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Description

High power polarization-maintaining isolator allows light to propagate in one direction but block transmission in the opposite direction. At the same time, by using PM panda fibers it maintains a well-defined state of polarization (SOP) of the light. This fiber-coupled 1064/1053/1030/980 nm PM optical isolator has power handling up to 50W. It’s a good choice in many laser applications, since back-reflected light often have deleterious effects on the operating conditions of optical devices.

Notes:

  • The high power polarization-maintaining isolator is customizable, and the above specifications are subject to change without notice.
  • For device with connectors, IL is 0.3dB higher, RL is 5.0dB lower, ER is 2.0dB lower.
  • Unless otherwise specified, the slow axis of the fiber is aligned with the key of the PM fiber connector.
  • Slow axis working and fast axis blocked as standard, while operating on both the slow and fast axis available on request.
  • Bare fiber should not support the weight of the connector. So that if any connectors needed, for the pigtail type it’s better to choose the 900μm loose tube jacket instead of the 250μm bare fiber.
  • For CW high-power optical interconnection, we recommend fusion splice without connectors. 
  • For product customization or special requirements, please contact Lfiber’s sales department for availability.

High Power Polarization-Maintaining Isolator (50W)

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Specifications

Type Of The Device: Isolator
Operating Wavelength: 980 nm
Max Power: 50 W
Min Isolation: 25 dB
Extinction Ratio At 23℃ (dB): ≥20
Connector: None, FC/UPC, FC/APC, SC/UPC, SC/APC, LC/UPC, LC/APC, Others on request
Optical Power (CW) Handling (W): 30, 50
Fiber Type: Panda PM fiber, others on request

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

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Features

  • High‑power polarization‑maintaining design (up to 50 W CW)
    Engineered to handle up to 50 W continuous‑wave optical power and up to 20 kW peak power for nanosecond pulses, making it ideal for industrial, medical, and scientific high‑power fiber laser systems.
  • Multiple center wavelengths: 980 nm, 1030 nm, 1053 nm, 1064 nm
    Available at standard Yb‑doped fiber laser wavelengths (1030 nm, 1053 nm, 1064 nm) as well as 980 nm pump wavelength, each with a ±5 nm operating bandwidth for flexible laser integration.
  • Excellent isolation performance for backward‑reflection protection
    Typical peak isolation of 30 dB and minimum isolation ≥25 dB at 23 °C effectively suppress backward‑propagating light, protecting upstream laser sources and amplifiers from damage and instability.
  • Low insertion loss for maximum system efficiency
    Typical insertion loss of 0.8 dB (maximum 1.0 dB at 23 °C) minimizes power loss, enabling higher output power and improved overall optical system efficiency.
  • Polarization maintaining with high extinction ratio
    Extinction ratio ≥20 dB ensures stable polarization state in PM fiber laser and amplifier chains, delivering low‑noise operation and consistent beam quality for precision applications.
  • High return loss for superior signal integrity
    Return loss ≥45 dB reduces back‑reflections into the source, enhancing laser stability and minimizing interference effects in sensitive measurement or processing setups.
  • Configurable axis alignment options
    Supports “slow axis working and fast axis blocked”, “fast axis working and slow axis blocked”, and “both axis working” configurations, allowing optimization for fiber lasers, MOPA systems, PM amplifiers, and test instruments.
  • Compatible with PANDA PM fibers and standard PM connectors
    Uses PANDA polarization‑maintaining fiber with alignment of the slow axis to the connector key (unless otherwise specified) and supports FC/UPC, FC/APC, SC/UPC, SC/APC, LC/UPC, LC/APC and custom connector options.
  • Rugged package for demanding environments
    Compact 82 × 38 × 35 mm package with maximum tensile load of 5 N on the fiber pigtails provides robust mechanical stability for integration in laboratory setups and OEM systems.
  • Optimized for fiber lasers, MOPA systems, and PM amplifiers
    Designed for high‑power Yb‑doped fiber lasers, MOPA fiber lasers, PM fiber amplifiers, and high‑precision optical testing instruments requiring stable polarization and high isolation.
  • Broad operating and storage temperature range
    Reliable performance over an operating temperature range of +10 °C to +50 °C and storage from 0 °C to +60 °C, suitable for both controlled lab environments and many industrial conditions.
  • Customizable pigtails, fiber length, and packaging
    Choice of 250 μm bare fiber or 900 μm loose‑tube pigtails, with standard lengths (0.5 m, 0.8 m, 1.0 m, 1.5 m) and custom lengths available to simplify routing and integration.
  • Flexible power‑handling configurations
    Standard configurations up to 30 W and 50 W CW at different wavelengths, with device construction optimized for high‑power beam handling and long‑term reliability.
  • Connector and splicing options for high‑power use
    Supports connectorized versions for convenience, with specified performance impact (≈0.3 dB higher IL, 5 dB lower RL, 2 dB lower ER), while fusion splicing is recommended for demanding CW high‑power interconnects.
  • High reliability and long‑term stability
    Built using proven high‑power PM isolator technology for stable isolation, low drift, and extended service life in continuous operation environments.
  • Ideal for reflection‑sensitive precision applications
    Suited for micromachining, nonlinear optics, interferometry, and other applications where back‑reflection, polarization fluctuation, and power loss must be strictly controlled.
  • Custom engineering support
    Wavelengths, axis configuration, fiber type, connector style, fiber jacket, and package options can be tailored on request to match specific system architectures or OEM requirements.

