ClearLite® 1550 nm 0.17 NA PYROCOAT® Optical Fibre
- Technology
- Speciality fibre
- Partner
- Lightera (formerly OFS)
This single-mode 1550 nm optical fibre is purpose-built for demanding applications where both optical performance and environmental resilience are critical. It features a nominal NA of 0.17 and a carefully engineered waveguide structure, resulting in improved bend performance compared to standard telecom fibres. The proprietary PYROCOAT® polyimide coating provides strong thermal stability and chemical resistance for continuous operation up to 300 °C.
With a standard 125 µm cladding diameter, the fibre can be spliced and connectorised using typical fibre-optic components for easier integration. Low attenuation of ≤0.7 dB/km at 1550 nm supports long-range, low-noise signal transmission. The fibre is well suited to distributed sensing, aerospace, oil and gas, and industrial monitoring applications where conventional fibres may fail. Overall, it provides a dependable solution for stable optical links in extreme conditions or confined installation spaces.
The ClearLite® 1550 nm 0.17 NA PYROCOAT® optical fibre is engineered for applications that demand both precise single-mode transmission and strong environmental durability. Its high numerical aperture and optimised waveguide design help maintain low loss even in tighter bend conditions than conventional telecom fibres. The fibre uses a PYROCOAT® polyimide coating that offers thermal and chemical resilience for harsh operating environments. With a 125 µm cladding diameter, it remains compatible with standard splicing and connectorisation workflows. Typical use cases include distributed sensing, aerospace systems, industrial monitoring, and other installations where heat, vibration, or confined routing challenge ordinary optical fibres.
Range features
A high level overview of what this range offers
- High 0.17 numerical aperture: Improves light confinement and bend tolerance, helping maintain low loss in tightly routed or coiled installations.
- PYROCOAT® polyimide coating: Supports continuous operation up to 300 °C and offers strong resistance to chemicals and demanding process conditions.
- Optimised for 1550 nm: Delivers single-mode performance at the 1550 nm telecom window with attenuation of ≤0.7 dB/km for long-distance transmission and sensing.
- Standard 125 µm cladding: Simplifies splicing and connector integration with common fibre-optic tools and components.
- High mechanical strength: Proof-tested to ≥100 kpsi (0.69 GPa) to reduce breakage risk during installation and service.
- Configurable options: Available with selectable buffer, metallisation, proof test level, and termination choices to suit project requirements.
Downloads
for ClearLite® 1550 nm 0.17 NA PYROCOAT® Optical Fibre
ClearLite 1550 nm 0.17 NA PYROCOAT Optical Fibre – Data Sheet
DownloadWhat’s in this range?
All the variants in the range and a comparison of what they offer
Property | Value |
Coating Material | PYROCOAT® polyimide |
Core Diameter (nominal) | 6.5 µm |
Cladding Diameter | 125 ± 1 µm |
Coating (Buffer) Diameter | 155 ± 5 µm |
Cladding Non-Circularity | ≤ 2.0% |
Core/Clad Concentricity Error | ≤ 0.75 µm |
Fiber Type | Single-mode (SM) |
Operating Wavelength | 1550 nm |
Cut-off Wavelength | ≤ 1500 nm |
Mode Field Diameter @ 1550 nm | 7.5 ± 1.0 µm |
Attenuation @ 1550 nm | ≤ 0.7 dB/km |
Numerical Aperture (NA) | 0.17 (nominal) |
Operating Temperature | –65 °C to +300 °C |
Min. Bend Radius (short-term) | ≥ 10 mm |
Min. Bend Radius (long-term) | ≥ 17 mm |
Proof Test Level | ≥ 100 kpsi (0.69 GPa) |
Part Number | BF06158-02 |
Product Code | SMB-E1550H |
Available Options | Buffer colour/material/size, cut-off spec, metallisation, proof test level, termination style |
FAQs
for ClearLite® 1550 nm 0.17 NA PYROCOAT® Optical Fibre
This fibre is designed specifically for 1550 nm operation and uses a higher numerical aperture with a longer cut-off wavelength than standard telecom fibre. That design improves light confinement and enables tighter bends with lower loss. It also uses a PYROCOAT® polyimide coating instead of a typical acrylate coating, allowing use in much higher-temperature and harsher environments.
The PYROCOAT® coating is built for extreme environments. It offers continuous thermal stability up to 300 °C, along with strong resistance to chemicals, oils, and other aggressive conditions. Its thin construction also helps keep the overall fibre diameter compact while still providing durable protection.
Yes. Because the fibre uses a 125 µm cladding diameter, it is physically compatible with standard fusion splicers and connector ferrules. Since its mode field diameter is smaller than common 9/125 telecom fibre, a small splice loss may occur, but integration into conventional fibre networks or sensing systems is typically straightforward with proper splicing practice.
No. This fibre is optimised to operate as single-mode at 1550 nm. With a cut-off wavelength around 1500 nm, it can support more than one mode at significantly lower wavelengths such as 1310 nm. Applications requiring true single-mode behaviour at 1310 nm should use a different fibre design.
The specified minimum bend radius is ≥10 mm for short-term handling and ≥17 mm for long-term installation. Following these limits helps minimise optical loss and mechanical stress over the life of the fibre.
Polyimide coatings generally require different stripping methods from standard acrylate coatings. Typical approaches include a thermal stripper, a controlled burn-off process, or carefully managed chemical stripping. After removal, the fibre can be cleaved and spliced using standard fibre-handling practices, with care taken to keep the bare glass clean and protected.
This fibre is commonly used in distributed temperature sensing (DTS), distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), oil and gas installations, geothermal systems, aerospace and defence platforms, industrial monitoring, and other harsh-environment optical systems. It is especially valuable where high temperature, chemical exposure, vibration, or tight routing make standard fibres unsuitable.
