ZOLIX APFP-FH Single-Mode Fiber Mount
| Brand | ZOLIX |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Product Origin | Domestic (China) |
| Model | APFP-FH |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The ZOLIX APFP-FH Single-Mode Fiber Mount is a precision mechanical interface designed for stable, repeatable, and non-damaging integration of single-mode optical fibers into alignment-sensitive photonic systems. Engineered for use in high-stability optical laboratories and fiber-coupled instrumentation platforms, this mount functions as a critical mechanical node between the fiber termination and translation stages—specifically the ZOLIX APFP series precision adjustment stages. Its design centers on minimizing thermal drift, eliminating mechanical hysteresis, and preserving the integrity of the fiber cladding and core during mounting and repositioning. Unlike elastomeric or screw-clamped alternatives, the APFP-FH employs a permanent magnet-based clamping mechanism that generates uniform radial pressure without introducing localized stress points—a key requirement for maintaining mode field stability and polarization extinction ratio in single-mode applications.
Key Features
- Non-contact magnetic clamping system ensures zero surface deformation and no micro-scratching of 125 µm silica cladding or 250 µm polymer-coated fibers
- Integrated dovetail (male) profile compliant with standard ZOLIX APFP stage dovetail seats (ISO 8015–compliant geometry), enabling rapid, repeatable, and tool-free mounting/dismounting
- Main structural components fabricated from thermally invariant stainless steel (AISI 420 or equivalent), delivering coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) < 10.5 × 10⁻⁶ /°C over 15–35 °C ambient range
- Rigid-body kinematic interface—no flexure, no play—designed to maintain sub-microradian angular stability under vibration or thermal cycling
- Optimized mass-to-rigidity ratio for compatibility with piezoelectric and motorized translation stages without resonance amplification below 200 Hz
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The APFP-FH accommodates standard single-mode fibers including SMF-28®, HI1060, and similar 125/250 µm coated variants. It is not intended for multimode, polarization-maintaining (PM), or specialty fibers with non-circular cross-sections or non-standard coatings. The mount conforms to ISO 10110–7 (optical element surface quality) for metallic contact surfaces and meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for hazardous substance restrictions. While not certified to IEC 61300–3–34 (fiber optic connector endurance), its clamping force profile has been validated per Telcordia GR-326-CORE Annex A for low-cycle insertion retention (>100 cycles without measurable cladding deformation under 10 N axial load).
Software & Data Management
As a passive mechanical component, the APFP-FH requires no firmware, drivers, or software integration. However, it is fully interoperable with ZOLIX’s APFP stage control ecosystem—including the ZOLIX MotionMaster™ controller suite and third-party platforms such as LabVIEW™ (via NI-Motion API), MATLAB® Instrument Control Toolbox, and Python-based PyMotion libraries. When used in automated alignment sequences, the mount’s deterministic repeatability (±0.5 µm positional uncertainty after 50 thermal cycles from 20 °C to 25 °C) supports closed-loop optimization routines compliant with GLP-aligned experimental documentation protocols.
Applications
- Fiber-to-laser diode coupling in telecom-grade transceiver assembly lines
- Free-space optical interconnects in quantum optics experiments requiring long-term pointing stability (e.g., cavity ring-down spectroscopy)
- Integration into OEM fiber-optic sensor housings where thermal cycling resistance is critical (e.g., distributed acoustic sensing nodes)
- Alignment jigs for interferometric fiber splicing stations and fusion splice loss characterization setups
- Modular optomechanical breadboards supporting NIST-traceable wavelength calibration workflows
FAQ
Can the APFP-FH be used with polarization-maintaining (PM) fibers?
No—it is mechanically optimized for circular symmetric single-mode fibers only. PM fibers require asymmetric strain application to maintain birefringence axes, which this mount does not provide.
What is the maximum recommended axial load during coupling procedures?
Do not exceed 8 N axial force during fiber insertion; higher loads risk permanent magnet demagnetization and irreversible reduction in clamping torque.
Is the dovetail interface compatible with Thorlabs or Newport translation stages?
The APFP-FH dovetail follows ZOLIX proprietary dimensions (12 mm width, 4° angle, 0.8 mm radius root fillet) and is not mechanically interchangeable with Thorlabs KM-series or Newport UTS dovetails.
Does the mount require periodic recalibration?
No—calibration is not applicable, as it contains no active or adjustable metrological elements. Positional repeatability is inherent to its monolithic stainless steel construction and mating geometry.
Can it be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) without affecting magnetic performance?
Yes—standard IPA wipe-down is permissible; the NdFeB magnets are nickel-plated and rated for exposure to aliphatic solvents per MIL-STD-202G Method 215A.
