HCS® 400 µm 0.43 NA Step-Index Low OH Optical Fibre

HCS fibres use a hard polymer cladding over a silica glass core rather than an all-glass cladding structure. This makes them mechanically tougher and more resistant to bending and crushing in practical use. It also enables simple crimp-and-cleave termination, allowing fast connector attachment without epoxy. In short, HCS fibre combines the optical advantages of a silica core with the ruggedness and easier handling of a polymer-clad design.

Low OH means the silica core contains reduced hydroxyl ion content. Lower hydroxyl levels help reduce absorption losses in the near-infrared region, making the fibre better suited to wavelengths such as 850 nm and 1060 nm. This supports longer transmission distances or improved signal strength in data communication and sensing applications compared with high-OH alternatives.

A 0.43 NA allows the fibre to accept light over a wide cone angle. This makes it easier to couple light from LEDs or laser diodes, even when alignment is not perfect. It also helps the fibre perform more reliably in installations where some bending or source divergence is expected, giving greater flexibility in system design.

Yes, it can be used with common connector styles such as ST, SC, FC, or SMA, provided compatible components for 400 µm polymer-clad fibre are used. The fibre supports Crimp & Cleave termination, where the connector is crimped onto the cladding after buffer stripping and the fibre end is then cleaved flush. This avoids epoxy and polishing, making field termination faster and simpler.

This type of large-core step-index multimode fibre is typically used for moderate-speed, short-distance communications, analog transmission, sensing, and light delivery rather than high-speed long-haul networking. It is well suited to industrial links, instrumentation, proprietary sensor systems, and applications that benefit from a large core and robust handling. It can also be used for visibly aligned laser light or illumination in scientific and medical equipment.

The fibre is designed for demanding conditions, with hard polymer cladding and an ETFE buffer that help protect against abrasion, mechanical stress, and many industrial chemicals. It also supports operation across a wide temperature range of -65 °C to +125 °C. Combined with bend radius guidance for both short-term and long-term use, this makes it a strong choice for factory, outdoor, and heavy-duty technical environments.

Not exactly. POF usually has an all-plastic core and is intended for shorter distances and lower-performance links. This HCS fibre uses a silica glass core, which provides lower attenuation and better signal quality over longer distances, while the polymer cladding still adds mechanical toughness. It effectively sits between typical POF and conventional glass fibre in terms of handling and performance.

Yes. The fibre can be jacketed, bundled, or incorporated into custom cable assemblies as needed. Its robust construction and optional buffer variations make it adaptable for different harnessing or identification requirements. When integrating it into assemblies, installers should still follow the specified bend radius and load limits to maintain optical and mechanical performance.

Although HCS fibres are easier to handle than many smaller telecom fibres, good fibre practices still apply. Avoid bends tighter than the recommended bend radius, use proper stripping tools during termination, and ensure a clean cleave for best optical performance. If signal quality drops, inspect and clean connectors and end faces with suitable fibre optic cleaning tools. Under normal operating conditions, the fibre requires minimal maintenance.