Fiber Collimator series 60FC-SF

Fiber Collimator/Fiber Coupler with super-fine thread

Faserkoppler 60FC-F-4
Faserkoppler 60FC-F-4
Representative product images. Individual product images are found on the individual product pages.

Features

The Fiber Collimators series 60FC-SF with super-fine thread are an improved, advanced version of the series 60FC-F collimators. They are designed for collimating radiation exiting from an optical fiber cable or used in reverse as a fiber coupler (fiber port) for coupling a beam into an optical fiber cable. The focus adjustment is done using a super-fine-threaded ring.
  • All benefits of the 60FC-F Fiber Coupler
  • Increased pointing stability and reduced backlash during the focus setting
  • Super-fine thread for an even more precise focus setting with 0.35 mm pitch

  • Focal lengths up to 18 mm
  • Choice of aspheres, achromats and apochromats
  • Various AR coatings for UV - IR
  • Choice of fiber receptacles: FC PC or FC APC (standard), many others available
  • Compact Ø 12 mm housing


Description

The fiber collimators series 60FC-SF with super-fine thread are an improved, advanced version of the series 60FC-F collimators. They are designed for collimating radiation exiting optical fiber cables with high pointing stability. They can also be used in reverse-mode as fiber incouplers. They are suitable for single-mode and polarization-maintaining fiber cables leading to collimated beams with a Gaussian intensity profile.

An optics for each application
A large variety of collimating optics allows that the optimum focal length and the best lens type for a single wavelength (asphere, monochromat) or a wavelength range (achromat) can be selected for each application. All lenses are AR-coated. For an ideal Gaussian beam and standard fibers you can reach coupling efficiencies up to 80%.

Adjustment of focus
The distance between fiber end-face and collimating optics is adjusted using a threaded ring with a super-fine thread. The improved mechanics lead to an increased pointing stability and reduced backlash during the focus setting. The lens in these fiber collimators is spring-loaded. The linear bearing ensures that the lens does not rotate when adjusting the focus. 

Please note:
Please do NOT use the two radially arranged screws. These pin screws are now used for a different purpose in the 60FC-SF fiber couplers than for the previous version of the fiber couplers with fine-focusing mechanism 60FC-F.
They are to be used by Schäfter+Kirchhoff only! They are used for adjusting the backlash of the fine adjustment mechanics and are NOT used for fixing the collimation setting.

Optimum lens performance 
The angled polish of connectors of type APC is considered by a pre-angled mechanical coupling axis that compensates the beam deflection and you can use the lens centrically. This minimizes aberrations simply resulting from a non-ideal beam path through the lens.

Connector Type 
The fiber collimator can be equipped with FC PC (wide key*), FC APC (wide key*) receptacles. Because of the spring loaded ferrule the fiber coupler has an additional grub screw to increase pointing stability. *Even though the fiber coupler has a wide key receptacle it still can be used with both narrow key and wide key fibers. More information can be found here.

Material 
The fiber collimators are available in eco brass ®.

Mounting
The collimator can be placed into a standard mirror mount using the corresponding adapters. A list with mounting options can be found here.

Technotes

FAQ

  • Adjustment
    • What are the radially arranged screws in the 60FC-SF couplers used for?
      Please do not use the two radially arranged screws. These pin screws are now used for a different purpose in the 60FC-SF fiber couplers than for the previous version of the fiber couplers with fine-focusing mechanism 60FC-F.
      They are to be used by Schäfter+Kirchhoff only. They are used for adjusting the backlash of the fine adjustment mechanics and are not used for fixing the collimation setting.
    • How much can I change the focus setting?
      The coupler has a pitch of 0.35 mm and you can change the focus setting ± 0.8 mm.
    • I do not have a collimating telescope to collimate. Can you give me practical advice?
      Of coarse, a collimating telescope is the best way to collimate. But there are other methods depending on the type of fiber (single-mode and PM vs. multimode) you can use. Please refer to our practical collimating tips here.
    • My collimator is shipped "prealigned". What does this mean?
      Schäfter+ Kirchhoff ships all collimators prealigned and collimated for either a specific wavelength defined by the customer or a typical wavelength. The collimation is performed using professional collimating telescopes.

      Please note: The fibers used in the standard adjustment procedure are all equipped with an end cap when aligning for wavelengths ≤ 520 nm. The adjustment wavelength is given on the label for each collimator/coupler. If a fiber with end cap was used it is marked by "EC".

    • I am unsure how to correctly adjust my coupler/collimator. Where do I find details about the adjustment procedure?
      Please refer to the manual in the Downloads section for a detailed adjustment procedure.
  • Mounting
    • How do I mount the fiber coupler?
      There are various options to mount the fiber coupler. Please click here for more information.
  • Fiber Receptacle
    • FC PC and FC APC
      • What type of receptacle does my collimator with receptacle type FC have? Narrow key or wide key?
        All our fiber collimators and couplers with a receptacle type FC have a so calles wide key receptacle (2.14 mm).  

