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Fiber Bundles
Frequently Asked Questions
An optical fiber bundle is a collection of multiple thin optical fibers that are bundled together to transmit light signals for illumination, visualization or other applications.
Fiber bundles are comprised of glass or plastic optical fibers, an adhesive (typically UV acrylics) that keeps the fibers glued together, and a jacket or housing that protects the bundle from the surrounding environment.
Fiber bundles are widely used in medical imaging, notably in endoscopes. Unlike single fibers, fiber bundles can transmit images and are thus great for imaging objects. They are also commonly used in optical communication networks as dividers and splitters that split the source into different channels. In fact, all submarine or cross-continental communication is supported by fiber bundles. They can also be found in laser machining applications as they can handle large power levels.
Optical fiber bundles are often classified as coherent or incoherent. When the fibers at both ends of the fiber follow the same ordering, the bundle is called coherent or ordered. Otherwise, they are referred to as incoherent or unordered.
The difference in spatial ordering of the single fibers in fiber bundles makes them suitable for different applications. Coherent or ordered fiber bundles are able to image an object while incoherent or unordered fiber bundles can only transmit light without preserving an image. In other words, they are used for illumination only.
Fiber bundles are known for being able to transmit wavelengths ranging from the UV to the IR.
While both copper cables and optical fiber cable bundle can transfer data, optical fiber bundles are more advantageous. Optical fiber bundles can transmit larger bandwidth data over much larger distances and with minimal loss. Moreover, unlike copper cables, they do not suffer from electromagnetic interference which leads to the modification or the loss of the signal.
The cross-section of fiber bundles is typically hexagonal as it is the best way to increase the packaging density and pack more fiber together within the same radius. This arrangement can also reduce cross-talk between the individual fibers which is defined as the power oscillating back and forth between the fibers.
Fiber Optic Bundles: Multiplexed Light Delivery and Collection for Advanced Optical Systems
Fiber optic bundles, also known as fiber bundles or fiber optic arrays, are essential components in systems that require simultaneous transmission of light through multiple optical paths. Used extensively in medical devices, spectroscopy, imaging systems, and industrial sensing, fiber bundles offer unmatched flexibility and performance for complex optical setups. At FindLight, we feature a broad range of fiber bundles from leading manufacturers worldwide, ready to meet your project’s optical demands.
What Are Fiber Optic Bundles?
A fiber optic bundle consists of multiple optical fibers grouped together within a common sheath or housing. These fibers may be arranged in linear, circular, square, or custom geometries depending on the application. Bundles can be made with single-mode, multi-mode, or a mix of fibers, and can also incorporate specialty fibers like polarization-maintaining or photonic crystal fibers.
Fiber bundles enable light to be collected from or delivered to multiple points simultaneously, allowing for efficient signal routing, spatial sampling, or illumination across various zones.
Key Features and Benefits
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Multi-Point Illumination and Collection: Fiber bundles are ideal for applications requiring light collection from or delivery to multiple points, such as endoscopy or distributed sensing.
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Customizable Geometries: Bundles can be configured in custom shapes (e.g., round-to-line, fan-out, hexagonal) to match specific imaging or sampling requirements.
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Improved Signal Throughput: By combining the outputs of multiple fibers, bundles increase the total optical throughput, improving signal quality in low-light environments.
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Broad Wavelength Compatibility: Fiber bundles can be constructed using materials optimized for UV, visible, NIR, or IR ranges to suit your spectral application.
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Ruggedized Options: Many fiber bundles are available with armored jackets or heat-resistant sheathing for use in harsh or high-temperature environments.
Common Applications
Fiber bundles are widely used in:
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Medical imaging and endoscopy
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Flame and plasma spectroscopy
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Multichannel fluorescence detection
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Industrial and process monitoring
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Remote sensing and fiber-delivered illumination
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Laser beam delivery and splitting
Whether you need to sample light from several points simultaneously or deliver uniform illumination across a surface, fiber bundles provide the required scalability and precision.
Selecting the Right Fiber Bundle
When choosing a fiber optic bundle, consider the following parameters:
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Fiber Type: Multi-mode for high light throughput or single-mode for precise signal transmission.
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Bundle Geometry: Choose round-to-round, line-to-round, fan-out, or custom shapes based on your optical configuration.
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Core Size and NA: Match the fiber’s numerical aperture (NA) and core size to your source and detector.
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Connector Type: Available with standard FC, SMA, ST, or custom ferrule connectors.
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Jacket Type: PVC, metal armored, or high-temperature sheathing depending on your application environment.
FindLight lets you compare fiber bundle options from multiple vendors to find the one that meets your technical and budgetary needs.
Explore Fiber Bundles on FindLight
FindLight is your go-to source for high-performance fiber optic bundles, connecting you with top global manufacturers and custom solution providers. Whether for lab use or industrial deployment, you’ll find the right bundle configuration to support your application.
Did You know?
1 - All Fiber Cables and Bundles
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