GRIN Fiber Optic Collimators / Couplers, Polarization-Maintaining Fiber


  • GRIN Lens Couples and Collimates Light
  • AR-Coated Lens Surface
  • 630 nm, 780 nm, or 1550 nm Alignment Wavelength
  • Pigtailed Polarization-Maintaining Fiber with an FC/PC or FC/APC Connector

Engraved Reference Line Indicates Slow Axis to Assist With Alignment

50-1550PM-APC

PANDA PM Fiber Cross Section

Related Items


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Common Specifications
Collimator Pair Performance
Working Distancea 15 ± 5 mm
Individual Performance
Beam Diameter ≤0.5 mm
Beam Divergence ≤0.25°
Insertion Lossb <0.1 dB
Optical Power 300 mW (Max)
General
Clear Aperture >60% of Diameter
GRIN Lens Material Oxide Glass
Cladding Diameter Ø125 ± 2.0 µm
Fiber Jacket Ø900 µm Tubing (Blue)
Tensile Load 5 N (Max)
Operating Temperature 0 to 60 °C
Storage Temperature -40 to 85 °C
  • The distance between the lenses when collimating / coupling using a GRIN collimator pair.
  • Specified Without Connectors

Features

  • Couple and Collimate Light Into or Out of a Fiber
  • Pigtailed to Polarization-Maintaining Fiber with either an FC/PC or FC/APC Connector
  • Lens Surface is AR Coated for the Specified Wavelength Range
  • 300 mW Maximum Power

We also offer single mode pigtailed GRIN collimators, multimode pigtailed GRIN collimators, and loose GRIN lenses, which can be paired with ferrules that have terminated or unterminated fiber ends to create a custom collimator similar to those sold on this page. For Thorlabs' complete selection of fiber collimators, please see the Collimator Guide tab.

Free-Space Coupling
When using GRIN collimators to couple a free-space beam into a fiber, precise alignment is needed for good coupling efficiency. We recommend using a kinematic tip and tilt mount and lens tube adapter, paired with an XYZ adjustable platform (such as our POLARIS-K05T6 mirror mount, SM05PT SM05-threaded adapter, sold below, and MT3 translation stage), or our K6XS 6-axis kinematic mount paired with an SM1PT lens tube adapter, sold below.

Collimator Pair with Free-Space Beam
Our GRIN pigtailed collimators are designed to be used in pairs, with a free-space beam between the lenses. This free-space beam can be manipulated with many types of optics prior to entering the second lens. The collimators should be placed with a spacing of 15 ± 5 mm (working distance) between the front lens surfaces for maximum coupling efficiency. When used within the specified working distance and mounted on tip-tilt mounts, typical insertion losses of <0.1 dB are possible.

GRIN Collimator
Click to Enlarge

GRIN Collimator Pair with Free-Space Beam, Mounted with
POLARIS-K05T6 Mirror Mounts and SM05PT Adapters (Sold Below)

Click on the Pair Performance icon in the tables below to view experimentally measured coupling efficiency data for each collimator pair as a function of the spacing between the collimators. Although the optimal working distance will slightly deviate for any two individual collimators due to small manufacturing variations, these slight deviations do not significantly affect pair or individual performance. This is evidenced by the data given below, which was taken with randomly selected collimators. To achieve the best possible coupling, we recommend mounting both collimators in kinematic adjustable mounts, such as the POLARIS-K05T6 with an SM05PT, sold below, for final alignment. All specifications, including beam diameter, beam distance, and pair insertion loss, are guaranteed at a working distance of 15 ± 5 mm for any given collimator pair.

Thorlabs also offers a modular fiber/free-space setup, the FiberBench, which can accommodate pre-aligned FiberPort collimators and allows modular optical components to be placed in the beam path.

