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Description

488 nm Single Mode Patch Cord – Precision Connectivity for Visible-Wavelength Systems

The 488 nm Single Mode Patch Cord from DK Photonics is engineered for high‑precision optical connectivity in visible‑wavelength systems, where stability, low loss, and tight mode control are critical. Unlike general‑purpose telecom patch cords optimized for 1310 nm or 1550 nm, this assembly is specifically designed around 488 nm operation, ensuring clean single‑mode guidance, excellent return loss, and low insertion loss at this shorter wavelength. It is ideal for demanding setups in fiber laser delivery, instrumentation, and optical communication links that utilize blue or cyan laser sources.

Built using 460‑HP or comparable high‑performance visible single mode fiber, the patch cord delivers a well‑defined mode field diameter around 488 nm, minimizing modal dispersion and preserving beam quality over the full cable length. The fiber is housed in a robust protective jacket (such as a 0.9 mm loose tube by default), providing mechanical protection without compromising flexibility or handling. Typical assemblies are available with precisely controlled lengths and a default length tolerance of ±5 cm, supporting accurate optical path management in tightly constrained laboratory or OEM systems.

To accommodate a wide variety of system architectures, the 488 nm Single Mode Patch Cord can be configured with industry‑standard connector types, including FC, LC, and SC. Within each connector family, users can specify PC or APC polishing, allowing optimization of return loss and back‑reflection performance according to the application needs. For high‑sensitivity or laser‑based systems, FC/APC or equivalent APC configurations are typically preferred, and DK Photonics supports narrow‑key FC interfaces for compatibility with precision instrumentation. All connectors are manufactured and polished to stringent tolerances, ensuring low insertion loss, repeatable mating, and stable long‑term performance.

The patch cords are designed for excellent stability and reliability under regular handling and repeated matings, making them suitable for both research environments and integrated OEM solutions. The combination of high return loss and low insertion loss at 488 nm helps maintain high signal‑to‑noise ratios and power budgets in applications such as fiber‑coupled lasers, optical transmitters and transceivers, and fiber‑based I/O ports. This also makes the cord a strong choice for connecting benchtop fiber instruments, interferometric setups, and metrology systems that require consistent optical performance over time.

The 488 nm Single Mode Patch Cord belongs to DK Photonics’ SM Patch‑cord Series and follows a clear part‑number structure (for example: SMPC‑488‑P‑S46‑90‑20‑FA) that encodes wavelength, performance grade, fiber type, jacket size, cable length, and connector style. Standard configurations cover the most commonly used laboratory and industrial requirements, while the platform also supports custom builds for specialized projects. Users can define parameters such as non‑standard lengths, alternative jacketing, special connector combinations, and unique polishing requirements to ensure seamless integration into existing optical infrastructures.

By combining a wavelength‑optimized single mode fiber, precision connector technology, and configurable construction, the DK Photonics 488 nm Single Mode Patch Cord offers a dependable connectivity solution for visible‑wavelength systems. It is particularly well‑suited to fiber laser delivery lines, optical test and measurement instruments, and compact optical transmitter or transceiver modules where tight control of insertion loss, return loss, and long‑term stability is essential.

488nm Single Mode Patch-Cord

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Specifications

Wavelength Range: 460 – 600 nm
Cable Length: 1 m
Fiber Core Material: Silica
Product Type: 488 nm single mode patch-cord
Series: SM Patch-cord Series
Model Example: DK-XS-DT-006-A/2
Part Number Format: SMPC-①-②-③-④-⑤-⑥
Pigtail Part Number Format: SMPig-①-②-③-④-⑤-⑥
Example Part Number: SMPC-488-P-S46-90-20-FA
Example Description: 488nm single mode patch cord, P grade, 460-HP fiber, 0.9mm OD loose tube, 2m fiber length, FC/APC connectors at all ports
Operating Wavelength: 488 nm
Fiber Type (example): 460-HP
Cable Outer Diameter (example): 0.9 mm loose tube
Fiber Length (example): 2 m
Connector Type (example): FC/APC at all ports
FC Connector Key Width: 2.0 mm (narrow key)
Length Accuracy (default): ±5 cm
Features: High Return Loss; Low Insertion Loss; Excellent stability and reliability