Applications

  • High‑Power Fiber Laser Systems – Boost laser stability and efficiency in industrial CW and pulsed fiber lasers operating at 980 nm, 1030 nm, 1053 nm, and 1064 nm by blocking harmful back‑reflections up to 50 W CW and 20 kW peak power.
  • PM Fiber Amplifiers (Ytterbium‑Doped) – Protect seed lasers and amplifier stages in polarization maintaining fiber amplifiers, ensuring high extinction ratio and stable polarization at 1030 nm–1064 nm.
  • MOPA Fiber Laser Architectures – Isolate master oscillators from power amplifier back‑scatter in MOPA configurations, maintaining pulse fidelity and preventing damage in ns‑pulse and CW operation.
  • Ultrafast and Picosecond/Nanosecond Laser Sources – Improve performance of mode‑locked and pulsed Yb fiber lasers at 1030 nm/1053 nm/1064 nm by suppressing back‑propagating ASE and reflections.
  • 980 nm Pump Laser Isolation – Provide high‑reliability isolation for 980 nm pump diodes used in Er‑doped and Yb‑doped fiber amplifier pumping chains, extending diode lifetime.
  • High‑Power PM Fiber Laser Modules – Integrate into OEM high‑power laser heads and rack‑mounted laser modules to protect internal optics and maintain beam quality under high optical loads.
  • Precision Test and Measurement Instruments – Use in optical test benches, metrology systems, and lab setups to shield sensitive sources and detectors from back‑reflections during characterization at 1.0–1.1 µm.
  • Nonlinear Fiber Optics Experiments – Stabilize experimental setups involving supercontinuum generation, SRS, SPM, and other nonlinear processes in PM fibers near 1030–1064 nm by preventing backward‑propagating light.
  • Interferometry and Coherent Detection – Enhance signal fidelity in interferometers, coherent detection schemes, and coherent beam combining systems that use PM fibers around 1 µm.
  • Laser Micromachining and Materials Processing – Integrate into high‑power Yb fiber laser lines for cutting, drilling, welding, marking, and surface texturing where stable, reflection‑immune delivery at 1030–1064 nm is required.
  • Laser Additive Manufacturing (SLM/3D Printing) – Protect fiber sources in metal 3D printing and selective laser melting systems operating at 1 µm wavelengths from back‑reflections generated at the workpiece.
  • Medical and Biomedical Laser Systems – Apply in medical Yb fiber laser platforms (e.g., surgical tools, dermatology, photocoagulation at ~1 µm) that require low insertion loss and robust isolation for patient‑safe operation.
  • LIDAR and Range‑Finding at 1 µm – Use in polarization‑maintaining transmitter chains of 1030–1064 nm LIDAR and range‑finding systems to protect seed lasers and maintain polarization for accurate distance and velocity measurements.
  • Sensing and Instrumentation (Fiber‑Based) – Incorporate into distributed sensing, FOG‑like systems, and fiber‑based strain or temperature sensors around the 1 µm band where polarization control and back‑reflection suppression are critical.
  • Optical Isolation in R&D Laboratories – General‑purpose high‑power PM isolator for research setups requiring configurable axis alignment (slow‑axis working, fast‑axis working, or both axes) at 980 nm, 1030 nm, 1053 nm, and 1064 nm.
  • High‑Power PM Fiber Delivery Lines – Place at the interface of PM delivery fibers and external optics (collimators, scanners, focusing lenses) to prevent reflections from propagating back into the laser cavity.
  • OEM Integration in Laser Modules and Subsystems – Ideal for system integrators building compact, ruggedized laser engines, amplifier racks, or optical heads that demand high isolation, high return loss, and long‑term reliability.
  • Free‑Space to Fiber Coupling Protection – Protect high‑precision free‑space to PM fiber couplers operating near 1 µm by eliminating destabilizing feedback from downstream optics or samples.