Loose GRIN Lenses
Thorlabs also offers single wavelength or broadband loose GRIN lenses for use with either a single wavelength or broadband light source. These GRIN lenses can be paired with our single mode pigtailed ferrules, which are offered with or without connectors. In contrast to the products sold on this page, these options allow the combination of GRIN lens and pigtailed ferrule to be chosen individually, satisfying a wide range of experimental requirements.

Insights into Best Lab Practices

Scroll down to read about a practice we follow when setting up lab equipment.

  • Align Fiber Collimators to Create Free Space Between Fibers

Click here for more insights into lab practices and equipment.

 

Align Fiber Collimators to Create Free Space Between Fibers

This Video Insight demonstrates an approach for aligning two fiber collimators, so that the collimated beam provided by one is coupled into the second with high efficiency.

Two collimators, inserted into a fiber optic setup, provide free-space access to the beam. The first collimator accepts the highly diverging light from the first fiber and outputs a free-space beam, which propagates with an approximately constant diameter to the second collimator. The second collimator accepts the free-space beam and couples that light into the second fiber. Some collimation packages, including the pair used in this demonstration, are designed for use with optical fibers and mate directly to fiber connectors.

Ideally, 100% of the light emitted by the first fiber would be coupled into the second fiber, but some light will always be lost due to reflections, scattering, absorption, and misalignment. Misalignment, typically the largest source of loss, can be minimized using the alignment and stabilization techniques described in this video.

In this demonstration, the first fiber is single mode. The optical power incident on the second collimator, as well as the power output by the second fiber, are measured. When the second fiber is multimode with a 50 µm diameter core, alignment resulted in 91% of the power incident on the second collimator being measured at the fiber output. This value was 86% when the second fiber is single mode. Some differences in collimator designs, and their effects on the characteristics of the collimated beams, are also discussed.

If you would like more information about tips, tricks, and other methods we often use in the lab, we recommend our other Video Insights. In addition, our webinars provide practical and theoretical introductions to our different products.

Products Featured During Demonstration
Fiber-Coupled Laser Kinematic Mounts Fiber Adapter Cap
(for Power Sensor)
Single Mode Patch Cable (FC/PC) Fiber Cable Storage Reels
Triplet Fiber Optic Collimators Power Sensor Power Meter Hybrid Single Mode Patch Cable 2" Posts
Adapter 
(Mount-to-Collimator)
SM1 Thread Adapter
(for Power Sensor)
Fiber Connector Cleaner Step-Index Multimode Patch Cable Ø1/2" Post Holders

Date of Last Edit: April 21, 2021


Posted Comments:
user  (posted 2021-11-14 08:59:45.317)
What's the definition of "Alignment Wavelength" and "Design Wavelengths"? Thanks
YLohia  (posted 2021-11-23 02:04:57.0)
Hello Eliezer, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The wavelength an optic is specifically designed for is referred to as "Design Wavelength". This is the wavelength where the optic is optimized for performance and the wavelength at which the focal length spec is valid. For other wavelengths, the focal length will shift. Since these parts are sold as systems, for proper coupling or collimation, the distance between the fiber tip and the optic needs to be set in accordance with the effective focal length (which is impacted by the focal length shift). Therefore, there is an "alignment wavelength" or the wavelength at which the entire system is optimized for.

Fiber Collimator Selection Guide

Click on the collimator type or photo to view more information about each type of collimator.

