What are the key advantages of an SLED?
Answer
SLEDs provide a broadband optical power spectrum (low temporal coherence or small coherence length) at high power levels coupled into single-mode fiber. The small coherence length is particularly useful in all applications where unwanted interference effects may occur. An example of this type is the reduction of speckle effects in imaging applications when replacing the laser with an SLED.
In addition, SLEDs have a small form factor, are rugged and can be manufactured cost efficiently, while still offering superb performance. These unique properties enable SLEDs to be used in a number of different applications.
Due to their improved spectral performance, higher power levels and extended range of wavelengths, SLEDs are seeing a growth in the number of applications. These new applications range from scientific research to commercial applications. The applications for SLEDs will continue to grow as designers become more aware of the performance and cost improvements in today's SLEDs.
What are the advantages of SLEDs in FOG
The low temporal coherence is advantageous in applications where unwanted interference effects within the system can be a problem. An example is the Fiber Optic Gyroscope (FOG). Here, undesired interference effects from backreflections at the interface between internal fiber optic components and scattering effects along the fiber loop can be significantly reduced when replacing the laser source with an SLED.
What are the advantages of SLEDs in OCT
SLEDs also provide advantages in interferometric applications, where the short coherence length of the SLED enables the localization of a reflective point with high accuracy. The SLEDs short coherence length property enables high-resolution imaging systems such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) equipment to be built. Several companies are now offering OCT instrumentsquipment for both medial and industrial applications.
What are the advantages of SLEDs in fiber based sensors
Further, SLEDs are being employed in fiber optic sensing systems based on Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG). In the simplest case, an SLED is illuminating an array of FBGs that have been written along a single optical fiber. Each FBG is characterized by its own Bragg wavelength and can be identified in the system by spectrally resolving the return signal using an Optical Spectrum Analyzer. Strain and/or temperature changes at the location of individual FBGs are measured as shifts in the Bragg wavelength of the corresponding FBG. The wide bandwidth of SLEDs allows a large number of FBGs to be addressed simultaneously.
In addition, optical component manufacturers are increasingly using SLEDs for the characterization of WDM components as they offer the best choice between measurement speed, accuracy and cost.
In addition, SLEDs have a small form factor, are rugged and can be manufactured cost efficiently, while still offering superb performance. These unique properties enable SLEDs to be used in a number of different applications.
Due to their improved spectral performance, higher power levels and extended range of wavelengths, SLEDs are seeing a growth in the number of applications. These new applications range from scientific research to commercial applications. The applications for SLEDs will continue to grow as designers become more aware of the performance and cost improvements in today's SLEDs.
What are the advantages of SLEDs in FOG
The low temporal coherence is advantageous in applications where unwanted interference effects within the system can be a problem. An example is the Fiber Optic Gyroscope (FOG). Here, undesired interference effects from backreflections at the interface between internal fiber optic components and scattering effects along the fiber loop can be significantly reduced when replacing the laser source with an SLED.
What are the advantages of SLEDs in OCT
SLEDs also provide advantages in interferometric applications, where the short coherence length of the SLED enables the localization of a reflective point with high accuracy. The SLEDs short coherence length property enables high-resolution imaging systems such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) equipment to be built. Several companies are now offering OCT instrumentsquipment for both medial and industrial applications.
What are the advantages of SLEDs in fiber based sensors
Further, SLEDs are being employed in fiber optic sensing systems based on Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG). In the simplest case, an SLED is illuminating an array of FBGs that have been written along a single optical fiber. Each FBG is characterized by its own Bragg wavelength and can be identified in the system by spectrally resolving the return signal using an Optical Spectrum Analyzer. Strain and/or temperature changes at the location of individual FBGs are measured as shifts in the Bragg wavelength of the corresponding FBG. The wide bandwidth of SLEDs allows a large number of FBGs to be addressed simultaneously.
In addition, optical component manufacturers are increasingly using SLEDs for the characterization of WDM components as they offer the best choice between measurement speed, accuracy and cost.