Delay Line

Why Use a Variable Optical Delay Line?

YESWEHAVE Variable Optical Delay Lines are designed to precisely control optical path length, enabling accurate timing alignment and stable interference in fiber optic systems. They are an essential component wherever optical path compensation and delay adjustment are required.

Key Advantages:

1. Precise optical path length adjustment 

2. Optical path difference (OPD) compensation 

3. Accurate timing alignment and synchronization 

4. Stable interferometric measurements 

5. Compact design for easy system integration

The Applications of Variable Optical Delay Lines

1. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

In OCT systems, stable interference can only be achieved when the optical path lengths of the reference and sample arms are properly matched. Variable Optical Delay Lines are used in the reference arm to precisely balance the optical path, enabling high-resolution depth imaging.

2. Fiber Interferometers

Fiber interferometers rely on precise optical path matching between two interferometer arms. Variable Optical Delay Lines compensate for optical path differences, ensuring stable phase control and repeatable interference measurements.

3. Optical Testing & Metrology

During optical testing and system characterization, adjustable optical delay is often required to calibrate optical path differences and synchronize signals. Variable Optical Delay Lines provide a flexible and repeatable method for precision optical measurements.

4. Fiber Optic Sensing

In interferometric fiber sensing systems, Variable Optical Delay Lines compensate for optical path differences, improving measurement repeatability and supporting accurate sensor characterization.

Manual vs. Motorized Versions

Whether for laboratory research or automated measurement systems, YESWEHAVE offers both manual and motorized Variable Optical Delay Lines to meet different operational requirements.

Manual Version

Suitable for applications where the optical delay is adjusted occasionally and does not require automation.

Key features include:

1. Manual delay adjustment

2. Simple operation

3. Cost-effective design

4. No controller required

Motorized Version

Designed for applications requiring automated positioning, programmable control, or repeated delay adjustment.

Key features include:

1. Computer-controlled positioning

2. Remote operation

3. High repeatability

4. Supports automated scanning

How Does It Work?

The optical signal is collimated into a free-space path, where the optical delay is adjusted by changing the propagation distance before being coupled back into the output fiber. This design delivers precise delay control while maintaining low insertion loss and high system stability.