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

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Features

  • Optimized for 488 nm Single-Mode Operation – Specifically designed for precise light delivery at 488 nm, ideal for blue laser and fluorescence applications requiring stable single-mode propagation.
  • Low Insertion Loss – Precision connectors and high‑grade single-mode fiber ensure minimal optical power loss, improving system efficiency and signal quality.
  • High Return Loss / Low Back Reflection – Premium PC/APC polishing delivers excellent return loss, reducing back reflection in sensitive laser and measurement systems.
  • Excellent Stability and Reliability – Robust design with tight manufacturing tolerances provides consistent optical performance over time and under varying environmental conditions.
  • High-Quality 460-HP Single-Mode Fiber – Utilizes 460-HP or equivalent high-performance single-mode fiber optimized around 488 nm for stable mode field and low attenuation.
  • Wide Connector Options – Available with FC, SC, LC and other standard connectors; PC or APC polishing options to match a broad range of instruments and systems.
  • Precise FC Narrow-Key Design – FC connectors use a narrow 2.0 mm key width for secure, repeatable mating and accurate rotational alignment in laboratory and industrial setups.
  • Custom Lengths with Tight Tolerance – Standard and custom cable lengths available; default length accuracy of ±5 cm supports accurate optical path and timing control.
  • Multiple Jacket and Buffer Options – Offered with 0.9 mm loose tube and other common outer diameters for easy routing, protection, and integration into existing cable management systems.
  • High Power Handling for 488 nm Fiber Lasers – Engineered for compatibility with typical 488 nm fiber and DPSS lasers used in imaging, metrology, and bioinstrumentation.
  • Low Polarization-Dependent Loss – Carefully controlled geometry and high-quality connectors minimize polarization-dependent loss for more predictable system behavior.
  • Excellent Repeatability – High-precision ferrules and end-face preparation provide consistent insertion loss and return loss over multiple connect/disconnect cycles.
  • RoHS-Compliant Materials – Manufactured using environmentally compliant materials suitable for use in modern laboratories and production environments.
  • Extensive Compatibility – Designed for seamless connection to fiber lasers, optical transmitters and transceivers, spectrometers, fiber-coupled light sources, and other fiber instruments.
  • Available as Patch-Cords or Pigtails – Delivered as standard duplex/single patch‑cords or single‑ended pigtails (SMPig) to support both device termination and external interconnects.
  • Factory-Tested Performance – 100% inspected for insertion loss, return loss, and visual end-face quality to ensure compliance with DK Photonics specifications.
  • Custom Engineering Support – Non-standard wavelengths, fiber types, connector combinations, jacket materials, and special tolerances available on request with short lead times.

