Direct Optical Research Company specializes in the design and manufacturing of non-contact interferometers for the optical fiber and connector industry. DORC's range of ZX-1 Interferometers and Phase Measuring System (PMS) software has been specifically designed to meet the ever-increasing need for accurate, automated, high volume testing of ferrules, ferrule blanks, connector assemblies, pigtails, patchcords, array connectors and optical fiber cleaves.

DORC's ZX-1 20/20 Vision system is designed to perform very high resolution Scratch Analysis on fiber end faces, and optionally perform connector tuning and PM fiber alignment.

Using DORC's Windows 2000^®/Windows XP^® based Phase Measuring System (PMS) software, it is possible to inspect the endface or perform tuning in a matter of seconds. Available parameters include detection of scratches, surface defects and contamination. When performing the Tuning function both the offset and direction are calculated and the operator has the ability to tune the connector actively on the screen.  

To perform a measurement, the operator simply inserts the connector under test into the chuck and initiates the measurement - no centering or focusing is required. The ZX-1 20/20 Vision will then automatically center and focus, acquire the images and calculate all of the important parameters of the sample, printing and/or storing all of the results as predetermined by the system setup menu. Being completely automated makes the system operator independent, eliminating any subjectivity as to whether the connector has passed or failed the quality control testing. Using the password protected setup menu’s, the quality control manager can adjust all pass/fail criteria of each parameter relating to a particular type of connector. Other variable parameters available within the setup menus permit  compliance with all "Standards Organizations" measurement methods worldwide.

Once a measurement has been completed, the operator can choose from a diverse range of graphical presentation formats. The PMS software also offers an extensive range of reporting, archiving and statistical analysis capabilities by porting measurement data and images directly to Excel 2000^®. Naturally, this familiar format offers significant advantages for additional post processing and distribution of measurement data.

To perform a tuning measurement, simply rotate the connector under test 2 times, each approximately 120 degrees from the starting position. Core illumination is conveniently located on the ZX-1 20/20 Vision systems front panel.