General Photonics has released the PolaX (PXA-1000) distributed polarization crosstalk (x-talk) analyzer, an advanced white light interferometer, which can be used to ascertain space-resolved stress data.
General Photonics PXA1000
The optical design of the PolaX results in considerable reduction of multi-coupling interference and also removes zero-order interference, thus enabling PolaX to clearly determine the locations and magnitudes of the x-talk peaks. This results in higher dynamic range, higher measurement sensitivity and improved spatial measurement accuracy.
The Vice President of sales and marketing of General Photonics, Ken Hargrove stated that along with advanced capabilities such as the application of the PM fiber as a sensing element, spatial resolution of 5 cm and -95 dB polarization cross-talk sensitivity among other properties makes the PolaX suitable for various applications.
The use of the PM fiber as the sensing element eliminates the necessity of multiple fiber gratings. The system can be easily installed and calibrated, making it well-suited for surveying space-resolved structural modifications along tunnels, bridges, dams, buildings or oil pipes. Since polarization coupling occurs due to mechanical disturbances to the sensing element, PolaX also functions as an intrusion detection device. It is also capable of detecting portions of the PM fiber that are defective.
A USB communication feature enables its use with a notebook computer, which comes preloaded with General Photonics' PolaXView software, which features a quality inspection report. The Polax functions at an operating temperature of 10O-50OC and the operating wavelength range is between1310-1550 nm with a 75 dB polarization x-talk dynamic range and sensitivity of -95 dB. The polarization x-talk accuracy and resolution are 0.5 dB and 0.25 dB, respectively.