Ferret II Plus - Spectral Scanning PC Card

Research International has developed a PC-based high-resolution, narrow waveband, spectral scanner, the Ferret II Plus, that is ideal for the interrogation of any single- or multi-mode fiber optic sensor with a reflectance spectrum containing one or more sharp lines. The Ferret works especially well with sensors based on fiber optic Bragg gratings. The card continuously scans the spectrum of a long-lived LED, used as the light source, and measures the wavelength of reflectance peaks found in the recovered signal. PC-resident software converts changes in the wavelength of these reflectance peaks into values of the measured parameter, based on a calibration curve, and displays the data in real time on the video display of the PC. The Ferret, using appropriate fiber sensors, has demonstrated the capability to monitor strain to levels below 1 microstrain, temperature to 0.05°C, and pressure to 0.025% of full scale.

For more information on interrogating Bragg gratings visit Blue Road Research at www.bluerr.com.

Ferret II Plus™ System Specifications
Characteristic	Description
Operating Wavelength	1,300 or 1,550 nm
Spectral Window	10 – 100 nm full width
Scanner Finesse	600 – 800 typical
Resolution	0.025% of full-scale
Measurement Rate	100 samples per sec
Number of Spectral Anomalies Simultaneously Tracked	Four anomalies per fiber; up to 10 fibers with optional fiber optic switch.
Optical Detection	Proprietary ratiometric system with spectral auto-correction.
Optical Fiber Type	SMF-28 singlemode or multimode.
Sensor Requirements	Sensor reflectance is > 50% at peak; FWHM > 0.2 nm for Bragg gratings.
Fiber Connector	FC/PC standard; other styles available.
Data Display	Real-time plot and numeric values.
Sensor Calibration	Five curve-fit options.
Warm-Up Time	15 min
Internal Calibration	Three internal spectral references with auto correction for drift.
Host Hardware Requirements	Windows® 95 compatible computer.
Physical Size	Full-length PC bus slot card.
Data Output	CRT, diskette, printer, or RS-232.

Research International reserves the right to change specifications on any of the devices mentioned without prior notification.

Ferret II Plus™