An integrating sphere radiometer as a solution for high power calibrations in fibre optics

Abstract

This paper describes the design, characterization and calibration of a high power transfer standard for optical power measurements in optical fibres based on an integrating sphere radiometer. This radiometer, based on two detectors (Si and InGaAs), can measure powers between 100 nW and 10 W within the wavelength range of (400–1700) nm. The radiometer has been calibrated over the total spectral range of use against an electrically calibrated pyroelectric radiometer and different fibre laser diodes and ion lasers. The total uncertainty obtained is lower than ±1.5% for these wavelengths and power ranges (excluding the water absorption region).

Optimized All-Fiber Supercontinuum Source at 1.3 $\mu \hbox{m}$ Generated in a Stepwise Dispersion-Decreasing-Fiber Arrangement

“…The output spectrum of our source is analyzed by means of an optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) after passing through two couplers, which act uniquely as fixed attenuators. The input and output power is measured by means of an integrating sphere radiometer whose responsivity at 1100 nm is 6 x A/W with 1% uncertainty [20].…”

Optimization of pump wavelength for enhancing SC spectral broadening in silica fibers under CW-excitation

“…The output spectrum is finally analyzed by means of an optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) with a spectral resolution of 1 nm. The input and output power are measured by means of an integrating sphere radiometer whose responsivity is known in the whole tuning range with 1% uncertainty [9].…”

High spectral power density supercontinuum source at 1.3 µm suitable for optical coherence tomography applications

“…The output spectrum of our source is analyzed by means of an optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) after passing through two couplers, which act uniquely as fixed attenuators. The input and output power is measured by means of an integrating sphere radiometer whose responsivity at 1100 nm is 6 x 10 -4 A/W with 1% uncertainty [17].…”