Description

405 nm Single Mode Patch Cord – High-Precision UV/Violet Fiber Interconnect

The 405 nm Single Mode Patch Cord from DK Photonics is a precision‑engineered fiber optic jumper designed specifically for short‑wavelength applications in the near‑UV and violet spectral region. Unlike generic telecom patch cords optimized for 1310 nm or 1550 nm, this cable is built around specialty single mode fiber (such as S405‑XP class fibers) that maintains true single‑mode performance around 405 nm. This ensures a clean, well‑defined mode field, excellent focusability, and superior beam quality for demanding photonics setups in laboratories, industrial systems, and OEM instruments.

Each patch cord is manufactured with tight control over insertion loss and return loss to provide stable, repeatable optical performance. High return loss minimizes back reflections that can destabilize lasers or introduce noise into sensitive detection systems, while low insertion loss helps preserve source power and maximize system signal‑to‑noise ratio. Combined with robust connector polishing (PC or APC) and strict quality control, the cable delivers excellent long‑term stability and reliability, even in setups requiring frequent reconnection or reconfiguration.

The 405 nm Single Mode Patch Cord is available with a variety of connector options, including FC, LC, and SC in both PC and APC polish styles, to seamlessly integrate with common fiber‑based components such as laser sources, couplers, circulators, isolators, and measurement instruments. FC/APC connectors with a narrow 2.0 mm key are frequently chosen for precision, low‑back‑reflection coupling in laser and metrology environments, while FC/PC, SC/PC, or LC/PC variants support general laboratory and OEM usage. The mode field diameter is carefully matched to the wavelength regime, supporting efficient coupling into and out of 405 nm diode lasers, fiber‑coupled sources, and collimators.

In systems such as fiber lasers, optical transmitters, transceivers, and fiber‑optic instruments, stable performance at 405 nm is critical. This patch cord offers excellent mechanical and environmental robustness, supported by options such as 0.9 mm loose‑tube protection or larger jacket diameters for improved handling and strain relief. The standard length tolerance of ±5 cm is suitable for most applications, and DK Photonics can further tighten or modify this tolerance when more precise fiber routing is required, for example in interferometric setups or compact OEM modules.

The product is particularly suitable for use as a fiber I/O port for laser heads, spectrometers, fluorescence excitation systems, confocal microscopes, and other imaging or sensing platforms operating in the violet region. High return loss and low insertion loss help maintain laser linewidth and stability, reduce parasitic feedback into the source, and support accurate, repeatable measurements. In research and development environments, the combination of low loss, repeatable connector geometry, and carefully specified mode field characteristics enables reliable coupling into micro‑optics, photonic devices, and fiber‑based interferometers.

Because 405 nm single mode fibers are more sensitive to bending and handling than standard telecom fibers, the patch cord is designed to maintain performance over its service life when used within recommended bend radius guidelines. The excellent stability and reliability make it a strong choice not only for laboratory benches but also for integration into production equipment and long‑term deployed systems where downtime and drift must be minimized. Each assembly is typically tested for insertion loss and return loss at the specified wavelength, providing users with confidence that the patch cord will perform as expected right out of the box.

The ordering structure for this series allows users to specify grade, fiber type, buffer or jacket size, length, and connector configuration. A typical example, such as SMPC‑405‑P‑S40‑90‑20‑FA, would denote a 405 nm single mode patch cord with performance grade “P,” S405‑type single mode fiber, 0.9 mm loose‑tube buffer, 2 m length, and FC/APC connectors on all ports. For non‑standard lengths, special connector combinations, tighter tolerances, or integration into complex fiber assemblies, the platform supports extensive customization with short lead times, making it suitable for both one‑off experimental setups and large‑scale OEM deployment.

DK Photonics 405nm Single Mode Fiber Patch Cord FC APC Connectors

Specifications

Wavelength Range: 400 – 680 nm
Cable Length: 1 m
Fiber Core Material: Silica
Product Type: 405 nm single mode patch-cord
Series: SM Patch-cord Series
Operating Wavelength: 405 nm
Connector Types: FC, LC, SC
Connector Polish Types: PC, APC
FC Connector Key Width: 2.0 mm (narrow key)
Default Length Accuracy: ±5 cm
Example Fiber Type: S405-XP
Example Fiber Outer Diameter: 0.9 mm loose tube
Example Fiber Length: 2 m
Example Connector Configuration: FC/APC connectors at all ports
Example Part Number: SMPC-405-P-S40-90-20-FA

Got questions about specs? Use the inquiry form to ask.

