I. Precision and Stability: The accuracy of electric vehicles vs. the limitations of manual ones
The electric fiber optic delay line adopts high-precision motor drive and closed-loop control system, and is usually equipped with precision displacement sensors such as grating rulers and linear encoders. Take the electric delay line driven by a stepping motor as an example. Combined with the subdivision drive technology, it can achieve delay accuracy at the picosecond level or even the femtosecond level. During long-term operation, the closed-loop feedback mechanism can correct errors in real time, and the stability is extremely high. In quantum optics experiments, there are strict requirements for the delay accuracy of optical signals. Electric delay lines can ensure the accuracy and repeatability of experimental data.
Manual optical fiber delay lines rely on mechanical structures such as knobs and screws for manual adjustment. Due to the manufacturing precision of mechanical components and human operational errors, the delay accuracy is mostly in the nanosecond to microsecond range. Moreover, the differences in the strength and proficiency of the operators will lead to inconsistent adjustment results and poor stability each time. In the basic optical demonstration experiments, although the manual delay line can demonstrate the principle of optical signal delay, it is difficult to meet the requirements of high-precision scientific research and industrial production.
Ii. Speed Adjustment and Automation: The Efficiency of Electric vs. the Slowness of Manual
The electric optical fiber delay line has an outstanding automatic regulation capability. The motor can respond quickly to the control signal and complete the delay adjustment within milliseconds or even less. In the real-time scanning scene of liDAR, the electric delay line can quickly change the delay of the optical signal according to the changes of the target, ensuring that the radar can obtain accurate distance information in a timely manner. In addition, the electric delay line supports computer programming control, enabling complex delay sequence Settings and enhancing operational efficiency.
The adjustment speed of manual optical fiber delay lines is entirely dependent on manual operation. Not only is the adjustment process time-consuming, but it is also difficult to achieve continuous and rapid adjustment. In dynamic scenarios where the delay of optical signals needs to be frequently changed, the efficiency of manual adjustment is extremely low and cannot meet the real-time requirements. It is only suitable for static debugging work that is not sensitive to time response.
Iii. Cost and Maintenance: The economy of manual vs. the complexity of electric
The manual optical fiber delay line has a simple structure, mainly composed of basic mechanical components, without complex electronic components and control systems. It has a low manufacturing cost and an affordable price. Meanwhile, its maintenance is not difficult. Daily maintenance only requires checking the wear of mechanical parts and replacing simple consumable parts. The maintenance cost is also relatively low, making it suitable for scenarios with limited budgets and low performance requirements.
Electric optical fiber delay lines integrate precision components such as motors, controllers, and sensors. They have a high technological content, high research and development and manufacturing costs, and relatively expensive equipment prices. During the usage process, if components such as motors and sensors malfunction, the repair is difficult and costly, and professional personnel are also required for operation and maintenance, which increases the usage cost and management difficulty.
Iv. Applicable Scenarios: Selecting as needed is the key
If the application scenarios have extremely high requirements for delay accuracy, adjustment speed and degree of automation, such as high-end scientific research experiments, high-speed optical communication systems, precision laser processing, etc., electric fiber delay lines, with their high precision, high speed and stable automation control, become the best choice. In scenarios such as basic teaching demonstrations, simple optical system debugging, and low-speed optical signal processing with tight budgets, manual optical fiber delay lines, with their economical and easy-to-operate features, can better exert their value.
When choosing optical fiber delay lines, it is necessary to comprehensively consider multiple factors such as accuracy, speed, cost, and maintenance, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of electric and manual delay lines, and combine the actual application requirements. Only in this way can the most suitable product be selected to achieve efficient and precise control of optical signals and ensure the stable operation of optical systems.