Portable Connector End Face Geometry Interferometer


  • Automated, Compact Interferometer Controlled through USB Port
  • Precise, Fast Measurements of Radius of Curvature, Apex Offset, and Fiber Height
  • User-Friendly Software Compatible with Windows® 7, 8, or 10

CC6000

Pass/Fail Limit Regions Streamline Production Line Integration

3D View Provides Intuitive Understanding of Geometry

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CC6000 Handle
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This portable interferometer, with integrated carrying handle, is designed for use in production as well as the field.
CC6000 Handle
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The included software's Live View allows a user to adjust focus in real time for maximum contrast, ensuring high accuracy and quick measurement time.
Item # CC6000
Measurement Specifications Range Repeatabilitya Reproducibilityb
Radius of Curvature 3 - 50 mm 1% 2%
Apex Offset 0 µm - 100 µm 2 µm 4 µm
Spherical Fiber Height ±160 nm 5 nm 10 nm
Interferometer Specifications
Dimensions (L x W x H) 13.9" x 8.8" x 5.9"
Light Source LED (660 nm)
Camera Sensor CCD, 5.79 mm x 4.89 mm Sensing Area
Measurement Lateral Resolution 1 µm
Magnification 10X Objective
Field of View (H x V) 358 µm x 336 µm
Computer Minimum Requirements
Speed Pentium IV 1.5 GHz
USB 2.0
Operating System Microsoft® Windows® 7
RAM 1 GB
  • Defined as the 1σ variance for 50 consecutive undisturbed measurements..
  • Defined as the 1σ variance for 50 consecutive measurements with connector reinsertion between each measurement.

Features

  • Automated, Non-Contact Analysis of Single-Fiber Connector End Faces
  • Quickly Measure Radius of Curvature, Apex Offset of Polish, and Fiber Undercut or Protrusion
  • Minimal Need for Refocusing Coupled with No Regularly Moving Components
  • Software can be Installed on PC (Not Included) with Windows® 7 or Higher
  • Interchangeable Mounts for Ø1.25 mm to Ø2.50 mm Ferrule, PC or APC, Single-Fiber Connectors

Thorlabs’ Vytran® Connect-Chek® Interferometer automatically and precisely measures radius of curvature, apex offset of polish, and fiber undercut or protrusion on any PC or APC, single-fiber connector. The CC6000 interferometer uses a non-contact tilted-phase-analysis technique for fast, reliable measurements of connector end faces. This compact interferometer has a carrying handle and must be attached to a desktop or laptop computer (not included) with a standard USB 2.0 port for operation. The included CC6000 software, which is used to control the interferometer, can be installed on a computer with the minimum requirements in the table below. Designed for use in both the factory and the field, this interferometer provides crucial quality information needed to assure long-term performance of fiber optic connectors. One CC250P Mount for Ø2.50 mm PC Connectors and one RT250P Reference Tool for calibrating the CC250P mount are included with the CC6000 interferometer; mounts and reference tools that enable measurement of other PC or APC, single-fiber connectors are available separately below. When used with an appropriate mount for APC connectors, the CC6000 interferometer is also capable of measuring the APC angle and key error.

Software Interface
The user-friendly software allows anyone with minimal experience to accurately measure the end face geometry of a fiber optic connector. After performing a non-contact interferometric measurement of the fiber optic connector end face, the CC6000 interferometer will automatically generate a 3D image showing the measured radius of curvature, apex offset, and fiber height. This immediate visual feedback on the endface geometry of the connector aids users in understanding quality control and quality assurance issues, allowing them to get the most from their high performance fiber optic connectors. The software's user interface is simple and easy to learn, with every option visible under intuitive Menu Tabs. Measure, Setup, Calibration, or History windows can be brought up with a few clicks. Preset scan criteria can be loaded to allow pass/fail measurements of PC connectors using IEC, Telcordia, or your own custom standards. Data can be saved to an Excel file in any directory locally or on a network and is also saved on a SQL database. See the Software tab for more details.

