Fiber optic, photonic & electronic test & measurement
PFO / PE Fiberoptics

PMD500

Polarisation mode dispersion measurement system for fiber and cable manufacturing, offered in two measurement methods - scanning interferometry and dual-scan fixed analyser.

PMD500

Technical overview

The PMD500 covers the PMD range PFO says is encountered in fiber and cable manufacturing, quoting PMD values from 0.005 ps up to 60 ps with DGD scans available up to 200 ps. Two measurement methods are offered and can be combined in one instrument: a broad-band LED with a scanning interferometer for the wide PMD range, and a dual-scan fixed analyser that acquires polarised and reference signals simultaneously to halve measurement time. Broad-band SLED sources cover 1250-1650 nm. An ultra-low PMD option adds a reference bi-refringent crystal to shift the low-frequency component away from the self-masking zero point.

Features

  • Solid-state construction for stability, accuracy and low ownership cost
  • Broad-band SLED light sources with wide spectral coverage
  • Dual scan fixed analyser - simultaneous acquisition of polarised and reference signals, halving measurement time
  • Fully developed control software with user-programmable automated high-speed measurements
  • Applicable to most fiber types - standard, DS, NZDS, DC and specialty fibers
  • Variant: interferometry version using a broad-band LED and scanning interferometer
  • Variant: fixed analyser version for the standard (lower) fiber PMD range
  • Variant: dual method version covering the full PMD range in one instrument
  • Variant: ultra-low PMD option using a reference bi-refringent crystal
  • PECON instrument control software

Specifications

Specifications
ParameterValue
PMD measurement range0.005 to 60 ps
DGD scan range (available option)up to 200 ps
Spectral coverage (broad-band SLED sources)1250-1650 nm
Measurement methodsScanning interferometry and dual-scan fixed analyser (available separately or combined)
Standards complianceIEC-60793-1-48, ITU G650.2
Applicable fiber typesStandard, DS, NZDS, DC and specialty fibers
Source: https://pfoinstruments.com/products/pmd500/ · retrieved 2026-08-25
Specifications are reproduced from the manufacturer's own published material on the date shown and are subject to change. Confirm at order.

Applications

  • Polarisation mode dispersion measurement in fiber and cable manufacturing
  • Quality control of low-PMD fiber production (ultra-low PMD option)
  • DGD characterisation of specialty and high-PMD fibers
Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)

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