Fiber Coupler and Fiber Collimator 60FC-SF

Description

The fiber collimators series 60FC-SF with super-fine thread are an improved, advanced version of the series 60FC-F collimators. They 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.

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) 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 using a threaded ring with a super-fine thread. The improved mechanics lead to an increased pointing stability and reduced backlash during the focus setting. The lens in these fiber collimators is spring-loaded. The linear bearing ensures that the lens does not rotate when adjusting the focus.

Please note:
Please do NOT use the two radially arranged screws. These pin screws are now used for a different purpose in the 60FC-SF fiber couplers than for the previous version of the fiber couplers with fine-focusing mechanism 60FC-F.
They are to be used by Schäfter+Kirchhoff only! They are used for adjusting the backlash of the fine adjustment mechanics and are NOT used for fixing the collimation setting.

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.

Connector Type
The fiber collimator can be equipped with FC PC (wide key*), FC APC (wide key*) receptacles. Because of the spring loaded ferrule the fiber coupler has an additional grub screw to increase pointing stability. *Even though the fiber coupler has a wide key receptacle it still can be used with both narrow key and wide key fibers. More information can be found here.

Material
The fiber collimators are available in eco brass ®.

Mounting
The collimator can be placed into a standard mirror mount using the corresponding adapters. A list with mounting options can be found here.

Technotes

FAQ

Adjustment
- What are the radially arranged screws in the 60FC-SF couplers used for?
  Please do not use the two radially arranged screws. These pin screws are now used for a different purpose in the 60FC-SF fiber couplers than for the previous version of the fiber couplers with fine-focusing mechanism 60FC-F.
  They are to be used by Schäfter+Kirchhoff only. They are used for adjusting the backlash of the fine adjustment mechanics and are not used for fixing the collimation setting.
- How much can I change the focus setting?
  The coupler has a pitch of 0.35 mm and you can change the focus setting ± 0.8 mm.
- 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.
Mounting
- How do I mount the fiber coupler?
  There are various options to mount the fiber coupler. Please click here for more information.
Fiber Receptacle
- FC PC and FC APC
  - What type of receptacle does my collimator with receptacle type FC have? Narrow key or wide key?
    All our fiber collimators and couplers with a receptacle type FC have a so calles wide key receptacle (2.14 mm).
    
    These are suitable for connecting fibers with connector type FC (wide key) but also with thos of type narrow key! You can find the details in the FAQs below.
  - How do I attach a fiber cable?
    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.
    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 ("right-hand orientation rule").
    Gently screw on the connector cap nut onto the receptacle until it is finger-tight.
    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.
Troubleshooting
- I can‘t collimate the radiation out of a coupler. Why?
  - Have you checked, if the fiber is correctly placed within the fiber receptacle of the coupler?
    The fiber connector might not be placed correctly within the receptacle of the coupler/collimator. In particular, please check the small grub screw holding the connector's ferrule (e.g. for FC PC and FC APC type couplers). It might be in the way. Please refer to the adjustment instructions of the individual couplers/collimators for more details.
  - Are you using a fiber with an end cap?
    Collimating/coupling 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. Simply adjust the focus setting by using the super-fine thread.
- It says my coupler/collimator was "precollimated" but the collimation setting seems to not be alright. What might be the problem?
  - Are you using the same wavelength as the adjustment wavelength?
    Schäfter+ Kirchhoff ships all collimators/couplers prealigned and collimated/preadjusted for either a specific wavelength defined by the customer or a typical wavelength. The prealigned is performed using professional collimating telescopes.
    
    The adjustment wavelength is given on the label for each collimator/coupler. If you are using another wavelength you need to change the focus setting. Please refer to the manual for more details.
  - Are you using the same fiber type as in the adjustment procedure?
    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".
    
    If you are not using a fiber with an end cap but the preadjustment at Schäfter+Kirchhoff was done using an end cap ("EC") or you are using a fiber with an end cap and the preadjustment at Schäfter+Kirchhoff was done without, you might need to change the focus setting. Please refer to the manual for more details.

Downloads

Adjustment_60FC-SF.pdf (Manual)

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.

Accessories

Adjustment Tools Fiber Optics

Adapters for 60FC

for Ø 12 mm to diameter Ø 25 mm, Ø 1'' or with system mount Ø 19.5 mm

Related products

Fiber Collimator series 60FC-F

Fiber Collimator/Fiber Coupler with fine-focussing mechanism

Fiber Collimator Series 60FC

for collimating radiation exiting an optical fiber or as an incoupler

Laser Beam Couplers Series 60SMS

for coupling into single-mode and polarization-maintaining fiber cables

Laser Beam Couplers Series 60SMF

with fine-thread adjustment screws - for coupling into single-mode and polarization-maintaining fiber cables

Overview

Lens Code	A4.5	A4.5S	M5	A6.2	A6.2S	M6.2	A7.5	A8	M8	M10	A11	M11	M12	M12NIR	M15	A15	A15	A18	M18	M20
Focal length f'	4.5	4.5	5.0	6.2	6.2	6.2	7.5	8.0	8.0	10.0	11.0	11.0	12.0	12.0	15.0	15.3	15.4	18.4	18.4	20.0
Numerical Apperture NA	0.5	0.43	0.25	0.4	0.3	0.2	0.3	0.31	0.23	0.21	0.25	0.23	0.23	0.23	0.19	0.16	0.16	0.15	0.18	0.17
Clear apert. max. [mm]	4.95	3.7	2.8	4.95	3.7	2.5	4.5	4.93	3.8	4.2	5.5	5.2	5.4	5.4	5.6	5	5	5.5	6.6	6.8
Correction - achrom.						X				X		X	X	X	X
350 - 700 nm		01			01	01	01				01					01		01
390 - 670 nm			33			33			33				33							33
400 - 700 nm										01					01
400 - 1000 nm															24
420 - 700 nm															26
520 - 830 nm												18
600 - 1100 nm											02							02
600 - 1050 nm																02
630 - 1080 nm			10						10										10	10
630 - 980 nm													10	10
650 - 1050 nm										02					02
650 - 1150 nm	07			07				07
750 - 1550 nm															37
980 - 1550 nm			08						08				08						08	08
1050 - 1620 nm										03
1050 - 1650 nm					03						03
1050 - 1550 nm		03					03									03		03
1300 - 1700 nm		45			45		45				45						45
Lens Code	A4.5	A4.5S	M5	A6.2	A6.2S	M6.2	A7.5	A8	M8	M10	A11	M11	M12	M12NIR	M15	A15	A15	A18	M18	M20
Focal length f'	4.5	4.5	5.0	6.2	6.2	6.2	7.5	8.0	8.0	10.0	11.0	11.0	12.0	12.0	15.0	15.3	15.4	18.4	18.4	20.0
Numerical Apperture NA	0.5	0.43	0.25	0.4	0.3	0.2	0.3	0.31	0.23	0.21	0.25	0.23	0.23	0.23	0.19	0.16	0.16	0.15	0.18	0.17
Clear apert. max. [mm]	4.95	3.7	2.8	4.95	3.7	2.5	4.5	4.93	3.8	4.2	5.5	5.2	5.4	5.4	5.6	5	5	5.5	6.6	6.8
Correction - achrom.						X				X		X	X	X	X

Fiber Collimator series 60FC-SF

Features

Description

Technotes

FAQ

Downloads

Accessories

Overview