Type Description
Fixed FC, APC, or SMA Fiber Collimators Fixed SMA Fiber Collimator These fiber collimation packages are pre-aligned to collimate light from an FC/PC-, FC/APC-, or SMA-terminated fiber. Each collimation package is factory aligned to provide diffraction-limited performance for wavelengths ranging from 405 nm to 4.55 µm. Although it is possible to use the collimator at detuned wavelengths, they will only perform optimally at the design wavelength due to chromatic aberration, which causes the effective focal length of the aspheric lens to have a wavelength dependence.
Air-Spaced Doublet, Large Beam Collimators Air-Spaced Doublet Fiber Collimator For large beam diameters (Ø5.3 - Ø8.5 mm), Thorlabs offers FC/APC, FC/PC, and SMA air-spaced doublet collimators. These collimation packages are pre-aligned at the factory to collimate a laser beam propagating from the tip of an FC or SMA-terminated fiber and provide diffraction-limited performance at the design wavelength.
Triplet Collimators Triplet Fiber Collimator Thorlabs' High Quality Triplet Fiber Collimation packages use air-spaced triplet lenses that offer superior beam quality performance when compared to aspheric lens collimators. The benefits of the low-aberration triplet design include an M2 term closer to 1 (Gaussian), less divergence, and less wavefront error.
Achromatic Collimators for Multimode Fiber Triplet Fiber Collimator Thorlabs' High-NA Achromatic Collimators pair a meniscus lens with an achromatic doublet for high performance across the visible spectrum with low spherical aberration. Designed for use with high-NA multimode fiber, these collimators are ideal for Optogenetics and Fiber Photometry applications.
Reflective Collimators Reflective Fiber Collimator Thorlabs' metallic-coated Reflective Collimators are based on a 90° off-axis parabolic mirror. Mirrors, unlike lenses, have a focal length that remains constant over a broad wavelength range. Due to this intrinsic property, a parabolic mirror collimator does not need to be adjusted to accommodate various wavelengths of light, making them ideal for use with polychromatic light. Our reflective collimators are ideal for collimating single mode fiber but are not recommended for coupling into single mode fiber. We also offer a compact version of the protected-silver-coated reflective collimators that is directly compatible with our 16 mm cage system.
FiberPorts Fiberport Fiber Collimator These compact, ultra-stable FiberPort micropositioners provide an easy-to-use, stable platform for coupling light into and out of FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA terminated optical fibers. It can be used with single mode, multimode, or PM fibers and can be mounted onto a post, stage, platform, or laser. The built-in aspheric or achromatic lens is available with five different AR coatings and has five degrees of alignment adjustment (3 translational and 2 pitch). The compact size and long-term alignment stability make the FiberPort an ideal solution for fiber coupling, collimation, or incorporation into OEM systems.
Adjustable Fiber Collimators Adjustable Fiber Collimator These collimators are designed to connect onto the end of an FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA connector and contain an AR-coated aspheric lens. The distance between the aspheric lens and the tip of the fiber can be adjusted to compensate for focal length changes or to recollimate the beam at the wavelength and distance of interest.
Achromatic Fiber Collimators with Adjustable Focus large beam collimators Thorlabs' Achromatic Fiber Collimators with Adjustable Focus are designed with an effective focal length (EFL) of 20 mm, 40 mm, or 80 mm, have optical elements broadband AR coated for one of three wavelength ranges, and are available with FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA905 connectors. A four-element, air-spaced lens design produces superior beam quality (M2 close to 1) and less wavefront error when compared to aspheric lens collimators. These collimators can be used for free-space coupling into a fiber, collimation of output from a fiber, or in pairs for collimator-to-collimator coupling over long distances, which allows the beam to be manipulated prior to entering the second collimator.
Zoom Fiber Collimators Zoom Fiber Collimator These collimators provide a variable focal length between 6 and 18 mm, while maintaining the collimation of the beam. As a result, the size of the beam can be changed without altering the collimation. This universal device saves time previously spent searching for the best suited fixed fiber collimator and has a very broad range of applications. They are offered with FC/PC, FC/APC, or SMA905 connectors with three different antireflection wavelength ranges to choose from.
Single Mode Pigtailed Collimators Pigtailed Fiber Collimator Our single mode pigtailed collimators come with one meter of fiber, consist of an AR-coated aspheric lens pre-aligned with respect to a fiber, and are collimated at one of eight wavelengths: 532 nm, 633 nm, 780 nm, 850 nm, 1030 nm, 1064 nm, 1310 nm, or 1550 nm. Although it is possible to use the collimator at any wavelength within the coating range, the coupling loss will increase as the wavelength is detuned from the design wavelength.
Polarization Maintaining Pigtailed Collimators Our polarization maintaining pigtailed collimators come with one meter of fiber, consist of an AR-coated aspheric lens pre-aligned with respect to a fiber, and are collimated at one of six wavelengths: 532 nm, 830 nm, 1030 nm, 1064 nm, 1310 nm, or 1550 nm. Custom wavelengths and connectors are available as well. A line is engraved along the outside of the housing that is parallel to the slow axis. As such, it can be used as a reference when polarized light is launched accordingly. Although it is possible to use the collimator at any wavelength within the coating range, the coupling loss will increase as the wavelength is detuned from the design wavelength.
GRIN Fiber Collimators GRIN Fiber Collimator Thorlabs offers gradient index (GRIN) fiber collimators that are aligned at a variety of wavelengths from 630 to 1550 nm and have either FC terminated, APC terminated, or unterminated fibers. Our GRIN collimators feature a Ø1.8 mm clear aperture, are AR-coated to ensure low back reflection into the fiber, and are coupled to standard single mode or graded-index multimode fibers.
GRIN Lenses GRIN Lens These graded-index (GRIN) lenses are AR coated for applications at 630, 830, 1060, 1300, or 1560 nm that require light to propagate through one fiber, then through a free-space optical system, and finally back into another fiber. They are also useful for coupling light from laser diodes into fibers, coupling the output of a fiber into a detector, or collimating laser light. Our GRIN lenses are designed to be used with our Pigtailed Glass Ferrules and GRIN/Ferrule sleeves.
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Polarization-Maintaining Pigtailed GRIN Collimators, 630 nm

