A high-power optical power meter is used for testing optical transmit and receive power on "high-power" transmission systems. It can also be used for measuring cable loss and continuity, along with a suitable test source. It has a built-in attenuator in front of the optical detector.
"High-power" in this context, is any power above the measurement range of an equivalent non-attenuated power meter, typically +5 or +10 dBm.
A high-power optical power meter with a built-in attenuator has a few limitations:
Higher cost
Lower overall accuracy and measurement stability.
When used with a test source for loss and continuity testing, it has reduced Autotest and loss test range.
Worse wavelength sensitivity.
The greater the built-in attenuation, the more these effects will need consideration.
So, only specify a high-power meter where it is required to measure transmit power.
Kingfisher high power meters have a unique improved attenuator design, which delivers better overall accuracy than competing units, with superior control of unwanted reflections, polarization effects, wavelength sensitivity and heating sensitivity.
The highest power that it is posible to transmit on a singlemode fiber with typical connectors, is about +22 dBm. Power levels above this, can result in connector fracture due to localised heating. So:
Kingfisher +15 dBm capable power meters handle the majority of power levels on a single mode system that uses standard connectors. +20.6 dBm is typically the highest power level for ISO60825 laser safety Class 1M.
Kingfisher +24 dBm capable power meters will handle any single mode power level on a system that uses standard connectors. +27 dBm is typically the highest power level for ISO60825 laser safety Classes 3R and 3B.
Kingfisher +33 dBm capable power meters will handle single mode power levels on a system that is either all spliced, or uses special high power connectors, typically associated with pump laser power testing. For expert users only.
