A computer controlled spectro-radiometric instrument is described which permits the automated measurement of the spectral emittance of fiber pigtailed laser diodes or light emitting diodes in the 700nm to 1600nm spectral range, among other measurements. The Heliospec 2000 consists of two major parts; an instrument module, which contains the fiber ports and the electronically controlled scanning spectrometer, and a software package which converts a standard IBM or compatible personal computer into the instrument controller. All control functions are performed through a standard serial communications port.
The maximum resolution with laser diodes is 0.2nm, while a standard resolution of 2nm is used with light emitting diodes and other devices. The thermoelectrically cooled detector provides a noise equivalent power of at least -85dBm over the entire range. A unique fiber insertion system permits simple insertion of fibers either from connectorized or bare fiber pigtailed devices, with no adjustments required by the operator. Once the test proceedure has been defined by the initial interactive routine, the entire test and reporting process proceeds under computer control. Data output can be either in the form of complete reports on each device, including a wavelength vs spectral emission plot, or in the form of summary statistical reports for a batch of devices which have been measusred.
In addition to spectral emittance of sources, the instrument can also measure spectral response of detectors and spectral attenuation of fiber pigtailed devices, utilizing an internal broadband light source and dual beam optics. Devices incorporating all standard single mode and multimode fiber types, up to 200um core diameter and 0.3 NA, can be measured. Automated measurement and reporting proceedures are also provided for these measurements.