Luna's Optical Backscatter Reflectometer Offers Micrometer Resolution

Luna Technologies, a division of Luna Innovations Inc., announced the Optical Backscatter Reflectometer (OBR) 4400, an ultrahigh-resolution optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) offering feature-rich diagnostic capabilities for locating and troubleshooting problem areas in modern fiber-optic components and assemblies (such as splices, breaks, connectors, bends, and hot spots) in a compact design and a more powerful platform.

The OTDR has integrated distributed sensing capability that transforms standard telecom-grade fiber into a distributed strain and temperature sensor with applications in component manufacturing, installation, and maintenance testing for aerospace, mobile platforms, and secure networks.

The OBR 4400 features micrometer spatial resolution, increased range up to 2 km, sensitivity of -130 dB, and integrated distributed sensing capability. With the instrument, Luna says, users can greatly reduce design cycles in research and development by finding trouble spots before they propagate. Users can also increase quality and throughput in manufacturing with easy-to-use software options like Smart LightPath Analysis Software, which allows users to perform automated pass/fail testing of insertion and return loss of fiber-optic components and assemblies.

The integrated sensing capability gives users a more complete picture of what is happening in their networks. They can monitor the effects from component-level heating on optical amplifiers to strain and load redistribution in aircraft harnesses. Other applications include temperature monitoring inside cabinets and enclosures, as well as smart fiber location, allowing users to identify the location in fiber assemblies simply by touching the fiber.

"There really is no other tool on the market that gives such a complete and fundamental picture of what happens to light in an optical component, module or short network," comments Brian Soller, vice president and general manager of Luna Technologies. "The key element of the OBR 4400 is that this picture allows our customers to not only produce higher-quality products but differentiate those products in the marketplace from a quality and reliability perspective."

The OBR 4400 comes configured with an integrated internal tunable laser source and a laptop. It is currently available with an estimated 6-to-8-week delivery time.

SOURCE: Luna Innovations Inc.