The function of the high-power polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber optic circulator is to transmit a light signal from one port to the next sequential port with low loss, but at the same time to block any light transmission from one port to the previous port. By the use of the polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF), this high power polarization maintaining optical circulator is capable of maintaining the same state of polarization (SOP) of the light. It can work on both slow-axis and fast-axis linear polarizations, or just transmit one principal polarization state with low loss in only one direction and block the orthogonal state in both directions. Lfiber’s polarization maintaining (PM) optical circulator can handle up to 20W power. For special customization, please contact our sales department for availability. Related Products ↓

Basics of High Power Polarization Maintaining Optical Circulator

The high-power polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber optic circulator is based on the use, precise positioning and alignment of miniaturized traditional optical components such as polarizing beam splitter, reflector prism, bi-refringent blocks, Faraday rotator, and retardation plate, etc.
 
The operation of high power polarization maintaining optical circulator is based on two main principles: polarization splitting and recombining together with nonreciprocal polarization rotation, and asymmetric field conversion with nonreciprocal phase shift.
 
There are different designs for high-power polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber optic circulators, and all of them all of them involve the non-reciprocal property of Faraday effect. The Faraday effect is a magneto-optic effect, in which the polarization of light is rotated in an optical medium with a magnetic field applied along the light propagation direction.
 

High-Power Polarization-Maintaining (PM) Fiber Optic Circulator

To meet the demands for polarization maintaining (PM) optical circulators used in high-power fiber laser technology and advanced PM-applications, Lfiber has increased the power tolerance of the high power polarization maintaining optical circulator (1064nm 1030nm 980nm). Up to 20W power handling is available.

 

High Power Polarization Maintaining Optical Circulator

High Power Polarization Maintaining Optical Circulator
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FEATURES OF HIGH POWER PM OPTICAL CIRCULATOR

  • Low Insertion Loss
  • High Extinction Ratio & Isolation
  • High Reliability and Stability

APPLICATIONS OF HIGH POWER PM FIBER OPTIC CIRCULATOR

  • Fiber Amplifier
  • Testing Instruments
  • Fiber Sensor
  • Advanced PM-applications

 

Specifications of High Power Polarization Maintaining Circulator
Center Wavelength (nm)1064, 1030, or 980
Operating Wavelength Range (nm)±5
Typ. Peak Isolation (dB)25
Min. Isolation at 23 ℃ (dB)22
Typ. Insertion Loss at 23 ℃ (dB)1.3
Max. Insertion Loss at 23 ℃ (dB)1.5
Min. Extinction Ratio at 23 ℃ (dB)20
Min. Cross Talk (dB)45
Min. Return Loss (Input/Output) (dB)45
Max. Average Optical Power (W)20
Max. Peak Power for ns Pulse (kW)20
Max. Tensile Load (N)5
Package Dimension (mm)70x28x26
Operating Temperature ( ℃ )+10 ~ +50
Storage Temperature ( ℃ )0 ~ +60

Notes:

  • The high power polarization maintaining optical circulator is customizable, and the above specifications are subject to change without notice.
  • For CW high-power optical interconnection, we recommend fusion splice without connectors.
  • For device with connectors, IL is 0.3dB higher, RL is 5.0dB lower, ER is 2.0dB lower.
  • Unless otherwise specified, the slow axis of the fiber is aligned with the key of the PM fiber connector.
  • Slow axis working and fast axis blocked as standard, while operating on both the slow and fast axis available on request.
  • Bare fiber should not support the weight of the connector. So that if any connectors needed, for the pigtail type it’s better to choose the 900μm loose tube jacket instead of the 250μm bare fiber.
  • For product customization or special requirements, please contact Lfiber’s sales department for availability.

 

Dimensions of High Power Polarization Maintaining Optical Circulator

 

High-Power Polarization-Maintaining (PM) Fiber Optic Circulator

 

Ordering Information of High Power Polarization Maintaining Optical Circulator
WavelengthPort TypeAxis AlignmentFiber TypePigtail TypeFiber LengthConnector TypeAverage PowerPeak Power
980nm3-PortSlow axis working and fast axis blockedPM980Φ250μm bare fiber0.8 MeterFC/UPC500mW10kW
1030nmFast axis working and slow axis blockedPM1310Φ900μm loose tube1.0 MeterFC/APC1W20kW
1064nmBoth axis workingPM1550Custom …SC/UPC2W
SC/APC5W
LC/UPC10W
LC/APC20W
None

 

About Axis Alignment of the High Power PM Fiber Optical Circulator:

  • “Slow axis working and fast axis blocked” means that light on just the slow axis is transmitted from port 1 to port 2 and also from port 2 to port 3; Fast axis light is blocked in the forward direction. In the backward direction (from port 2 to port 1, and from port 3 to port 2), both the slow and fast axis light are blocked.
  • “Both axis working” means that both the slow and fast axis light are transmitted in the forward direction, both the slow and fast axis light are blocked in the backward direction.