To connect two SMA connectors with optical fibers, SMA couplers are used in data transmissions.
Losses in the optical signal originate at the point of coupling. These losses are not critical in data transmission; however, they can become problematic in applications working with high-power levels: If two SMA connectors that transmit at high-power levels are connected to each other, then these losses can lead to a strong build-up of heat in conventional couplings. This can cause the fiber to burn up in the connector and ultimately lead to its destruction.
The newly developed high-power SMA couplers offer one solution to this problem. The power that comes from the connector is expanded in the coupler using an optic and then, using a second optic, focused in the fiber of its counterpart. This expansion allows the optical power to be distributed across a significantly larger area.
This high-power SMA coupler is available for two wavelength ranges, i.e. 350-650 nm and 600 1060 nm. The typical insertion loss is 1.5 dB @ 850 nm. Power levels of up to 150 mJ @ 980 nm and 300 mJ at a pulse rate of 100 ms @ 1060 nm can be transmitted.
