HCS® All Silica 550 µm 0.22 NA Step-Index Low OH Optical Fibre
- Technology
- Speciality fibre
- Partner
- Lightera (formerly OFS)
The HCS® 550 µm Low OH step-index optical fibre is a specialised large-core multimode fibre engineered for high-power laser transmission in demanding environments. With a 550 µm core diameter and 0.22 numerical aperture, it supports efficient coupling and delivery of intense optical power. Its all-silica core and hard-clad silica construction provide a high damage threshold and stable optical performance under powerful illumination. The ETFE outer buffer adds durability across a wide operating temperature range from -65 °C to +125 °C and supports use in medical environments. This makes the fibre well suited to industrial, aerospace, spectroscopy, sensing, and medical laser systems. For more extreme thermal conditions, an optional PYROCOAT® polyimide coating can extend usability into significantly higher temperature ranges. Overall, it is a robust large-core optical fibre designed for reliable performance in challenging applications.
Range features
A high level overview of what this range offers
- Low OH silica core – Minimises absorption in the near-infrared spectrum for efficient transmission at wavelengths up to approximately 2 µm.
- Large 550 µm core with 0.22 NA – Supports easy light coupling, broad acceptance, and effective delivery of high optical power.
- All-silica step-index construction – Provides a high damage threshold and reliable optical performance in high-power laser applications.
- Biocompatible ETFE buffer – Suitable for medical use and durable across a wide operating range from -65 °C to +125 °C.
- High mechanical strength – Proof-tested to at least 100 kpsi for dependable durability during installation and operation.
- Optional PYROCOAT® polyimide coating – Available for applications requiring enhanced high-temperature resilience beyond the standard buffer range.
Downloads
for HCS® All Silica 550 µm 0.22 NA Step-Index Low OH Optical Fibre
HCS® 550 µm Low OH Step-Index Optical Fibre Datasheet
DownloadWhat’s in this range?
All the variants in the range and a comparison of what they offer
Specification | Value |
Product Description | 550 All Silica Low OH Step-Index |
Core Diameter | 550 ± 12 µm |
Cladding Diameter | 600 ± 10 µm |
Coating Diameter | 630 ± 10 µm |
Buffer Diameter | 750 ± 30 µm |
Core/Clad Offset | ≤ 9 µm |
Crimp & Cleave Compatible | No |
Cladding Material | HCS fluoroacrylate |
Buffer Material | ETFE |
Standard Buffer Colour | Natural |
Type | Multimode Step-Index |
Numerical Aperture (NA) | 0.22 |
Attenuation @ 850 nm | ≤ 8 dB/km |
Water Content | Low OH |
Operating Temperature | -65 °C to +125 °C |
Short-Term Bend Radius | ≥ 58 mm |
Long-Term Bend Radius | ≥ 94 mm |
Proof Test Level | ≥ 100 kpsi (0.689 GPa) |
Order by Part Number | CF01493-53 |
Product Description Code | HCL-M0550T |
Options | Buffer Colour, Buffer Diameter, Buffer Material, Cabling, Cladding Diameter, Connectorisation, Core Diameter, Metallisation, Numerical Aperture, Proof Test |
FAQs
for HCS® All Silica 550 µm 0.22 NA Step-Index Low OH Optical Fibre
“Low OH” means the fibre contains a low level of hydroxyl ions, which reduces absorption losses at longer wavelengths. This makes the fibre well suited to near-infrared transmission, especially for applications using wavelengths from around 800 nm up to approximately 2000 nm, where efficient light delivery is important.
Its all-silica core, large 550 µm diameter, and high damage threshold make it suitable for very high optical power delivery. Actual safe power levels depend on coupling conditions, beam quality, end-face preparation, cooling, and operating setup. In practice, it is intended for high-power laser delivery, but application-specific limits should be confirmed for the final assembly.
The fibre has a 0.22 numerical aperture (NA). This means it can accept a relatively broad cone of incoming light, helping simplify alignment and improve coupling efficiency from multimode light sources such as lasers and LEDs while maintaining controlled step-index performance.
Yes. In its standard ETFE-buffered version, the fibre is rated for operation from -65 °C to +125 °C. For more demanding thermal environments, an optional PYROCOAT® polyimide coating can be specified to support substantially higher temperature capability.
The large core helps distribute optical energy over a bigger area, reducing intensity at the fibre face and supporting safer high-power transmission. It also makes alignment less critical and improves coupling efficiency for sources with larger beam diameters or some divergence.
Because of its large dimensions and construction, this fibre is not intended for standard small-fibre crimp-and-cleave terminations. It is typically used with epoxy-and-polish style terminations or custom large-core connector assemblies, and connectorisation options are available as part of the product offering.
Typical uses include industrial laser delivery, medical laser systems, spectroscopy, sensor systems, and selected aerospace or automotive applications where rugged, large-core near-infrared transmission is required.
Yes. The silica-based optical structure and ETFE buffer are suited to medical-oriented applications where chemical inertness and reliable performance are important. This supports use in medical laser delivery and related instrumentation, subject to final system-level qualification requirements.
The specified minimum bend radius is ≥ 58 mm short-term and ≥ 94 mm long-term. Gentle routing is recommended to avoid excess stress, added attenuation, or risk of damage during installation and operation.
Yes. Available options include customisation of buffer colour, buffer diameter, buffer material, cabling, cladding diameter, connectorisation, core diameter, metallisation, numerical aperture, and proof test requirements.
