Cut to length precision glass components are used in a number of fiber optical applications.  Accu-Glass manufactures ferrules, collimators and various types of spacers for component manufacturers.

Fiber Optic Ferrules

Whether a single fiber is terminated at a device or joined to another fiber, a ferrule or connector of some type is commonly used.  These must be high precision parts that ensure the fiber is optimally aligned. If this is not the case, the light signal will be scattered and the signal will be damped or lost.  Therefore, fiber optic ferrules perform a critical role in the use of fiber optics in today’s world. Precision drawn borosilicate tubing made by Accu-Glass is used in connector ferrule applications.  For example, Accu-Glass manufactures one product that has an I.D. (inside diameter) of 127 microns with a tolerance of +/- 1 micron.  The tubing can be manufactured through our conventional direct draw process or via our redraw process.  The tubing can be precision cut to length using a process which employs diamond blades.  For fiber optic ferrules Accu-Glass can also use a proprietary process to form an inner funnel in one end which helps guide the fiber into the ferrule.  Polishing the end of the fiber is a critical element and can greatly impact the quality of the installation.  Borosilicate glass ferrules are the ideal material for superior polishing.  The Accu-Glass borosilicate glass ferrule and the glass from which fibers are constructed polish at similar rates.  Therefore, the finished end of the glass and the fiber end up being smooth with minimum under cut. 

Precision Rods

Glass rods from Accu-Glass are used in specialty connector applications to align mating fibers.  In this connector application the precision O.D. (outside diameter) of Accu-Glass rods are designed into the device as an alignment fixture.  Again, precision is important here in that the fibers must be accurately aligned.

Collimator Sleeves

Collimator sleeves are high precision tubes that align other internal optical components.  In some applications the fiber has a ferrule attached to its end and the ferrule is inserted into the collimator sleeve.  Also a very small lens is sometimes inserted into the end of the collimator or the collimator sleeve.  Collimator sleeves range widely in terms of length based on were and how they are to function.   Generally speaking the most common length is 10 mm. Very high precision tubing is used in glass collimator sleeves.  Most collimator sleeves are drawn from redraw blanks and they are usually cut to length with precision diamond saws.

Spacers & Housings

There are numerous applications in fiber optics for precision glass tubing as an alignment device such as a spacer or to hold a number of other components. In many of these applications temperatures can cycle and it is important to use materials which expand at roughly the same rate as the fiber or other components.  In fact, some photonics manufactures (fiber optical equipment) prefer to use Accu-Glass precision components wherever possible because the coefficient of expansion for all the components is equivalent.

Accu-Glass takes pride in designing and manufacturing glass to exceed our customers' expectations.

Additional Information on Precision Glass Fiber Optic Components
Fiber Optic Ferrules Data Sheet

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