  • Beam Conditioning and Polarization‑Sensitive Systems – Use in systems where consistent polarization extinction ratio and minimal insertion loss are required to feed polarizers, waveplates, AOMs, EOMs, and other polarization‑critical components.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a high power PM fiber isolator and where is this 980/1030/1053/1064 nm model typically used?
A high power PM (polarization maintaining) fiber isolator is a passive optical component that allows light to pass in one direction while strongly attenuating any light returning in the opposite direction, and at the same time maintains a defined state of polarization. This specific Lfiber high power PM isolator is optimized for 980 nm, 1030 nm, 1053 nm, and 1064 nm and is designed for up to 50 W CW power and up to 20 kW peak for ns pulses. It is commonly used in Yb-doped and Nd-doped fiber laser systems, MOPA fiber lasers, polarization maintaining fiber amplifiers, and precision optical test and measurement setups. Similar products listed on FindLight and other photonics suppliers are used to improve laser stability, protect seed lasers and amplifier stages from back‑reflections, and enhance output beam quality in high power fiber laser architectures.
How do I choose the correct wavelength and axis alignment option for my high power PM isolator?
You should match the center wavelength of the isolator (980, 1030, 1053, or 1064 nm) to the operating wavelength of your laser or amplifier, taking into account the ±5 nm operating range. For example, 1064 nm is common for Yb fiber lasers, 1030 nm for certain ultrafast and industrial Yb systems, 1053 nm for Nd:glass or specific Yb systems, and 980 nm for pump diode applications. Axis alignment defines how the isolator works with your PM fiber: - "Slow axis working and fast axis blocked" (standard) transmits light on the slow axis and blocks the fast axis in the forward direction, and blocks both axes in the backward direction. This is typical for single‑polarization PM systems. - "Fast axis working and slow axis blocked" is used when your system is designed around the fast axis. - "Both axis working" is used in designs where both polarization axes carry useful signal. When in doubt, check the polarization axis your laser or PM components are using (often the slow axis aligned to the connector key by default) and select the matching axis configuration. Lfiber can customize the axis configuration to match other PM components in your system.
What are the key optical performance specifications of this high power PM isolator (insertion loss, isolation, extinction ratio, return loss)?
At 23 °C, this isolator offers typical peak isolation of about 30 dB and a minimum isolation of 25 dB within a ±5 nm wavelength band around the chosen center wavelength. Typical insertion loss is 0.8 dB and maximum insertion loss is 1 dB for the bare‑fiber version. The extinction ratio (ER) is ≥20 dB, which is in the same range as other premium high power PM isolators on FindLight and major photonics catalogs. Return loss is ≥45 dB, reducing back‑reflections into your laser source. If connectors are added, insertion loss typically increases by ~0.3 dB, return loss decreases by ~5 dB, and extinction ratio decreases by ~2 dB compared with the bare‑fiber configuration. These values are competitive for 50‑W‑class PM fiber isolators used in demanding industrial and scientific laser systems.
How much optical power can this high power PM isolator handle and is it suitable for pulsed fiber lasers?
