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Products Home / Fiber Fusion Splicers and Processing Equipment / Portable Connector End Face Geometry InterferometerPortable Connector End Face Geometry Interferometer
- Automated, Compact Interferometer Controlled through USB Port
- Precise, Fast Measurements of Radius of Curvature, Apex Offset, and Fiber Height
- User-Friendly Software Compatible with Windows® 7, 8, or 10
CC6000
Pass/Fail Limit Regions Streamline Production Line Integration
3D View Provides Intuitive Understanding of Geometry
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This portable interferometer, with integrated carrying handle, is designed for use in production as well as the field.
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The included software's Live View allows a user to adjust focus in real time for maximum contrast, ensuring high accuracy and quick measurement time.
| Item # | CC6000 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Measurement Specifications | Range | Repeatabilitya | Reproducibilityb |
| Radius of Curvature | 3 - 50 mm | 1% | 2% |
| Apex Offset | 0 µm - 100 µm | 2 µm | 4 µm |
| Spherical Fiber Height | ±160 nm | 5 nm | 10 nm |
| Interferometer Specifications | |||
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 13.9" x 8.8" x 5.9" | ||
| Light Source | LED (660 nm) | ||
| Camera Sensor | CCD, 5.79 mm x 4.89 mm Sensing Area | ||
| Measurement Lateral Resolution | 1 µm | ||
| Magnification | 10X Objective | ||
| Field of View (H x V) | 358 µm x 336 µm | ||
| Computer Minimum Requirements | |||
| Speed | Pentium IV 1.5 GHz | ||
| USB | 2.0 | ||
| Operating System | Microsoft® Windows® 7 | ||
| RAM | 1 GB | ||
Features
- Automated, Non-Contact Analysis of Single-Fiber Connector End Faces
- Quickly Measure Radius of Curvature, Apex Offset of Polish, and Fiber Undercut or Protrusion
- Minimal Need for Refocusing Coupled with No Regularly Moving Components
- Software can be Installed on PC (Not Included) with Windows® 7 or Higher
- Interchangeable Mounts for Ø1.25 mm to Ø2.50 mm Ferrule, PC or APC, Single-Fiber Connectors
Thorlabs’ Vytran® Connect-Chek™ Interferometer automatically and precisely measures radius of curvature, apex offset of polish, and fiber undercut or protrusion on any PC or APC, single-fiber connector. The CC6000 interferometer uses a non-contact tilted-phase-analysis technique for fast, reliable measurements of connector end faces. This compact interferometer has a carrying handle and must be attached to a desktop or laptop computer (not included) with a standard USB 2.0 port for operation. The included CC6000 software, which is used to control the interferometer, can be installed on a computer with the minimum requirements in the table below. Designed for use in both the factory and the field, this interferometer provides crucial quality information needed to assure long-term performance of fiber optic connectors. One CC250P Mount for Ø2.50 mm PC Connectors and one RT250P Reference Tool for calibrating the CC250P mount are included with the CC6000 interferometer; mounts and reference tools that enable measurement of other PC or APC, single-fiber connectors are available separately below. When used with an appropriate mount for APC connectors, the CC6000 interferometer is also capable of measuring the APC angle and key error.
Software Interface
The user-friendly software allows anyone with minimal experience to accurately measure the end face geometry of a fiber optic connector. After performing a non-contact interferometric measurement of the fiber optic connector end face, the CC6000 interferometer will automatically generate a 3D image showing the measured radius of curvature, apex offset, and fiber height. This immediate visual feedback on the endface geometry of the connector aids users in understanding quality control and quality assurance issues, allowing them to get the most from their high performance fiber optic connectors. The software's user interface is simple and easy to learn, with every option visible under intuitive Menu Tabs. Measure, Setup, Calibration, or History windows can be brought up with a few clicks. Preset scan criteria can be loaded to allow pass/fail measurements of PC connectors using IEC, Telcordia, or your own custom standards. Data can be saved to an Excel file in any directory locally or on a network and is also saved on a SQL database. See the Software tab for more details.
Tilted Phase Analysis
The CC6000 Connect-Chek™ interferometer uses a unique tilted phase analysis, in which the connector is held at a slight tilted angle so that interferometry produces circular fringes across the connector end face. This interferometry provides all the information needed to measure the connector without the need for costly phase-shifting devices. After a simple calibration to measure the tilt, the spherical radius of curvature, spherical fiber height, and apex offset of the connector are calculated using advanced algorithms (see the Measurement tab for more details). An added advantage of tilted phase analysis is that any small angle is suitable, so no mechanical adjustments are required. This lack of mechanical adjustment enables the measurements to be as fast as 1 second and the device to be easily maintained.
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Diagram showing apex offset of polish.
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Diagram showing radius of curvature and spherical fiber height.
Single-Fiber Measurement
Interferometry creates a circular fringe pattern on the connector, which may be visualized as a topographical map of the surface. Each fringe is a half-wavelength distance above or below adjacent fringes, showing the height difference across the surface. Definitions and measurement methods for each of the measured values are described below. For more information on reading interferograms, see the Interferograms tab.
