Variable Optical Delay – Motor Driven(High Precision 0.1mm, High Speed , Dealy Up To 4000ps, 500- 2000nm SM, PM, MM, Bidirectional)
DATASHEET
The MDTD Series of Variable Optical Time Delay uses a highly stable moving
stage with a novel backlash prevention mechanism and incorporates proprietary
optical encoders, offering submicron repeatability, long delay range, low loss, highspeed, and compatibility with all wavelengths and all type fibers including SM, MM,and PM. It consists of two specially designed low-loss collimators, through whichlight from an input fiber is projected into free space, reflected by a movable
retroreflector, and collected by an output fiber collimator. The variable time delay isachieved by adjusting the distance the light travels in free space. A precision step
motor with adjustable speed moves the retroreflector. Conveniently, the device canbe controlled via a computer using a USB cable interface, with graphical control
software provided for intuitive operation.

Specifications
Parameter
Operation Central Wavelength
Wavelength Range

Features◼ Low CostInsertion Loss [1][2]◼ Low Loss◼ Fast◼ Wide Range◼ High Resolution

Max Speed [3]◼ Easy to Use

Applications◼ PMD Compensation◼ OCT◼ Interferometer◼ Spectroscopy◼ Lab use

TypicalMax

Unit

500

1550

2000±501.01.0
1.55.5nm
nm

1.6
1.8
2.8
7

330ps
660ps
1200ps4000psReturn Loss [2]Loss Change
PDL (SM Fiber)◼ High Reliability

Min

55
0.3
330ps
660ps
1200ps4000psRepeatability
Polarization Extinction Ratio (PM Fiber)
Delay Resolution
Optical Power Handling
Durability (Life cycle)
Operating Temperature
Storage Temperature
Fiber Type

18~67~130~240~450
12210.5 [4]1060-40

0.50.2dBdBdBdB

ps/s

3405psdBfsW

7085°C°C

SM, PM, MMNotes:[1]. Excludes connectors, Measured at 1550 nm[2]. Tested with SM and PM fiber version only. For MM version, IL highly depends on
CPR of light source and delay range, minimum RL 35dB.
[3]. Speed Variable with GUI setting[4]. For fiber core size >9 µm. For fiber core size <9 µm, the power handling reduces.
High Power version available upon request

Equation to convert delay time to free space length:
T = L/C = L (m)/(2.9996x108m/s)

Legal notices: All product information is believed to be accurate and is subject to change without notice. Information contained herein shall legally bind Agiltron only if itis specifically incorporated into the terms and conditions of a sales agreement. Some specific combinations of options may not be available. The user assumes all risks
and liability whatsoever in connection with the use of a product or its application.

Rev 05/09/24

Information contained herein is deemed to be reliable and accurate as of the issue date. Photonwares reserves the right to change the design or specifications at any time without notice.
Agiltron is a registered trademark of Photonwares Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

Variable Optical Delay – Motor Driven(High Precision 0.1mm, High Speed , Dealy Up To 4000ps, 500- 2000nm SM, PM, MM, Bidirectional)
DATASHEETElectrical Driving Requirement
USB and RS232 interfaces and WindowsTM GUI software.

Mechanical Dimensions (Unit: mm) (1200ps version)
520

Front panel

Right side panel

INOUT

Left side panel

Top panel*Product dimensions may change without notice. This is sometimes required for non-standard specifications.

Ordering Information System01□□□□□□□PrefixTypeWavelength

Minimum Step

Power

Fiber TypeFiber cable *Max DelayConnector

MDTD-Motorized = 01

SMF-28 = 1Hi1060 = 2PM1550 = B
50/125 = 562.5/125 = 6780HP = 7PM780 = C
SM800 = 8SM980 = 9PM980 = D
SM1950 = A
PM1950 = E

Non = 1900um tube = 33mm jacket = 4Special = 0330ps = 1660ps = 21200ps = 33000ps = 44000ps = 5488 = 4532 = 5650 = 6780 = 7850 = 8980 = 91060 = 11310 = 31550 = C
2000 = 2Special = 08fs = 11fs = 20.5W = 15W = 210W = 3FC/PC = 2FC/APC = 3SC/PC = 4SC/APC = 5ST/PC = 6LC/PC = 7LC/APC = 8LC/UPC = USpecial = 0* Default is two connectors on the box. Fiber cables are paired, each 1m in length, both ends with the same connector type
Use “0” for special needs and describe all details clearly in the PO.

