Description

The Laser to Fiber Coupler with Receptacle (Non-Contact Style) is a versatile and robust solution designed for efficient and reliable coupling of laser sources into optical fibers. Unlike traditional contact-style couplers, this non-contact design features an adjustable air gap between the fiber and the lens, providing enhanced flexibility in accommodating a wide variety of lens types and focal lengths. This adjustability allows users to fine-tune the coupling setup to compensate for changes in source wavelengths or to intentionally defocus the laser beam, which is particularly beneficial in high-power laser applications to prevent arcing when coupling into multimode fibers.

Engineered to handle high optical powers, this coupler supports continuous wave (CW) input powers exceeding 1 Watt with GRIN lenses, over 10 Watts with aspheric lenses, and up to 100 Watts with fused silica or sapphire plano-convex and biconvex lenses. Such high power handling makes it an ideal choice for demanding applications in laser shows, spectroscopy, interferometric sensors, fluorescence measurements, and various medical, pharmaceutical, and chemical sensing systems. The wide wavelength compatibility, spanning from 180 nm to 2000 nm, ensures suitability for a broad spectrum of laser sources and detection requirements. 

A key advantage of this non-contact coupler is its superior polarization maintaining capabilities, which are critical for applications requiring high polarization extinction ratios. Standard versions offer extinction ratios greater than 20 dB, with options available for 25 dB and 30 dB. The design also supports a wide range of connector receptacle versions, including specialized options for improved repeatability and reduced backreflection. For instance, the angled flat (AFC) connector geometry provides optimal repeatability by maintaining a flat ferrule tip while angling the fiber itself, minimizing variations in fiber-to-lens spacing. Additionally, for users requiring SMA connectors, the use of Zirconia ferrules and sleeves is recommended for core diameters of 100 microns or smaller to ensure precise alignment and consistent performance.

Overall, the Laser to Fiber Coupler with Receptacle (Non-Contact Style) stands out for its low cost, high efficiency, and adaptability across a wide range of optical setups. Its ability to handle high power, maintain excellent polarization, and accommodate various lens and connector types makes it a preferred choice for OEM laser systems and advanced photonics applications worldwide.

Fiber Optic Isolators for High Power Applications

Specifications

Type Of The Device: Isolator
Operating Wavelength: 2000 nm
Max Power: 10 W
Min Isolation: 60 dB
Coupling Efficiency (singlemode/polarization Maintaining Fibers): Typically >60%
Coupling Efficiency (multimode Fibers): >80%
Backreflection Level (standard Connectors): Typically -14dB
Backreflection Level (angled Connectors): Typically <-60dB
Available Wavelengths: 180 - 2000nm
Polarization Extinction Ratio: Typically >20dB
Polarization Extinction Ratio (other Versions): 25, 30dB versions available
Power Handling (GRIN Lenses): >1 Watt CW
Power Handling (aspheric Lenses): >10 Watt CW
Power Handling (achromats): >5 Watts CW
Power Handling (fused Silica Or Sapphire Plano-convex And Biconvex Lenses): >100 Watts CW

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Features

  • Low Cost, High Performance: Offers an economical solution without compromising on power handling or optical performance.
  • Exceptional Power Handling: Supports input powers up to 100W CW with fused silica or sapphire lenses, and >1W to >10W CW with GRIN, aspheric, and achromatic lenses—ideal for high-power laser applications.
  • Wide Range of Lenses: Compatible with GRIN, achromat, aspheric, fused silica, plano-convex, and biconvex lenses for maximum flexibility in optical design.
  • Excellent Polarization Maintaining Capabilities: Superior polarization extinction ratios (typically >20dB, with 25dB and 30dB versions available) ensure high fidelity in polarization-sensitive applications.
  • Broad Wavelength Compatibility: Supports a wide wavelength range from 180 nm to 2000 nm, suitable for UV, visible, and IR applications.
  • High Coupling Efficiency: Achieves >60% coupling into singlemode or polarization maintaining fibers, and >80% into multimode fibers for optimal light transmission.
  • Multiple Connector Options: Available with various connector receptacle versions, including standard and angled (APC/AFC) connectors for enhanced repeatability and reduced backreflection.
  • Adjustable Air Gap Design: Non-contact style allows for easy adjustment of the fiber-to-lens distance, accommodating different wavelengths, beam diameters, and divergence angles.
  • Low Backreflection: Standard connectors provide -14dB backreflection, with options for angled connectors achieving <-60dB for sensitive laser systems.
  • Versatile Application Suitability: Ideal for laser shows, spectroscopy, interferometric sensors, fluorescence measurements, medical/pharmaceutical/chemical sensors, and OEM laser systems.
  • OEM Ready & Customizable: Designed for integration into OEM systems, with customizable options for lens type, connector, and wavelength range.
  • Enhanced Repeatability: Special AFC connectors minimize endface geometry variations, ensuring consistent performance across connections.
  • Recommended for High-Energy & Multi-Wavelength Use: Best suited for applications requiring high input energy (>400mW), multiple wavelengths, or large beam diameters/divergence angles.
  • Improved Connector Performance: For SMA connectors, Zirconia ferrules and sleeves are recommended for superior alignment and repeatability, especially for small core fibers.

