The variety of fiber optic cables requires their proper selection, installation, and maintenance to optimize it. Optical fibers are flexible and they allow installing fiber optic probes for remote measurement at numerous points with one device, significantly reducing cost. Moreover, optical fibers matched to the spectroscopic analyzer system enable us to reach optimal performance results.
You should pay careful attention to the following parameters when choosing the right fiber optic cables:
- The optical wavelength range of application
It is required for the spectroscopic optical fiber generally to be much larger in diameter. The operating principle of fiber cables is based on the total internal reflection of the light. “The core of the optical fiber is typically high purity fused silica surrounded by a higher index of refraction doped fused silica cladding layer.” Herewith, the spectroscopic grade optical fibers are optimized for the wavelengths of application.
- The diameter of fiber optic cables
Various core diameters of optical fibers are distinguished, for instance, single-mode fiber is about 6 µm in diameter, while multimode optical fiber is up to 1000 µm in diameter. The thing is that huge core fiber costs higher, it has less flexibility and a higher attenuation rate with distance but such optical fiber allows transmitting more light and providing a better signal-to-noise ratio.
- Environmental conditions
Usually, optical fibers are highly fragile, that is why special protective layers are used to solve this problem. Different environmental conditions need for various protective coatings. Moreover, environmental conditions influence the optical fiber performance in a spectroscopic application. For example, strong sunlight may disturb the optical fiber leading to incorrect results of the analysis.
- Required distances for the transmission of the signal
It is necessary to install the analyzer far enough away from the hazardous process to be safe, however, close enough to make the optical fiber run practical from cost and performance points of view because fiber optic cables are quite expensive. Thus, the cost depends on the distance required for the optical fiber significantly if it is installed in a protective conduit.
- Installation recommendations
Proper installation of fiber optic cables is recommended for better performance. Also, it is necessary to avoid sharp bends as well as vibrations. They can evoke noise in the signal because they are a form of micro-bend losses. The most important thing is the correct termination of fiber cables. For optimal application in spectroscopic applications, the connectors of optical fibers must be polished to perfection, be flat, square-ended, and have the correct length.
Optromix is a provider of top quality special fibers and broad spectra optical fiber solutions. The company delivers the best quality special fibers and fiber cables, fiber optic bundles, spectroscopy fiber optic probes, probe couplers, and accessories for process spectroscopy to clients. If you have any questions or would like to buy an optical fiber product, please contact us at info@optromix.com