Applications

  • 488 nm fiber laser delivery and beam routing – stable single-mode patch cord connection for 488 nm DPSS and diode lasers in research labs and OEM laser systems.
  • Excitation in bioimaging and fluorescence microscopy – coupling 488 nm laser light to microscopes and imaging heads for GFP, FITC, and other common fluorophores.
  • Flow cytometry and cell sorting systems – low-loss, high-stability delivery of 488 nm excitation light from laser modules to flow cells and detection regions.
  • Confocal and multiphoton microscopy light delivery – precise, single-mode beam delivery to confocal scanners and objectives requiring high spatial mode quality at 488 nm.
  • Raman spectroscopy at 488 nm – fiber-coupled 488 nm laser excitation for portable and benchtop Raman spectrometers and sensing probes.
  • Fiber-coupled spectrometers and optical test instruments – linking monochromators, spectrometers, and optical benches operating around the 488 nm wavelength.
  • Optical communication and free-space optical links around 488 nm – research-grade links and experimental modulation setups using visible single-mode fibers.
  • Laser scanning and imaging systems – routing 488 nm beams in scanners, inspection systems, and 2D/3D imaging platforms.
  • Fiber I/O port for benchtop and OEM optical modules – serving as the input/output interface for 488 nm laser heads, amplifiers, or measurement modules.
  • Integration with optical transmitters and transceivers – fiber pigtails for visible-wavelength transmitters, receivers, and transceiver prototypes at 488 nm.
  • Visible wavelength metrology and calibration – stable reference connections for power meters, wavelength meters, and alignment tools at 488 nm.
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and interferometry research – single-mode links at 488 nm for experimental OCT, interferometers, and coherence-based measurements.
  • Quantum optics and quantum communication experiments – low-noise, stable 488 nm delivery for single-photon sources, entanglement experiments, and quantum channels.
  • Holography and digital holographic microscopy – high-coherence single-mode 488 nm beam routing for reference and object arms in holographic setups.
  • Laser-based sensing and environmental monitoring – 488 nm probe delivery in fiber-coupled gas sensors, fluorescence sensors, and other optical sensing platforms.
  • Biomedical and clinical instruments – integration in diagnostic equipment such as blood analyzers, cytometers, and endoscopic illumination systems using 488 nm.
  • Machine vision and precision alignment – coupling 488 nm lasers to vision systems, alignment tools, and position sensing setups.
  • Industrial inspection and materials characterization – visible-laser inspection stations, thin-film analysis, and defect detection using 488 nm excitation.
  • Education and R&D optical laboratories – general-purpose single-mode patch cords for optics teaching labs, photonics research, and test benches at 488 nm.
  • Custom OEM integration – tailored 488 nm single-mode patch cords for embedded systems, instruments, and modules requiring specific connector types, lengths, or fiber types.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 488 nm single mode patch cord and where is it typically used?
A 488 nm single mode patch cord is a fiber optic cable optimized to guide single‑mode light around the blue wavelength of 488 nm. It features low insertion loss, high return loss, and excellent stability, making it ideal for blue/visible fiber lasers, precision fiber instruments, fiber I/O ports, and optical transmitters and transceivers operating near 488 nm. Compared with telecom single‑mode patch cords designed for 1310/1550 nm, a 488 nm patch cord uses a specialty fiber (e.g., 460‑HP) that supports single‑mode operation at visible wavelengths for applications such as fluorescence microscopy, spectroscopy, biomedical instruments, and laser delivery.
How do I choose the right connector type (FC/PC, FC/APC, SC, LC) for a 488 nm single mode patch cord?
Connector choice depends on your equipment interface and performance requirements: - FC/PC or SC/PC: Physical Contact connectors with flat or slightly curved end‑faces, commonly used where standard reflection levels are acceptable. - FC/APC: Angled Physical Contact (typically 8° angle) that offers very high return loss (low back‑reflection), recommended for high‑power lasers, interferometric setups, and sensitive measurement systems. - LC: Small‑form factor connector used when panel space is limited. If your system is sensitive to back‑reflections (e.g., laser cavities, precision metrology), FC/APC is usually preferred. Always match the connector type and polish (PC/APC) to the mating port on your instrument to avoid damage and performance degradation.
What are insertion loss and return loss for DK Photonics 488 nm single mode patch cords, and why do they matter?
Insertion loss (IL) is the optical power lost when the patch cord is inserted into the system, typically specified in dB. Lower insertion loss means more power is transmitted through the fiber. Return loss (RL) is a measure of how much light is reflected back toward the source; higher return loss (e.g., >50 dB for APC connectors) means less back‑reflection. DK Photonics 488 nm single mode patch cords are designed for low insertion loss and high return loss to minimize signal attenuation and back‑reflections. This is critical for maintaining laser stability, protecting sensitive laser diodes, and preserving signal integrity in precision measurement and communication setups.
Can I customize a 488 nm single mode patch cord (length, fiber type, jacket diameter, and connectors)?
Yes. DK Photonics supports extensive customization of 488 nm single mode patch cords. You can specify: - Fiber type (e.g., 460‑HP or other visible‑optimized single‑mode fibers) - Fiber grade (e.g., standard or higher‑grade P‑grade options) - Connector type and polish (FC/PC, FC/APC, SC, LC, and others on request) - Cable construction and outer diameter (0.9 mm loose tube, 2.0 mm or 3.0 mm jacket, etc.) - Fiber length (with default length accuracy of ±5 cm; tighter tolerance is available on request) If a standard configuration does not meet your requirements, you can provide a detailed specification or use the DK Photonics part‑number structure (SMPC‑①‑②‑③‑④‑⑤‑⑥) as a template and request a custom quote.
What does the sample part number SMPC-488-P-S46-90-20-FA mean?
The sample part number encodes all key specifications of the 488 nm patch cord: - SMPC: Single Mode Patch Cord series - 488: Nominal operating/test wavelength of 488 nm - P: Performance/grade (e.g., P‑grade for tighter optical specs) - S46: Fiber type, here indicating a 460‑HP or equivalent single‑mode fiber optimized for visible wavelengths - 90: 0.9 mm OD loose tube protection on the fiber - 20: Fiber length of 2.0 m (often in decimeters) - FA: Connector type and polish on the ports, here FC/APC at all ports This code allows you to unambiguously specify the wavelength, fiber, cable build, length, and connectors when ordering or requesting a quote.
How accurate is the specified fiber length and can tighter tolerances be requested?
The standard length accuracy for DK Photonics single mode patch cords, including the 488 nm series, is ±5 cm. This is sufficient for most laser delivery and instrumentation applications. If your system requires a more precise length (for example, in delay lines, timing‑critical systems, or interferometers), you can request a tighter tolerance as part of a custom order. DK Photonics can adjust production and inspection processes to meet stricter length accuracy upon request, subject to feasibility and lead time.
What is the difference between a 488 nm single mode patch cord and a single mode pigtail (SMPig) from DK Photonics?
A 488 nm single mode patch cord (SMPC) typically has connectors on both ends and is used to connect two pieces of equipment or components in a fiber network. A single mode pigtail (SMPig) has a connector on only one end, with the other end left bare and prepared for fusion splicing or connectorization inside a device. Pigtails are commonly used to bring an optical interface from inside an optical module, laser housing, or instrument out to a patch panel. DK Photonics offers both SMPC‑… (patch cords) and SMPig‑… (pigtails) versions with similar fiber options, so you can choose the format that best matches your integration needs.

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

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