Auniontech High-Power Multimode Fluoride (ZBLAN) Fiber Patch Cord

Overview

The Auniontech High-Power Multimode Fluoride (ZBLAN) Fiber Patch Cord is engineered for robust, low-loss delivery of mid-infrared (MIR) laser radiation in demanding scientific and industrial applications. Built upon zirconium-based fluorozirconate glass (ZBLAN), this fiber exhibits exceptional transmission transparency across the 0.3–5.5 µm spectral window—significantly outperforming silica-based fibers beyond 2.2 µm. Its extended infrared cutoff and low intrinsic absorption arise from the absence of vibrational overtones associated with Si–O bonds, enabling efficient propagation of CO, CO₂, quantum cascade, and optical parametric oscillator (OPO) laser outputs. The fiber’s design incorporates optimized thermal management via thermally conductive metal-alloy ferrules and hermetically sealed junctions, ensuring long-term stability under continuous-wave (CW) irradiation up to 50 W—subject to core diameter, beam profile, and thermal interface conditions.

Key Features

• Ultra-broad spectral transmission (0.3–5.5 µm), covering UV-VIS-NIR-MIR regimes
• Low attenuation (< 10 dB/km @ 3.5 µm) enabled by high-purity ZBLAN preform fabrication and controlled draw atmosphere
• Extended operational temperature range (−180 °C to +150 °C), suitable for cryogenic spectroscopy and high-temperature industrial environments
• High numerical aperture (0.22–0.28) supporting efficient coupling of divergent MIR sources
• Customizable core/cladding geometry (core diameters from 50 µm to 1000 µm; cladding diameters 240–400 µm)
• Hermetic metal-ceramic or stainless-steel connector housings with precision-aligned ferrules for minimal back-reflection and mechanical repeatability
• Compliant with ISO 10110-7 surface quality standards for optical end-faces (scratch-dig ≤ 20–10)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

This patch cord is compatible with standard MIR laser sources including Er:YAG (2.94 µm), Ho:YAG (2.1 µm), CO (5–6 µm), and tunable OPO systems operating between 3–5 µm. It supports both free-space-to-fiber and fiber-to-fiber coupling configurations when integrated with appropriate collimation optics. All assemblies undergo rigorous environmental screening per MIL-STD-810G (thermal shock, vibration, humidity) and meet RoHS 2015/863/EU and REACH (EC 1907/2006) material restrictions. End-face inspection and interferometric verification are performed prior to shipment to ensure conformance with ISO 10110-7 surface specifications. For regulated medical device integration (e.g., Class II laser surgery systems), documentation packages—including material traceability, aging test reports, and connector torque validation—are available upon request.

Software & Data Management

While the fiber patch cord itself is a passive component, its performance characterization data—including spectral attenuation curves, power handling thresholds, and thermal decay profiles—is archived in Auniontech’s certified LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) compliant with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements. Full traceability is maintained from raw material batch records through final assembly and test logs. For customers implementing FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant workflows, Auniontech provides electronic signature-ready calibration certificates and audit trails for all delivered units. Integration support includes spectral responsivity mapping reports (via FTIR spectrometer traceable to NIST SRM 1920a) and beam propagation modeling (using commercially available tools such as FRED or Zemax OpticStudio).

Applications

• Laser-assisted surgical procedures requiring precise tissue ablation in dentistry, dermatology, and otolaryngology (e.g., Er:YAG delivery at 2.94 µm)
• Mid-infrared spectroscopic sensing in gas analysis, environmental monitoring, and pharmaceutical QC (e.g., CH, OH, NH stretch-band detection)
• Power delivery for industrial MIR lasers used in polymer welding, thin-film processing, and non-destructive testing
• Cryogenic optical interconnects in quantum sensing platforms where low-thermal-conductivity fiber jackets minimize heat load
• Free-space optical parametric amplifier (OPA) output coupling in ultrafast MIR pump-probe experiments
• Remote fiber-coupled detector interfaces for Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers and photoacoustic imaging systems

FAQ

What is the maximum average power this fiber can transmit?
Continuous-wave power handling depends on core diameter, NA, cooling configuration, and wavelength. Typical ratings range from 15 W (50 µm core) to 50 W (600 µm core) with active heat sinking.
Can this fiber be connectorized with angled physical contact (APC) polish?
Yes—FC/APC and SMA-905 APC variants are available with 8° polished end-faces to suppress back-reflection in coherent MIR systems.
Is bend-insensitive performance guaranteed at 4.5 µm?
Macrobending loss remains below 0.5 dB per 10 cm radius at 4.5 µm for fibers with ≥200 µm cladding and protective acrylate-free polyimide coating.
Do you provide spectral attenuation data for custom lengths?
Yes—full spectral loss curves (200 nm–6 µm) are supplied with each batch, measured using calibrated FTIR spectrophotometry traceable to NIST standards.
Are these fibers suitable for use in vacuum or UHV environments?
Standard versions feature low-outgassing polyimide coatings and metal-ferrule connectors compatible with 10⁻⁷ mbar vacuum; UHV-grade variants with gold-plated housings and ceramic ferrules are available on request.