Coherent (formerly Optoskand AB) has introduced RQB Fiber Optic Cables – new air-cooled, beam delivery, fiber optic cables with a standard QBH interface, for use with fiber lasers operating at CW power levels up to 1.5 kW (and pulsed lasers as high as 1 MW). This makes these new cables an attractive option for cost sensitive applications level, and also enhances system simplicity when utilized with air-cooled fiber lasers.

 

RQB Fiber Optic Cables incorporate quartz block technology, which enables the use of anti-reflection coatings to reduce overall losses to under 3%. Additionally, these cables feature a mode stripper to prevent unwanted back reflections or pump light from propagating in the cladding, as well as an integrated thermoswitch in the connector to protect against overheating. They also include a safety interlock that continuously monitors the status of the fiber. RQB Fiber Optic Cables are available with core diameters from 50 µm to 1000 µm, a 0.20 numerical aperture, in lengths of 5 m to 200 m.

 

The use of external water cooling extends the RQB maximum power rating to 3 kW. Plus, the option of a square cross-section core delivers an essentially “flat-top” square beam with dimensions ranging from 100 µm x 100 μm to 1000 µm x 1000 μm.