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Features

  • High-Performance 405 nm Single Mode Operation – Optimized for precision transmission at 405 nm violet wavelength, ideal for UV/visible laser and spectroscopy systems.
  • Low Insertion Loss – Carefully controlled fiber geometry and high-quality connectors ensure minimal signal attenuation for stable, high-efficiency optical links.
  • High Return Loss (Low Back Reflection) – Available with PC/APC end-face polishing to greatly reduce back reflection, enhancing performance in sensitive laser and detection setups.
  • Excellent Stability and Reliability – Rugged construction, high-quality single mode fiber, and strict manufacturing control for long-term, repeatable performance in lab and field environments.
  • Precision Connector Options (FC/SC/LC and Others) – Offered with industry-standard single mode connectors (including FC, LC, SC, etc.) for easy integration into existing optical networks and instruments.
  • PC and APC Polishes Available – Select PC for general-purpose single mode links or APC for ultra-low back reflection in high-precision and laser-based applications.
  • Multiple Fiber Types for 405 nm – Uses specialized 405 nm single mode fiber (e.g., S405-XP) with well-controlled mode field diameter, optimized for short-wavelength performance.
  • Custom Lengths with Tight Length Tolerance – Standard and custom lengths available, with default length accuracy of ±5 cm; tighter tolerances possible on request to meet system layout needs.
  • Flexible Cable Constructions – Available in 0.9 mm OD loose tube and other jacket options to match your routing, protection, and integration requirements.
  • Narrow-Key FC Connector Option – FC connectors with 2.0 mm narrow key available, improving mating repeatability and polarization alignment in precision setups.
  • Low Polarization Distortion – Single mode fiber design and high-quality termination help maintain polarization characteristics, beneficial for polarization-sensitive instruments and lasers.
  • Clean, Low-Scattering End Faces – High-grade polishing and inspection minimize surface defects, reducing scattering and propagation loss at 405 nm.
  • Laboratory and OEM Grade – Suitable for high-end research, industrial, and OEM systems where consistent, repeatable optical performance is critical.
  • Wide Application Compatibility – Ideal for fiber lasers, fiber-coupled diode lasers, optical transmitters and transceivers, fiber I/O ports, and precision fiber instruments.
  • Custom Configurable End Types – Options for connectorized both ends, single-ended pigtails (SMPig), or mixed connector types to mate different interfaces in one cable.
  • Easy System Integration – Directly compatible with standard fiber optic platforms, patch panels, and benchtop instruments used in telecom, sensing, and photonics research.
  • Short Lead Times on Custom Builds – DK Photonics supports customized 405 nm patch cords (length, connector type, polish, fiber type, jacket) with responsive engineering support and fast delivery.
  • Strict Quality Control and Testing – Each patch cord is tested for insertion loss, return loss, and continuity, ensuring reliable performance upon installation.
  • Scalable for Volume Production – Suitable for both one-off laboratory orders and larger OEM volumes, with consistent quality between batches.

