Optical Fibers
Robust, complete solutions for secure signal transmission.
The optical fiber is temperature-resistant up to 400 °C and is protected against water, dust, acid, and temperature by a flexible, robust cable with a steel braid and silicone sheath.
Optical Fiber Systems
A standard optical fiber system consists of a probe, the optical fiber cable, and the optoelectronic sensor (O/E converter).
Due to its high temperature resistance and insensitivity to vibrations, the use of an optical fiber is ideal when cooling is not possible and the sensors must be protected from vibrations.
The optical fiber has a temperature resistance of up to 400 °C.
Many industrial applications operate under extreme conditions: combustion chambers, steel mills, furnaces. Standard fiber optic cables would fail or melt in these environments. Our high-temperature-resistant optical fibers utilize special silica glass and protective coatings that function reliably even at 400°C. For even more extreme applications (up to 1000°C), we offer pure quartz glass fibers.
Glass Fibers with Robust Cables
The glass fibers are encased in a flexible and robust cable featuring a steel braid and a silicone sheath.
This design protects the optical fiber against water, dust, as well as acid and temperature.
Optical fibers are available for all sensors and spectral ranges. The lengths of the optical fibers depend on the local conditions and are determined in collaboration with the customer.
Glass fibers are extremely thin and fragile. Without protection, they would be virtually unusable in everyday industrial applications:
- Steel mesh: Protects against mechanical damage, cuts and pressure
- Silicone coating: Seals against water, dust, oil and chemicals
This way, the cable remains flexible enough for installation and still withstands the harsh conditions of everyday industrial use.
Why Choose Light Guides from FOS Inon Fiber Optics?
Quality “Made in Germany” pays off. Thanks to our proprietary manufacturing and testing processes, we offer custom solutions for numerous applications, from laboratories to aerospace.
Manufacturing Process
To ensure our light guides and fiber optic products meet the highest standards, we rely on a specialized manufacturing process. This allows us to guarantee exceptional chemical and tactile robustness so they can perform optimally in their respective environments. Precision is a critical factor in this, true to our motto: “Making the impossible happen.”
Materials Used
- Borosilicate: Glass with high temperature resistance and chemical resilience.
- PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate): A thermoplastic, lightweight plastic with high light transmittance.
- Silica-Hard Clad: A robust plastic coating for improved strength and durability.
- Silica-Silica for UV and NIR Wavelengths: Our specialized glass fibers, optimized for the transmission of light in the ultraviolet (UV) and near-infrared (NIR) ranges.
PMMA is a thermoplastic material, known under brand names such as Plexiglas or acrylic glass. In fiber optics, PMMA is used for:
- Flexible, cost-effective fiber optic cables are used
- Large core diameters (up to several millimeters)
- Applications using visible light
PMMA fibers are less temperature-resistant than glass fibers (max. 70-100°C), but significantly more flexible and less expensive. This makes them a particularly good choice for lighting or sensors where extreme temperatures are not present.
Borosilicate (also called “boron glass”) is a special type of glass with a high boron oxide content. It is the same material used to make heat-resistant laboratory glassware and baking molds. In fiber optics, it offers:
- Excellent chemical resistance to acids and alkalis
- Good temperature resistance up to approximately 400-500°C
- Low thermal expansion (less stress during temperature changes)
Ideal for standard industrial applications and lighting.
Optional Specifications:
- Various apertures available
- Polarization can be maintained
- Anti-reflection coating possible
- Various lengths, diameters, bending radii, converters, and vacuum feedthroughs optional
- Various connectors and ferrules suitable for industry and medicine
SMA (Sub-Miniature A) is a standard screw-type connector for fiber optic cables, designed for laboratory equipment and spectrometers. The connector has a 1/4″-36 thread. FSMA is the fiber optic version with a specially protected ferrule for the sensitive fiber end face. Standardized connectors allow you to connect our cables directly to your equipment, or we can manufacture custom connectors for your specific application.
Silica-silica fibers consist entirely of high-purity quartz glass (silicon dioxide), both the core and the cladding. This construction offers:
- Extremely high temperature resistance up to 1000°C
- Optimal transmission in the UV range (below 300 nm)
- Excellent transmission in the NIR range (1000-2500 nm)
- Minimal absorption losses
Therefore, these fibers are primarily used in high-performance lasers, UV curing, and spectroscopy.
Applications
Our light guides are suitable for a variety of applications where precise light transmission and color fidelity are essential, such as:
- Medical Technology
- Industrial Lighting
- Sensor Technology
- Photometry
- … and much more!
Do you require further information, a customized quote, or expert consultation for your project? We are at your disposal at any time.
Reliability doesn’t happen by chance.
At FOS Inon Optics, quality is not just a promise—it is a standard that can be measured. Our development and manufacturing processes for fiber-optic systems are ISO 9001:2015 certified. This establishes the foundation for reliable performance, reproducible results, and trust wherever optical precision is critical.
