Designers Now Have a Complete Solution to Connect Large Core Optical Fibers

Molex Incorporated and Polymicro Technologies, a subsidiary of Molex, announced today that Molex LumaCore-based interconnects can incorporate Polymicro's large core, optical fibers. Optical system designers now have a complete solution to connect large core optical fibers used for data, sensing and optical power transmission. Polymicro large core optical fibers integrated with Molex LumaCore ruggedized interconnects will be on display at OFC/NFOEC, Feb. 24-28, booths 2143 (Molex) and 3732 (Polymicro).

"By adding the capability to terminate Polymicro Technologies' large core optical fibers with core sizes up to 800µm in the LumaCore line, we're able to deliver a solution that withstands extreme operating conditions, particularly for military COTS, aviation and aerospace applications," said Tom Marrapode, director of marketing, Molex. "With a common optical terminus, unique combinations of products and configurations can be easily built to customer specifications."

Molex LumaCore optical termini-based interconnects are available in the following configurations:

• Molex LC2 Metallic Optical Connectors - Provide a ruggedized, all-metal housing version of the LC Small Form Factor (SFF) family. Capable of continuous operating temperatures up to 135?C and short-term temperatures up to 150?C, these connectors are available for singlemode, multimode and angle-polish (APC) applications. With minimal plastic components, there is little or no out-gassing, allowing these connectors to accommodate space and high-vacuum environments. Featuring LumaCore optical termini, these connectors resist breakage and achieve superior optical performance in extreme environments.
• Molex MXL38999 Circular Connectors - Designed specifically for functionality in singlemode APC applications, their high level of design integrity enable the connector system to deliver superior optical performance across all optical fiber applications, including multimode and singlemode UPC. Using LumaCore optical terminus technology, MXL38999 provides a dense, optical connection with stable optical performance in harsh environments. Its unique quarter-turn retention feature allows the LumaCore terminus to be installed and removed from a connector with a simple push and turn using simple hand tools.

The following Polymicro large core optical fibers can be incorporated into Molex LumaCore interconnects:

• Polymicro HPCF Optical Fiber - Ideal for datacommunication and process control applications in robotics, windmills, automotive/rail and avionics, its industry standard design comes available with 200µm silica core or 230µm hard polymer clad. Simple to terminate and align with a light source, these fibers service wide temperature range of -65?C to 135?C and are available in a variety of core/cladding configurations.
• Polymicro Rad-Hard Optical Fiber - A radiation resistant and stable solution for military and aerospace applications, Rad-Hard optical fibers are designed with a polyimide coating for high temperatures and low out-gassing.
• Polymicro Step-Index Fibers - Includes fibers with core sizes from 50µm to 800µm used from the deep UV to the near IR (190 to 2400nm) for applications such as medical, industrial, astronomy, aerospace and sensors. In addition, Polymicro supplies a hollow waveguide for operation in the mid IR (2.9 to >15µm).

For more information about LumaCore, visit: http://www.molex.com/product/lumacore.html