        These are suitable for connecting fibers with connector type FC (wide key) but also with thos of type narrow key! You can find the details in the FAQs below.
      • How do I attach a fiber cable?

        1. To prevent damage to the sensitive fiber end-face, always insert the fiber connector`s ferrule at an angle, with the connector key properly aligned to the receptacle notch.
        2. When the ferrule tip is safely located in the inner cylinder of the receptacle, align the connector to the receptacle axis and carefully introduce the connector into the fiber coupler.
        3. Then, orient the connector key in a way that it is pressed gently onto the right-hand side of the receptacle notch ("right-hand orientation rule").
        4. Gently screw on the connector cap nut onto the receptacle until it is finger-tight.
        5. Gently tighten the fiber grub screw to reduce the free play of the ferrule in the receptacle.

      • What is the "right-hand orientation rule"?

        When the ferrule tip is safely located in the inner cylinder of the receptacle, align the connector to the receptacle axis and carefully introduce the connector into the fiber coupler. 

        Then, orient the connector key in a way that it is pressed gently onto the right-hand side of the receptacle notch.

        The tightened grub screw and the "right-hand orientation rule" for the connector, ensure a high reproducibility in mode field position and angle, which is especially important for attaching and reattaching polarization-maintaining fibers reproducibly.

      • Can I attach a narrow key fiber cable to a fiber coupler with a wide key receptacle?

        Yes, you can- without any problem. Simply adhere to the "right-hand orientation rule".

        Generally, with any FC PC or FC APC type connector there is a freeplay when inserting the fiber into the fiber coupler. The free play in between the connector ferrule and receptacle is only a few microns, but necessary for inserting the ferrule without force. There is a difference between the receptable and key width for wide key (2.14 mm) and narrow key (2.0 mm) fibers. If you follow the so-called "right-hand orientation rule" you can reproducibly attach and reattach even PM fibers with narrow key receptacle to fiber couplers with wide key receptacle without difficulty.

        "Right-hand orientation rule":

        When the ferrule tip is safely located in the inner cylinder of the receptacle, align the connector to the receptacle axis and carefully introduce the connector into the fiber coupler. Then, orient the connector key in a way that it is pressed gently onto the right-hand side of the receptacle notch. The tightened grub screw and the "right-hand orientation rule" for the connector, ensure a high reproducibility in mode field position and angle, which is especially important for attaching and reattaching polarization-maintaining fibers reproducibly.


  • Troubleshooting
    • I can‘t collimate the radiation out of a coupler. Why?
      • Have you checked, if the fiber is correctly placed within the fiber receptacle of the coupler?
        The fiber connector might not be placed correctly within the receptacle of the coupler/collimator. In particular, please check the small grub screw holding the connector's ferrule (e.g. for FC PC and FC APC type couplers). It might be in the way. Please refer to the adjustment instructions of the individual couplers/collimators for more details.
      • Are you using a fiber with an end cap?
        Collimating/coupling with an end cap fiber cable is no different than with a standard fiber cable. However, the focus position might vary a little (<200 µm) when swapping a standard fiber cable for a fiber cable with end cap. Simply adjust the focus setting by using the super-fine thread.


    • It says my coupler/collimator was "precollimated" but the collimation setting seems to not be alright. What might be the problem?
      • Are you using the same wavelength as the adjustment wavelength?
        Schäfter+ Kirchhoff ships all collimators/couplers prealigned and collimated/preadjusted for either a specific wavelength defined by the customer or a typical wavelength. The prealigned is performed using professional collimating telescopes.

        The adjustment wavelength is given on the label for each collimator/coupler. If you are using another wavelength you need to change the focus setting. Please refer to the manual for more details.
      • Are you using the same fiber type as in the adjustment procedure?
        The fibers used in the standard adjustment procedure are all equipped with an end cap when aligning for wavelengths ≤ 520 nm. The adjustment wavelength is given on the label for each collimator/coupler. If a fiber with end cap was used it is marked by "EC".

        If you are not using a fiber with an end cap but the preadjustment at Schäfter+Kirchhoff was done using an end cap ("EC") or you are using a fiber with an end cap and the preadjustment at Schäfter+Kirchhoff was done without, you might need to change the focus setting. Please refer to the manual for more details.

Downloads

Manual
Adjustment_60FC-SF.pdf (Manual)

This downloads section only includes general downloads for the complete series.
Please access the individual product pages (using the product configurator, the product list, order options or the search button if you have a complete order code). Here you will find specific downloads including technical drawings or stepfiles.

Accessories

Adapters for 60FC

for Ø 12 mm to diameter Ø 25 mm, Ø 1'' or with system mount Ø 19.5 mm

Overview