Optical Fibers and Fiber Coupling
The use of optical fibers makes it possible to separate the laser and the point of application of the light.
This enables the design of compact devices by housing the light source in a separate unit. Thermal
management, for example, is also easier to handle and does not have to be implemented on the device
itself. In addition, optical fibers allow systems with high stability as thermal or mechanical movements do
not affect the light guided in the optical fiber. However, this high stability can only be achieved if the
coupling of the light into the fiber and the coupling of the fiber to the device itself exhibit this stability.
LASOS has developed the patented PFC (Precision Fiber Coupling) fiber connector system for this purpose.
It allows the realization of repeatable, adjustment-free optical connectors with polarization-maintaining
single-mode fibers. This is made possible by combining a special plug (PFC plug) with a corresponding
socket (PFC socket). These are matched in such a way that any laser equipped with a PFC plug can be
plugged into such a socket without alignment.
All LASOS laser series can be equipped with a fiber coupling. In addition to the PFC connector, LASOS also
offers standard FC connectors and a collimator (PSC) that is compatible with standard fiber manipulators.
Customized solutions are possible.
Precision Plug Connection for Single-Mode for adjustment free fiber-to-device coupling with single-mode
polarization maintaining fibers
Standard options for optical fibers
| Characteristic | Specification | Additional information |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber type | Single- mode polarization maintaining | other fiber types on request |
| Fiber length | 2m | customer-specific designs possible |
| Fiber jacket | FRNC | orange, diameter 2 mm |
| Steel reinforced Silicon | grey, diameter 5.6 mm our most robust solution |
|
| Stainless steel | diameter 5 mm | |
| Fiber connector | FC/APC | 8° polish, other designs on request |
| PSC-collimator | Output beam diameter 0.7 mm 50 mm x Ø 12 mm stainless steel ferrule, compatible to common fiber manipulators |
|
| PFC-Plug | Output beam diameter 0.7 mm Allows adjustment free optical connections in conjunction with an appropriate receptacle |
|
| Wavelengths | Single wavelengths | in the range 400-800 nm |
| Broad band | 400-640 nm 445-640 nm 445-700 nm |
Beam combining units
Many applications require not just a single laser, but several laser wavelengths, e.g. for fluorescence
excitation in microscopy or flow cytometry. LASOS offers dichroic beam combiners that can be
customized. Together with the LASOS precision plug- connection (PFC), they offer a modular system for
setting up multi-color systems. The beam combiners have a connection for the LASOS PFC connector so
that lasers can be connected to the slots without the need for adjustment. Changing lasers during
servicing or connecting another laser to an unused slot is also possible without any problems. The beam
combiners are also a core component of the LASOS systems (link here) and therefore enable simple
servicing or an upgrade in the field.
Beam combining or splitting
Up to 6 channels
Wavelength range 400 nm – 650 nm, others on request
Customizable
High mechanical and thermal stability
High reproducibility
No readjustment when replacing lasers thanks to LASOS precision plug connection
Free beam output or coupling into a broadband fiber
Electro- mechanical shutter for each channel (optional)
Areas of application
Microscopy
Flow Cytometry
Bioanalytical Research
Industrial Measurement
Testing
Science and Education
Any questions?
We take customer service seriously. In close cooperation with the sales team all customer concerns are handled with high priority. Wether it is a request, order, repair or complaint LASOS is dedicated to provide continous information on the status and to fulfil the service in a timely manner.