Tilted Phase Analysis
The CC6000 Connect-Chek® interferometer uses a unique tilted phase analysis, in which the connector is held at a slight tilted angle so that interferometry produces circular fringes across the connector end face. This interferometry provides all the information needed to measure the connector without the need for costly phase-shifting devices. After a simple calibration to measure the tilt, the spherical radius of curvature, spherical fiber height, and apex offset of the connector are calculated using advanced algorithms (see the Measurement tab for more details). An added advantage of tilted phase analysis is that any small angle is suitable, so no mechanical adjustments are required. This lack of mechanical adjustment enables the measurements to be as fast as 1 second and the device to be easily maintained.

cc6000 apex offset diagram
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Diagram showing apex offset of polish.
cc6000 fiber height and radius of curvature
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Diagram showing radius of curvature and spherical fiber height.

Single-Fiber Measurement

Interferometry creates a circular fringe pattern on the connector, which may be visualized as a topographical map of the surface. Each fringe is a half-wavelength distance above or below adjacent fringes, showing the height difference across the surface. Definitions and measurement methods for each of the measured values are described below. For more information on reading interferograms, see the Interferograms tab.

Radius of Curvature
Radius of curvature is the average curvature radius (in mm) of the connector end face. It is defined as the radius of the best-fit curvature over the specified fitting area, calculated by using a least-squares method. Although typically a sphere is the best-fit model, an ellipsoid may be used for high or low radius of curvature.

The spherical radius of curvature is directly correlated to the diameter and spacing of the circular fringe patterns generated by the interferometer.

Spherical Fiber Height
Fiber height is the amount of undercut or protrusion (in nm) of the fiber in the connector. It is defined as the difference between the height at the center of the fiber and the spherically projected height of the ferrule at the same location.

When the connector is tilted slightly off axis, any changes in the circular fringe pattern at the boundary between fiber and ferrule is an indication of fiber protrusion or undercut. These changes are proportional to a change in fiber height, allowing the unique algorithms of the CC6000 software to take advantage of this information to measure the spherical fiber height.

Apex Offset
The apex offset is defined as the difference between the apex of the ferrule's spherical end face and the center of the fiber. As seen in the image to the right, the apex offset can be quantified as a linear distance offset (in µm).

When the connector is perpendicular to the optical path, as in a traditional interferometer, the apex offset is the distance from the center of the fiber to the highest point of the polish. The CC6000 interferometer is able to calculate the apex offset of the polish even in the preset tilted position of the connector. Rotating the connector will not change the offset measurements because the center of the fiber is the center of rotation for the ferrule. If the connector is held in a tilted position relative to the optical path, the apex offset is the distance from the center of rotation to the highest point of the polish.

The CC6000 Portable Interferometer includes a measurement software program that must be installed and run on computers with Windows® 7, 8, or 10 and a USB 2.0 port. The software is navigated with an intuitive structure of menus and tabs, keeping essential tools in the forefront. Measurements can be taken in as little as 1 second, displaying "Pass" or "Fail" above the measured values for efficient production line use. Alternatively, for more detailed examination, a user can switch to the 3D view and show results in Scale Mode to see indicators showing the pass/fail limits. Administrator-level users have control of almost all software functions, including calibration capabilities and program configurations. Operator-level users can load pre-set configurations by clicking on the Load Settings button. By default, the data is saved to an Excel file in any directory locally or on a network, and also saved to a SQL database. Measurements for each connector can then be selected in the software for printing in a custom report. Below are a several sample screenshots showing some of the key features of the CC6000 software.

Software Features

CC6000 screenshot
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Live View
The Live View tab shows the interferogram generated by the CC6000 light source, with key measurement regions, fiber center, and apex of polish overlayed. This tab is used for focusing the interferometer prior to measurements.
CC6000 screenshot
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3D View
The 3D View tab displays a software-computed model of the connector end face, generated from the measured connector parameters. This 3D view can be rotated and zoomed, enabling an interactive, intuitive perception of the connector end face.

CC6000 screenshot
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Measurement Regions Control
Users have a high level of customization regarding the measurement process, including configuration of the regions used for measurement, as shown above.
CC6000 screenshot
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Results Tab, Value Mode (APC Connector)
This value-based display of the results allows for a quick reading; criteria that pass will be green, while those that fail will be shown in red.
CC6000 screenshot
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Results Tab, Scale Mode (APC Connector)
This scale-based display of the results enables quick visual assessment of the results with respect to their limits; users may see the trend of successive measurements and adjust their process to prevent failed connectors.

