Laser Beam Coupler 60FC-LSA

Description

The fiber collimators series 60FC are designed for collimating radiation exiting optical fiber cables with high pointing stability. They can also be used in reverse-mode as fiber incouplers. They are suitable for single-mode and polarization-maintaining fiber cables leading to collimated beams with a Gaussian intensity profile. Please note that for multimode collimation the intensity profile is not Gaussian and depends on specific fiber and radiation properties.

An optics for each application
A large variety of collimating optics allows that the optimum focal length and the best lens type for a single wavelength (asphere, monochromat) or a wavelength range (achromat or apochromat) can be selected for each application. All lenses are AR-coated. For an ideal Gaussian beam and standard fibers you can reach coupling efficiencies up to 80%.

Adjustment of focus
The distance between fiber end-face and collimating optics is adjusted by means of an eccentric key. The lens does not rotate when adjusting the focus. The final focus setting is locked by means of two radially arranged clamping screws. Additionally attachment optics can be mounted to the front of the collimator.

Optimum lens performance
The angled polish of connectors of type APC is considered by a pre-angled mechanical coupling axis that compensates the beam deflection and you can use the lens centrically. This minimizes aberrations simply resulting from a non-ideal beam path through the lens.

Receptacle Type LSA
The fiber coupler has a receptacle of type LSA and is available as PC (for fibers with 0°-polish) and APC (for fibers with 8°-polish). The receptacle type LSA is compatible with fiber connectors type DIN, AVIO and AVIM. Since fibers with this connector type have a spring loaded ferrule, the fiber coupler has an additional grub screw to increase pointing stability. Compatible fibers can be found on www.diamond-fo.com.

Material Options
The fiber collimators are available in nickel silver (standard) or in amagnetic titanium. In case of titanium, the relative permeability is near 1 (µr=1.00005) making it almost transparent to magnetic fields. The linear coefficient of thermal expansion is close to that of the optics so that a thermal stability over a larger temperature range can be expected.

Mounting
The collimator can be placed into a standard mirror mount using the corresponding adapters.

Technotes

FAQ

Adjustment
- How much can I change the focus setting?
  For couplers and collimators with a focal length < 12 mm you can change the focus setting ± 0.5 mm. For couplers and collimators with a focal length ≥ 12 mm you can change the focus setting ± 1.0 mm.
- What is the difference between the eccentric keys type 60EX-4 and 60EX-5?
  Both eccentric keys are used for the fiber collimators series 60FC and the laser beam couplers series 60SMF/60SMS.The difference between the two eccentric keys is their stroke:
  The eccentric key type 60EX-5 has a larger stroke compared to the key type 60EX-4. The 60EX-5 is used for couplers with focal length ≥ 12 mm. The 60EX-4 is used for focal lenghts < 12 mm.
  In some (very, rare) cases it might be necessary to use the eccentric key type 60EX-5 even for couplers with focal lengths shorter than 12 mm:
  - When the coupler is used with a fiber connector that has an end cap,
  - the coupler is collimated for an extremely long wavelength,
  - the coupler is collimated for an extremely short wavelength,
  - or the coupler is focussed to a finite distance in order to generate a small spot .
- How do I collimate a coupler with an end cap fiber cable?
  Collimating with an end cap fiber cable is no different than with a standard fiber cable. However, the focus position might vary a little (<200 µm) when swapping a standard fiber cable for a fiber cable with end cap.
  The eccentric key 60EX-4 is used to adjust the focus position. In some cases the stroke is not large enough. Please use the eccentric key 60EX-5 with a larger stroke instead.
- I do not have a collimating telescope to collimate. Can you give me practical advice?
  Of coarse, a collimating telescope is the best way to collimate. But there are other methods depending on the type of fiber (single-mode and PM vs. multimode) you can use. Please refer to our practical collimating tips here.
- My collimator is shipped "prealigned". What does this mean?
  Schäfter+ Kirchhoff ships all collimators prealigned and collimated for either a specific wavelength defined by the customer or a typical wavelength. The collimation is performed using professional collimating telescopes.
  
  Please note: The fibers used in the standard adjustment procedure are all equipped with an end cap when aligning for wavelengths ≤ 520 nm. The adjustment wavelength is given on the label for each collimator/coupler. If a fiber with end cap was used it is marked by "EC".
- I am unsure how to correctly adjust my coupler/collimator. Where do I find details about the adjustment procedure?
  Please refer to the manual in the Downloads section for a detailed adjustment procedure.

Downloads

Adjustment_60FC-LSA.pdf (Manual)

Article_FibercouplingNAe2.pdf (Technote)

This downloads section only includes general downloads for the complete series.
Please access the individual product pages (using the product configurator, the product list, order options or the search button if you have a complete order code). Here you will find specific downloads including technical drawings or stepfiles.