Selection of Dedicated Fiber Optic Handheld Light Sources for Field Operations

Handheld fiber optic light sources are essential for field testing, offering portability, multi-wavelength support, and high stability for accurate fiber continuity and loss measurements.

Key Considerations for Field Selection

Portability and Ruggedness: Field operations require compact, lightweight, and durable devices. Models like the SmartPocket OLS-3xV2 and AFL FlowScout OLS8 are designed for easy transport and robust use in outdoor or industrial environments, with long battery life to support extended testing sessions. Wavelength Options: Multi-wavelength capability is critical for testing both single-mode (SM) and multimode (MM) fibers.

Common field wavelengths include 650 nm, 850 nm, 1300 nm, 1310 nm, and 1550 nm. Devices such as the GAO Tek Multi-Wavelength Optical Light Source and VIAVI OLS-85 provide selectable wavelengths for insertion loss and continuity testing. Output Stability and Accuracy: Stable optical output ensures reliable measurements.

High-stability laser sources, like those in GAO Tek and AFL FlowScout OLS8, minimize fluctuations, improving the accuracy of link loss and continuity tests. Compatibility with Power Meters: Handheld light sources are often paired with optical power meters for comprehensive testing. For example, VIAVI OLS-85 works seamlessly with OLP-85/OLP-85P meters, while SmartPocket OLS complements OLP-3xV2 meters for field insertion loss measurements.

Ease of Use and Features: Field devices should offer intuitive interfaces, single-button operation, and quick wavelength switching. Advanced models like AFL FlowScout OLS8 include color touchscreens, Wave ID technology for automatic wavelength encoding, and real-time reporting capabilities, streamlining field testing and documentation. Application Suitability: Choose devices based on network type and testing requirements: FTTH, PON, and LAN networks: Compact multi-wavelength sources with modulated output for insertion loss and continuity checks.

Metro and long-haul networks: High-stability sources with precise wavelength control for accurate link characterization. Data centers: Portable, inspection-ready sources for rapid testing and certification. Recommended Field Handheld Light SourcesVIAVI SmartClass Fiber OLS-85: Versatile, compact, inspection-ready, ideal for SM/MM fiber testing and network certification.

EXF

O FLS-600 Series: Offers laser and LED models with controlled launch conditions for accurate multimode fiber testing.

GAO Tek Multi-

Wavelength Optical Light Source: Portable, high-stability, supports 1–4 wavelengths for SM/MM fibers.

AFL Flow

Scout OLS8: Robust, long battery life, Wave ID technology, touchscreen interface, suitable for enterprise LAN, FTTH, and DWDM networks.

Conclusion

Selecting a dedicated handheld fiber optic light source for field operations requires balancing portability, wavelength versatility, output stability, and compatibility with power meters. Devices like VIAVI OLS-85, GAO Tek multi-wavelength sources, and AFL FlowScout OLS8 provide reliable, field-ready solutions for a wide range of fiber optic testing applications, ensuring accurate and efficient network maintenance and troubleshooting.