CC6000 screenshot
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Generate Report Window
Printed reports can be customized with company information, logo, and operator ID. The range of scans to be printed can be selected using a variety of fields such as connector ID, operator ID, and date.
CC6000 screenshot
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Sample Report
Each printed report contains a 3D view of the connector, the key measurement parameters, and various additional information as determined by the user.

Front and Back Panels

CC6000 Interferometer Front Panel
Click to Enlarge

Front Panel
Front Panel
Callout Description
F1 Power On/Off Status Lamp
F2 Power Switch
F3 Connector Fixture
F4 Connector FIxture Locking Lever
F5 Focus Adjustment
Back Panel
Callout Description
B1 Ferrules Material Switch (1 - Ceramic, 2 - Metal),
Provides Coarse Brightness Adjustment
B2 Illumination Gain Adjuster,
Provides Fine Brightness Adjustment
B3 +12 VDC Power Input
B4 USB 2.0 Type B Port
Figure 1: At left is shown a cross section of a ferrule with an ideally polished fiber. A representation of the interferogram created by this fiber can be seen to the right. In these images, the fiber end face is marked in green. Note how the fringes are uninterrupted when passing over the fiber end face.

Reading Fiber Optic Interferograms

Inspection interferometers split light from a source between a reference flat and a surface under test. By recombining the beams of the reference arm and sample arm, an interference pattern is created allowing imperfections in a fiber tip to be inspected without making physical contact.

When produced perfectly, fibers are polished to match the height, curvature, and angle of their ferrule tip. With no imperfections, the fiber end face will seamlessly match the rest of the ferrule tip. This interferogram will be a bullseye of alternating constructive and destructive interference, or fringes (Figure 1). The location of the fiber end is marked in green on the fiber schematics and circled in green on the interferograms. Note that the fiber is not perfectly centered in the ferrule. There will be a small offset between the fiber center and the apex of polish; often, an off-center fiber can make disturbances in the interferogram easier to see, as the fiber interacts with more fringes.

Deviations from an ideal polish will result in visible distortions within the green-circled region of the interferogram. If a fiber end protrudes past the surface of the ferrule, the interferogram will show a distortion that advances the fringe pattern away from the ferrule's apex of curvature (Figure 2). If a fiber end is undercut, the interferogram will show a distortion with retreats from the apex of curvature (Figure 3). An undercut fiber could collect dust, which will either absorb or scatter light, causing dots to appear in the interferogram (Figure 4). If a fiber end has shattered in the polishing process, the interferogram will be highly irregular (Figure 5). 

Figure 2: At left is shown a cross section of a ferrule with a polished fiber protruding from its ferrule. A representation of the interferogram created by this fiber can be seen to the right. In these images, the fiber end face is marked in green. Note how the fringes are warped away from the apex of curvature when passing over the fiber end face. 
Figure 3: At left is shown a cross section of a ferrule with an undercut fiber. A representation of the interferogram created by this fiber can be seen to the right. In these images, the fiber end face is marked in green. Note how the fringes are warped toward the apex of curvature when passing over the fiber end face. 
Figure 5: At left is shown a cross section of a ferrule with a shattered protruding fiber. A representation of the interferogram created by this fiber can be seen to the right. In these images, the fiber end face is marked in green. Every shatter will be different; it is important to note that the interferogram will have multiple reflective faces causing the fringes to look very incongruous.
Figure 4: At left is shown a cross section of a ferrule with an undercut fiber where dust has gathered in the cavity. A representation of the interferogram created by this fiber can be seen to the right. In these images, the fiber end face is marked in green. Note how dark and light spots now appear across the fiber face due to the dust absorbing and scattering light.