Applications

  • Laser Shows and Entertainment
    Ideal for high-power laser light delivery in laser shows, stage lighting, and entertainment venues, where robust power handling and precise beam control are essential.
  • Spectroscopy
    Enables efficient coupling of broadband or tunable light sources into optical fibers for absorption, fluorescence, and Raman spectroscopy applications across a wide wavelength range (180–2000 nm).
  • Interferometric Sensors
    Used in fiber optic interferometers for precise measurement of strain, temperature, pressure, and other physical parameters, benefiting from excellent polarization maintaining capabilities.
  • Fluorescence Measurements
    Facilitates efficient excitation and collection of fluorescence signals in life sciences, biotechnology, and chemical analysis, supporting both single and multiple wavelength operations.
  • Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Chemical Sensors
    Supports high-sensitivity fiber optic sensors for diagnostics, monitoring, and process control in medical, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries, where low backreflection and high coupling efficiency are critical.
  • OEM Laser Systems
    Integrates seamlessly into custom and commercial laser systems for industrial, scientific, and research applications, offering flexibility in lens selection and connector types.
  • High-Power Laser Delivery
    Suitable for coupling high-power continuous wave (CW) or pulsed lasers into fibers for material processing, micromachining, and laser welding, with power handling up to 100W CW.
  • Multi-Wavelength Fiber Coupling
    Designed for applications requiring simultaneous coupling of multiple wavelengths, such as broadband light sources or multi-line lasers, due to adjustable lens-to-fiber distance.
  • Large Beam Diameter and Divergence Management
    Accommodates input beams with large diameters or high divergence angles, making it suitable for free-space to fiber coupling in research and industrial setups.
  • Telecommunications and Data Transmission
    Used in fiber optic communication systems where polarization maintaining and low backreflection are required for high-speed, high-fidelity data transmission.
  • Quantum Optics and Photonics Research
    Supports experiments requiring precise polarization control and minimal signal loss, such as quantum key distribution and single-photon experiments.
  • Test and Measurement Equipment
    Integrated into optical test benches and instrumentation for accurate light delivery and collection in laboratory and industrial environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a non-contact style laser to fiber coupler with receptacle?
A non-contact style laser to fiber coupler with receptacle is an optical device designed to efficiently couple laser light into optical fibers without direct physical contact between the fiber and the lens. This design uses an air gap, allowing for flexible lens selection, adjustable focal lengths, and superior polarization maintaining capabilities. It is ideal for high-power and multi-wavelength applications.
What are the main applications of non-contact style laser to fiber couplers?
Non-contact style laser to fiber couplers are used in a variety of applications including laser shows and entertainment, spectroscopy, interferometric sensors, fluorescence measurements, medical, pharmaceutical, and chemical sensors, and OEM laser systems. Their high power handling and flexibility make them suitable for demanding optical setups.
What is the typical coupling efficiency of these couplers?
The typical coupling efficiency is greater than 60% for singlemode or polarization maintaining fibers, and over 80% for multimode fibers. This high efficiency ensures optimal light transmission from the laser source into the fiber.
How much optical power can these couplers handle?
These couplers can handle continuous wave (CW) optical powers of over 1 Watt with GRIN lenses, over 10 Watts with aspheric lenses, over 5 Watts with achromats, and up to 100 Watts with fused silica or sapphire plano-convex and biconvex lenses. They are also suitable for even higher energies from pulsed laser sources.
What wavelength ranges are supported by these laser to fiber couplers?
These couplers support a wide wavelength range from 180 nm to 2000 nm, making them compatible with ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared laser sources.
How do these couplers minimize backreflection and why is it important?
Backreflection is minimized by using angled connectors, such as angled flat (AFC) connectors, and by slant polishing both fiber ends. Standard connectors typically achieve -14dB backreflection, while angled connectors can reduce this to -40dB to -60dB. Minimizing backreflection is crucial for protecting sensitive laser sources and maintaining signal integrity.
What connector options are available and what is recommended for high repeatability?
These couplers are available with various connector receptacle versions, including standard and angled types. For high repeatability, especially with core diameters of 100 microns or smaller, it is recommended to use SMA connectors with Zirconia ferrules and receptacles with Zirconia sleeves, as standard SMA connectors may have loose tolerances leading to poor repeatability.

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

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