Newport MKS Photonic Crystal Fiber, Endlessly Singlemode, 20 µm Core F-SM20

The F-SM20 (NKT P/N LMA-20) Endlessly Singlemode Photonic Crystal Fiber is an un-doped silica fiber that uses a triangular pattern of air holes to form the cladding. Since the index contrast between the core and the cladding, Δn, is determined only by the geometry of the air holes, it is possible to fabricate fibers with a very small and accurate Δn, and thus obtain very low numerical apertures and very large mode areas. This type of fiber is single-mode over a very broad wavelength range above 700 nm, with a practically constant mode-field diameter (MFD) of 16.5 ± 1.5 μm. At short wavelengths, the fibers' performance is limited by macro-bending losses, which determines the practical wavelength range for applications. The F-SM Series PCFs are typically used where single-mode, high-power delivery is required without introducing non-linear effects. Coupling light into and out of an F-SM fiber is as simple as for standard doped-glass optical fibers. In a free-space set-up, the optics should match the NA of the fiber and be diffraction limited in order to obtain a low-loss coupling. Since the MFD is practically constant, the NA is proportional to the wavelength, which should be considered in the design of coupling optics for a broad wavelength range. For adding fiber connectors and protective jackets, please contact Newport technical support. This bare fiber does not include a protective fiber jacket. Standard pricing is per meter. The following volume discount schedule is applied when ordering continuous lengths of optical fiber: 10 - 49 m: 15%, 50 - 99 m: 22%, 100 - 499 m: 25%, and ≥ 500 m: 28%. Singlemode Over a Very Broad Wavelength Range This type of fiber is single-mode over a very broad wavelength range, with a practically constant mode-field diameter (MFD). At short wavelengths, the fibers' performance is limited by macro-bending losses, which determines the practical wavelength range for applications. The F-SM series of fibers are optimized in order to obtain the largest possible MFD without introducing significant macro-bending losses on typical bending radii of more than 16 cm. End face image and weakly transmitted cladding modes profile of F-SM series micro-structured fiber. High Power Delivery is required Without Non-linear Effects The F-SM Series PCFs are typically used where single-mode, high-power delivery is required without introducing non-linear effects. Furthermore, they are the optimal choice for applications requiring single-mode guidance in a very broad wavelength range, e.g. in sensors, spectroscopy, interferometry or RGB displays. End face image and weakly transmitted cladding modes profile of F-SM series micro-structured fiber. Photonic Crystal Fiber Photonic Crystal Fiber (PCF) can provide characteristics that ordinary optical fiber do not exhibit, such as: single mode operation from the UV to IR with large mode-field diameters, highly nonlinear performance for super continuum generation, numerical aperture (NA) values ranging from very low to about 0.9, optimized dispersion properties, and air core guidance, among others. Free Space Coupling Coupling light into and out of an F-SM fiber is as simple as for standard optical fibers. In a free-space set-up, the optics should match the NA of the fiber and be diffraction limited in order to obtain a low-loss coupling. Since the MFD is practically constant, the NA is proportional to the wavelength, which should be considered in the design of coupling optics for a broad wavelength range. The F-SM Series may also be spliced to standard fibers, making them easy to integrate into existing systems or instruments. Optional beam expansion FC connectors enhance high power capabilities. Geometry and Strength In order to screen the fibers from microbending losses, the F-SM Series are fabricated with large cladding diameters for the largest core sizes. All fibers have a single-layer acrylate coating, and have been proof tested with a tension of at least 5.0 N.