HCXtreme® 272 µm 0.22 NA Step-Index Multi-mode Optical Fibre
- Technology
- Speciality fibre
- Partner
- Lightera (formerly OFS)
The HCXtreme 272 µm 0.22 NA optical fibre is a high-power laser delivery fibre designed for demanding industrial and medical applications. It features a large 272 µm all-silica core and a numerical aperture of 0.22 for efficient light capture and flexible routing. Its construction combines a proprietary HCS® fluoroacrylate hard coating with a rugged ETFE buffer to improve mechanical strength and reduce fatigue under stress. This design helps prevent fibre failure when bent or coiled under high optical power. The low-OH silica glass and step-index multimode design support efficient transmission in the near-infrared spectrum up to about 2100 nm. The fibre is suitable for applications such as laser cutting, welding, and medical laser delivery. It also maintains reliable performance across a broad operating temperature range from approximately -65 °C to +125 °C. This 272 µm / 0.22 NA variant provides a balanced combination of high power throughput, bend resilience, and robust handling.
Designed for demanding laser delivery tasks, this HCXtreme® fibre combines a 272 µm all-silica core, 0.22 numerical aperture, and a specialised HCS® hard polymer coating to support high optical power in compact routing environments.
It is well suited to industrial laser systems, medical laser devices, and other applications where bend reliability, mechanical durability, and efficient near-infrared transmission are critical.
Range features
A high level overview of what this range offers
- Large 272 µm core – Supports high optical power throughput and simplifies coupling from high-power laser sources
- 0.22 NA step-index design – Provides efficient light capture and dependable power delivery with practical routing flexibility
- HCS® hard polymer coating – Increases mechanical strength and helps resist fibre failure in tight-bend, high-power conditions
- Rugged ETFE buffer – Delivers abrasion resistance and stable operation across a wide temperature range from -65 °C to +125 °C
- Low-OH all-silica construction – Reduces infrared absorption and supports efficient transmission up to about 2.1 µm
- High proof test level – Proof-tested to at least 100 kpsi for improved handling robustness and quality assurance
- Customisation options – Available with cabling, connectorisation, carbon coating, buffer colour changes, and other tailored configurations
Downloads
for HCXtreme® 272 µm 0.22 NA Step-Index Multi-mode Optical Fibre
HCXtreme 272 µm 0.22 NA step-index multimode 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 | 272-22 HCX |
Core Diameter | 272 ± 6 µm |
Cladding Diameter | 299 ± 6 µm |
Hard Coating Diameter | 330 ± 7 µm |
Buffer Diameter | 400 ± 30 µm |
Clad/Coating Offset | ≤ 9 µm |
Crimp & Cleave Compatible | No |
Buffer Material | ETFE |
Standard Buffer Colour | Blue |
Coating Material | HCS® fluoroacrylate |
Type | Multimode Step-Index |
Numerical Aperture | 0.22 |
Attenuation @ 850 nm | ≤ 10 dB/km |
Water Content | Low OH |
Operating Temperature | -65 °C to +125 °C |
Short-Term Bend Radius | ≥ 22 mm |
Long-Term Bend Radius | ≥ 36 mm |
Proof Test Level | ≥ 100 kpsi (0.689 GPa) |
Order by Part Number | F24748 |
Product Description Code | 272-22 HCXtreme |
Options | Cabling, Carbon Coating, Clad Diameter, Connectorisation, Core Diameter, Low Bioburden Packaging and Manufacturing, Metallisation, Numerical Aperture, Buffer Colours, Proof Test |
FAQs
for HCXtreme® 272 µm 0.22 NA Step-Index Multi-mode Optical Fibre
The fibre is engineered specifically for high-power laser delivery in applications where standard fibres may fail. Its combination of a large 272 µm core and a specialised hard polymer coating helps it carry intense laser power while maintaining reliability in challenging routing conditions.
For normal design use, the recommended bend radii are ≥ 36 mm long-term and ≥ 22 mm short-term. The fibre has also been tested under more extreme laboratory conditions at about 2.5 mm bend radius without failure, but system designs should follow the recommended bend limits for continuous operation.
This fibre is optimised for the near-infrared range, roughly from 0.8 µm to 2.1 µm. Its low-OH silica construction helps minimise infrared absorption, making it suitable for common high-power laser wavelengths such as 1064 nm and around 2100 nm.
Because it is not compatible with crimp-and-cleave termination, this fibre is typically terminated using epoxy/polish connectors or by splicing to a pre-terminated assembly. It can also be ordered with custom connectorisation from the supplier for easier integration.
Yes. The fibre is suitable for medical laser applications thanks to its robust materials, durable buffer, and strong performance under demanding conditions. It is also available with low bioburden packaging and manufacturing options, which can be useful for medical and cleanroom environments.
Low OH means the silica contains very low hydroxyl impurity content. This is important because hydroxyl groups increase absorption in the infrared range. By reducing OH content, the fibre achieves lower attenuation at near-IR wavelengths, which improves efficiency for laser delivery.
Yes. Available options include protective cabling, carbon coating, connectorisation, alternative buffer colours, adjustments to core or clad dimensions, changes to numerical aperture, and different proof test requirements.
There is no single fixed maximum power rating because power handling depends on factors such as coupling quality, beam profile, cooling, and routing conditions. However, this HCXtreme fibre is designed for substantially higher laser power delivery than standard optical fibres and is intended for demanding high-power applications.