Posted Comments:
Bob Kinney  (posted 2020-11-24 09:46:57.907)
I have 2 Norland CC6000 units and they only work with Windows XP. Can I send them in for upgraded software or other option? Thanks
YLohia  (posted 2020-11-25 01:43:42.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Software options depend on the specific hardware version you have. We have reached out to you directly to discuss this further.
Janusz Sek  (posted 2019-10-22 08:10:29.403)
Please send me your quote for CC6000 interferometer.
YLohia  (posted 2019-10-22 09:17:08.0)
Thank you for your interest in the CC6000 Portable Connector End Face Geometry Interferometer. Quotes for stock items can be requested from your cart or emailing us at sales@thorlabs.com. We will reach out to you directly.
user  (posted 2019-04-22 12:50:53.553)
Please refer to description of CC6000 namely., '' When used with an appropriate mount for APC connectors, the CC6000 interferometer is also capable of measuring the APC angle and key error.'' May we know the range, repeatability & reproducibility for APC angle and key error measurements?
YLohia  (posted 2019-05-01 08:28:42.0)
Hello, thank you for your feedback. Our engineering team is now working on establishing a spec for what you asked and will update the website and product literature once it has been compiled. We will update you via email as soon as we have more information to share.

Connect-Chek® Portable Interferometer

Components Included

  • CC6000 Connector End Face Geometry Interferometer
  • External Power Supply
  • Region-Specific Power Cord
  • End Face Geometry Measurement Software*
  • Operation Manual
  • CC250P Mount for Ø2.5 mm PC Connectors
  • RT250P Reference Tool for Calibration of Mount
  • Fiber Connector Cleaner

Optional Purchases

  • Locking V-Groove Mounts
  • Reference Tools

*Computer with USB 2.0 port required for operation (not included). See minimum requirements in the Overview tab.

  • Robust, Compact Construction
  • Integrated Carrying Handle for Ease of Transport
  • Recalibration Only Needed after Attaching Mount
  • Additional Mounts and Reference Tools Sold Below

The CC6000 Portable Interferometer is a compact unit for non-contact analysis of connector end face geometry. It is shipped with all the items described to the right, allowing for measurements of Ø2.5 mm PC connectors once connected to a computer (not included) with the minimum requirements described in the Overview tab. To measure a wide variety of other connector types, additional locking V-groove mounts must be purchased, for which a corresponding reference tool is needed for calibration (see table below). The CC6000 interferometer will measure the radius of curvature, apex offset, and fiber height of all connectors. For APC connectors, the interferometer can also measure the APC angle and the key error, when the appropriate mount and reference tool (sold separately below) are used.

The CC6000 interferometer is designed for accurate measurements in production or field environments. Precision offset measurements are facilitated by our locking v-groove mount (sold below) which holds the connector in an exact, repeatable position during calibration and measurement. The system has been optimized to provide maximum stability, eliminating the need for recalibration except when reattaching or exchanging mounts. Refocusing is also reduced with no regularly moving components and limited exposure of optical components to environmental contamination.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
CC6000 Support Documentation
CC6000Portable Connector End Face Geometry Interferometer
$14,122.50
Today

Locking V-Groove Mounts

Mount and Reference Tool Selection Guide
Locking V-Groove
Mount Item #
Compatible Connector Type Required Reference
Tool Item #
CC125LP Ø1.25 mm Ferrule LC/PC Connectors RT125P
CCDUPLP Ø1.25 mm Ferrule Duplex LC/PC Connectors RT125P
CCLMFA Ø1.25 mm Ferrule LC/MU/F3000 APC Connectors RT125A
CC125LAF Ø1.25 mm Ferrule LC/APC Connectors (Flex Mount) RT125A
CC125LA Ø1.25 mm Ferrule Luxcis APC Connectors RT125LA
CC158P Ø1.58 mm Ferrule PC Connectors RT158P
CC200P Ø2.00 mm Ferrule PC Connectors RT200P
CC250P Ø2.50 mm Ferrule PC Connectors RT250P
CCDUPSP Ø2.50 mm Ferrule Duplex SC/PC Connectors RT250P
CC250A Ø2.50 mm Ferrule FC/APC Connectors RT250SA
CCE20A Ø2.50 mm Ferrule E2000 APC Connectors RT250SA
CC250SA Ø2.50 mm Ferrule SC/APC Connectors RT250SA
CC250SAF Ø2.50 mm Ferrule SC/APC Connectors (Flex Mount) RT250SA
CC250SA9 Ø2.50 mm Ferrule 9° SC/APC Connectors RT250SA9
  • Mounts for Connectors with Ø1.25 to Ø2.5 mm Ferrules
  • Each Mount Requires Calibration with Reference Tool (Sold Separately Below)
  • Locking V-Groove Design Ensures Stable, Repeatable Connection

