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Press Release Detail: Thorlabs Introduces New Family of Polarization Analyzers Newton, NJ, May 1, 2002 Thorlabs Inc., a leading manufacturer of innovative photonics products, introduces the PA500-series of Polarization Analyzers ("polarimeters") to its existing line of opto-electronic instrumentation. With precision electronics, a PC-independent control module, Windows95/98/NT/2000/XP compatible software, and LabView support, the PA500-series polarimeters "are the right tool for accurately measuring both fully and partially polarized light from free-space and fiber connectorized input," said Thorlabs Senior Engineer Scott Barry. The external consoles of these "Full Polarimeters" contain all electronic hardware required for data acquisition, signal processing, and communications, eliminating the need to install PC-based expansion cards. Within the console lies expandable bus architecture, allowing for future system upgrade "add-ons" such as PMD and PDL measurement electronics. Further expansion capabilities include plug-and-play communication cards that allow the system to adapt to new standards such as USB and I2C. By utilizing these high-device-count standards, one PC is capable of operating multiple polarimeters. With a full-featured front panel keypad and backlit LCD display, the console is capable of acting as a stand-alone, real-time polarimeter. For greater flexibility and more powerful features, included PC software can acquire data directly from the console for further analysis. The easy-to-use, real-time graphical interface makes operation simple right out of the box. Powerful graphical displays including the Poincaré sphere, Polarization ellipse, Voltage Oscilloscope, and numerical data windows provide all information essential to full polarimetric characterization. The fully configurable display windows allow the user to customize screens for additional flexibility. About Thorlabs Inc.: Thorlabs, Inc. specializes in the building blocks for laser and fiber optic systems. From opto-mechanical components to telecom test instrumentation, Thorlabs' extensive manufacturing capabilities produce high-quality, well-priced components and devices for next-day delivery. Founded in 1989, the company remains a leader in the development and creation of advanced optical products for the commercial and research marketplaces. The company is headquartered in Newton, New Jersey, and has offices in Grünberg, Germany. To obtain more information, specifications, and images, visit www.thorlabs.com, or contact Thorlabs' Tech Support by phone at (973) 579-7227 or email at techsupport@thorlabs.com.