Radius of Curvature
Radius of curvature is the average curvature radius (in mm) of the connector end face. It is defined as the radius of the best-fit curvature over the specified fitting area, calculated by using a least-squares method. Although typically a sphere is the best-fit model, an ellipsoid may be used for high or low radius of curvature.
The spherical radius of curvature is directly correlated to the diameter and spacing of the circular fringe patterns generated by the interferometer.
Spherical Fiber Height
Fiber height is the amount of undercut or protrusion (in nm) of the fiber in the connector. It is defined as the difference between the height at the center of the fiber and the spherically projected height of the ferrule at the same location.
When the connector is tilted slightly off axis, any changes in the circular fringe pattern at the boundary between fiber and ferrule is an indication of fiber protrusion or undercut. These changes are proportional to a change in fiber height, allowing the unique algorithms of the CC6000 software to take advantage of this information to measure the spherical fiber height.
Apex Offset
The apex offset is defined as the difference between the apex of the ferrule's spherical end face and the center of the fiber. As seen in the image to the right, the apex offset can be quantified as a linear distance offset (in µm).
When the connector is perpendicular to the optical path, as in a traditional interferometer, the apex offset is the distance from the center of the fiber to the highest point of the polish. The CC6000 interferometer is able to calculate the apex offset of the polish even in the preset tilted position of the connector. Rotating the connector will not change the offset measurements because the center of the fiber is the center of rotation for the ferrule. If the connector is held in a tilted position relative to the optical path, the apex offset is the distance from the center of rotation to the highest point of the polish.
The CC6000 Portable Interferometer includes a measurement software program that must be installed and run on computers with Windows® 7, 8, or 10 and a USB 2.0 port. The software is navigated with an intuitive structure of menus and tabs, keeping essential tools in the forefront. Measurements can be taken in as little as 1 second, displaying "Pass" or "Fail" above the measured values for efficient production line use. Alternatively, for more detailed examination, a user can switch to the 3D view and show results in Scale Mode to see indicators showing the pass/fail limits. Administrator-level users have control of almost all software functions, including calibration capabilities and program configurations. Operator-level users can load pre-set configurations by clicking on the Load Settings button. By default, the data is saved to an Excel file in any directory locally or on a network, and also saved to a SQL database. Measurements for each connector can then be selected in the software for printing in a custom report. Below are a several sample screenshots showing some of the key features of the CC6000 software.
Software Features
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Live View
The Live View tab shows the interferogram generated by the CC6000 light source, with key measurement regions, fiber center, and apex of polish overlayed. This tab is used for focusing the interferometer prior to measurements.
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3D View
The 3D View tab displays a software-computed model of the connector end face, generated from the measured connector parameters. This 3D view can be rotated and zoomed, enabling an interactive, intuitive perception of the connector end face.
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Measurement Regions Control
Users have a high level of customization regarding the measurement process, including configuration of the regions used for measurement, as shown above.
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Results Tab, Value Mode (APC Connector)
This value-based display of the results allows for a quick reading; criteria that pass will be green, while those that fail will be shown in red.
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Results Tab, Scale Mode (APC Connector)
This scale-based display of the results enables quick visual assessment of the results with respect to their limits; users may see the trend of successive measurements and adjust their process to prevent failed connectors.
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Generate Report Window
Printed reports can be customized with company information, logo, and operator ID. The range of scans to be printed can be selected using a variety of fields such as connector ID, operator ID, and date.
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Sample Report
Each printed report contains a 3D view of the connector, the key measurement parameters, and various additional information as determined by the user.
Front and Back Panels
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Front Panel
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Back Panel
| Front Panel | |
|---|---|
| Callout | Description |
| F1 | Power On/Off Status Lamp |
| F2 | Power Switch |
| F3 | Connector Fixture |
| F4 | Connector FIxture Locking Lever |
| F5 | Focus Adjustment |
| Back Panel | |
|---|---|
| Callout | Description |
| B1 | Ferrules Material Switch (1 - Ceramic, 2 - Metal), Provides Coarse Brightness Adjustment |
| B2 | Illumination Gain Adjuster, Provides Fine Brightness Adjustment |
| B3 | +12 VDC Power Input |
| B4 | USB 2.0 Type B Port |
Reading Fiber Optic Interferograms
Inspection interferometers split light from a source between a reference flat and a surface under test. By recombining the beams of the reference arm and sample arm, an interference pattern is created allowing imperfections in a fiber tip to be inspected without making physical contact.
When produced perfectly, fibers are polished to match the height, curvature, and angle of their ferrule tip. With no imperfections, the fiber end face will seamlessly match the rest of the ferrule tip. This interferogram will be a bullseye of alternating constructive and destructive interference, or fringes (Figure 1). The location of the fiber end is marked in green on the fiber schematics and circled in green on the interferograms. Note that the fiber is not perfectly centered in the ferrule. There will be a small offset between the fiber center and the apex of polish; often, an off-center fiber can make disturbances in the interferogram easier to see, as the fiber interacts with more fringes.
