Specifications for Light Guides
There is no chance to list all possible fiber-optic possibilities. To provide some guidelines for the design of a light guide (fiber-optic cable), we have summarized some of the most important features of the various components. An individual fiber consists of the core (to guide the light), the cladding (about 10% of the overall diameter, same as the core material, but doped to create the necessary refractive index change), and a coating (to overcome the brittleness of a bare fiber).
For a complete overview brochure of the light guide product specifications, please click here. |
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Type of Light Guide |
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- Extension (patch)
- Bundle
- Ramifications ("splitting", "multifurcations")
- Image preservation
- Etc...
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Various terms are used for the individual fiber-optic components. If you are unsure what you are looking for, feel free to contact us. |
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Fiber Material, Transmission Range,
NA Calculator |
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- UV Quartz
- NIR Quartz (low OH)
- UV stabilized
- NA = 0.22, other NA values on demand
- Other materials on request
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The fiber material defines the spectral range for which it can be used. UV quartz is useful for about 200 to 950nm, where the water absorption sets in. NIR quality quartz starts at about 350nm and ends at about 2.2µm, for a short fiber length at about 2.5µm.
The Numerical Aperature (NA) is controlled by the difference in refractive index between the core and cladding, so by changing the doping of the cladding material, a different NA can be achieved. |
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Fiber Coatings, Temperature Range |
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- Acrylate: -40 to 85°C
- Silicone: -40 to 150°C
- Polyimide: -190 to 385°C
- High T acrylate: -40 to 200°C
- Other coating materials on request
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The fiber coating is decisive for the temperature range. The fiber is mounted into a tube for mechanical support, but the coating can be stripped off for extreme cases. |
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Fiber Diameter |
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- 30µm
- 50µm
- 80µm
- 100µm
- 150µm
- 200µm
- 400µm
- 600µm
- 800µm
- Other on request materials on request
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The fiber diameter is controlled during the pulling process. In principle, any diameter can be generated, but special diameter may cost more.
Generally, the larger the diameter creates a stiffer fiber which increases the risk of damage.
The coating is about 5% of the diameter, while the core cladding ratio is 1.1 for UV, and 1.2 for NIR fibers. |
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Bundle Diameter |
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- About 200µm to several mms
- Mix of fibers possible, various diameters and materials
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A bundle consists of a multitude of thinner fibers to make the light guide more flexible or to allow bifurcation. The fill factor of a bunlde is not 100%, so light losses of about 30% have to be taken into account. Losses also occur when a bundle is coupled to bundle, but by rotary alignment, the throughput can be optimized. |
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Ramification |
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- Number of splittings: 2 to unlimited
- Combination of all kind of fibers, bundle diameters and length, terminations
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Note: the fibers are not fused, each fiber remains intact over the whole length. Y types and X types are the most common splittings. |
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Length |
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- 50mm to 100m
- All arms to be defined
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Light guides can become very expensive if they are very long and/or have a big diameter since the material volume is a decisive cost factor. Extremely long fiber cable can also have a higher chance of damage due to the amount of fiber optic cable that is exposed. Oftentimes, it is easier to move a system closer to the location of operation. |
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Connectors |
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- F-SMA905
- Ferrule Ø4x20mm
- Coding
- Any kind of customized termination
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Connectors are made in house, providing high flexibility. The SMA and the 4x200mm ferrule are the most widespread, but others are possible. |
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Jackets |
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- Heavy duty (SA)
- Lab quality (SZ)
- Vacuum sheathing
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All kinds of sheathings can be used, e.g. Bowden cables. SA (see picture) is a metal spring with rubber jacket and is our default quality for process use. |
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All parts are made from scratch. We offer free design!
Overview
Specifications
