Double-clad fiber couplers
Our double-clad fiber couplers (DCFC) allow multiplexing a single-mode signal, propagating in the core of a double-clad fiber, to a multimode signal propagating in the inner cladding. The DCFC is characterized by a quasi-lossless single-mode signal transmission, ideal for interferometry and long-range detection, combined with efficient transfer of a multimode signal. The DCFC is typically used in systems that combine two detection modalities or propagation modes.
This flagship product now features improved packaging for the entire line. It is available in different wavelength ranges and collection ratios, covering a wide variety of applications.
Overview
Our DCFC includes a single-mode port (Port A), a double-clad fiber port (Port S), and a multimode port (Port B). Single-mode transmission from Port A to Port S (and vice versa) is achieved with losses below 0.5 dB for all our models. Multimode signal transfer from Port S to Port B is achieved with an efficiency ranging from 70% to 90%, depending on the models.
Couplers are available for single-mode signal operation at 530, 780, 1060, and 1300/1550 nm. Multimode transmission is uniform over the entire operating range of the fiber, typically from 400 to 1600 nm.
Three product lines are available: large collection, confocal collection, and bidirectional. A large collection DCFC is fabricated using a double-clad fiber with a large inner cladding diameter, optimizing multimode collection at Port S and its transfer to Port B. A confocal collection DCFC includes a DCF with a smaller inner cladding diameter, specifically designed to allow confocal detection while maximizing the intensity of the collected signal. The bidirectional DCFC allows for simultaneous multimode injection and collection with maximized efficiency.
Key features:
- High efficiency
- High return loss
Possible customization:
- Low autofluorescence packaging
- OEM packaging
- High return loss connectors
| Product line | Wavelength range | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Large collection | 1060 nm, 1300/1550 nm | Fluorescence collection, low-light collection, highly multimode signal collection |
| Confocal collection | 530 nm, 780, 1300/1550 nm | Confocal detection, Small spot size illumination |
| Bidirectional | 1300/1550 nm | Simultaneous multimode injection and collection |
Product lines
DC1060LE : DCFC, large inner cladding, 1060 nm
SM wavelength range : 960-1260 nm
SM core insertion loss: ≤0.5 dB
SM cutoff wavelength: ≤960nm
MM inner cladding transfer: ≥60%
DCF: 4/102/125 µm, 0.19/0.24NA
MMF: 200/220 µm, 0.39NA
DC1300LE2: DCFC, large inner cladding, 1300/1500 nm
SM wavelength range: 1260-1600 nm
SM core insertion loss: ≤0.5 dB
SM cutoff wavelength: ≤1250nm
MM inner cladding transfer: ≥85% (Port S to B)
DCF: 9/105/125 µm, 0.12/0.2NA
MMF: 200/220 µm, 0.22 NA
DC530SE: DCFC, small inner cladding, 530 nm
SM wavelength range: 450-680 nm
SM core insertion loss: ≤0.5 dB
SM cutoff wavelength: ≤430nm
MM inner cladding transfer: ≥70%
DCF: 2.3/15/125 µm, 0.11/0.19NA
MMF: 200/220 µm, 0.22NA
DC780SE2: DCFC, small inner cladding, 780 nm
SM wavelength range: 780-970 nm
SM core insertion loss: ≤0.5 dB
SM cutoff wavelength: ≤760 nm
MM inner cladding transfer: ≥70%
DCF: 4.1/23/125 µm, 0.13/0.2NA
MMF: 200/220 µm, 0.22NA
Soon available on Thorlabs website!
DC1300SE: DCFC, small inner cladding, 1300/1550 nm
SM wavelength range: 1260-1600 nm
SM core insertion loss: ≤0.5 dB
SM cutoff wavelength: ≤1260 nm
MM inner cladding transfer: ≥70%
DCF: 7.7/41/125 µm, 0.14/0.2NA
MMF: 200/220 µm, 0.22NA
DC1300LQ2: DCFC, bidirectional, 1300/1550 nm
SM wavelength range: 1250-1600 nm
SM core insertion loss: ≤0.5 dB
SM cutoff wavelength: ≤1250nm
MM transfer out (Port S to B): >70%
MM transfer in (Port B to S): >60%
DCF: 9/105/125 µm, 0.12/0.22NA
MMF: 105/125 µm, 0.22NA
Applications related to this product
Biomedical Imaging
Remote Sensing and Communication
Need a Custom Product?
Castor Optics offers customized options for all of available products. Please provide a detailed description of your inquiry and our team of scientists and engineers will evaluate your request.