==== [[NeoScan]] Optimization Utility Program ====
[[Image:neoscanfig_3_15.png|thumb|right|300px|<i><b>Figure 3.15</b>: Dialog window for initiating the optimization process.</i>]] In order to initiate an optimization, it is assumed:
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The steps described in section 3.2.2 in âOptimization Settings Pageâ have been done (GPIB address of the Lock-in Amplifier, Time Constant, and the Sensitivity, have been already chosen).
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Press âApplyâ button to start new probe optimization (Figure 3.7).
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[[Image:neoscanfig_3_15.png|thumb|right|400px|<i><b>Figure 3.15</b>: Dialog window for initiating the optimization process.</i>]] A user is presented with a dialog window shown in Figure 3.15, giving an option to initiates the optimization process â which will take about 20 minutes to be completed â or skip the optimization by choosing âNo.â Click on âYesâ for optimization. The system will remind a user to prepare an optimization structure. Align crystal field sensitivity direction to optimization structure field properly and press âContinueâ.
When the optimization process starts, [[NeoScan]] Optimization Utility window will pop up, and the detailed optimization parameters are displayed to a user (Figure 3.16): Table 3.1 lists the main parameters used in optimization process with their default values.
[[Image:neoscanfig_3_16.png|thumb|center|600px|<i><b>Figure 3.16</b>: NeoScan Optimization Utility program.</i>]]
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[[Image:neoscanfig_3_17.png|thumb|rightcenter|600px|<i><b>Figure 3.17</b>: Change of the return power and the electro-optic signal graphs during the optimization process (left to right direction indicates the start to the end of the process)</i>]]
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The optimization process takes about 20 minutes. It can be used to diagnose hardware failures. When the phase optimization has completed, the optimization window will prompt a user to perform a probe stability test through a red blinking âStart Stability Testâ button at the bottom of the Window (Figure 3.19). To perform the probe fiber stability test, press the âStart Stability Testâ button shown in Figure 3.19. An information dialog box will pop up and explains the procedure for the test. Press âCloseâ button in dialog box and then lift the middle of the fiber at least 2 m from either the probe head or the optical connector. Move it up and down, and/or left and right several times. The program will record variations in return power on the screen. Be sure not to pull the fiber at the connector or the probe ends. After performing this for approximately 30 seconds, press âEnd Stability Testâ on the window. If signal fluctuations during the motion remains within the variation limit (default value is 1 dBm), the optimization is considered to be valid, otherwise, the program will repeat optimization (see Figure 3.20).
At the completion of the signal optimization process, the optimization window will disappear and the display will return to [[NeoScan]] Optical Bench Manager window. The optimized parameters will be written in files in ProgramData\NeoSca\OptimizationParameters.
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[[Image:neoscanfig_3_18.png|thumb|center|600px|<i><b>Figure 3.18</b>: Information Panel in NeoScan Optimization Utility program.</i>]]
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[[Image:neoscanfig_3_19.png|thumb|center|600px|<i><b>Figure 3.19</b>: Stability Test in NeoScan Optimization Utility.</i>]]
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[[Image:neoscanfig_3_20.png|thumb|center|600px|<i><b>Figure 3.20</b>: Comparison of a completed optimization process with a failed one in NeoScan Optimization Utility program.</i>]]
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[[Image:neoscanfig_3_21.png|thumb|center|300px|<i><b>Figure 3.21</b>: Warning dialog window when the files for optimization parameters are not found.</i>]]
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[[Image:neoscanfig_3_22.png|thumb|center|600px|<i><b>Figure 3.22</b>: The change in the polarization power after applying the optimization voltages to the polarization controllers.</i>]]
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