FGC-GH Fiber Geometry System

Core Diameter Repeatability 40 nm; Concentricity Repeatability 30 nm; Capillary Diameter Repeatability 20 nm; Cladding Diameter Range 80-250 µm; Hollow Core, Multi-Core & PM Fiber Support; Field-Calibrated; Plug-In Architecture

Specialty fibers such as hollow-core, multi-core, and polarization-maintaining designs have geometries that standard step-index fiber measurement tools were never built to resolve. The FGC-GH is a fiber geometry measurement system from Arden Photonics developed specifically for that problem, covering Hollow Core Fiber (HCF), Multi-Core Fiber (MCF), Polarizing-Maintaining Fiber (PMF), and other specialty fiber designs with cladding diameters from 80 µm to 250 µm, smaller sizes available on request. A proprietary software algorithm combined with high-magnification imaging optics and an ultra-high numerical aperture optical system resolves the fine internal structures these fiber types require, while automatic, user-independent measurement removes operator-to-operator variability from the results. The same instrument also performs high-precision characterization of standard singlemode fiber, so one system covers both specialty fiber development and conventional fiber QC.

Key features

• As a field-calibrated fiber geometry system, the FGC-GH uses traceable calibration artifacts for on-site recalibration, no need to return the instrument to Arden Photonics.
• Repeatability of 40 nm on core diameter, 30 nm on core-to-cladding concentricity, and 20 nm on capillary diameter, as measured on a single 240 µm reference fiber without removing it from the instrument; repeatability on other fiber types is not guaranteed.
• High-magnification imaging optics, an ultra-high numerical aperture optical system, and a proprietary software algorithm for detailed characterization of complex fiber structures.
• Plug-in software architecture with dedicated plug-ins for PM fiber, single-mode/multi-mode fiber, active fiber, multi-core fiber, and hollow-core fiber (NANF and DNANF); custom plug-ins can be developed for new fiber designs, and coverage extends to dual-clad, non-circular, and octagonal fiber geometries.
• Standard measurements complete in under 25 seconds and enhanced-performance measurements in under 150 seconds, both excluding fiber preparation.
• Supplied as a complete system: fiber handling bench, fiber holders, cable kit, illumination unit, software package, and a dedicated Windows computer are included, not just the sensor head.
• Automatic measurement that eliminates operator-dependent variability, suited to both production-line quality control and manual R&D characterization.

Applications

The FGC-GH validates manufactured hollow-core fiber with high-precision measurement of each double-nested set of tubes within the DNANF structure, providing data that relates directly to loss per kilometer, and supports hollow core fiber geometry measurement for that purpose in HCF production. For multi-core fiber, it verifies the location of cores, cladding, and core-to-cladding concentricity across each signal path. In R&D, an extensive set of manual tools characterizes novel or proprietary fiber designs, and on the production line, software plug-ins deliver deskilled, repeatable quality control measurements.

Why buy from AMS Technologies?

• Expert product selection and technical support
• Proven components from qualified suppliers
• Reliable European service and supply
• Custom engineering when standard products are not enough
• One partner from component to complete solution

What's next

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