Photonics
Photonics encompasses the generation, transmission and measurement of light. METAS ensures national metrological traceability for optical power, wavelength and other quantities of fibre optic technology and offers calibrations and artefacts.
Photonics in everyday life
Photonics deals with the generation, transmission and control of light (photons). One of its most important applications is fibre optic technology, which forms the basis of modern communication networks. It enables the transfer of large amounts of data over long distances using light signals and is indispensable for telecommunications, main networks, home connections (Fibre To The Home, FTTH), 5G and IoT networks as well as data centers, cloud services and digital platforms.
In the future, fibre optics will also play a key role in quantum communications and enable highly secure data transfer. Further applications can be found in on-board communication in vehicles and aircraft, in sensor technology, in medical technology (endoscopy) and in integrated optics, where complex optical systems are implemented on chips.
At METAS, we ensure the realisation and transfer of the units that are key to these technologies. These include, in particular, optical power, wavelength and the quantities derived therefrom.
Our services in the field of photonics
Calibrations
In the field of photonics, we perform calibrations and measurements of fibre-optic measuring instruments, optical fibres and components for the following variables:
- Optical power, attenuation and derived values
- Wavelengths
- Chromatic dispersion and polarisation mode dispersion
- Optical length and effective refractive index
- Scatter coefficients
- Mode distribution, Encircled Flux
- Polarisation and derived quantities
A detailed overview of our calibration services in the field of photonics can be found in our services catalogue:
References and artefacts for fibre optics
We realise, calibrate and distribute reference fibres and artefacts for the calibration of optical time domain reflectometers (OTDR) and for passing on the most important variables such as:
- Spectral attenuation
- Chromatic dispersion and PMD
- Scatter coefficients
- Mode field diameter
- Optical length
- Reflectance
Is the service you are looking for not listed on the website? Please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can work together to find a customised solution to your problem.
Measuring methods and technologies
As the primary implementation for the optical powers and wavelengths, METAS operates a cryogenic radiometer and an optical frequency comb, which can be used to perform very precise calibrations.
Quality and expertise
You can find information on the quality of our services on the “Integrated Management System” page.
Enquiry and contact
Laboratory Photonics, Time and Frequency
Federal Institute of Metrology METAS
Lindenweg 50
3003 Bern-Wabern
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More information
Calibration
Our calibrations are based on nationally and internationally traceable references and guarantee the highest measurement accuracy and traceability to the International System of Units (SI) for measuring instruments from industry, research and administration.
Metrological reference materials and artefacts
Metrological reference materials and artefacts enable the calibration, validation and metrological traceability of measurements. Our selected reference materials thus ensure accurate, reliable and internationally comparable measurement results.