NIR Spectroscopy applications typically require long light guides incorporating 1, 2, 4 and sometimes 7 silica fibers in a jacket with Kevlar strain relief. They serve to connect the spectrometer instrument and probe head. 300 and 600 micron fiber cores are the most common sizes. Cable lengths of 2M, 5M, 10M, are common, while 500M lengths (and longer) have been manufactured. The typical wavelengths of interest are 800nm to 2,500nm
A fiber assembly consisting of Polyurethane, PVC or Polypropylene extruded tubing, incorporated Kevlar strength member and a Polyimide coated fiber is called a “cable”. The O.D. is ~ 4.0mm (3.8mm). Many cable designs also incorporate a 304 stainless steel outer jacket for extra protection. When more than one fiber is required, each fiber will be produced with an individual extruded jacket. All fibers are then combined into a single Kevlar strain relief, common plastic jacket, and steel outer jacket (if specified).
Our cabling method uses a Kevlar braid, rather than a single Kevlar fiber, to completely surround the fibers and support the assembly. The Kevlar braid and plastic jacket are bonded to both SMA 905 end tips (FC, ST and custom mfg ferrules also available). When a steel jacket is called for, the jacket is swaged to the ferrules at both ends.
These cable assemblies can be used with all detectors on the market today, including Silicon-based CCDs (for the shorter end of the NIR range), and InGaAs and PbS devices for wavelengths over 1000nm. Some instruments combine silicon-based and InGaAs detectors in the same instrument. Such instruments can record both UV-visible and NIR spectra ‘simultaneously’. We can customize the design of the cable to optimize signal collection of these instruments.
For shorter applications, (less than 10M) and depending on the wavelengths of interest, we can design a borosilicate glass emitter, and combine the silica receiver for an optimal cost/performance package.
Due to the variety of configurations and lengths required, these cables are made to specification. Our standard offer is shown below. Contact us with details of your particular application.
| # Of Fibers | Fiber Type | Fiber Core Size | Individual or Common Inner Jacket Type | Optional Metal Outer Jacket | Configuration | Strength Member | Connector Type | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NIR Silica | 600um | PVC, Polyurethane, polypropylene | 304 Stainless Steel Square Lock | Single | Kevlar | SMA905, FC, ST or Custom | 1M-500M, 1M increments |
| 1 | NIR Silica | 300um | PVC, Polyurethane, polypropylene | 304 Stainless Steel Square Lock | Single | Kevlar | SMA905, FC, ST or Custom | 1M-500M, 1M increments |
| 2 | NIR Silica | 600um | PVC, Polyurethane, polypropylene | 304 Stainless Steel Square Lock | Single | Kevlar | SMA905, FC, ST or Custom | 1M-500M, 1M increments |
| 2 | NIR Silica | 300um | PVC, Polyurethane, polypropylene | 304 Stainless Steel Square Lock | Single | Kevlar | SMA905, FC, ST or Custom | 1M-500M, 1M increments |
| 4 | NIR Silica | 600um | PVC, Polyurethane, polypropylene | 304 Stainless Steel Square Lock | Single | Kevlar | SMA905, FC, ST or Custom | 1M-500M, 1M increments |
| 4 | NIR Silica | 300um | PVC, Polyurethane, polypropylene | 304 Stainless Steel Square Lock | Single | Kevlar | SMA905, FC, ST or Custom | 1M-500M, 1M increments |
| 7 | NIR Silica | 600um | PVC, Polyurethane, polypropylene | 304 Stainless Steel Square Lock | Bifurcated - center fiber is isolated | Kevlar | SMA905, FC, ST or Custom | 1M-500M, 1M increments |
| 7 | NIR Silica | 300um | PVC, Polyurethane, polypropylene | 304 Stainless Steel Square Lock | Bifurcated - center fiber is isolated | Kevlar | SMA905, FC, ST or Custom | 1M-500M, 1M increments |