Information contained herein is deemed to be reliable and accurate as of the issue date. Photonwares reserves the right to change the design or specifications at any time without notice.
Agiltron is a registered trademark of Photonwares Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

Variable Optical Delay – Motor Driven(High Precision 0.1mm, High Speed , Dealy Up To 4000ps, 500- 2000nm SM, PM, MM, Bidirectional)
DATASHEET

Application Notes
Fiber Core Alignment
Note that the minimum attenuation for these devices depends on excellent core-to-core alignment when the connectors are mated.
This is crucial for shorter wavelengths with smaller fiber core diameters that can increase the loss of many decibels above thespecification if they are not perfectly aligned. Different vendors' connectors may not mate well with each other, especially for angled
APC.
Fiber Cleanliness
Fibers with smaller core diameters (<5 μm) must be kept extremely clean, contamination at fiber-fiber interfaces, combined with thehigh optical power density, can lead to significant optical damage. This type of damage usually requires re-polishing or replacementof the connector.
Maximum Optical Input PowerDue to their small fiber core diameters for short wavelength and high photon energies, the damage thresholds for device issubstantially reduced than the common 1550nm fiber. To avoid damage to the exposed fiber end faces and internal components, theoptical input power should never exceed 20 mW for wavelengths shorter 650nm. We produce a special version to increase the how
handling by expanding the core side at the fiber ends.

Information contained herein is deemed to be reliable and accurate as of the issue date. Photonwares reserves the right to change the design or specifications at any time without notice.
Agiltron is a registered trademark of Photonwares Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

Variable Optical Delay – Motor Driven(High Precision 0.1mm, High Speed , Dealy Up To 4000ps, 500- 2000nm SM, PM, MM, Bidirectional)
DATASHEET

Delay Line Control (via Windows GUI):

Control via Windows GUI:
1.

Set Target Position(mm/pSec)
Simply enter the exact number of position(mm) or delay time(pSec) in the text box or drag the slider. Then, click on “Move” button
to move the device to target position.

2.

Homing the device
If the number is not correct, the device needs a homing calibration. Simply click on “Home” button.

3.

Scan Function
Drag the slider to the target position/delay time, then click on “Set Ref x”(x = 1,2). Ref x (x = 1,2) will be set.

“Goto Ref x” Button will allow you to move the device to Ref x.
You can decide the step length for this scan and delay dwell time for each step. Repetition times can also be set. Click on “Start Scan”
will start current scan process. “Pause Scan” will pause current scan, and you can resume the scan after it being paused.

Information contained herein is deemed to be reliable and accurate as of the issue date. Photonwares reserves the right to change the design or specifications at any time without notice.
Agiltron is a registered trademark of Photonwares Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

Variable Optical Delay – Motor Driven(High Precision 0.1mm, High Speed , Dealy Up To 4000ps, 500- 2000nm SM, PM, MM, Bidirectional)
DATASHEET

Delay Line Control (via UART command (in HEX))

Control via UART command (in HEX):
1.

The baud rate setting is 9600-N-8-1.
Set Motor Stage Target Position
CMD: 0x01 0x14 <Pos highest byte> <Pos higher byte> <Pos lower byte> <Pos lowest byte>
RTN: 0x01 0x14 <Pos highest byte> <Pos higher byte> <Pos lower byte> <Pos lowest byte>
Example: 0x01 0x14 0x00 0x01 0x38 0x80 -> set device to 80000 position
For 330 ps device, the position range is 0-80000. 0 means relative 0 psec. 80000 means relative 333 psec.
For 660 ps device, the position range is 0-160000. 0 means relative 0 psec, 160000 means relative 666 ps.
For 1200 ps device, the position range is 0- 288000. 0 means relative 0 psec, 288000 means relative 1200 ps.

2.

Read Motor Stage Target Position
CMD: 0x01 0x15 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00
RTN: 0x01 0x15 <Pos highest byte> <Pos higher byte> <Pos lower byte> <Pos lowest byte>

3.

Check Motor Stage Current Position
CMD: 0x01 0x16 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00
RTN: 0x01 0x16 <CurP highest byte> <CurP higher byte> <CurP lower byte> <CurP lowest byte>

4.

Homing Calibration
CMD: 0x01 0x20 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00
RTN: 0x01 0x20 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00

5.

Check Homing Status
CMD: 0x01 0x21 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x00
RTN: 0x01 0x21 0x00 0x00 0x00 <Status Byte><Status Byte>: 0 – Homing complete, 1 – Homing incomplete

Information contained herein is deemed to be reliable and accurate as of the issue date. Photonwares reserves the right to change the design or specifications at any time without notice.
Agiltron is a registered trademark of Photonwares Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.