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Description

FIBER OPTIC CIRCULATORS – MINIATURE INLINE & CUBE STYLE

Fiber optic circulators are essential components in modern optical communication and sensing systems, serving as non-reciprocal devices that efficiently route light signals between multiple fiber ports. Unlike standard optical isolators, circulators not only protect the input fiber from unwanted reflected power but also direct the reflected or rejected light to a third port, enabling advanced functionalities in complex photonic networks.

This unique capability makes them indispensable in applications such as dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) networks, chromatic dispersion compensation, optical add-drop multiplexers (OADM), fiber amplifiers, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems. The miniature inline fiber optic circulators offered here are engineered for high performance in both singlemode and polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber configurations. 

Their compact design is ideal for OEM integration, where space and reliability are critical. These circulators are available across a broad range of center wavelengths, including 780 nm, 850 nm, 1060 nm, 1310 nm, 1480 nm, and 1550 nm, ensuring compatibility with a wide variety of optical systems. The devices are characterized by low insertion loss, high isolation, low crosstalk, and high extinction ratios, which are crucial for maintaining signal integrity in high-speed and high-power applications. For polarization-sensitive environments, the PM fiber optic circulators are manufactured with precise alignment, typically transmitting all optical power along the slow axis (fast axis blocking).

This makes them particularly suitable for advanced applications such as 40 Gbit/s transmission systems, Raman pump lasers, and double-pass amplifier configurations. The modular design allows for custom alignment of any port for fast axis coupling, and high extinction ratio connectors can be integrated upon request. Additionally, the circulators maintain isolation regardless of the polarization state of the return beam, ensuring robust performance even in challenging conditions. For non-telecom wavelengths and high-power requirements, a cube style circulator is available. This robust design is well-suited for custom and specialty applications, offering enhanced power handling and flexibility.

With a range of connector and cable options, as well as the ability to accommodate custom designs, these fiber optic circulators provide a versatile solution for both standard and demanding optical setups. Whether for telecommunications, sensing, or research, these circulators deliver reliable, high-quality performance tailored to the needs of modern photonic systems.

Fiber Optic Circulators

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Specifications

Type Of The Device: Circulator
Operating Wavelength: 780 nm
Max Power: 0.25 W
Min Isolation: 30 dB
Extinction Ratio: 20, 25, 30 dB
Insertion Loss: 1.0 (40 dB return loss versions); 0.7 (55, 60 dB return loss versions)
Peak Isolation @ 23°C: >30 (cube-style version, wavelengths >1060nm and >1300nm), <40 (Miniature In-Line version) dB
Power Handling: 250 mW
Transmission Axis: Slow (standard)
Return Loss: 40, 50, 60 dB
Connector Alignment: Slow axis to key

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

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Features

  • Ultra-Low Insertion Loss: Ensures maximum signal transmission efficiency for high-performance optical networks.
  • Miniature, Space-Saving Design: Compact form factor ideal for OEM integration and space-constrained applications.
  • High Power Handling Capability: Suitable for demanding applications, including high-power laser and amplifier systems.
  • Wide Wavelength Range: Available for center wavelengths of 780, 850, 1060, 1310, 1480, and 1550 nm to support diverse network requirements.
  • Exceptional Isolation: High isolation between ports minimizes signal leakage and cross-talk, enhancing system performance.
  • Low Cross Talk: Maintains signal integrity by reducing interference between channels.
  • Low Return Loss: Reduces back reflections, protecting sensitive optical components and improving overall system reliability.
  • High Extinction Ratio: Delivers superior polarization performance, especially in polarization maintaining (PM) versions.
  • Singlemode & Polarization Maintaining Options: Available with both singlemode and PM fiber types for versatile application compatibility.
  • Customizable Fiber Alignment: Modular design allows for fast or slow axis alignment and high extinction ratio connectors upon request.
  • Robust Build Quality: Engineered for long-term stability and reliability in demanding environments.
  • Flexible Configurations: Offered in both inline and cube-style designs, including high-power variants for specialized needs.
  • Broad Application Range: Ideal for DWDM networks, chromatic dispersion compensation, optical add-drop modules (OADM), fiber amplifiers, fiber sensors, and OCT systems.
  • Custom Connector and Cable Options: Wide selection of connector types and cable lengths available to meet specific installation requirements.
  • Industry-Leading Performance: Manufactured to stringent quality standards, ensuring consistent and reliable operation.

