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Fiber Optic Mating Sleeves and Bulkhead Adapters![]()
ADALC1 LC/PC Mating ADAFC3 FC/APC Mating CAPT1 ST/PC Cap ADAF1 Ø2.5 mm Ferrule Mating Sleeve ADAFCSMA1 FC/PC to SMA Mating Sleeve HAFC FC/PC Bulkhead Adapter ADABD1 L-Bracket for D-Hole Panel-Mounted Application Idea ADASMAV Vacuum-Compatible SMA Mating Sleeve ![]() Please Wait Mating Sleeves Selection Guidea
Features
Mating Sleeves Bulkhead Adapters Care and Proper Use
![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge Wide-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve and Narrow Key Connector: Recommended for Narrow Key FC/PC Connectors Not Recommended for Narrow Key FC/APC Connectors ![]() Click to Enlarge Wide-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve and Wide Key Connector: Recommended for All Wide Key Connectors
Thorlabs' ADAFC2 Wide-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve has a square flange with through holes for custom assemblies or our blank connection panels. The ADAFC1 Wide-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve is designed for the D-hole of a standard rack-mount panel, such as our fiber connection panels. To view a drawing with the recommended mounting hole pattern, click the Docs icon ( Flat FC/PC connectors are significantly less alignment sensitive than their angled FC/APC counterparts, making these wide-key-slot mating sleeves acceptable for narrow and wide key FC/PC connectors. Although these mating sleeves are mechanically compatible with narrow key FC/APC connectors, the wide-key slot makes it difficult to properly align the angled, narrow key FC/APC connector. For FC/APC applications, we therefore recommend the narrow-key-slot mating sleeves shown immediately below. All FC/PC and FC/APC patch cables manufactured by Thorlabs use narrow key connectors. Each mating sleeve includes two protective caps that shield the connectors from dust and other contaminants. These caps should be removed before use. Please note that the size of these caps may vary from lot to lot. The CAPF1 metal cap is also available for use when these mating sleeves are mounted into our L-Brackets, sold below. *Please Note: When PM fiber is used, the insertion loss will increase to >1.0 dB. For mating PM fiber, we recommend using our PM fiber mating sleeves sold below. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge Narrow-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve and Narrow Key Connector: Recommended for All Narrow Key Connectors
Thorlabs' ADAFC3 Narrow-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve has a square flange with through holes for custom assemblies or our blank connection panels. The ADAFC4 Narrow-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve is designed for the D-hole of a standard rack-mount panel, such as our fiber connection panels. To view a drawing with the recommended mounting hole pattern, click the Docs icon ( These narrow-key-slot mating sleeves allow for proper alignment of angled, narrow key FC/APC connectors. These sleeves are also mechanically compatible with narrow key FC/PC connectors, but the flat FC/PC connector is significantly less alignment sensitive, which makes the wide-key-slot mating sleeves shown immediately above an acceptable alternative. All FC/PC and FC/APC patch cables manufactured by Thorlabs use narrow key connectors. Each mating sleeve includes two protective caps that shield the connectors from dust and other contaminants. These caps should be removed before use. Please note that the size of these caps may vary from lot to lot. The CAPF1 metal cap is also available for use when these mating sleeves are mounted into our L-Brackets, sold below. *Please Note: When PM fiber is used, the insertion loss will increase to >1.0 dB. For mating PM fiber, we recommend using our PM fiber mating sleeves sold below. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge Narrow-Precision-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve and Narrow Key Connector: Recommended for Narrow Key PM Fiber Connectors ![]() Click to Enlarge Wide-Precision-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve and Wide Key Connector: Recommended for Wide Key PM Fiber Connectors Not Recommended for Narrow Key PM Fiber Connectors
Thorlabs' PM Fiber Mating Sleeves have housings made from a single piece of metal, as opposed to the typical two-piece design. This precision construction provides the best possible matching of polarization axes, making them ideal for FC/PC- or FC/APC-terminated PM fibers. To ensure the best performance, choose the mating sleeve that matches your key width. All FC/PC and FC/APC patch cables manufactured by Thorlabs use narrow key connectors. Both mating sleeves have square flanges with through holes for compatibility for custom assemblies, our blank connection panels, or our square-flange L-brackets (sold below). To view a drawing with the recommended mounting hole pattern, click the Docs icon ( Each mating sleeve includes two protective caps that shield the connectors from dust and other contaminants. These caps should be removed before use.The CAPF1 metal cap is also available for use when these mating sleeves are mounted into our L-Brackets, sold below. *Please Note: If using a non-PM fiber this insertion loss will typically be less than 0.5 dB, due to higher tolerancing than our non-PM mating sleeves sold above. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge The SMA906-style connector's ferrule has a step, which requires a ceramic alignment sleeve when mating it with an SMA905-style connector.
