Ocean Optics S2000 - Manual (Page 89)

Optical Fiber Assemblies
Ocean Optics offers an extensive line of optical fibers and accessories -- including patch cords, bifurcated
assemblies, bushings, and splitters -- for a variety of UV-VIS and VIS-NIR applications. All optical fibers couple
easily via SMA terminations to our miniature fiber optic spectrometers, light sources and sampling optics. Ocean
Optics optical fibers offer great flexibility, both in the literal sense (by transporting light around corners, for
example) and in the way fiber-based systems are constructed (by linking light sources and sampling optics, for
example, to create an optical interface to the spectrometer). Optical fibers allow the user to easily convert the
optical interface from one setup to another -- absorbance, reflectance and emission are the three basic options -- to
create an almost endless variety of optical-sensing systems.
These silica-core and silica-clad optical fibers are optimized for the UV-VIS (200-750 nm) or VIS-NIR (450-
1000 nm). Standard assemblies are 2 meters in length, and are available in sizes ranging from 8
µ
m to 1000
µ
m in
diameter. Custom options include optical fibers with solarization-resistance properties (for applications <250 nm),
and in lengths other than 2 meters.
Caution!
! !
Gently remove the plastic cover from the SMA connector before use. Pulling the SMA connector away from
the fiber when removing the plastic cover will permanently damage the fiber.
! !
When fibers break, they stop transmitting light. Be sure to inspect fibers by eye to determine if light is
being transmitted.
! !
Do not coil the fiber too tightly. The maximum sustained bend radius of a 400 µm fiber is 10 cm. Bending
the fiber will cause attenuation. To minimize this effect, add extra strain relief to both ends of the fiber.
! !
Do not exceed the temperature specifications for the materials involved: 200°C for the fiber, 100°C for PVC
cabling, 100°C for standard epoxy.
! !
Do not allow the fiber to be bent at a sharp angle. A bending radius of less than one inch is dangerous.
! !
Keep connectors and probe tips covered when the fibers are not being used.
! !
Clean ends of the fibers with lens paper and distilled water, alcohol, or acetone. Avoid scratching the surface.
! !
Do not immerse fiber ends in caustic materials or other solutions that can damage quartz or aluminum.
Operation
Patch Cords
Patch cords are single strands of optical fiber. The active part consists of a silica core, surrounded by a silica
cladding material. The fiber is very fragile, and if not protected by a suitable buffer material, would be nearly
useless for most applications. The buffer materials are polymer coatings that provide mechanical strength, either
polyamide or Teflon. Cabling further protects the buffer-coated fiber. Our standard laboratory cabling is blue PVC.
Other cabling that is available includes stainless steel monocoil. The ends of the fibers are cleaved, epoxied into
the connectors, and polished.
Bifurcated Assemblies and Splitters
Bifurcated assemblies and splitters allow you to route light from 1 location to 2 locations, or to collect light from
2 locations and combine the output into 1 location. The assemblies are shaped like a “Y” with a stainless steel
breakout located midway from the ends of the fibers. The common end of bifurcated assemblies has 2 fibers laying
side by side. The spatial difference between the two fibers may be important in your application. If this difference
matters, then a splitter is required. The common end of a bifurcated fiber can be coupled to a larger diameter single
fiber with a splice bushing to create a functional splitter.
- 89 -