Fiber Optic Beam Delivery

Fiber Optic Beam Delivery Systems

The U.S. Laser Fiber Optic Beam Delivery System provides the means to deliver the output of a laser system to a remote location through a flexible fiber optic cable. Fiber optic beam delivery is a convenient solution to delivering the laser beam over long distances, or where direct line-of-sight (required by conventional delivery systems) is unavailable or undesirable. The Fiber Optic Beam Delivery system is a complete package, consisting of input coupling optics mounted on an adjustable mount, a connectorized armor jacketed fiber cable, and the output coupling optics, which collimates and focuses the beam. By providing a range of fiber types and core diameters, as well as a full range of input and output coupling optics, the system can be custom tailored to almost any laser application. Individual components of the system are described below.

Input Coupler

The input coupler mount assembly positions the fiber, and focuses the laser beam into the fiber. An appropriate multi-element (or single element, if appropriate) lens, is used to focus the laser beam to a spot diameter small enough to fully couple the beam into the fiber core. The lens is mounted in a three axis adjustable mount, which provides X /Y adjustment of the fiber, and a Z axis lens focus. A bulkhead connector is provided for easy mounting and de-mounting of the fiber. Standard connectors are either D-80 or SMA, with other connectors available as options. The carriage mount is drilled for use with right or left beam entry.  On some systems, an upcollimator (see Model No. N1004) may be required in conjunction with the input coupler lens to achieve the spot size required to properly couple the beam into the fiber.  Consult the U.S. Laser sales department for assistance in selecting the correct optics for your application.

Fiber Optic Cables

U.S. Laser offers a line of high quality multi-mode fiber optic cable assemblies. Two type are available, the step index, featuring a pure fused silica core, and the gradient index, which has a doped fused silica core. Core diameters from 200 µm to 1000 µm are available in both types. Each cable is supplied as an assembly, with plastic coated armor jacketing, and standard LD-80 high power connectors on both ends. SMA905 connectors are also optionally available. Nominal numerical aperture is .2 for the step index, and .25 for the gradient index. For fibers in lengths up to ~ 20 meters, the fiber is effectively lossless, except for approximately 8% Fresnel loss at the end faces. When used with CW lasers operating in excess of 200 watts, U.S. Laser highly recommends the optional A/R coating. Special fiber sizes, connectors, and jacketing configurations are also available, please consult U.S. Laser sales department.

Related Products: Optical Fiber Repair Services

Output Collimator Assembly

The output collimator assembly includes an A/R coated fused silica collimator lens, and housing with connector (specify LD-80 or SMA).

Externally Adjustable Output Collimator Assembly:

Objective Lens Assembly

The output objective lens assembly includes an A/R coated fused silica objective lens mounted in a housing which directly couples to the output collimator housing.

Output Lens Protector

The output lens protector assembly includes a lens protector slide holder housing, which threads directly into the output objective lens housing, and an A/R coated lens protector disc.

Fiber Optic Coaxial CCTV

The fiber optic CCTV package is a complete in-line CCTV system designed to provide a magnified visual image of the work surface that is coplanar with the laser’s focal plane. The system is designed to accept a collimated beam from either the USL model N3303 fiber output collimator, or the collimated output from a fiber laser such as the IPG Photonics, SPI, or other fiber lasers. The collimator section attaches to the system input via a threaded flange, or an optional clamping collar. The standard system accepts collimated input beams up to 35 mm diameter which are reflected downward to the objective lens by a dichroic mirror. This mirror is designed to fully reflect the input laser beam, while transmitting visible light to the CCD CCTV camera. The magnification of the system is a function of the objective lens focal length, but typically is between 30X -40X. The output objective lens is mounted in a focusing barrel which provides 1” of fine, and 2” of coarse focus adjustment. The system includes a CCD CCTV camera with power supply, 19” flat panel monitor, electronic crosshair generator, objective lens, and all necessary cables. The input collimator section is not included. Systems to accept larger beams or other special requirements are also available by special order. For further information, please contact the U.S. Laser sales department

Related Products: Conventional Beam Delivery Systems

Fiber Optic Coaxial Inert Gas Nozzle Assembly N3308

A gas nozzle designed for the coaxial delivery of inert gas while welding. Attaches directly to the fiber optic output objective lens housing (N3304). Supplied with 3 interchangeable nozzle standoff spacers, and 4 interchangeable orifice nozzles.

Related Products: Coaxial Gas Nozzles for Conventional Beam Delivery

Fiber Optic Coaxial Cutting Nozzle N3309

Fiber Optic Test Fixture

The fiber optic test fixture consists of a short section of optical rail with an integral mounting post used to support the fiber optic output collimator. The mounting post is positioned at the correct optical center line of U.S. Laser systems which allows convenient use of existing system power meters.

During normal power output measurements when using a fiber, the fiber end face must be positioned close to the power detector, since the beam is rapidly diverging. Using a collimator, such as what is typically supplied on U.S. Laser fiber optic beam delivery systems (Model # 3303), allows the fiber to be positioned at a safe distance from the power detector, and protects the fiber end face from being damaged due to dust or dirt.

Fiber Optic Test Fixture The fiber optic test fixture consists of a short section of optical rail with an integral mounting post used to support the fiber optic output collimator. The mounting post is positioned at the correct optical center line of U.S. Laser systems which allows convenient use of existing system power meters. During normal power output measurements when using a fiber, the fiber end face must be positioned close to the power detector, since the beam is rapidly diverging. Using a collimator, such as what is typically supplied on U.S. Laser fiber optic beam delivery systems (Model # 3303), allows the fiber to be positioned at a safe distance from the power detector, and protects the fiber end face from being damaged due to dust or dirt.