Thorlabs' ADASMA Mating Sleeve is an air-spaced mating sleeve for connecting two SMA-terminated fiber optic cables. It is directly compatible with SMA905-style connectors, and one ceramic alignment sleeve is included for mating an SMA905-style connector to an SMA906-style connector. The ADASMA is not intended for mating an SMA906-style connector to another SMA906-style connector. A washer and nut are included for panel mounting, as well as two dust caps for protecting the exposed ends of the mating sleeve. Our CAPN1 Metal Cap, sold separately, also protects the mating sleeve ends and can clip on to our L-bracket mounts. These mating sleeves can be purchased individually or in packs of ten (Item # ADASMA-10) at a significant savings over the individual price. Each 10-pack includes ten mating sleeves, ten washers, ten nuts, ten alignment sleeves, and twenty dust caps to protect the exposed ends of the mating sleeves. The ADASMA is also available premounted in an L-bracket. ![]()
![]() Click to Enlarge The ADASMAV has a Ø0.063" (Ø1.6 mm) vent hole.
Thorlabs' ADASMAV Mating Sleeve is a vacuum-compatible version of the ADASMA SMA to SMA Mating Sleeve. Constructed using 304 stainless steel, this adapter is designed to be used within ultra-high vacuum systems (>10-10 Torr) and features a Ø0.063" (Ø1.6 mm) vent hole in the side to allow trapped gases to escape (see image to the right). Unlike the standard version, the ADASMAV is only compatible with SMA905-style connectors. A 304 stainless steel washer and nut are included for custom mounting. Additional Vacuum-Compatible Components
Many of our patch cables can be special ordered for vacuum use. Contact Tech Support for details. Vacuum Compatibility Information We also offer other vacuum-compatible components which may be used in vacuum applications. ![]()
Thorlabs' ADAST Mating Sleeve connects two ST/PC-terminated fiber optic cables. A washer and 3/8"-24 UNF-2A threaded nut are included for panel mounting. Our CAPT1 Metal Cap, sold separately, protects the exposed end of the mating sleeve. The ADAST is also available premounted in an L-bracket. ![]()
Thorlabs' ADASC1 Mating Sleeve connects two SC/PC-terminated fiber optic cables, while our ADALC1 Mating Sleeve connects two LC/PC-terminated fiber optic cables. Both sleeves incorporate two tabs that snap into place when inserted into a panel. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge ADAF1 Mating Sleeve Connecting Two Fiber Patch Cables
Thorlabs Ferrule Mating Sleeves are designed for use with any terminated fiber with a Ø2.5 mm ferrule, such as FC/PC, ST®/PC, or SC/PC connectors, or with a Ø1.25 mm ferrule, such as LC/PC or MU/PC connectors. These split sleeves can be used to create a temporary, quick-release connection between two cables, as shown in the photo to the right. They are compatible with both ceramic and stainless steel ferrule connectors. They are also compatible with our optogenetics fiber optic cannulae, optogenetics patch cables, and empty ceramic ferrules. Ceramic mating sleeves are available individually or in packages of five. Phosphor bronze mating sleeves are also available in packs of five. Ceramic can be easily cleaned in an autoclave, while phosphor bronze is slightly malleable and can be disconnected with less force as shown in the graphs below.
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Thorlabs' ADAFCSMA1 Mating Sleeve mates an FC/PC-terminated single mode (SM) or multimode (MM) fiber to an SMA-terminated MM fiber by bringing the tips into physical contact. Our CAPF1 and CAPN1 Metal Caps are designed to protect the FC and SMA ends of the mating sleeve, respectively. Please note that this mating sleeve is only compatible with SMA905-style connectors. The typical insertion loss for mating an FC/PC-terminated SM fiber to an SMA-terminated MM fiber is less than 0.2 dBa, while the typical insertion loss for mating an FC/PC-terminated MM fiber to an SMA-terminated MM fiber is less than 1.4 dBb. The ADAFCSMA1 is also available premounted in an L-bracket. Please note that due to supply chain disruptions resulting from COVID-19, we are currently unable to provide a definitive lead time for new order requests for our CAPF1 Metal Cap and Chain. Our order fulfillment team will confirm a shipment date once we have more clarity around when there will be sufficient inventory to fulfill new requests. ![]()
Thorlabs' ADAFCST1 Mating Sleeve mates an FC/PC-terminated single mode (SM) or multimode (MM) fiber to an ST/PC-terminated SM or MM fiber by bringing the tips into physical contact. It features a 2.2 mm wide-key-slot FC/PC connector and can be mounted in custom assemblies, our blank connection panels, or our square-flange L-brackets (sold below) for compatibility with 1/4"-20 (M6) mechanical assemblies. To view a drawing with the recommended mounting hole pattern, click the Docs icon Our CAPF1 and CAPT1 Metal Caps, sold separately, are designed to protect the FC/PC and ST/PC ends of the mating sleeve, respectively. Please note that due to supply chain disruptions resulting from COVID-19, we are currently unable to provide a definitive lead time for new order requests for our CAPF1 Metal Cap and Chain. Our order fulfillment team will confirm a shipment date once we have more clarity around when there will be sufficient inventory to fulfill new requests. ![]()
