Mounted Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) play a crucial role in optical test equipment by providing a dependable and consistent light source for testing optical components and systems. These semiconductor devices emit light when an electric current is passed through them, and their small size, durability, and energy efficiency make them the perfect choice for optical testing applications.
Applications of Mounted LEDs
Light Source for Insertion Loss Testing: Insertion loss is a critical parameter in optical testing, measuring the signal loss as light passes through optical components or systems. Mounted LEDs are used to create a known light source, facilitating accurate measurements of insertion loss. Insertion loss is measured in decibels (dB) and is defined as the power loss of a signal as it passes through a device or system.
Light Source for Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (OTDR): OTDR is a non-destructive testing method that employs a pulsed light source to measure the distance to a fault in an optical fiber. Mounted LEDs are used as the pulsed light source in OTDR test equipment, ensuring precise fault detection and distance measurement.
Light Source for Optical Fiber Cleaning: To perform effectively, optical fibers must be free from contaminants. Mounted LEDs are employed to illuminate the end of an optical fiber, making contaminants easily visible and allowing for their removal.
Alignment Aid: Mounted LEDs serve as invaluable tools for aligning optical components, such as fibers and connectors. The visible beam generated by the LED assists in precise alignment, contributing to the accuracy of optical systems.
General Illumination: Apart from specific applications, mounted LEDs can also be used for general illumination within optical test equipment. They light up the interior of test enclosures, ensuring that technicians have a clear view of their work.
Examples of Optical Test Equipment Utilizing Mounted LEDs
Optical Fiber Loss Testers: These devices employ mounted LEDs to establish a known light source, enabling the measurement of insertion loss in optical fibers.
OTDRs: Optical Time Domain Reflectometers rely on mounted LEDs to generate the pulsed light source required for fault detection and distance measurement in optical fibers.
Optical Fiber Microscopes: Mounted LEDs are used in optical fiber microscopes to illuminate fiber ends, aiding in the detection and removal of contaminants.
Optical Fiber Alignment Tools: These tools utilize mounted LEDs to create visible beams for precise alignment of optical components.
Optomechs offers a wide range of Thorlabs mounted LEDs, covering a broad spectral range from 245 nm to 4600 nm. These mounted LEDs are available in a variety of mounting configurations; such as SM1-threaded, post-mountable, and cage-compatible. From lower-powered mounted LEDs such as the M385L2 to high-powered ones such as the M470L2, mounted LEDs from Thorlabs are designed to provide a reliable and consistent light source for optical testing and measurement applications.
Mounted LEDs are indispensable components in various optical test equipment, ensuring reliable, consistent, and versatile light sources. Their small size, durability, and energy efficiency make them an ideal choice for optical testing, facilitating accurate measurements and the maintenance of optical components and systems. Mounted LEDs illuminate the path to reliable optical testing and measurement!