POF - Polymer Optical Fiber

POF - Polymer Optical Fiber

POF - Polymer Optical Fiber

Polymer Optical Fiber

With polymer optical fibers (POF), both the fiber core and the cladding is manufactured from a polymer. Superior flexibility (high alternate bending loads with smaller bending radiuses), connection and transmission technology that is less expensive than silica-based systems, and simple assembly in the field are key advantages of polymer optical fibers.

  • 100% final inspection to verify optical attenuation in high-volume production
  • Economical connector systems and transmitters/receivers
  • Fast, straightforward assembly technology
  • Superior flexibility (high alternate bending loads with smaller bending radiuses)
  • Can be assembled in the field (prior experience is useful but not required)
  • We can also supply the various tools required

Range of products and services

POF Product portfolio

  • Link lengths up to 70 m, up to 150 m with suitable active components
  • Temperature range: −40 °C to +85 °C, up to 105 °C with other cladding material
  • Bandwidth-length product: >10 MHz × 100 m
    @ 650 nm
  • Attenuation: <160 dB/km @ 650 nm
  • Very broad spectrum of cable types
  • Extensive assembly options

POF Product properties

  • PMMA fiber core
  • Fluoropolymer cladding
  • Stable behavior in harsh environmental conditions
  • Chemical resistance
  • Suitable for use with drag chains
  • Assembly with all standard connector types
  • Can be assembled in the field

POF Ordering options

  • Connector and assembly options for indoor and outdoor use
  • Suitable for use with drag chains
  • Media resistance
  • Flame-retardant
  • Pre-assembled
  • Halogen-free with UL approval
  • Profinet
  • Buffer tube colors for multicore POF cables
  • Buffered fibers with printed identification
  • High NA available for higher power coupling

Further information

WEINERT Fiber Optics performs a 100% final inspection to verify optical attenuation on all POF cables in high-volume production. This enables us to guarantee first-class quality for our products. Measuring attenuation on complete cable drums (250 and 500 m) is a particular challenge, due to the high optical attenuation of the POF. WEINERT uses a measurement system specially developed for this purpose with an extremely high attenuation budget at 650 nm.

The maximum application temperature for standard POF is limited to 85 °C by the cladding material. By using a different cladding material, thermal stability can be increased to 105 °C. However, this also increases the kilometric attenuation slightly. The PMMA core material is the limiting factor for even higher temperatures.

The numerical aperture of the fibers can be changed by using other cladding materials. High-NA POFs, i.e. fibers with a higher increased numerical aperture, permit higher power coupling in the fiber. Increasing the NA results in a lower bandwidth, however.


Contact

Please contact us for further information. We look forward to your inquiry.

Europe, Africa, and Asia (excl. China)
Phone +49 36764-81-100
Email sales-europe@weinert-industries.com

China
Phone +86 519-8988-7783
Email sales-china@weinert-industries.com 

North and South America
Phone +1 757-258-4805
Email sales-americas@weinert-industries.com

Sales Network
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Frequently Asked Questions about POF – Polymer Optical Fiber

1. What is a Polymer Optical Fiber (POF)?

A Polymer Optical Fiber (POF) is an optical fiber where both the core and the cladding are made from a polymer. POFs stand out for their superior flexibility, cost-effective connection and transmission technology, and easy field assembly compared to silica-based systems.

2. What are the primary advantages of using POF?

POF offers several key advantages, including: Exceptional flexibility, allowing for high alternate bending loads with smaller bending radiuses. Economical connector systems and transmitters/receivers. Quick and easy assembly technology. Ability to assemble in the field without extensive prior experience. Compatibility with a wide range of tools for assembly.

3. What are the technical properties of POF?

The POF has a PMMA fiber core with a fluoropolymer cladding, ensuring stable performance in harsh environmental conditions. They are chemically resistant, suitable for drag chains, and can be assembled with all standard connector types. Key specifications include link lengths up to 70 m (or 150 m with the right active components), a temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C (up to 105 °C with an alternate cladding material), and an attenuation of less than 160 dB/km at 650 nm.

4. In which fields or applications are POFs commonly used?

OFs are versatile and find applications in various sectors such as data transmission, sensor technology, and automotive systems. They are commonly used in factory automation, energy & infrastructure, optical metrology, machinery & sensors, automotive & trucking, marine/maritime, and transportation.

5. How does WEINERT ensure the quality of its POF products?

WEINERT Fiber Optics conducts a comprehensive 100% final inspection on all POF cables in high-volume production to verify optical attenuation. This rigorous inspection, using a specially developed measurement system, ensures that they can guarantee top-tier quality for their POF products. Additionally, the standard application temperature for POF is up to 85 °C, but by using different cladding materials, it can be increased to 105 °C, albeit with a slight rise in the kilometric attenuation.
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