England’s NPL Uses Arden Conditioners for PhotInd Metrology Project

As part of PhotInd, the European project for metrology for the photonics industry, the UK’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is developing new metrology techniques for embedded waveguides on electro optic circuit boards (EOCBs) using Arden Photonics Ltd.'s ModCon Modal Conditioners.

EOCBs are high- speed, short-range optical interconnects capable of 40 Gb/s or more and used in data storage and cloud data centers. The transmission parameters of these multimode waveguides require close understanding and control of the launch conditions. Arden Photonics' ModCon Modal Conditioners are being used on NPL's variable launch system to control and characterize the launch profile in line with IEC standards.

Additionally, measurements of encircled flux on EOCBs are being carried out with an Arden MPX Modal Explorer to assess the modal distribution of the variable launch system and the functional performance of particular waveguides under different environmental conditions. Throughout the project, Arden has also been providing support and advice on the measurement setup and interpretation of the results.

Arden Photonics is a developer of measurement, optical and laser devices. The National Physical Laboratory is the UK's national measurement institute. PhotInd, part of the European Metrology Program for Innovation and Research aims to develop characterization and calibration techniques for photonic components and devices in both optical fibers and waveguides.