The Locking V-Groove Mounts sold below can be swapped out for the Ø2.5 mm PC mount that comes standard with the CC6000 portable interferometer, allowing a wide variety of connectors to be tested with the CC6000 interferometer. For each insertion of a mount, a calibration must be performed using the corresponding reference tool sold below. Once this calibration is performed on a mount, the measurements can be accurately calculated for all connectors measured in that mount.
The table to the right provides a guide for choosing the right mount and reference tool for each type of connector. For more help, contact Tech Support.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
CC125LP Support Documentation
CC125LPLocking V-Groove Mount for Ø1.25 mm LC/PC Connectors
$1,136.09
Today
CCDUPLP Support Documentation
CCDUPLPLocking V-Groove Mount for Duplex LC/PC Connectors
$1,764.07
Today
CCLMFA Support Documentation
CCLMFALocking V-Groove Mount for LC/APC, MU/APC, and F-3000/APC Connectors
$1,198.89
Today
CC125LAF Support Documentation
CC125LAFLocking V-Groove Flex Mount for Ø1.25 mm LC/APC Connectors
$1,712.69
Today
CC125LA Support Documentation
CC125LALocking V-Groove Mount for Ø1.25 mm Luxcis APC Connectors
$1,712.69
3 weeks
CC158P Support Documentation
CC158PLocking V-Groove Mount for Ø1.58 mm PC Connectors
$1,078.99
Today
CC200P Support Documentation
CC200PLocking V-Groove Mount for Ø2.00 mm PC Connectors
$1,078.99
Today
CCDUPSP Support Documentation
CCDUPSPLocking V-Groove Mount for Duplex SC/PC Connectors
$1,764.07
Today
CC250P Support Documentation
CC250PLocking V-Groove Mount for Ø2.50 mm PC Connectors
$1,078.99
Today
CC250A Support Documentation
CC250ALocking V-Groove Mount for Ø2.50 mm FC/APC Connectors
$1,198.89
Today
CCE20A Support Documentation
CCE20ALocking V-Groove Mount for E2000 APC Connectors
$1,198.89
Today
CC250SAF Support Documentation
CC250SAFLocking V-Groove Flex Mount for Ø2.50 mm SC/APC Connectors
$1,198.89
Today
CC250SA Support Documentation
CC250SALocking V-Groove Mount for Ø2.50 mm SC/APC Connectors
$1,370.16
Today
CC250SA9 Support Documentation
CC250SA9Locking V-Groove Mount for Ø2.50 mm 9° SC/APC Connectors
$2,283.59
Today

Reference Tools

  • Reference Tools for Calibrating Locking V-Groove Mounts
  • Simple, Accurate Calibration Process

The Reference Tools sold below are designed to be used for calibration of the locking V-groove mounts used with the CC6000 interferometer (sold above). The RT250P reference tool is shipped with the CC6000 interferometer for use with the default CC250P mount. The table above serves as a guide for purchasing the appropriate reference tool for any additional mounts purchased. For more help, contact Tech Support.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
RT125P Support Documentation
RT125PCC6000 Interferometer Reference Tool for Ø1.25 mm PC Connectors
$399.63
Today
RT125A Support Documentation
RT125ACC6000 Interferometer Reference Tool for Ø1.25 mm APC Connectors
$399.63
Today
RT125LA Support Documentation
RT125LACC6000 Interferometer Reference Tool for Ø1.25 mm Luxcis APC Connectors
$399.63
3 weeks
RT158P Support Documentation
RT158PCC6000 Interferometer Reference Tool for Ø1.58 mm PC Connectors
$399.63
Today
RT200P Support Documentation
RT200PCC6000 Interferometer Reference Tool for Ø2.00 mm PC Connectors
$399.63
Today
RT250P Support Documentation
RT250PCC6000 Interferometer Reference Tool for Ø2.50 mm PC Connectors
$399.63
Today
RT250SA Support Documentation
RT250SACC6000 Interferometer Reference Tool for Ø2.50 mm APC Connectors
$399.63
Today
RT250SA9 Support Documentation
RT250SA9CC6000 Interferometer Reference Tool for Ø2.50 mm 9° SC/APC Connectors
$399.63
3 weeks