Deviations from an ideal polish will result in visible distortions within the green-circled region of the interferogram. If a fiber end protrudes past the surface of the ferrule, the interferogram will show a distortion that advances the fringe pattern away from the ferrule's apex of curvature (Figure 2). If a fiber end is undercut, the interferogram will show a distortion with retreats from the apex of curvature (Figure 3). An undercut fiber could collect dust, which will either absorb or scatter light, causing dots to appear in the interferogram (Figure 4). If a fiber end has shattered in the polishing process, the interferogram will be highly irregular (Figure 5).
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ZoomComponents Included
- CC6000 Connector End Face Geometry Interferometer
- External Power Supply
- Region-Specific Power Cord
- End Face Geometry Measurement Software*
- Operation Manual
- CC250P Mount for Ø2.5 mm PC Connectors
- RT250P Reference Tool for Calibration of Mount
- Fiber Connector Cleaner
Optional Purchases
- Locking V-Groove Mounts
- Reference Tools
*Computer with USB 2.0 port required for operation (not included). See minimum requirements in the Overview tab.
- Robust, Compact Construction
- Integrated Carrying Handle for Ease of Transport
- Recalibration Only Needed after Attaching Mount
- Additional Mounts and Reference Tools Sold Below
The CC6000 Portable Interferometer is a compact unit for non-contact analysis of connector end face geometry. It is shipped with all the items described to the right, allowing for measurements of 2.5 mm PC connectors once connected to a computer (not included) with the minimum requirements described in the Overview tab. To measure a wide variety of other connector types, additional locking V-groove mounts must be purchased, for which a corresponding reference tool is needed for calibration (see table below). The CC6000 interferometer will measure the radius of curvature, apex offset, and fiber height of all connectors. For APC connectors, the CC6000 interferometer can also measure the APC angle and the key error.
The CC6000 interferometer is designed for accurate measurements in production or field environments. Precision offset measurements are facilitated by our locking v-groove mount (sold below) which holds the connector in an exact, repeatable position during calibration and measurement. The system has been optimized to provide maximum stability, eliminating the need for recalibration except when reattaching or exchanging mounts. Refocusing is also reduced with no regularly moving components and limited exposure of optical components to environmental contamination.
| Mount and Reference Tool Selection Guide | ||
|---|---|---|
| Locking V-Groove Mount Item # |
Compatible Connector Type | Required Reference Tool Item # |
| CC125LP | Ø1.25 mm Ferrule LC/PC Connectors | RT125P |
| CCDUPLP | Ø1.25 mm Ferrule Duplex LC/PC Connectors | RT125P |
| CCLMFA | Ø1.25 mm Ferrule LC/MU/F3000 APC Connectors | RT125A |
| CC125LAF | Ø1.25 mm Ferrule LC/APC Connectors (Flex Mount) | RT125A |
| CC125LA | Ø1.25 mm Ferrule Luxcis APC Connectors | RT125LA |
| CC158P | Ø1.58 mm Ferrule PC Connectors | RT158P |
| CC200P | Ø2.00 mm Ferrule PC Connectors | RT200P |
| CC200A | Ø2.00 mm Ferrule APC Connectors | RT200A |
| CC250P | Ø2.50 mm Ferrule PC Connectors | RT250P |
| CCDUPSP | Ø2.50 mm Ferrule Duplex SC/PC Connectors | RT250P |
| CC250A | Ø2.50 mm Ferrule FC/APC Connectors | RT250SA |
| CCE20A | Ø2.50 mm Ferrule E2000 APC Connectors | RT250SA |
| CC250SA | Ø2.50 mm Ferrule SC/APC Connectors | RT250SA |
| CC250SAF | Ø2.50 mm Ferrule SC/APC Connectors (Flex Mount) | RT250SA |
| CC250SA9 | Ø2.50 mm Ferrule 9° SC/APC Connectors | RT250SA9 |
- Mounts for Connectors with Ø1.25 to Ø2.5 mm Ferrules
- Each Mount Requires Calibration with Reference Tool (Sold Separately Below)
- Locking V-Groove Design Ensures Stable, Repeatable Connection
The Locking V-Groove Mounts sold below can be swapped out for the Ø2.5 mm PC mount that comes standard with the CC6000 portable interferometer, allowing a wide variety of connectors to be tested with the CC6000 interferometer. For each insertion of a mount, a calibration must be performed using the corresponding reference tool sold below. Once this calibration is performed on a mount, the measurements can be accurately calculated for all connectors measured in that mount.
The table to the right provides a guide for choosing the right mount and reference tool for each type of connector. For more help, contact Tech Support.
- Reference Tools for Calibrating Locking V-Groove Mounts
- Simple, Accurate Calibration Process
The Reference Tools sold below are designed to be used for calibration of the locking V-groove mounts used with the CC6000 interferometer (sold above). The RT250P reference tool is shipped with the CC6000 interferometer for use with the default CC250P mount. The table above serves as a guide for purchasing the appropriate reference tool for any additional mounts purchased. For more help, contact Tech Support.
 Portable End Face Geometry Interferometer |
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