Item # Connector Wavelength
Range
Alignment
Wavelength
Fiber NA
Extinction
Ratioa,b

Return
Lossc
Pair Insertion
Lossc,d
Pair Performance
(Click Graph to Enlarge)
50-630PM-FC FC/PC 620 - 850 nm 630 nm 1 m of PM630-HP 0.12 18 dB (Min.) ≥50 dB <2.0 dB GRIN Pair
(Raw Data)
50-630PM-APC FC/APC
  • Measurements of the minimum extinction ratio and maximum insertion loss for individual patch cables are available by contacting Tech Support.
  • Each Cable Includes Individual Test Data
  • Specified Without Connector
  • Pair spacing of 20 mm. Reference power was measured between the pair and compared to coupled power.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
50-630PM-FC Support Documentation
50-630PM-FCCustomer Inspired! Polarization-Maintaining GRIN Fiber Collimator, 630 nm, FC/PC Connector
$248.76
Today
50-630PM-APC Support Documentation
50-630PM-APCCustomer Inspired! Polarization-Maintaining GRIN Fiber Collimator, 630 nm, FC/APC Connector
$260.06
Today
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Polarization-Maintaining Pigtailed GRIN Collimators, 780 nm

Item # Connector Wavelength
Range
Alignment
Wavelength
Fiber NA
Extinction
Ratioa,b

Return
Lossc
Pair Insertion
Lossc,d
Pair Performance
(Click Graph to Enlarge)
50-780PM-FC FC/PC 770 - 1100 nm 780 nm 1 m of PM780-HP 0.12 19 dB (Min.) ≥60 dB <0.70 dB GRIN Pair
(Raw Data)
50-780PM-APC FC/APC
  • Measurements of the minimum extinction ratio and maximum insertion loss for individual patch cables are available by contacting Tech Support.
  • Each Cable Includes Individual Test Data
  • Specified Without Connector
  • Pair spacing of 20 mm. Reference power was measured between the pair and compared to coupled power.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
50-780PM-FC Support Documentation
50-780PM-FCCustomer Inspired! Polarization-Maintaining GRIN Fiber Collimator, 780 nm, FC/PC Connector
$237.46
Today
50-780PM-APC Support Documentation
50-780PM-APCCustomer Inspired! Polarization-Maintaining GRIN Fiber Collimator, 780 nm, FC/APC Connector
$248.76
Today
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Polarization-Maintaining Pigtailed GRIN Collimators, 1550 nm

