MEET FIO
THE SPIRIT OF LIGHT
FIO is more than just a mascot; he is the living symbol of what defines FOS Inon Optics. His name reflects the very essence of our identity.
Discover FIO
FIO – more than just a name
The name FIO carries several layers that perfectly
reflect who we are.
How FIO got his name
On the one hand, FIO is a playful anagram of Fos Inon Optics, a distilled form of our identity and expertise. At the same time, its sound echoes “Phi”, the Greek letter φ. Phi is deeply rooted in scientific thinking: optics, waves, proportions, geometry. It represents harmony, precision, and the balance between technology and aesthetics, exactly what we express through our optical fibers and light solutions.
In this way, FIO becomes a name that connects our origins with our ambition: scientific, clear, modern with a touch of nerdiness.
FIO STANDS FOR:
Intelligence
FIO understands the nature of light
At FOS Inon Optics, we do not simply transmit photons.
We understand them.
Light behaves differently depending on wavelength, geometry, material purity, and boundary conditions. This is why we develop fibers and bundles that translate physical laws into precise performance.
Numerical Aperture (NA):
Determines how efficiently a fiber accepts and guides light, from narrow, high-intensity beams to broad, high-collection geometries.
Core Diameters from 100 µm to 2000 µm:
Tailored for applications ranging from ultra-fine analytical probes to high-power illumination systems.
Wavelength- and Cladding-Dependent Behavior:
Chromatic attenuation, mode distribution, and scattering are each engineered to fit the optical task.
Quartz Fibers for UV and NIR Applications:
UV-grade silica for extreme solarization resistance and high transmission below 300 nm.
NIR-optimized silica for maximal throughput at 1000–2500 nm with minimized absorption peaks.
This scientific foundation is FIO’s “mind”.
He symbolizes how we translate photonic laws into engineering solutions.
Precision
FIO knows every detail matters
Precision is not a claim for us; it is a measurable reality.
Through deep in-house fabrication and carefully selected, long-term partner ecosystems, we realize even the most demanding fiber designs.
FIO stands for this discipline.
Surface qualities < 0.3 µm Ra:
Perfect end faces that preserve beam quality and avoid scattering.
Eccentricities under 10 µm:
Ensuring accurate beam pointing, stable coupling efficiency and reproducibility.
New dimensions in fiber arrangement:
Custom geometries, high-density packings, gradient structures, hexagonal or fully free-form bundles, and precision as design freedom.
FIO represents this craftsmanship:
Steady, meticulous, reliable, shaped by the same precision that defines our technologies.
Responsibility
FIO believes in responsibility
For us, responsibility in photonics has many dimensions.
Responsible Manufacturing, in the safe handling of light, and in the creation of long-lasting products.
FIO reminds us that every beam has consequences, and that innovation can (and should) move in harmony with responsibility.
Responsible Manufacturing:
We avoid unnecessary processing chemicals, optimize power consumption, and recycle production materials wherever possible.
Long-Lasting Products:
High-grade silica fibers and robust assemblies reduce replacements, waste, and environmental impact.
Safe Handling of Light:
We design optical systems that minimize stray light, overheating, or accidental exposure at high powers.
Supporting Sustainable Applications:
From energy-efficient illumination to analytical systems that enable cleaner production processes.
The Story Behind FIO
FIO was born in our labs — not as a product, but as an idea.
A gentle spark of light that personifies the soul of our work.
He travels through fibers, explores new wavelengths, dances across interfaces and reflects on the boundaries of physics.
He is curious like our engineers.
He is meticulous like our measurement systems.
And he carries the same bright ideas that shape the future of photonics.
FIO is the small guiding light behind every innovation we bring into the world.
FAQs – FIO Explains
What is a fiber optic cable and how does it work?
A fiber optic cable is like a tiny glass thread that carries light instead of electricity. Imagine shining a flashlight through a flexible glass straw—the light bounces along the inside and comes out the other end. This allows information or light to travel long distances without losing strength, even around corners.
What industries use FOS Inon Fiber Optics' products?
Their products are used in medical technology, power plants, spectroscopy, microscopy, quality control systems, UV curing processes, welding applications, and laser systems. They also create solutions for flame monitoring in industrial burners.
