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GoPhotonics has assembled a comprehensive selection of Optical Delay Lines from leading global manufacturers, offering high-performance solutions for applications such as radar calibration, interferometry, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and coherent communications. These devices enable accurate path-length adjustments and precise timing control, making them indispensable for research, testing, and signal processing environments.

The curated portfolio includes fiber-based and free-space delay lines. With capabilities ranging from microsecond delay tuning to differential polarization adjustment, users can explore a wide range of specifications and configurations to match their exact requirements.

OZ Optics: Differential Polarization Delay Lines for Telecommunications Applications

The Differential Polarization Delay Lines from OZ Optics are precision-engineered, electronically controlled device that dynamically adjusts the optical delay between two orthogonal polarization states within a single fiber. This advanced solution enables users to introduce up to ±50 ps of differential delay with exceptional resolution (sub-picosecond, as fine as 0.0027 ps) and outstanding repeatability (better than 0.05 ps) - making it ideal for polarization mode dispersion (PMD) compensation, PMD emulation, TDM bit alignment, interferometric sensing, and coherent telecom testing. Featuring low insertion loss (< 1.2 dB) and minimal polarization-dependent loss (< 0.25 dB), this compact unit supports a wide wavelength range (typically centered around 1550 nm) and offers both RS-232 and TTL control interfaces. Built-in home and end position sensors protect the device and simplify system integration, while custom configurations-including fiber jacket types, connector options, return-loss specifications, and pigtail lengths - are available to fit unique system requirements.

MKS I Newport: Motorized Variable Optical Delay Line

The MDL-2.6 FP-S from MKS I Newport is a Motorized Variable Optical Delay Line that offers precise optical delay control of up to 560 ps with outstanding accuracy and stability. Its motorized multi-pass design achieves ±3 µm (≈10 fs) positioning accuracy and resolution down to 1 fs, ensuring dependable performance for demanding applications such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), interferometry, pulse synchronization, and timing alignment. With low insertion loss (~1 dB) and minimal variation across the delay range, it maintains strong signal integrity for critical experiments and system integration. Designed for versatility, the delay line can be operated via front-panel controls or remotely through RS-232, supporting both standalone and automated setups. Features such as electronic backlash compensation, LCD readout in picoseconds or millimeters, and a relative zero-position reset enhance usability and precision. Compact, rugged, and available with standard FC/PC or FC/APC connectors, the MDL-2.6 FP-S is optimized for operation in the 1310-1550 nm wavelength range, handling up to 300 mW optical power while operating reliably between 0 °C and 40 °C.

RFOptic: X-Band Optical Delay Lines

The X-Band Optical Delay Lines from RFOptic provide precise true-time delay solutions for radar testing, calibration, and RF signal processing, covering delays from 1 ns to 500 µs with accuracy better than 0.5% and switching times as fast as 10 ms. Using low-loss single-mode fiber, they ensure exceptional repeatability and stable performance across X-Band frequencies. Available in single, multi-stage, progressive, and compact configurations, these delay lines offer flexible control through front-panel operation or remote USB, with advanced options such as RF amplification, amplitude control, and dual-path operation. Designed in rack-mount enclosures for reliability and easy integration, they operate seamlessly in demanding environments, making them ideal for high-frequency applications.

APE: High-Precision Optical Delay with Fast, Linear Scanning

The scanDelay USB by APE Angewandte Physik & Elektronik GmbH is a precision optical delay line offering selectable maximum scan ranges of 15 ps, 50 ps, or 150 ps, with impressive linearity better than 0.5%. Its free-space, benchtop design features a frictionless, spring-borne linear translation stage that delivers fast, wide-range scans without stick-slip artifacts, while real-time position feedback ensures exceptional scan-to-scan reproducibility. Equipped with both a built-in generator (0.1-20 Hz) and support for external triggering (0.01 Hz-20 Hz via USB or fast trigger input), it also integrates synchronized control via a USB interface and includes LabVIEW drivers for seamless software integration - ideal for applications like interferometers, pump–probe setups, correlators, and fast scanning modules.

Luna Optoelectronics: Manual Variable Optical Delay Line

The VDL-001 from Luna Optoelectronics is a Manual Variable Optical Delay Line that offers precision, user-friendly control over optical path delays - from 0 to 330 ps or 600 ps in single-pass configurations, and up to 1200 ps in double-pass setups, making it perfect for applications like OCT, interferometry, network timing, and laser system calibration. Featuring a compact, rugged design with a clear vernier scale (0.05 mm resolution) for intuitive manual adjustment, it is available with either single-mode or polarization-maintaining fiber pigtails. It delivers low insertion losses (nominally 1.0 dB for single-pass and 1.5 dB for double-pass), with minimal variation - ±0.3 dB for 330 ps, ±0.5 dB for 600 ps, and ±0.7 dB for 1200 ps - across the entire delay range; additionally, it supports ±50 nm operation around 840, 1060, 1310, or 1550 nm, return loss of ~50 dB, and over 300 mW power handling.

With these advanced optical delay line solutions from leading manufacturers, GoPhotonics continues to provide a comprehensive resource for researchers, engineers, and industry professionals seeking precision tools for timing control, interferometry, coherent communications, and optical testing. From compact manual designs to high-speed motorized and programmable systems, the curated portfolio ensures reliable performance across diverse photonics applications.