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Optical Isolators

An optical isolator is routinely used in laser systems to eliminate optical feedback. Unchecked, this feedback can cause amplitude fluctuation, frequency shift, modulation bandwidth limitation, noise and even damage.

Optics for Research

OFR manufacture the largest range of optical isolators available from one company. Their unique expertise is backed up by several patents in the field.

OFR isolators are available in a range of styles, sizes and power handling capabilities, and are described below:

Narrowband Adjustable Isolators

Normally, optical isolators are set for maximum isolation at defined centre wavelength. Narrowband adjustable isolators can be re-tuned for wavelengths +/-5% away from this centre wavelength, to give no more than 3% reduction in isolation and transmission. This is achieved by rotating the output polarizer.

  • Apertures : 2mm to 15mm
  • Wavelengths : 244nm to 2200nm
  • Maximum Isolation : up to 44dB on some models
  • Power handling : up to 20kW/cm² (cw), 1GW/cm² (pulsed) for VHP polarizer
  • Large choice of polarizer types (VLP, PBS, PHE, LP, HP, VHP)
  • Faraday Rotator available without polarizers
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Extended Range Tunable Isolators

For gas, dye, semiconductor and solid-state lasers, Extended range tuneable isolators are available to give maximum isolation and transmission over the required bandwidth. This is achieved with a simple adjusting mechanism that moves the faraday rotator rod with in the magnetic field, to give exactly 45 degrees rotation at your desired wavelength.

  • Apertures : 5mm to 10mm
  • Wavelengths : 380nm to 1080nm
  • Maximum Isolation : up to 42dB on some models § Power handling : up to 500kW/cm² (cw), 150MW/cm² (pulsed) for HP polarizer
  • Choice of polarizer types (LP, HP)
  • Faraday Rotator available without polarizers
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Fixed Broadband Isolators

For application where retuning for a change in wavelength is not desirable, then the Broadband fixed isolators offer a fit & forget solution. They are ideal for tuneable lasers or experiments using several simultaneous wavelengths. The construction offers up to 80nm pass-band for an isolation of >30dB.

  • Apertures : 1.75mm (smaller for OEM designs)
  • Wavelengths : 760nm to 1660nm
  • Power handling : 25W/cm2 (cw), 300kW/cm2 (pulsed) (VLP polarizer)
  • Maximum Isolation : up to 42dB on some models
  • Custom OEM designs available, including silver solder packages, for high quantity applications
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Fibre Isolators

For fibre-optic applications OFR manufacture a number of in-line fibre pigtailed optical isolators, for both high and low power applications. They are available singly or in small/medium quantities. FiberBench™ designs are also available for laser diode-to-fibre launch and prototyping work.

  • UNIQUE HIGH POWER DESIGNS for 2-5Watts !!
  • Standard designs for 300mW
  • 780nm to 1550nm
  • Dual stage devices available for >60dB isolation
  • Low insertion loss
  • High return loss
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