What is flame monitoring and how do fiber optics help?
Flame monitoring is a safety system that watches industrial burners to make sure flames are burning properly. Fiber optic lances (special fiber cables) can get very close to flames and detect their light, even in hot environments up to 400°C. They're like heat-proof eyes that watch the flame and alert you if something goes wrong.
What are flexible light guides used for?
Flexible light guides are fiber optic cables designed to carry and direct light wherever you need it. Think of them as flexible pipes for light—they can illuminate hard-to-reach places, deliver UV light for curing processes, or transport light from a source to a specific location for industrial or medical applications.
What is the technical advantage of FOS Inon’s mechanical component precision?
FOS Inon Optics manufactures mechanical components with eccentricity deviations of less than 15µm (micrometers). * Why this matters: In fiber optics, "eccentricity" refers to how far off-center the fiber core is within the connector or ferrule. A deviation of <15µm ensures that when two fibers are connected, their cores align almost perfectly. This minimizes "insertion loss" (signal loss at the connection point) and ensures maximum light throughput, which is critical for high-precision applications like spectroscopy and medical lasers.
What is the difference between Silica and Borosilicate fibers in terms of thermal resistance?
The choice of material dictates the operating temperature range:
- Silica Fibers: Made with a very high silicon oxide content, these are designed for extreme environments. They can withstand temperatures up to 1000°C, making them essential for high-power laser delivery and industrial pyrometry (temperature measurement).
- Borosilicate Fibers: Based on boron glass technology, these are robust but have a lower thermal threshold than silica. They are excellent for standard industrial and lighting applications where extreme heat (above 400-500°C) is not a factor but chemical resistance is required.
How do "Optical Fiber Lances" function in flame monitoring systems?
Optical fiber lances are rigid extensions designed to capture flame radiation from a short distance.
- Technical Function: They act as a heat-resistant conduit (up to 400°C) that transmits the flame's optical signature to a sensor.
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- Benefit: By mounting directly at the fuel outlet, they bypass the interference of "extraneous light" (light from other burners or sources). This ensures the monitoring system reacts only to the specific burner it is attached to, which is critical for safety in multi-burner industrial furnaces.
Can fiber optic cables handle extreme conditions?
Yes! FOS Inon's cables are designed to be robust and reliable in demanding environments. They can withstand strong vibrations, extreme temperatures (up to 400°C for some products), and harsh industrial conditions while still functioning perfectly.
What defines their "multimode" fiber specialization?
FOS Inon specializes in multimode fibers. Unlike single-mode fibers (used for long-distance internet data), multimode fibers have a larger core diameter (typically 50µm to over 1000µm).
- Technical Advantage: The larger core allows them to couple with broad light sources (like LEDs or lamps) and transmit higher optical power. This makes them ideal for illumination, laser power delivery, and sensing applications where capturing a large amount of light is more important than preserving a signal over kilometers.
Where is FOS Inon Fiber Optics located?
They're based in Niederschelden-Siegen, Germany, but they operate globally. They have an international network of partners, so they can support projects anywhere in the world.
Do they make standard products or custom solutions?
FOS Inon specializes in custom-tailored solutions. They don't offer one-size-fits-all products—instead, they work with you to design and build fiber optic cables that match your exact project requirements, whether that's special lengths, temperature resistance, or unique configurations.
Does the company have any quality certifications?
Yes, FOS Inon Optics is certified to ISO 9001:2015. They emphasize high precision (e.g., mechanical components with eccentricity deviations of <15µm) and strict quality controls to ensure reliability in demanding conditions.
What makes their fiber optic cables high quality?
FOS Inon uses state-of-the-art manufacturing tools with precision down to 15 micrometers (about 1/5th the width of a human hair). They're ISO 9001:2015 certified, use high-quality raw materials, and their experienced employees undergo continuous training. Every product goes through strict quality controls.
What other services do they offer besides fiber optic cables?
They offer engineering services, technical 3D printing for prototypes, laser marking for components, CNC machining for precision parts, and complete system solutions. They can take your project from initial concept all the way to a market-ready product.
