High Power Laser Connectors

The design of connectors for high power laser use is a specialized area. If the design is not done correctly by someone with experience in laser/fiber interface, the chances are very high that the heat load from the laser injection will destroy the optical fiber and the connector assembly. Polymicro has provided several high-power connector designs over the years. The simplest design, for low to medium laser power, involves the proper choice of bonding material, a well-designed stainless steel connector assembly, and an optional quartz isolation sleeve. The choice of bonding the fiber into the sleeve at the end tip will depend to some extent on customer requirements, as well as on how tightly focused and positioned the laser beam is relative to the fiber tip. In some applications, the fiber is laser welded to the quartz sleeve to eliminate epoxy at the tip altogether. In other high temperature, high power applications, a ceramic sleeve may be used in addition to, or instead of, the quartz tube.

Temperature ranges depend on the materials chosen; however, designs for continuous operation at 200ºC with short term excursions to 300-400ºC have been supplied. A general schematic of a single, quartz sleeve, connector design is shown in the following illustration.

Polymicro has a “Standard Termination” and three types of “High Power Terminations.” The term “High Power” is relative to the customer’s application since 10 Watts may be high to one customer but low to another. These are the most common types of terminations, but others can be designed based on specific customer requirements.

Technical Data Disclaimer

The information given herein, including drawings, illustrations and schematics (that are intended for illustration purposes only), is believed to be reliable.  However, Polymicro Technologies makes no warranties as to its accuracy or completeness and disclaims any liability in connection with its use.  Polymicro Technologies only obligation shall be as set forth in Polymicro Technologies' standard terms and conditions of sale for this product and in no way will Polymicro Technologies be liable of any incidental, indirect or consequential damages arising out of the sale, resale, use or misuse of the product.  Users of Polymicro Technologies' products should make their own evaluation to determine the suitability of each such product for the specific application.