Thorlabs' ADAFCSC1 Mating Sleeve mates an FC/PC-terminated single mode (SM) or multimode (MM) fiber to an SC/PC-terminated SM or MM fiber by bringing the tips into physical contact. It features a 2.2 mm wide-key-slot FC/PC connector and has a square flange with through holes compatible with our blank connection panels or square-flange L-brackets (sold below). To view a drawing with the recommended mounting hole pattern, click the Docs icon ( Our CAPF1 Metal Cap, sold separately, protects the exposed FC/PC end of the mating sleeve. Please note that due to supply chain disruptions resulting from COVID-19, we are currently unable to provide a definitive lead time for new order requests for our CAPF1 Metal Cap and Chain. Our order fulfillment team will confirm a shipment date once we have more clarity around when there will be sufficient inventory to fulfill new requests. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge HASMA Adapter Attached to an SMA-Terminated Fiber Patch Cable
Thorlabs Bulkhead Adapters each accept a fiber connector on one side and have threads that can be used to mount the adapter into an OEM or custom system. They are useful for applications that require light to be launched from a fiber into a free-space setup. The design aligns the front face of the connector ferrule with the rear surface of the adapter, as shown in the photo to the right, and allows the fiber to be placed in near-physical contact with any optics or instruments that are placed after the adapter. For compatibility with FC/PC-terminated patch cables, we offer two bulkhead adapters: the HAFC2 with a 2.0 mm narrow-key slot and the HAFC with a 2.2 mm wide-key slot; for more details on narrow versus wide key connectors, please see our Intro to Fiber tutorial. Both adapters have 3.2 mm long, 3/8"-24 external mounting threads on the side opposite the FC/PC connector. To create 3/8"-24 taps in custom assemblies, Thorlabs offers the TAP3824 tap. The HASMA adapter is 0.38" (9.65 mm) long, with a 1/4"-36 threaded barrel for use with SMA905- and SMA906-style terminated fiber optic patch cables. The threaded barrel can also be used with the lock nut for mounting within OEM or custom systems. The uncommon mounting threads in these adapters will require the use of custom mounting solutions. We recommend engaging at least two threads for stability when using a custom mount, with thread locker (Loctite) as an option for permanent solutions. If tapping a hole is not an option, the adapters can also be epoxied in place. If a custom or OEM solution is not desired, both adapters are also available mounted within unthreaded and SM-threaded disks for compatibility with our lens tube systems. Fiber and bulkhead caps are also available for preventing damage to the terminated fiber when it is not in use. ![]()
Thorlabs' Empty L-Brackets are provided for customers who purchase our unmounted FC mating sleeves separately. They allow the construction of L-bracket mating sleeves not offered from stock; for example, a narrow key connector and a wide key connector can be placed into one L-bracket. These L-brackets contain one or two 1/4" (M6) through holes for easy mounting to a post, optical table, or breadboard. All L-brackets feature 4-40 tap(s) to secure a CAPF1 Metal Cap, available for purchase separately. Single versions include one CAPF1 Metal Cap, while dual versions include two. The ADABS1, ADABS2, and ADABS3 include screws with 2-56 threading for attaching the square flange mating sleeves. Replacement screws (Item # SH2S019) are available in packs of 50. ![]() Thorlabs' G608N3 Index Matching Gel is a crystal-clear optical coupling compound intended to reduce signal attenuation in wave guide assemblies at connections. The presence of air at the junction of two optical fibers causes significant signal refraction due to the large differential optical impedance that exists between air and the signal-carrying wave guides. The optical coupling compound G608N3 has been formulated with the requisite optical properties of clarity, purity, and refractive index to minimize signal losses while allowing pliable mechanical connections between rigid parts. Unlike a rigid optical epoxy, this pliable gel is viscoelastic and can take up the differential thermal expansion of precision optical parts without inducing excessive stresses or delamination. Residue may be cleaned from fiber tips using methanol or isopropyl alcohol. In many devices, these materials serve an additional function: they help seal out ambient dust or fluids from sensitive optical components. This gel is formulated to be ultraclean, non-yellowing, and unaffected by x-ray, ultraviolet or sunlight exposure. It has extremely low outgassing and volatility characteristics and is free from light-absorbing microscopic particulates. This optical product is a chemically stable, non-toxic, synthetic material with wide temperature serviceability and is suitable for designs with high reliability and long service life. The table below gives data on the decrease in signal loss when using the gel. Each syringe comes with 3 cc of index matching gel. This index matching gel can also be used to refill our fiber-to-fiber splice kits.
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