Item # Connector Wavelength
Range
Alignment
Wavelength
Fiber NA
Extinction
Ratioa,b

Return
Lossc
Pair Insertion
Lossc,d
Pair Performance
(Click Graph to Enlarge)
50-1550PM-FC FC/PC 1440 - 1625 nm 1550 nm 1 m of PM1550-XP 0.125 21 dB (Min.) ≥60 dB <0.35 dB GRIN Pair
(Raw Data)
50-1550PM-APC FC/APC
  • Measurements of the minimum extinction ratio and maximum insertion loss for individual patch cables are available by contacting Tech Support.
  • Each Cable Includes Individual Test Data
  • Specified Without Connectors
  • Pair spacing of 20 mm. Reference power was measured between the pair and compared to coupled power.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
50-1550PM-FC Support Documentation
50-1550PM-FCCustomer Inspired! Polarization-Maintaining GRIN Fiber Collimator, 1550 nm, FC/PC Connector
$214.83
Today
50-1550PM-APC Support Documentation
50-1550PM-APCCustomer Inspired! Polarization-Maintaining GRIN Fiber Collimator, 1550 nm, FC/APC Connector
$226.14
Today
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SM-Threaded Adapters with Smooth Internal Bore

Item # External Threading Compatible Component Size Length
Diameter Length
SM05PT SM05 (0.535"-40) 3.5 mm ≥0.26" (6.6 mm) 0.50" (12.7 mm)
SM1PT SM1 (1.035"-40)
  • External SM05 (0.535"-40) or SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads
  • Ø0.14" (Ø3.5 mm) Center Hole
  • Nylon-Tipped Setscrew Secures GRIN Collimator

These adapters are designed to mount Thorlabs' GRIN Lens Fiber Collimators in SM05- or SM1-compatible mounts, lens tubes, and cage components. The adapters' design ensures that the GRIN lens is aligned with the optical axis when mounted into a lens tube. A 1/16" (1.5 mm) hex, nylon-tipped setscrew is used to press the GRIN lens fiber collimator against the two lines of contact created by the double-bored mounting hole. Additionally, each adapter has holes on opposing sides of the central bore for use with a spanner wrench. The SM05PT is compatible with the SPW908 spanner wrench while the SM1PT is compatible with the SPW801 and SPW909 spanner wrenches.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SM05PT Support Documentation
SM05PTCustomer Inspired! SM05-Threaded Adapter for Ø3.5 mm Cylindrical Components
$40.09
Today
SM1PT Support Documentation
SM1PTSM1-Threaded Adapter for Ø3.5 mm, ≥0.26" (6.6 mm) Long Cylindrical Components
$39.50
Today
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Post-Mountable Clamp for GRIN Collimators


Click to Enlarge

FCM34 Ferrule Clamp with a GRIN Collimator
  • Compact Flexure Clamp for Ø3.4 mm GRIN Collimator Housing
  • 8-32 (M4) Tapped Mounting Hole
  • Compatible with Ø1/2" Optical Posts

This Post-Mountable Ferrule Clamp allows GRIN Collimators to be mounted securely and compactly within an experimental setup. The collimator is clamped into the flexure mount using a 5/64" (2 mm) hex key. An 8-32 (M4) tapped hole on the bottom of the mount provides compatibility with our Ø1/2" optical posts.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
FCM34 Support Documentation
FCM34Post-Mountable Ø3.4 mm Clamp, 8-32 Tap
$26.37
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
FCM34/M Support Documentation
FCM34/MPost-Mountable Ø3.4 mm Clamp, M4 Tap
$26.37
Today