1550nm Single Mode Polarization Insensitive Optical Isolator
P/N: FIR-1550-SM-PI-OI|SKU: 10205
Total Price
$129.00 / unit
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1550nm Single Mode Polarization Insensitive Optical Isolator
The 1550nm Single Mode Polarization Insensitive Optical Isolator is an in-line passive fiber optic component designed to transmit light in the forward direction while suppressing unwanted back reflections toward the optical source. Centered at 1550 nm with an operating wavelength range of 1550 ±20 nm, it is well suited for C-band fiber optic systems, including optical amplifiers, DWDM transmission, fiber lasers, sensing systems, and optical test setups.
The 1550 nm region is widely used in fiber optic communication because it falls within the conventional telecom C-band, where standard single mode fiber provides low transmission loss and erbium-doped fiber amplifiers are commonly operated. In systems using lasers or optical amplifiers, reflections from connectors, splices, filters, or other optical components can propagate back toward the source and affect output stability. Installing an optical isolator helps reduce this backward-propagating light while maintaining efficient forward transmission.
Polarization-Insensitive Operation for Standard Single Mode Systems
Unlike a polarization maintaining optical isolator, this device is designed for systems in which the polarization state of the input light is not fixed. Its low polarization dependent loss of ≤0.2 dB helps maintain consistent optical performance as the polarization state varies in standard single mode fiber.
The isolator uses SMF-28e fiber and is available with 250 μm bare fiber or 900 μm loose tube pigtails. Connector options include LC, SC, FC, and ST with UPC or APC polishing, allowing the device to be integrated into a wide range of laboratory and fiber optic system configurations.
Single Stage or Dual Stage
Two isolation configurations are available depending on the required balance between insertion loss and back-reflection suppression.
Configuration | Insertion Loss | Isolation | Peak Isolation | Typical Selection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Single Stage | ≤0.5 dB | ≥32 dB | ≥45 dB | Lower-loss systems where moderate isolation is sufficient |
Dual Stage | ≤0.6 dB | ≥45 dB | ≥55 dB | Systems requiring stronger suppression of reflected light |
The single-stage version is generally preferred when minimizing insertion loss is the priority. The dual-stage version provides substantially higher isolation with only a small increase in insertion loss, making it more suitable for laser protection, optical amplifiers, and systems where back reflection must be more strongly suppressed. These values correspond directly to the specifications currently published on the product page.
Power and Configuration Options
The 1550nm polarization insensitive optical isolator is available with maximum CW optical power ratings of 0.5 W, 1 W, 2 W, or 5 W. Pigtail length, fiber protection, connector type, and single- or dual-stage configuration can be selected according to the optical system requirements.
With a compact Φ5.5 × L35 mm package, return loss of ≥50 dB, and operating temperature range of −5°C to +70°C, the isolator can be integrated into telecom, laboratory, amplifier, sensing, and laser systems where reliable 1550 nm optical isolation is required.
Specifications
Parameter | Unit | Value | |
|---|---|---|---|
Center Wavelength | nm | 1550 | |
Operating Wavelength Range | nm | ±20 | ±20 |
Single/Dual Stage | - | Single Stage | Dual Stage |
Peak Isolation | dB | ≥45 | ≥55 |
Isolation | dB | ≥32 | ≥45 |
Insertion Loss | dB | ≤0.5 | ≤0.6 |
Return Loss | dB | ≥50 | |
Polarization Dependent Loss | dB | ≤0.2 | |
Max Optical Power (CW) | W | 0.5/1/2/5 | |
Max Peak Power (Pulse) | KW | <1@ns pulse | |
Fiber Type | - | SMF-28e | |
Package Dimensions | mm | Φ5.5 x L35 | |
Operating Temperature | °C | -5 to +70 | |
Storage Temperature | °C | -40 to +85 | |
Notes: Tested at 25 °C. Data exclude connectors. Adding connectors will increase insertion loss by approximately 0.3 dB, reduce return loss by 5 dB.
Dimensions

FAQ
- Q: What is a 1550nm polarization insensitive optical isolator used for?
- A: A 1550nm polarization insensitive optical isolator is used to suppress backward-propagating light and optical reflections in 1550 nm single mode fiber systems. Typical applications include optical amplifiers, DWDM systems, 1550 nm laser systems, fiber sensing, and optical test equipment.
- Q: What is the operating wavelength range of this 1550nm optical isolator?
- A: The isolator is centered at 1550 nm and specified for an operating wavelength range of 1550 ±20 nm. For applications operating near the edge of this range, confirm the required insertion loss and isolation performance before ordering.
- Q: Should I choose a single-stage or dual-stage 1550nm optical isolator?
- A: Choose the single-stage version when lower insertion loss is the primary requirement. It provides insertion loss of ≤0.5 dB and isolation of ≥32 dB. Choose the dual-stage version when stronger suppression of back reflections is required; it provides isolation of ≥45 dB with insertion loss of ≤0.6 dB.
- Q: What is the difference between a polarization insensitive and polarization maintaining optical isolator?
- A: A polarization insensitive optical isolator is designed to operate with varying input polarization states and is typically used with standard single mode fiber. A polarization maintaining optical isolator is intended for polarization-sensitive systems where a defined linear polarization state must be maintained through PM fiber.
Questions & Answers
Does this isolator require any external power or control?
No. Optical isolators are passive devices and do not require any electrical power or external control.
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