Micropol Fiberoptic is a developer of passive fiber optics technologies, including expanded beam fiber optic connectors, for military, defense, and security applications.
An expanded beam connector is a type of fiber optic connector that uses a lens to expand and collimate light as it travels from one fiber to another, rather than making a direct physical connection with the fiber.
This technology contrasts with traditional fiber connectors such as LC, SC, and ST connectors, as well as multi-fiber MPOs, which involve a physical contact with fiber cores of less than 50 microns.
Collimating light in expanded beam connector 3D
These traditional connectors, commonly found in data centers, require precise alignment to avoid light loss, which can result in transmission issues or total signal loss. The small size of the fiber cores and the need for perfect alignment make conventional connectors vulnerable to dust and particulate contamination.
The military, historically reliant on copper for communication systems, recognized the advantages of fiber optics, which led to the development of connectors capable of withstanding harsh environments.
How Does the Expanded Beam Work?
The expanded beam technology employs a lens placed in front of the fiber end to expand and focus light into the mating connector. This process minimizes the effects of dust and contaminants, enabling its use in harsh conditions while reducing insertion loss.
The connection between the two fiber ends is non-contact, with light traveling across a small gap between the lenses. Because there is no physical contact, there is less wear due to vibrations or mechanical forces, allowing the connector to endure more mating cycles without frequent cleaning.
FALCON expanded beam fiber optic connectors by Micropol Fiberoptic
Benefits of Expanded Beam Technology
Minimized Impact from Dust and Particles
The expanded light reduces the effects of dust and debris, making expanded beam connectors ideal for demanding environments such as industrial settings or military operations.
Easy to Clean and Low Maintenance
Due to the minimized impact of contaminants, these connectors require less maintenance. Cleaning is simple, requiring only water and a cloth.
Longer Product Lifecycle
Because of the non-contact nature of the connection, wear and tear are minimized. The greatest risk of damage typically occurs during mating cycles, but the contactless design reduces this issue.
Higher Alignment Tolerance
One key advantage of expanded beam connectors is their higher tolerance for misalignment. The larger beam size permits looser tolerances during mating, simplifying installation and reducing the risk of signal loss.
Suitable for Various Environments
The durability of expanded beam connectors makes them suitable for use in a range of challenging environments. Whether for military, industrial, or other demanding applications, expanded beam technology offers a versatile and reliable solution.
Applications of Expanded Beam Connectors
Originally developed for the defense sector, expanded beam connectors are now used in a variety of harsh environments, including mining, transportation systems, broadcasting, offshore and subsea operations, and various industrial applications.
Depending on the specific use, different sizes of expanded beam connectors are available, such as Junior and Mini sizes. For compact spaces, such as military vehicles, the mini super low-profile connector may be preferred, whereas the Junior size, offering up to 12 channels, is ideal for applications requiring more channels.
Applications Across Different Sectors
Defense & Security
Expanded beam connectors are well-suited for military applications due to their resilience and reliability in unpredictable field conditions, where maintaining an uninterrupted optical connection is vital.
Industrial Applications
These connectors are useful in industrial automation, providing a reliable optical connection in environments prone to dust and debris, which can interfere with traditional connectors.
Networking
In the networking industry, where high-speed and stable data transmission are crucial, expanded beam connectors offer a robust solution. Their resistance to contamination ensures consistent performance in a wide range of network environments.
Broadcasting
The alignment tolerance and durability of expanded beam connectors make them ideal for audiovisual applications in the broadcast industry, ensuring a stable and high-quality optical connection.
Challenges with Traditional Fiber Optic Connectors
Traditional fiber optic connectors are prone to malfunction in challenging environments due to their sensitivity to dirt, dust, mud, water, oil, and other contaminants.
Expanded beam connectors, on the other hand, offer a more durable solution, providing reliable optical connectivity even in the harshest conditions without the need for specialized cleaning or maintenance.
Micropol Expanded Beam Technology
The Micropol Fiberoptic expanded beam connectors, including the FALCON and PROCON series, adhere to MIL-DTL-83526/20&21 standards. Micropol Fiberoptic is the preferred supplier to the Swedish Armed Forces for environments requiring reliable tactical field communication.
These connectors range from 2 to 12 channels and are available in both multi-mode and single-mode versions. They are constructed from hard anodized aluminum, with options for marine bronze or stainless steel.
Tested to operate between -57°C and +85°C, with an option for 100°C, these connectors meet the IP67 standard. Their hermaphroditic design ensures compatibility with most other brands.
The FALCON expanded beam connectors have been developed over decades, meeting the toughest global standards. The patent-pending technology offers exceptional optical performance, surpassing NATO standards with a loss of less than 1.2 dB. The Junior-sized Falcon connector is the only model on the market that offers optional 40 Gbit/s transmission speeds.
The Evolution of FALCON Expanded Beam Connectors
The history of the FALCON expanded beam connector is rooted in a commitment to high-speed, high-performance optical technology. With transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbit/s, the FALCON connectors offer a significant improvement over other connectors, which typically support speeds of only 10 Gbit/s.
