LED for use as Encircled Flux reference source - complies with IEEE 802-3 for coherent sources
- USB2.0 direct connection gives portability - ship the Modal Explorer to distant locations with the optional carrying case plus a laptop computer.
Calibration artefact
The MPX Calibration Artefact is a Chrome-on-Glass annulus traceable to NPL in London. The artefact is easily mounted in the Modal Explorer using an adaptor of the same design as those used for mounting the connector.
The software package supplied with the artefact automatically calculates the magnification factor of the MPX optical system. After acceptance by the user the magnification factor is stored in the MPX configuration file for future use.
This artefact is the same design as the one used in-house to factory calibrate the MPX. If you are using the MPX for critical production measurements we recommend a 1 year recalibration cycle.
Fiber Shaker
Arden's Modal Explorer makes measurement of Encircled Flux easy, and accurate, and it complies with international standards.
But if you are measuring laser-based transmission light sources for multimode systems you may need to use a test jumper assembly and fiber shaker in order to avoid "speckle". Industry standards – for example IEEE 802.3aq and FOTP – 203 - call for the use of a mechanical fiber shaker made up of 3 independent figure-of- eight elements.
The fiber shaker reduces speckle by changing the differential path length of the various modes in the fiber. Part of the fiber is shaken continuously in each of three nominally orthogonal directions during the measurement to allow the speckle to be averaged out. This will ensure sufficient repeatability for the measurement of the Encircled Flux.