This Lfiber high power PM isolator is specified for up to 50 W continuous‑wave (CW) optical power handling and up to 20 kW peak power for nanosecond pulses. These ratings place it in the high‑power class, comparable to other 1030–1064 nm PM fiber isolators advertised for industrial fiber lasers and MOPA systems. For nanosecond pulsed operation, ensure that the pulse energy, repetition rate, and duty cycle do not cause the average power to exceed the CW limit and that the peak power remains below 20 kW. For sub‑nanosecond or ultrafast (picosecond/femtosecond) lasers, or for higher pulse energies, contact Lfiber’s sales team to confirm suitability or to request a customized version, as damage thresholds and thermal management requirements can differ from standard ns‑pulse ratings.
Should I use connectors or fusion splicing with this high power PM isolator, and what fiber pigtail options are available?
For CW high‑power optical interconnection, Lfiber explicitly recommends fusion splicing without connectors to minimize insertion loss, maximize power handling, and avoid connector‑endface damage—this is also the standard practice stated by many high‑power isolator manufacturers globally. The standard fiber type is panda PM fiber, and you can choose between 250 µm bare fiber pigtails or 900 µm loose tube jackets. For bare fiber, note that the fiber should not support the weight of a connector; if connectors are required, Lfiber recommends selecting the 900 µm loose tube jacket rather than 250 µm bare fiber to improve mechanical robustness. Common connector options include FC/UPC, FC/APC, SC/UPC, SC/APC, LC/UPC, LC/APC, and others on request. Remember that adding connectors slightly degrades insertion loss, return loss, and extinction ratio compared with a bare‑fiber, spliced installation.
How is the polarization axis aligned in this PM isolator and how does that affect my system design?
Unless otherwise specified, the slow axis of the PM fiber in this isolator is aligned with the key of the PM fiber connector, which is consistent with the majority of PM components on the market and with common practice described by other vendors on FindLight and elsewhere. In the standard configuration, the isolator works on the slow axis (slow axis working, fast axis blocked); for alternative configurations, Lfiber can set the fast axis as working or allow both axes to pass. This axis alignment is critical for maintaining high extinction ratio and minimizing polarization‑related loss. When you integrate the isolator, align it so that the working axis (typically the slow axis) is consistent across your laser source, modulators, PM fibers, and other polarization‑sensitive components. Misalignment can significantly reduce ER, increase insertion loss, and degrade system stability.
What are the mechanical dimensions, environmental conditions, and customization options for this high power PM isolator?
The standard high power PM isolator is housed in an 82 × 38 × 35 mm package, suitable for benchtop and OEM fiber laser integration. It is specified for operation from +10 °C to +50 °C and storage from 0 °C to +60 °C, in line with many high‑power fiber components. Maximum tensile load on the fiber pigtail is 5 N, so appropriate fiber strain relief and cable management are required. Lfiber offers customizations similar to those seen from other premium manufacturers, including: - Different center wavelengths near 980, 1030, 1053, or 1064 nm - Custom axis configuration (slow, fast, or both axes working) - Custom fiber type (other PM fibers on request) - Alternative fiber lengths and jacket types (250 µm bare fiber, 900 µm loose tube, others) - Various connector types or connector‑free configurations for direct splicing Because specifications may change and special versions are available, Lfiber recommends contacting their sales department to confirm current specs and discuss any special requirements such as higher power handling, different wavelength bands, or unique mechanical interfaces.

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

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