Polarization-maintaining Fiber Cables
(PM Fibers)

polarization-maintaining, single-mode fibers series PMC with Gaussian intensity profile

Representative product images. Individual product images are found on the individual product pages.

Features

Polarization-maintaining, single-mode fiber cable with Gaussian intensity distribution and low-stress fiber connectors.

Cut-off wavelengths from 360 nm to 1550 nm
Wavelengths covering altogether 360nm to 1800 nm - each fiber with an operational wavelength range of about 100-300 nm.
Special broadband fiber RGB with an operational wavelength range 400-680 nm
Pure Silica core fibers with low attenuation for wavelengths < 460 nm
High PER fiber cables
Measured values for fiber NA: NAe²
Special fibers with small NA for smaller power density in the fiber core
Fiber patch cable with Ø 900 µm buffer or as Ø 3 mm Cable with Kevlar strain-relief
Customer-specified connectors type FC, AVIM (comp. to LSA) or E2000 with 0°-polish or 8°-polish
Polarization axis is indicated by connector index key (slow axis), only for Type FC connectors
Amagnetic titanium connectors for connectors of type FC PC or FC APC
End caps for a smaller power density at the fiber end-faces

Configurator

Description

Polarization-maintaining, single-mode fiber cable (PM fiber cable) with Gaussian intensity distribution and low-stress fiber connectors.

Fiber
The fiber is a polarization-maintaining, single-mode fiber, defined by its NA and its cut-off wavelength. The nom. NA is specified by the fiber manufacturer. Additionally the effective numerical NAe² is measured for each fiber batch by Schäfter+Kirchhoff. Cut-off wavelengths range from 360 nm to 1550 nm and the fibers altogether cover a wavelength range of 360 nm to 1800 nm. Each fiber has an operational wavelength range of about 100-300 nm. Besides the nominal cut-off wavelenght λ_co, Schäfter+Kirchhoff also offers measured data for the cut-off wavelength for each individual fiber cable.
Some fibers have special features e.g.

Pure silica core for long-term stable low attenuation and high transmission for < 460 nm
Special fibers with extra low NA that leads to a lower power density in the fiber core compared to a standard fiber with standard NA. The maximum power level (described by the Brillouin threshhold) that can be transmitted in the fiber is shifted to a higher value. Please note that there are other limiting factors e.g. concerning the fiber end faces.

Fiber Cable
The fiber length can be customer-specified (there is a minimum fiber length). The polarization-maintaining fiber cables are offered as Ø 900 µm buffer in black, or a Ø 3 mm cable in black with Kevlar strain-relief.

Fiber Connectors
For each fiber end the fiber connectors can be selected from a wide range of connector types (FC, AVIM (compatible with LSA), E2000) with 0°-polish or 8°-polish. All fiber connectors of type FC assembled by Schäfter+Kirchhoff have an alignment index (key). The wide key (type "N") fiber connector has an alignment index (key) of 2.14 mm width. The narrow key (type "R") fiber connector has an alignment index (key) of 2 mm width. Special fiber connectors are available so that the fiber cable is vaccum compatible down to 10^-7 mbar (only Ø 900 µm buffer fiber cables).

High PER fibers
During the manufacturing of PM fibers, great care is taken to ensure a high PER. Typical PER values are ≥21 dB to ≥ 26 dB depending on wavelength and connector type.

End Caps
The fiber connectors can be equipped with an end cap connector. This means that a short piece of fiber (< 300 µm) without a core is spliced onto the polarization-maintaining fiber. Without a fiber core to confine the beam, the mode field diameter of the beam already starts to diverge within the fiber end cap, significantly reducing the power density at the fiber end-face.

Amagnetic fiber connectors
For FC PC or FC APC type connectors amagnetic versions completely made of titanium can be selected. Those connectors have a ceramic ferrule.

Technotes

FAQ

Connector Type FC PC and FC APC
- How do I attach a fiber cable?
  1. To prevent damage to the sensitive fiber end-face, always insert the fiber connector`s ferrule at an angle, with the connector key properly aligned to the receptacle notch.
  2. When the ferrule tip is safely located in the inner cylinder of the receptacle, align the connector to the receptacle axis and carefully introduce the connector into the fiber coupler.
  3. Then, orient the connector key in a way that it is pressed gently onto the right-hand side of the receptacle notch ("right-hand orientation rule").
  4. Gently screw on the connector cap nut onto the receptacle until it is finger-tight.
  5. Gently tighten the fiber grub screw to reduce the free play of the ferrule in the receptacle.
- What is the "right-hand orientation rule"?
  When the ferrule tip is safely located in the inner cylinder of the receptacle, align the connector to the receptacle axis and carefully introduce the connector into the fiber coupler.
  Then, orient the connector key in a way that it is pressed gently onto the right-hand side of the receptacle notch.
  The tightened grub screw and the "right-hand orientation rule" for the connector, ensure a high reproducibility in mode field position and angle, which is especially important for attaching and reattaching polarization-maintaining fibers reproducibly.
- Can I attach a narrow key fiber cable to a fiber coupler with a wide key receptacle?
  Yes, you can- without any problem. Simply adhere to the "right-hand orientation rule".
  Generally, with any FC PC or FC APC type connector there is a freeplay when inserting the fiber into the fiber coupler. The free play in between the connector ferrule and receptacle is only a few microns, but necessary for inserting the ferrule without force. There is a difference between the receptable and key width for wide key (2.14 mm) and narrow key (2.0 mm) fibers. If you follow the so-called "right-hand orientation rule" you can reproducibly attach and reattach even PM fibers with narrow key receptacle to fiber couplers with wide key receptacle without difficulty.
  "Right-hand orientation rule":
  When the ferrule tip is safely located in the inner cylinder of the receptacle, align the connector to the receptacle axis and carefully introduce the connector into the fiber coupler. Then, orient the connector key in a way that it is pressed gently onto the right-hand side of the receptacle notch. The tightened grub screw and the "right-hand orientation rule" for the connector, ensure a high reproducibility in mode field position and angle, which is especially important for attaching and reattaching polarization-maintaining fibers reproducibly.
- Can I use an end cap fiber with a mating sleeve?
  Since the radiation has already started to diverge within the end cap, a simple mating is no longer possible. Please use a fiber-to-fiber coupler in this case.
What is the minimum bend radius for my fiber cable?
- Do you have a Ø 900 µm cable?
  If yes, then the min. bend radius is 15 mm. More information can be found here.
- Do you have a Ø 3 mm cable?
  If yes, then the min. bend radius is 40 mm. More information can be found in the drawing here.
PM fibers
- I look at my fiber end face and do not see a Panda structure? Why is that?
  Chances are, that the fiber is equipped with end caps, that do not have a Panda structure themselves. The Panda structure within the actual fiber cable is visble with special microscopes only.
PM fiber coupling
- Can I also couple into the fast axis of a PM fiber cable?
  Conventionally the linearly polarized laser radiation is coupled into the slow axis because of its lower sensitivity to fiber bending.
  You can also couple light into the fast axis of a PM fiber cable. However, the bandwidth of the fiber is severly reduced and it is only advisable to couple in a wavelength close to the ccut-off.
  Please also keep in mind that Schäfter+Kirchhoff only specifies and tests as well as supplies measurement data for radiation coupled into the slow fiber axis. Measurement and test result will vary for coupling into the fast axis.