The multicore fiber fan out (MCFFO) is
designed to break out each core of a multicore
fiber (MCF) to enable each core to be
addressed independently through standard
single-mode (SM) pigtails.
This allows rapid and simplistic integration of MCF into new
product developments and R&D projects which require
the high bandwidth, small core-to-core pitch and reduced
package size of a MCF.
FEATURES
Advantages
• Compact package size
• High data rates
• Customizable designs
Typical Applications:
• 2D bend sensing
• Active Optical Cables (AOCs)
• Photonic Integrated Circuits
• Distributed sensing
• Biomedical sensors
Product Variants
• FAN-4C
Fan out unit designed to guide light from a 4 core fiber
into 4 separate SMF28 pigtails
• FAN-7C
Fan out unit designed to guide light from a 7 core fiber
into 7 separate SMF28 pigtails
Single Fan Out Unit – Bare Fiber
For retro-reflective sensing, free space and spliced in MCF applications, a single fan out unit is typically required with SM fiber on one end and the MCF on the other. Typical applications for these devices includes: 3D shape sensing, endoscopy, microscopy and data center type transmission experiments.
Single Fan Out Unit – Jacketed and Connectorized
Jacketing provides better protection for the fiber, especially in an environment where the fibers will be handled regularly, this is typically applied when connectors are required, however, it is not a necessity. Jacketing up to 2m in length is offered as a standard option, longer lengths are possible upon request. Each single core channel is individually color coded for easy recognition. Due to the diameter of the jacketing (or furcation tubing), anintermediate mechanical breakout box is required. We offer a 1.6mm jacketing between the fan out and the break out box and 900μm colour-coded jacketing between the breakout box and the end of the fiber. Jacketing is sometimes called by the material trade name Hytrel® (Dupont).
Double/Paired Fan Out
For applications that wish to use the MCF primarily as a transmission medium, for example telecoms data transmission, a double or paired fan out unit is required. This includes two fan out units (one to act as a fan in and the other as a fan out) with SM fiber tails at each end. This allows full use of the MCF without requiring specialty splicing of the MCF. All of the configurations for a single fan out unit are available for a double fan out unit.
Double ended fan out unit, jacketed, with break out boxes and
connectorized.