Applications

  • Blue and Violet Laser Systems – Optimized for 405 nm single-mode laser delivery in research, industrial, and OEM platforms.
  • Fiber Lasers and Seed Sources – Reliable coupling of 405 nm seed lasers into amplifiers, oscillators, and external cavities.
  • Optical Transmitters and Transceivers – Stable fiber I/O connection for 405 nm communication, sensing, and short-reach interconnects.
  • Fiber-Optic Test and Measurement Instruments – Connection of 405 nm sources and detectors to optical power meters, spectrum analyzers, OTDRs, and optical benches.
  • Laboratory and R&D Optical Setups – Precise routing of 405 nm beams between benches, modules, and characterization equipment.
  • Fiber I/O Ports for OEM Modules – Compact, robust input/output patching for 405 nm laser modules, sub‑assemblies, and integrated photonic devices.
  • Optical Metrology and Interferometry – High-coherence, low-loss delivery of 405 nm light in interferometers, profilometers, and precision alignment systems.
  • Confocal and Fluorescence Microscopy – Efficient coupling of 405 nm excitation into microscopes for imaging, confocal scanning, and high‑resolution optical inspection.
  • Biomedical and Life-Science Instrumentation – Fiber delivery of 405 nm light in cytometers, DNA sequencers, flow cytometers, and diagnostic analyzers.
  • Spectroscopy and Chemical Analysis – Use in Raman spectroscopy, absorption measurements, and UV–visible spectroscopy requiring 405 nm excitation.
  • Optogenetics and Biophotonics – Precise, stable 405 nm light delivery to probes, implants, and in‑vivo / in‑vitro experimental setups.
  • Data Storage and Optical Disk Systems – Integration with 405 nm blue‑violet laser heads used in Blu‑ray and advanced optical storage technologies.
  • Holography and 3D Imaging – Coherent single‑mode 405 nm beam routing for digital holography, 3D metrology, and interferometric imaging.
  • Laser Direct Writing and Lithography – High‑precision 405 nm beam delivery for maskless lithography, micro‑patterning, and PCB exposure systems.
  • UV Curing and Photopolymerization – Controlled fiber delivery of 405 nm light for localized curing, 3D printing, and resin processing.
  • Machine Vision and Alignment – Use as a stable 405 nm reference beam in alignment tools, position sensing, and high‑contrast machine vision illumination.
  • Quantum Optics and Single-Photon Experiments – Low-loss coupling into single‑mode fibers for quantum optics, single‑photon generation, and entanglement experiments at 405 nm.
  • Laser Safety and Calibration Stations – Connection of 405 nm sources to calibration fixtures, attenuators, and safety interlock test setups.
  • Telecom and Datacom Component Characterization – Fiber‑based testing of photonic components, filters, and waveguides that operate or are characterized at 405 nm.
  • General Single-Mode Fiber Interconnection – High‑return‑loss, low‑insertion‑loss patching between 405 nm single‑mode modules, racks, and field-deployed equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 405 nm single mode patch cord and where is it used?
A 405 nm single mode patch cord is an optical fiber cable optimized to transmit a single spatial mode of light at a wavelength of 405 nm (violet/blue). DK Photonics 405 nm SM patch cords are used to link equipment and components in optical systems that operate around 405 nm, such as diode and DPSS 405 nm lasers, fluorescence and confocal microscopes, spectroscopy setups, fiber-based sensors, optical transmitters and transceivers, and general fiber I/O ports in research and industrial instruments. Compared with multimode cords, single mode patch cords provide better beam quality, lower modal dispersion, and more stable coupling for precision 405 nm applications.
What are the key optical specifications of the DK Photonics 405 nm SM patch cords?
DK Photonics 405 nm single mode patch cords are designed for high return loss, low insertion loss, and excellent long‑term stability and reliability. They use 405 nm single mode fiber (such as S405‑XP or equivalent) with a well‑defined mode field diameter at 405 nm, and are terminated with high‑quality FC, SC, LC, or other connectors in PC or APC polish. Typical performance for comparable 405 nm SM patch cords on the market includes insertion loss on the order of ~0.3–0.7 dB per connector and return loss >45 dB (PC) or >60 dB (APC), though exact values depend on configuration. For the precise current specs and test conditions, DK Photonics recommends checking the latest datasheet or contacting sales@dkphotonics.com with your part number.
Which connector types and polish options are available for the 405 nm single mode patch cords?
The 405 nm SM patch cord series is available with a range of standard connector types commonly used in fiber optic labs and systems, including FC, LC, and SC connectors. DK Photonics offers both PC (Physical Contact) and APC (Angled Physical Contact) polish options depending on your back‑reflection requirements. For example, an FC/APC connector is suitable where very high return loss (low back‑reflection) is critical, such as in sensitive 405 nm laser systems. The datasheet notes that the FC connector uses a narrow key (2.0 mm). If you require a specific connector type, key width, or polish not listed, DK Photonics can usually provide custom configurations upon request.
How do I properly specify and order a custom 405 nm SM patch cord from DK Photonics?
DK Photonics uses a structured part number (P/N) system for its single mode patch cords. A typical example is SMPC‑405‑P‑S40‑90‑20‑FA, which the datasheet describes as a 405 nm single mode patch cord, P grade, S405‑XP fiber, with 0.9 mm OD loose tube, 2 m fiber length, and FC/APC connectors on all ports. When inquiring or ordering, provide the full part number according to the ordering information table (wavelength, grade, fiber type, cable outer diameter, length, and connector type/polish). If you need other wavelengths, jacket materials, fiber types, or connector combinations (e.g., FC/APC to LC/PC), send a detailed description of your requirements to sales@dkphotonics.com so they can generate a custom P/N and quotation.
What length tolerances and mechanical options are available for these patch cords?
The standard length accuracy for DK Photonics 405 nm single mode patch cords is ±5 cm. If your setup requires tighter length tolerances—for example, in interferometric measurements or when matching optical path lengths—you should specify this requirement when requesting a quote. Mechanically, the cords can be supplied with common outer diameters such as 0.9 mm loose tube (as in the example P/N), and other cable types (e.g., 2.0 mm or 3.0 mm jacket, armored options, or special sheathing) are typically available as custom options. The datasheet also notes that package size and mechanical design are subject to change due to ongoing improvements, so for critical mechanical constraints you should confirm the latest dimensions directly with DK Photonics.
What is the difference between PC and APC 405 nm patch cords, and when should I choose APC?
PC (Physical Contact) connectors have a flat or slightly curved ferrule endface that provides good physical contact and relatively low back‑reflection, suitable for many 405 nm applications such as general signal transmission and basic lab use. APC (Angled Physical Contact) connectors have an 8° (typical) angled endface that greatly reduces back‑reflections by directing them out of the fiber core, resulting in higher return loss. For 405 nm single mode systems that are sensitive to feedback—such as stabilized diode lasers, high‑power 405 nm sources, or precision metrology setups—APC connectors (e.g., FC/APC) are strongly recommended. The DK Photonics series supports both PC and APC polishes; you can select the appropriate option in the part number.
Can DK Photonics provide 405 nm single mode pigtails as well as patch cords?
Yes. In addition to patch cords with connectors on both ends (SMPC series), DK Photonics can provide single mode fiber pigtails with only one connector (SMPig series) using the same 405 nm single mode fiber. The ordering code pattern extends to SMPig‑①‑②‑③‑④‑⑤‑⑥ for pigtails, where you select the wavelength (405 nm), fiber type, cable diameter, length, and connector/polish on the terminated end. These pigtails are ideal for splicing into 405 nm laser diodes, integrated optics, or custom assemblies. For available standard and custom configurations, contact DK Photonics with your exact requirements.

Got more questions? Use the inquiry form to ask the supplier directly.

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