IXF-TDF-5-125 Thulium-Doped Fiber (1.9–2.1 µm)

Overview

The IXF-TDF-5-125 is a single-mode, polarization-maintaining (PM) thulium-doped optical fiber engineered for high-efficiency mid-infrared laser and amplifier systems operating in the 1.9–2.1 µm spectral window. Designed using modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) and solution-doping techniques, this fiber incorporates a germanosilicate glass host co-doped with thulium (Tm³⁺) and aluminum to enhance solubility, reduce clustering, and improve photodarkening resistance. Its precisely controlled refractive index profile supports robust fundamental mode propagation with low bend sensitivity and high power handling capability—critical for resonant cavity designs, master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) architectures, and ultrafast fiber laser pumping applications. The fiber is optimized for 790 nm or 1550 nm pump absorption, enabling efficient cross-relaxation energy transfer to generate broadband gain across the 1.9–2.1 µm region—spanning key atmospheric transmission windows and molecular absorption bands relevant to gas sensing, medical tissue ablation, and remote LIDAR.

Key Features

• Core/cladding dimensions: 5 ± 0.5 µm / 125 ± 0.7 µm — compatible with standard fusion splicers and connectorization tooling
• Low numerical aperture (NA ≈ 0.14) ensuring single-mode operation up to 2.1 µm with M² < 1.1
• High Tm³⁺ ion concentration (>1000 ppm) with uniform radial distribution, verified via scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS)
• Aluminum co-doping to suppress concentration quenching and extend excited-state lifetime (>12 ms at 1950 nm)
• Hermetically coated with low-stress acrylate (dual-layer) for long-term reliability under thermal cycling (−40 °C to +85 °C) and mechanical stress
• Reproducible attenuation < 25 dB/km @ 1950 nm and < 35 dB/km @ 2050 nm, measured per ITU-T G.650.1 test methods

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The IXF-TDF-5-125 is supplied as a bare fiber on precision-wound reels (standard lengths: 1 m, 5 m, 10 m, or custom cut), with optional FC/PC or FC/APC connectorization available upon request. It complies with IEC 60793-2-50 (category B1.2) for single-mode optical fibers and meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 requirements. For integration into Class IV laser systems, the fiber conforms to IEC 60825-1:2014 safety standards when used within specified power density limits (<500 W/cm² peak irradiance in continuous-wave operation). Documentation includes full traceability certificates (batch-specific doping profiles, attenuation spectra, and proof-test results at 1% strain).

Software & Data Management

While the IXF-TDF-5-125 is a passive component, its performance characterization data—including spectral absorption/emission cross-sections, gain coefficient maps, and photodarkening kinetics—are provided in standardized HDF5 format. These datasets are fully compatible with industry-standard modeling environments such as RP Fiber Power, MATLAB® Optical Toolbox, and Python-based PyFiberOptics libraries. All measurement reports include metadata compliant with ASTM E2500-18 (Standard Guide for Specification, Design, and Verification of Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Systems) for audit-ready documentation in regulated R&D settings.

Applications

• High-power continuous-wave and Q-switched fiber lasers targeting the 2.05 µm water absorption peak for minimally invasive urology and dermatology procedures
• Compact, turnkey amplifiers for differential absorption LIDAR (DIAL) systems monitoring atmospheric CO, CH₄, and NH₃ concentrations
• Pump sources for optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) generating tunable mid-IR output from 2.5–12 µm
• Seed sources in hybrid solid-state/fiber laser chains requiring narrow linewidth (<100 kHz) and high temporal coherence
• Research-grade fiber Bragg grating (FBG) inscription platforms utilizing 1950 nm UV-free photosensitivity enhancement

FAQ

Is this fiber suitable for high-power pulsed operation?
Yes—when properly terminated and cooled, the IXF-TDF-5-125 supports peak powers exceeding 5 kW in nanosecond pulse regimes, provided average power remains below 30 W to maintain thermal stability.
Can it be spliced to standard SMF-28 fiber?
Direct fusion splicing is not recommended due to mode field diameter mismatch; a graded-index mode field adapter (e.g., Nufern PM980-to-TDF taper) is required to achieve insertion loss < 0.3 dB.
What packaging options are available for cleanroom integration?
Fibers are shipped in ISO Class 5–compatible sealed bags with nitrogen purge and desiccant; custom reel labeling and ESD-safe packaging meet SEMI F20-0212 specifications.
Do you provide gain simulation support?
Microphotons offers complimentary RP Fiber Power license bundles (1-year academic/commercial) with bulk orders ≥10 m, including pre-configured TDF models validated against experimental small-signal gain data.
Is photodarkening data included in the datasheet?
Yes—accelerated aging tests (1000 h @ 400 mW pump power, 790 nm) demonstrate <0.05 dB/m degradation at 2050 nm, reported per IEC 61280-4-2 Annex B methodology.