22
400-
µµµµ
m Diameter Optical Fiber
The 400-µm diameter optical fiber that comes with your CHEM2000 is a single-strand optical fiber. The
active part of the fiber consists of a silica core, surrounded by a silica cladding material. The fiber is very
fragile, and if not protected by a suitable buffer material, would be nearly useless for most applications.
The buffer materials are polymer coatings that provide mechanical strength. Cabling further protects the
buffer-coated fiber. Our standard laboratory cabling is blue PVC. The ends of the fibers are cleaved,
epoxied into the SMA connectors, and polished. Follow the guidelines below when handling your fiber.
Care and Use Guidelines
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!
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When fibers break, they stop transmitting light. Inspect fibers by eye to determine if light is being
transmitted.
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Bending the fiber will cause attenuation. To minimize this effect, add extra strain relief to both ends
of the fiber.
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Do not exceed the temperature specifications for the materials involved: 200
0
C for the fiber, 100
0
C
for PVC cabling, 100
0
C for standard epoxy.
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Do not allow the fiber to be bent at a sharp angle. A bending radius of less than 1
"
is dangerous.
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Keep connectors and probe tips covered when the fibers are not being used.
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Clean the ends of the fibers with lens paper and distilled water, alcohol or acetone. Avoid scratching
the surface.
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Do not immerse fiber ends in caustic materials or other solutions that can damage glass.
Specifications
Jacket:
Nylon (temperature range -40 to 100
°
C)
Sheathing/cabling:
PVC (standard)
Connector/termination:
SMA 905
Fiber core:
pure fused silica
Cladding:
doped fused silica
Fiber profile:
step-index multi-mode
Numerical aperture:
0.22
Recommended minimum bend radius:
momentary = 10 cm, long term = 16 cm