Applications

  • Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) Networks: Essential for routing optical signals in advanced telecommunication systems, enabling multiple wavelengths to be transmitted over a single fiber for increased bandwidth and network efficiency.
  • Chromatic Dispersion Compensation: Used in modules that correct for chromatic dispersion in optical fibers, improving signal integrity and transmission distance in high-speed fiber optic communication links.
  • Optical Add-Drop Multiplexers (OADM): Integral in OADM systems for selectively adding or dropping specific wavelength channels without disrupting the remaining traffic, supporting flexible and scalable network architectures.
  • Fiber Amplifiers: Employed in Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers (EDFAs) and Raman amplifiers to separate input and output signals, prevent feedback, and enhance amplification efficiency.
  • Fiber Optic Sensors: Utilized in distributed and point fiber optic sensing systems for structural health monitoring, temperature, strain, and acoustic sensing in industries such as civil engineering, oil & gas, and aerospace.
  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Systems: Critical in medical imaging and industrial inspection, enabling high-resolution, cross-sectional imaging by efficiently routing reference and sample beams.
  • Polarization Maintaining Applications: Ideal for systems requiring preservation of polarization state, such as high-speed (40 Gbit/s and above) communication links, quantum optics, and coherent detection systems.
  • Double Pass Amplifiers: Used to enhance gain and efficiency in double-pass optical amplifier configurations by directing the signal through the gain medium twice.
  • Raman Pump Applications: Suitable for high-power Raman pump lasers, ensuring efficient routing and isolation of pump and signal wavelengths.
  • Laser Systems: Applied in high-power laser setups for isolating and routing laser beams, protecting sensitive components from back reflections and feedback.
  • Test and Measurement Equipment: Incorporated in optical test benches and instrumentation for precise routing and isolation of optical signals during characterization and diagnostics.
  • Bidirectional Transmission Systems: Enables simultaneous two-way communication over a single fiber by separating forward and return signals, optimizing fiber usage.
  • Research and Development: Widely used in photonics research labs for custom optical setups, experimental quantum optics, and advanced fiber optic system prototyping.
  • Custom Wavelength and High Power Applications: Available in cube style designs for non-telecom wavelengths and high-power laser applications, supporting specialized industrial and scientific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fiber optic circulator and how does it work?
A fiber optic circulator is a non-reciprocal, three-port device that directs light from one port to the next in a unidirectional manner. For example, light entering Port 1 exits at Port 2, while any light returning from Port 2 is directed to Port 3. This allows for efficient signal routing and isolation in optical networks, preventing back-reflected light from interfering with the source.
What are the main applications of OZ Optics fiber optic circulators?
OZ Optics fiber optic circulators are commonly used in DWDM networks, chromatic dispersion compensation, optical add-drop modules (OADM), fiber amplifiers, fiber sensors, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems. They are also ideal for polarization maintaining applications such as 40 Gbit systems and Raman pump applications.
What wavelength ranges and fiber types are supported by these circulators?
These circulators support a wide wavelength range, with center wavelengths at 780, 850, 1060, 1310, 1480, and 1550 nm. They are available in both singlemode and polarization maintaining (PM) fiber versions, making them suitable for a variety of optical communication and sensing applications.
What are the key performance features of OZ Optics fiber optic circulators?
Key features include low insertion loss, high power handling, low cross talk, high isolation, low return loss, high extinction ratio, and miniature packaging. These characteristics ensure reliable performance in demanding optical systems.
Can OZ Optics fiber optic circulators be customized for specific applications?
Yes, OZ Optics offers modular design and custom manufacturing capabilities. Options include custom fiber alignment (slow or fast axis), high extinction ratio connectors, various connector and cable types, and cube style circulators for non-telecom wavelengths or high power applications. Customers are encouraged to contact OZ Optics with their specific requirements.
How do polarization maintaining (PM) fiber optic circulators differ from standard singlemode versions?
PM fiber optic circulators are designed with polarization maintaining fibers, ensuring that the polarization state of the light is preserved throughout the device. This is essential for applications requiring high polarization extinction ratios, such as advanced communication systems and Raman amplification. Standard singlemode circulators do not maintain polarization.
What connector and cabling options are available for these circulators?
OZ Optics circulators can be supplied with various connector types, cable lengths, and fiber diameters. Standard products come with 1 meter long, 1 mm OD cabled pigtails and can be provided with or without connectors. Custom connector and cabling configurations are also available upon request.

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

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