Optical fibers are also known as optical fiber probes, optical fiber sensors, optical fiber detectors, and so on. The combination of optical fibers and optical fiber amplifiers can meet the sensing requirements of complex and dynamic industrial automation systems. Optical fibers can be easily integrated into space-constrained areas, while amplifiers can process the signals transmitted back by the fibers at high speed and with high precision. They are finding increasingly widespread application in the industrial sector. So, how much do you know about optical fibers?
During the selection process, we encountered a case where the application required extremely high safety standards-specifically, fire and explosion protection. In such situations, conventional sensors-which typically contain circuit boards-pose a risk of short circuits and fires, making it impossible to deploy them in these environments for detection. In this scenario, optical fibers are the first solution that comes to mind, as they contain no internal circuitry and are connected to external sensors.
Furthermore, in high-temperature environments, standard sensors cannot withstand the heat, whereas high-temperature fiber optics can withstand temperatures up to 300°C. Using high-temperature fiber optics for detection can meet this requirement.
Fiber optics serve as external sensing elements and work in conjunction with fiber optic amplifiers to process signals. There are two detection methods: through-beam and reflective. To accommodate different applications, the probes can be designed in a wide variety of configurations.
Standard Fiber Optics
Threadless fiber optics, threaded fiber optics, threadless fiber optics with protruding tubes, threaded fiber optics with protruding tubes
Threaded and threadless options refer to installation methods, while protruding tubes are designed to extend into narrower spaces for detection.
Specialized Fiber Optics
High-Temperature Fiber Optics, U-Shaped Fiber Optics, One-to-Many Fiber Optics, Area-Detection Fiber Optics, C4 Four-Core Fiber Optics, Coaxial Fiber Optics, Lens-Equipped Fiber Optics, Special-Installation Fiber Optics
Classified by sensing area, standard fiber optics perform single-point detection, one-to-many fiber optics perform multi-point detection, and area-detection fiber optics perform area detection. Lens-equipped fiber optics are used to reduce the spot size, enabling detection of only the smallest points.
The purpose of each fiber type is evident from its name. Coaxial and four-core fibers are particularly popular, though few people understand the reasons behind this.
With standard fibers, due to the uneven positioning of the core, the detected data varies depending on whether the object being inspected is moving vertically or horizontally. Coaxial and four-core fibers do not have this issue and thus offer higher precision.
Optical Fiber Specifications
Outer Diameter: Φ2.2 Core: Φ1.5/1.0
Outer Diameter: Φ1.3 Core: Φ1.0
Outer Diameter: Φ1.25 Core: Φ0.75/0.5/0.25
Outer Diameter: Φ1.0 Core: Φ0.5/0.25
Precautions for Use
1. When installing the fiber into an amplifier, do not insert or remove the fiber while the fiber clamp is locked.
2. For multi-core plastic and glass fibers, do not insert the fiber all the way to the bottom; leave a gap of 0.5–1.0 mm to prevent uneven light transmission.
3. Do not kink or pull excessively on the fiber.
4. Avoid installing the fiber in areas subject to movement.
5. Observe the minimum bend radius of the fiber; do not bend it excessively.