Types of optical fibers
Optical fibers are mainly classified with respect to the lateral dimensions of the light-guiding region, the so-called fiber core. The core diameter together with the refractive index distribution of the core-
cladding assembly determines the number of modes the fiber carries. The following figure and table give a rough overview on the different fiber types and their main application fields.
SMA – Due to its stainless steel structure and low-precision, threaded fiber locking mechanism, this connector is used mainly in applications requiring the coupling of high-power laser beams into large-core, multimode fibers. ST – The ST connector is high-precision, ceramic ferrule allows its use with both multimode. The bayonet style, keyed coupling mechanism, featuring push and turn locking of the connector, prevents overtening and damaging of the fiber end. FC – The FC is rapidly becoming the connector of choice for single-mode fibers, and is mainly used in fiberoptic instruments and SM fiberoptic.Multimode versions of this connector are also available. This high-precision, ceramic ferrule connector is equipped with an anti-rotation key, reducing fiber endface damage and rotational aligment sensitivity of the fiber. PC – The physical Contact polish is the most popular connector endface preparation, used in most applications. APC –The Angle PC (APC) polish, adds an 8 degree angle to the connector endface.
ST SMA FC/PC