Optran® UVWFS – Broadband Low-OH Fiber (200-2000nm)

Optran UVWFS is an all‑silica, low‑OH optical fiber engineered for broadband transmission from the deep ultraviolet (UV) through the visible (VIS) to the near‑infrared (NIR). According to the datasheet, its typical spectral operating range is 200–2000 nm. The low‑OH (approximately 5 ppm) silica core and fluorine‑doped silica cladding minimize attenuation over this wide wavelength band, making it suitable for high‑performance UV, VIS, and NIR applications such as spectroscopy and broadband sensing.

Compared with standard fibers, an all‑silica, low‑OH core fiber such as Optran UVWFS offers several advantages for UV–VIS–NIR transmission: 1) Low attenuation from deep UV to NIR: The low‑OH content (≈5 ppm) significantly reduces absorption peaks in the UV–VIS region, enabling efficient light delivery from 200–2000 nm. 2) High temperature capability: The all‑silica construction and polyimide jacket support continuous operation from about −190 °C to +350 °C, which is much higher than typical polymer‑jacketed fibers. 3) Broad spectral coverage for multi‑wavelength systems: A single fiber can handle multiple laser lines or broadband sources across UV, visible, and NIR, simplifying system design in spectroscopy and multi‑channel measurement setups. 4) Stable and reproducible performance: In‑house preform fabrication and controlled drawing provide consistent optical and mechanical properties between production batches, which is critical for OEM and scientific instruments.

Optran UVWFS broadband all‑silica fiber is designed for applications that require low‑loss transmission across UV, visible, and NIR wavelengths. Typical use cases include: • Optical spectroscopy (UV–VIS–NIR absorption, fluorescence, Raman, and broadband source delivery) • Broadband sensing and process monitoring • Astronomy and astrophotonics instrumentation (light collection and routing over a wide spectrum) • Aerospace and avionics systems where wide temperature range and radiation‑robust all‑silica fibers are preferred • Multi‑wavelength laser or LED systems that need a single delivery fiber for several lines from about 200–2000 nm These application areas are consistent with how similar UV–VIS–NIR silica fibers are used by other manufacturers and integrators worldwide.

According to the datasheet, the Optran UVWFS product line offers: • Core diameters: 100–800 µm, with 200 µm as a standard core size used in many spectroscopy and sensing systems. • Numerical apertures (NA): 0.12 ± 0.02, 0.22 ± 0.02, and 0.28 ± 0.02, covering low‑, medium‑, and higher‑NA options similar to other UV–VIS–NIR silica fibers on the market. • Core/cladding ratio: Standard ratios from about 1:1.06 to 1:1.4 are available, and customized ratios can be produced on request. If you require a specific core size, NA, or geometry to match existing optics or connectors, CeramOptec can usually provide custom configurations after consultation.

The standard Optran UVWFS fiber with polyimide jacket is specified for an operating temperature range of approximately −190 °C to +350 °C, which is suited to cryogenic, laboratory, industrial, and aerospace environments where conventional PVC or acrylate‑jacketed fibers cannot be used. The standard mechanical proof test is 70 kpsi, in line with many high‑reliability silica fibers. This combination of high‑temperature tolerance and robust mechanical strength makes the fiber suitable for demanding and thermally challenging applications, provided the correct handling and routing practices are followed.

The datasheet specifies a polyimide primary coating/jacket as the standard option, which supports the full −190 °C to +350 °C operating range. Polyimide is widely used on high‑temperature and UV‑capable fibers because it is thin, mechanically robust, and resistant to many chemicals. The note “additional coating optional” indicates that CeramOptec can offer alternative or secondary jackets (such as tight‑buffer, stainless steel, or protective tubing) depending on the installation environment, similar to what is available from other broadband, all‑silica fiber vendors. For exact jacket materials, biocompatibility, vacuum compatibility, or ruggedization options, users should consult CeramOptec directly with their application requirements.

Yes. CeramOptec offers customization of Optran UVWFS fibers in terms of core diameter, NA, core‑to‑cladding ratio, jacket or coating type, and sometimes connectorization and bundle configurations. This is consistent with how similar UV–VIS–NIR all‑silica fibers are tailored by other manufacturers for OEM spectrometers, astronomy instruments, and aerospace systems. For a precise quotation or design recommendation, you should typically provide: • Target wavelength range (for example, 230–800 nm or 400–1700 nm) • Desired core size and numerical aperture, or the optics you need to interface with • Required operating temperature and environmental conditions (vacuum, radiation, chemicals, vibration) • Cable length, routing constraints, and minimum bend radius if known • Any connector types, assemblies, or bundle/array configurations needed With this information, CeramOptec can share additional reference data, refine the specifications, and propose a project‑specific, qualified solution.