100 µm Multi-mode Step-Index PYROCOAT® Optical Fibre
- Technology
- Speciality fibre
- Partner
- Lightera (formerly OFS)
The 100 µm multi-mode step-index PYROCOAT® optical fibre is engineered for harsh and high-temperature environments. Its all-silica core and cladding provide stable optical performance, high damage resistance, and reliable light transmission under demanding conditions. The PYROCOAT® polyimide coating supports continuous operation up to 300 °C and short-term exposure up to around 400 °C. Available in High OH and Low OH versions, the fibre can be selected for UV-visible or visible-near-IR transmission needs. The 0.22 numerical aperture supports efficient light coupling from broad sources. Its biocompatible, sterilisation-tolerant construction also makes it suitable for medical and surgical applications. Typical uses include spectroscopy, fluorescence sensing, laser delivery, industrial illumination, radiation monitoring, and fibre-optic sensing in aerospace and industrial systems. The fibre is also proof tested to ≥ 100 kpsi for strong mechanical durability. Custom options such as alternate dimensions, proof levels, metallised ends, and connector terminations are available on request.
Range features
A high level overview of what this range offers
- All-silica core and cladding – Delivers high damage threshold and stable optical performance under intense light and elevated temperatures.
- PYROCOAT® polyimide coating – Supports continuous operation up to 300 °C with short-term tolerance up to around 400 °C for harsh-environment use.
- High OH and Low OH variants – Choose High OH for UV-visible transmission or Low OH for visible-near-IR performance with reduced IR attenuation.
- 0.22 numerical aperture – Enables easier light coupling and collection with strong efficiency across a wide range of light sources.
- Biocompatible and sterilisation-tolerant – Suitable for medical lasers, instrumentation, and other clinical optical applications.
- High mechanical strength – Proof tested to ≥ 100 kpsi for dependable handling, installation, and service life.
- Chemical and radiation resistance – Designed for demanding industrial, aerospace, and radiation-prone environments.
- Customisable configurations – Available with alternative dimensions, proof levels, metallised ends, and connector termination options on request.
What’s in this range?
All the variants in the range and a comparison of what they offer
| Specification | High OH (CF04406-01) | Low OH (CF04406-11) |
|---|---|---|
Core Diameter | 100 ± 3 µm | 100 ± 3 µm |
Cladding Diameter | 110 ± 3 µm | 110 ± 3 µm |
Coating Diameter | 140 ± 15 µm | 140 ± 15 µm |
Coating Concentricity | ≥ 80 % | ≥ 80 % |
Coating Material | PYROCOAT® (Polyimide) | PYROCOAT® (Polyimide) |
Crimp & Cleave Compatible | No | No |
Fiber Type | Multimode Step-Index | Multimode Step-Index |
Numerical Aperture (NA) | 0.22 | 0.22 |
Attenuation | ≤ 14 dB/km @ 820 nm | ≤ 12 dB/km @ 850 nm |
Water Content (OH Level) | High OH | Low OH |
Operating Temperature | −65 °C to +300 °C | −65 °C to +300 °C |
Short-Term Temperature | Up to +400 °C | Up to +400 °C |
Short-Term Bend Radius | ≥ 9 mm | ≥ 9 mm |
Long-Term Bend Radius | ≥ 14 mm | ≥ 14 mm |
Proof Test Level | ≥ 100 kpsi (≥ 0.689 GPa) | ≥ 100 kpsi (≥ 0.689 GPa) |
Order Part Number | CF04406-01 | CF04406-11 |
FAQs
for 100 µm Multi-mode Step-Index PYROCOAT® Optical Fibre
Both versions have the same physical construction and dimensions, but they differ in hydroxyl (OH) content. The High OH version is better suited to UV and visible wavelength transmission, while the Low OH version is optimised for visible to near-IR use with lower infrared absorption. In short, choose High OH for deep-UV through visible applications and Low OH for visible through near-IR applications.
The fibre is designed for continuous operation from −65 °C to +300 °C thanks to its PYROCOAT® polyimide coating. It can also tolerate short-term temperature excursions up to around +400 °C for brief events such as processing or installation-related heat exposure.
Attenuation depends on the selected version and wavelength. The High OH fibre is specified at ≤ 14 dB/km @ 820 nm, while the Low OH fibre is specified at ≤ 12 dB/km @ 850 nm. These values make the fibre well suited to short-run specialty applications where high-temperature capability and spectral performance are more important than ultra-low loss.
Yes. The PYROCOAT® polyimide coating is designed to resist many chemicals, solvents, and radiation conditions that can degrade standard fibre coatings. This makes the fibre suitable for industrial processing, aerospace systems, radiation monitoring, and other demanding environments.
Because crimp-style connectors are not compatible, the fibre is typically stripped using thermal or chemical methods suitable for polyimide coatings. After stripping, it can be terminated using epoxy-and-polish connectors, soldered metal ferrules, or joined to a connectorised pigtail using appropriate cleaving and splicing techniques.
The specified long-term minimum bend radius is 14 mm, while the short-term bend radius is 9 mm. For permanent installations, bends should remain above the long-term limit to reduce stress, minimise attenuation increase, and maintain long service life.
Yes. Its all-silica construction and polyimide coating make it suitable for medical integration where biocompatibility and sterilisation tolerance are important. It is especially relevant for medical laser delivery and instrumentation, provided the final device is properly integrated and validated for the intended application.
Yes. Custom options can include different core or cladding sizes, alternative proof test levels, specialised jacketing, metallised fibre ends, connector termination, and cabled assemblies. This helps adapt the fibre to specific industrial, sensing, aerospace, or medical project requirements.
