Tapered Fibers

Tapered optical fibers are fibers that have a diameter that varies along their length. Optical tapers have properties that make them useful as input/output devices. They can be used as a passive optical component to alter the input and/or output divergence (N.A.) with regard to an optical fiber, as a high power coupler for laser energy (spreads out the energy over a larger area), or simply as a device to loosen tolerances in an optical system.

In general, there are several facts about tapers that should be kept in mind when considering their use. When light travels down a taper, which is towards a small radius, the angle the light makes with the taper axis will increase. Conversely, as light travels up a taper towards a larger radius, the angle will decrease. This is important when considering the numerical aperture of the other parts of a system. The energy and/or power density increases with decreasing radius, and can reach catastrophic levels in high-energy laser systems if precautions are not taken.

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.