Auniontech IFG Multimode Indium Fluoride (InF₃) Optical Fiber

Overview

The Auniontech IFG Multimode Indium Fluoride (InF₃) Optical Fiber is a specialty mid-infrared (mid-IR) transmission medium engineered for high-fidelity light delivery across an exceptionally broad spectral window—from the deep ultraviolet (300 nm) through the visible and near-infrared, extending continuously to 5.5 µm. Unlike silica-based fibers, which exhibit strong multiphonon absorption beyond ~2.2 µm, IFG fibers leverage the low phonon energy (~500 cm⁻¹) of heavy metal fluoride glasses to achieve dramatically reduced intrinsic absorption in the 2–4.1 µm range, where attenuation can be as low as 0.05 dB/m under optimized fabrication conditions. This enables robust, low-distortion transmission of broadband supercontinuum sources, Q-switched Ho:YAG (2.1 µm), Er:YAG (2.94 µm), and CO lasers (5–6 µm), making IFG fibers indispensable in applications demanding high-power, spectrally stable IR beam delivery.

Key Features

• Ultra-broad transmission spectrum: 300 nm – 5500 nm, covering UV-VIS-NIR-MIR with minimal dispersion-induced distortion
• Low intrinsic attenuation: <10 dB/km typical (measured at 2.55 µm); sub-0.1 dB/m achievable in the 2.5–4.1 µm atmospheric window
• High laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT): Validated for pulsed operation with Ho:YAG (2.1 µm, 10 ns, 10 Hz) and Er:YAG (2.94 µm, 250 µs) lasers at fluences exceeding 1.5 J/cm²
• High numerical aperture (NA) design: Optimized core/cladding geometry supports efficient coupling from divergent mid-IR sources and maintains modal stability under bending
• Thermally robust construction: UV-cured acrylate coating ensures mechanical integrity across –180 °C to +150 °C, enabling cryogenic spectroscopy and high-temperature industrial sensing
• Fresnel-matched termination options available: AR-coated connectors (e.g., FC/PC or SMA-905) reduce back-reflection to <0.5% per interface

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

IFG fibers are compatible with standard fiber handling protocols used in Class I and II laser safety environments. Their fluoride glass composition complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU (lead-free, cadmium-free). The fiber’s surface quality conforms to ISO 10110-7 specifications for optical fiber end-face geometry and scratch-dig limits. For regulated environments—such as clinical diagnostics (ISO 13485), pharmaceutical process monitoring (USP ), or defense-grade FLIR systems—the fiber may be integrated into validated assemblies meeting IEC 60825-1 (laser product safety) and MIL-STD-810H (environmental testing) requirements. Batch traceability and certificate of conformance (CoC) are provided upon request.

Software & Data Management

While the IFG fiber itself is a passive component, its integration into measurement systems benefits from standardized calibration workflows. When deployed with commercial FTIR spectrometers (e.g., Bruker Vertex 80v), OEM laser delivery platforms, or custom hyperspectral imaging rigs, the fiber’s spectral transmission profile is typically characterized using NIST-traceable reference sources (e.g., tungsten-halogen lamps with calibrated detectors). Auniontech provides spectral attenuation data in CSV format, aligned to common wavelength grids (0.1 nm step from 300–5500 nm), supporting import into MATLAB, Python (NumPy/Pandas), or LabVIEW for real-time correction algorithms. Audit trails for calibration records comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when embedded in validated GxP software environments.

Applications

• Laser remote sensing and open-path gas detection (e.g., CH₄, CO₂, NH₃, HF) using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) in the 3–5 µm band
• In vivo mid-IR photothermal therapy and ablation guidance, leveraging Er:YAG compatibility and minimal water absorption mismatch
• Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy of biological tissues, where fiber-coupled probes enable spatially resolved chemical mapping
• Industrial process control: Real-time monitoring of polymer melt composition, semiconductor wafer temperature (pyrometry), and combustion exhaust analysis
• Mid-IR supercontinuum generation and frequency comb delivery in ultrafast optics laboratories
• Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) system calibration and blackbody source coupling for thermal imager validation

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous power handling capacity of IFG fiber?
Continuous-wave (CW) power handling is thermally limited by coating stability and interfacial heating; for core diameters ≥200 µm, safe CW levels reach 5–10 W at 2.94 µm (Er:YAG), assuming proper heat sinking and connector alignment.
Can IFG fiber be spliced to silica fiber?
Direct fusion splicing is not recommended due to large thermal expansion and refractive index mismatches; instead, butt-coupling with precision ferrules and index-matching gel achieves >85% coupling efficiency with minimal mode disturbance.
Is the fiber resistant to hydrofluoric acid (HF) exposure?
No—while InF₃ glass exhibits superior moisture resistance versus ZBLAN, prolonged exposure to HF vapor or aqueous solutions will etch the surface; protective metal jackets or hermetic coatings are advised for harsh chemical environments.
Do you offer polarization-maintaining (PM) versions?
Standard IFG fibers are non-PM; however, elliptical-core or stress-applying-jacket variants can be fabricated under custom order with lead times of 12–16 weeks.
What certification documentation accompanies each fiber shipment?
Each reel includes a CoC, spectral attenuation curve, NA verification report, and batch-specific thermal cycling test summary (per MIL-STD-202G Method 107).