Quartz-Core Fibers for Vis and NIR
Vis-NIR fibers are so-called low-OH fibers, which are usually used for wavelengths up to 1900 nm. These fibers are primarily standard fibers with a quartz (SiO2) fiber core and a polymer or silica-doped cladding. In addition, they have a protective jacket to prevent mechanical damage. These buffers are made of Tefzel, polyimide, or acrylate on an optional basis. Special nylon coatings are also possible.
Optical fibers for visible wavelengths and the near infrared range can be found in many different applications such as data and power transmission, sensor technology, and illumination. In diode lasers, they are used to transmit typical pump wavelengths of from 808 nm to 980 nm.
Low-OH Hard-Clad Fibers
- Fiber core diameter: 200-1000 µm
- Wavelengths: Optimized for 650 nm and 850 nm
- Temperature range: -65°C to +125°C
- Cladding material: Polymer
Ultra-Low-OH Silica/Silica Fibers
- Fiber core diameter: 100-1000 µm
- Wavelength range: 700-1800 nm
- Temperature range: Depending on version, between -65°C and +300°C
- Cladding material: Doped SiO2
Ultra-Low-OH Dual-Clad Quartz Fibers
In so-called dual-clad or double-clad fibers, the fiber core is surrounded by two claddings: A layer of doped silica is wrapped directly around the quartz core, followed by an additional coating – usually a hard-clad polymer. These fibers are primarily used in the transmission of high power. Light that escapes from the fiber core is guided in the first cladding (quartz). Losses are therefore particularly low during outcoupling. The polymer cladding, however, is break resistant and additionally protects the fiber to reliably transmit power, even with strongly bent fibers.
- Fiber core diameter: 200-940 µm
- Wavelength range: 700-1800 nm
- Temperature range: -65°C to +125°C
