IdeaOptics C-Mount Fiber Optic Adapter with Collimating Lens
| Brand | IdeaOptics |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Product Category | Domestic |
| Model | C-Mount |
| Component Type | Fiber Collimator |
| Fiber Interface | SMA905 |
| Microscope/Telescope Interface | Standard C-Mount |
| Optional Interfaces | Available for CS-Mount, F-Mount, T-Mount, and custom thread specifications upon request |
| Optical Function | Collimated coupling between optical fiber and C-mount imaging systems |
Overview
The IdeaOptics C-Mount Fiber Optic Adapter with Collimating Lens is an engineered optical interface component designed to enable precise, low-loss light coupling between standard SMA905-terminated optical fibers and C-mount-compatible imaging systems—including microscopes, telescopes, spectrographs, and industrial inspection optics. Built on fundamental principles of Gaussian beam propagation and paraxial optical design, this adapter integrates a fixed-focal-length collimating lens aligned coaxially with the fiber core to transform the divergent output from a multimode or single-mode fiber into a near-collimated beam. This configuration minimizes spherical aberration and ensures high spatial mode fidelity across visible and near-infrared spectral ranges (typically 400–1000 nm), making it suitable for quantitative spectral acquisition, fluorescence collection, Raman signal routing, and confocal alignment workflows.
Key Features
- Precision-machined aluminum housing with black anodized finish for thermal stability and EMI shielding
- Integrated aspheric collimating lens with anti-reflection coating optimized for 400–1000 nm
- Standard C-mount female thread (1.000″-32 UN-2A) compliant with ANSI/ISO 10110-7 mechanical tolerances
- SMA905 receptacle meeting IEC 61754-16 specification for repeatable fiber insertion and axial alignment
- Adjustable focus mechanism (via threaded lens cell) allowing fine-tuning of collimation distance (typical working distance: 100–300 mm)
- Back focal length calibrated to match standard C-mount flange focal distance (17.526 mm)
- Compatible with Ø2.5 mm and Ø1.25 mm ferrule-based SMA connectors without adapter sleeves
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
This adapter supports multimode fibers (core diameters 50 µm, 100 µm, 200 µm, 400 µm, 600 µm) and single-mode fibers (SMF-28, HI1060) when used with appropriate mode field matching considerations. It maintains mechanical and optical compatibility with ISO 80369-3 (small-bore connectors), JIS B 7141 (C-mount dimensional standards), and DIN 58410 Part 2 (microscope mechanical interfaces). While not a standalone measurement instrument, its design adheres to GLP-relevant traceability requirements for optical path definition in regulated spectroscopic applications—particularly when deployed in ASTM E275-compliant UV-Vis spectrophotometry setups or USP optical system validation protocols.
Software & Data Management
As a passive optical component, the C-Mount Fiber Optic Adapter requires no firmware, drivers, or embedded software. However, it is fully interoperable with industry-standard spectral acquisition platforms including OceanInsight OceanView, Hamamatsu HCImage Live, Thorlabs ThorCam, and MATLAB-based custom acquisition scripts via hardware-triggered frame synchronization. When integrated into automated microscopy systems (e.g., Nikon Ti2-E or Zeiss Axio Imager), the adapter preserves pixel-level spatial registration integrity, enabling reproducible ROI mapping in hyperspectral cube acquisition. Audit trails for installation and calibration are maintained manually per laboratory SOPs; no FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signature functionality applies, as no digital control logic is present.
Applications
- Micro-spectroscopy: Coupling emission from microscope-mounted samples into fiber-fed spectrometers for real-time chemical identification
- Astronomical instrumentation: Feeding starlight from C-mount guide cameras or adaptive optics wavefront sensors into photometric calibration fibers
- Industrial machine vision: Enabling remote illumination and signal return paths in confined-space AOI (automated optical inspection) systems
- Fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM): Delivering excitation pulses via fiber while collecting time-resolved emission through the same C-mount port using dichroic beam splitting
- Educational optics labs: Demonstrating fiber coupling efficiency, numerical aperture matching, and collimation optimization under controlled lab conditions
FAQ
What is the effective focal length of the integrated collimating lens?
The standard configuration uses a 12.5 mm EFL aspheric lens; custom EFL options (8 mm, 25 mm, 40 mm) are available for specialized beam diameter or working distance requirements.
Can this adapter be used with infinity-corrected microscope objectives?
Yes—when mounted at the intermediate image plane (e.g., trinocular port or camera adapter), it preserves telecentricity and avoids vignetting in systems compliant with ISO 8578 infinity space specifications.
Is vacuum-compatible packaging available?
Standard units are not vacuum-rated; however, stainless-steel housing variants with Viton O-rings and outgassing-tested adhesives can be supplied under custom order (lead time: 6–8 weeks).
Do you provide optical test reports for individual units?
Yes—upon request, each unit can be shipped with a factory-measured collimation quality report (including beam divergence ≤ ±1.5 mrad and wavefront error < λ/4 @ 633 nm).
How is mechanical alignment verified during assembly?
Each unit undergoes centering error verification using a Zygo Verifire™ interferometer and kinematic mounting on a Newport UPL100 precision translation stage to ensure < 15 µm lateral offset between fiber core and optical axis.
