In addition to applications in telecommunication, optical fiber switches are being used more and more in laser measurement technology. One example of this is confocal laser scanning microscopy. Laser sources across the entire visible spectral range are used for illumination purposes. In biological samples, laser sources at l = 405 nm are increasingly being used, as well.
SM Fibers for Illumination
The optical connection between the laser source and the microscope is generally achieved using optical fibers. The reason for this is the good focusability that is obtained in the microscope using single-mode (SM) fibers.
Fiber Switches
LASER COMPONENTS has had high quality fiber switches available for some time; they are used as laser microscope accessories.
The switches can fulfill two main functions in connection with the microscope:
- Switching of the laser beam between the actual microscope and additional measuring heads (e.g. TIRF). A manual (un)plugging of the fiber is no longer necessary, which not only saves time, but also helps to avoid damage to the fiber ends and contamination caused by the change.
- Switching between individual laser sources instead of a laser box which involves time-consuming adjustments and is, therefore, very costly. Even lasers purchased at a later date, which do not fit in the laser box, can be connected to the microscope.
Thanks to excellent optical parameters, the switches can be integrated unproblematically into the laser sources of the measuring system. The switches can either be operated using a PC (RS232; TTL) or manually using the front panel.
Features
Extremely wide spectral range: 400 .. 670 nm
Optical transmission: 80% (450 .. 670 nm) 70% (400 .. 450 nm)
Channel crosstalk: < -60 dB
Max. optical power: 100 mW
