ClearLite® 1550 nm 0.17 NA MICRO Optical Fibre
- Technology
- Speciality fibre
- Partner
- Lightera (formerly OFS)
The ClearLite Micro 1550 nm 0.17 NA optical fibre is an advanced single-mode fibre engineered for specialised applications. It features an 80 µm cladding diameter that is significantly smaller than standard telecom fibres, enabling very tight coil winding and compact routing. This makes it especially suitable for fibre-optic gyroscopes and other high-precision sensors where space is limited and signal integrity matters. Designed for operation at 1550 nm, it offers low attenuation of ≤ 0.7 dB/km to support accurate optical performance. Its 0.17 numerical aperture helps simplify light coupling while also improving bend tolerance. The fibre is rated for operation from -40 to +85 °C and is proof-tested to at least 100 kpsi for dependable mechanical strength. It is also available with a range of custom buffer, colour, metallisation, and termination options for integration into specialised devices.
The ClearLite Micro 1550 nm 0.17 NA optical fibre is designed for compact, high-performance photonic systems where standard fibre dimensions are too large. Its reduced 80 µm cladding supports tight bends and dense coil packaging with low added loss, making it a strong fit for gyroscopes, fibre sensors, and other precision instruments.
With single-mode operation at 1550 nm, low attenuation, and strong mechanical proof testing, this fibre combines optical performance with practical robustness. Custom buffer, metallisation, and termination options also make it easier to match the fibre to demanding integration requirements.
Range features
A high level overview of what this range offers
- Single-mode 1550 nm performance – Optimised for accurate light transmission at 1550 nm in sensing and instrumentation applications.
- 0.17 numerical aperture – Supports easier optical coupling and improved bend tolerance while maintaining single-mode behaviour.
- 80 µm micro cladding – Enables very tight coil winding and compact routing compared with conventional 125 µm fibre.
- Low attenuation of ≤ 0.7 dB/km – Minimises signal loss to support stable and precise measurements.
- Industrial operating range – Standard UV acrylate coating supports reliable use from -40 to +85 °C.
- Proof-tested to ≥ 100 kpsi – Delivers strong mechanical reliability for handling, installation, and operation.
- Suitable for gyroscopes and sensors – Well matched to applications requiring tightly packed fibre with stable optical characteristics.
- Customisation options available – Offered with selectable buffer colour, buffer material, buffer size, metallisation, proof test, cutoff wavelength, and termination.
Downloads
for ClearLite® 1550 nm 0.17 NA MICRO Optical Fibre
ClearLite 1550 nm 0.17 NA Micro Optical Fibre – Datasheet
DownloadWhat’s in this range?
All the variants in the range and a comparison of what they offer
Parameter | Value |
Product Description | ClearLite Micro 1550 17 Optical Fibre |
Coating Material | Single UV Acrylate |
Core Diameter (Nominal) | 6.5 µm |
Cladding Diameter | 80 ± 2 µm |
Coating/Buffer Diameter | 130 ± 4 µm |
Clad Non-Circularity | ≤ 2.0 % |
Core/Clad Offset | ≤ 0.75 µm |
Type | Single-Mode |
Operating Wavelength | 1550 nm |
Cutoff Wavelength | ≤ 1500 nm |
Mode Field Diameter @ 1550 nm | 7.5 ± 0.75 µm |
Attenuation @ 1550 nm | ≤ 0.7 dB/km |
Numerical Aperture (Nominal) | 0.17 |
Operating Temperature | -40 to +85 °C |
Short-Term Bend Radius | ≥ 7 mm |
Long-Term Bend Radius | ≥ 11 mm |
Proof Test Level | ≥ 100 kpsi (0.689 GPa) |
Order by Part Number | BF06159 |
Product Description Code | SMM-E1550A |
Options | Buffer Colour, Buffer Material, Buffer Size, Cutoff Wavelength, Metallisation, Proof Test, Termination |
FAQs
for ClearLite® 1550 nm 0.17 NA MICRO Optical Fibre
The main difference is the 80 µm cladding diameter, which is much smaller than the typical 125 µm used in standard single-mode fibre. This allows the ClearLite Micro fibre to be coiled more tightly and routed more easily in compact devices. It also has a 0.17 numerical aperture, which helps with light acceptance and bend tolerance while still supporting single-mode operation at 1550 nm.
The specified short-term bend radius is ≥ 7 mm, which applies to temporary handling or installation conditions. For continuous service, the recommended long-term bend radius is ≥ 11 mm to maintain long-term reliability and optical performance.
This fibre is well suited to fibre-optic gyroscopes, precision optical sensors, and other compact photonic devices that need tightly coiled fibre with stable performance at 1550 nm. It is especially useful where long fibre lengths must fit into a small space without introducing significant bend-related loss.
Yes. The fibre is available with a variety of custom options, including buffer material, buffer size, buffer colour, metallisation, proof test level, cutoff wavelength, and termination. This helps adapt the fibre for different packaging, environmental, and integration requirements.
A 0.17 numerical aperture means the fibre can accept light over a moderately wide angle compared with standard telecom single-mode fibre. In practice, this can make coupling easier, improve tolerance to small alignment errors, and help maintain performance when the fibre is tightly bent.
Yes, but it requires appropriate techniques and components because the cladding diameter is smaller than standard fibre. Optical compatibility can be achieved with careful core alignment during splicing, and connectorisation may require ferrules or adapters designed for thinner fibre constructions.
