Products Home / Fiber Fusion Splicers and Processing Equipment / Fiber End Face Inspection / Fiber Cleave AnalyzerFiber Cleave Analyzer
- Automated, Compact Cleave Analyzer Controlled with User-Supplied PC
- Automatic Measurements of Fiber Diameter and Cleave Angle
- Inspect Fibers with Claddings from Ø80 µm to Ø750 µm
- Included Ceramic Inserts for Ø177 µm - Ø320 µm or Ø346 µm - Ø795 µm Fiber
FCA750
Fiber Cleave Analyzer
Cleave Analyzer Software
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| Item # | FCA750 |
|---|---|
| Fiber Cladding Diameter Range | 80 to 750 µm |
| Image Sensor | 1/1.8" CMOS, 8 Bit, 8.3 MP |
| Resolution | 0.4 µm |
| Internal LED Wavelength | 610 nm |
| Field of View | 1440 µm x 810 µm |
| Cleave Angle Range | 0 to 2° |
| Cleave Angle Resolution | 0.1° |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 6.15" x 6.79" x 14.66" (156.2 mm x 172.5 mm x 372.4 mm) |
| Mass (Weight) | 13.1 lbs (6 kg) |
| Power Supply | DS12 |
| Computer Interface | USB 3.0 Type-C |
| Included Fiber Inserts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Item # | Accepted Diameters (Min/Max) | |
| VHC250 | 177 µm / 320 µm | |
| VHC500 | 346 µm / 795 µm | |
Features
- Automated, Non-Contact Analysis of Bare Cleaved Fiber
- Inspect Fibers with Claddings from Ø80 µm to Ø750 µm
- Quickly Check the Flatness of the Cleave
- Two Modes: Automatically Measure Fiber Diameter (Inspect View) or Cleave Angle (Fringe View)
- Includes Interchangeable Ceramic Inserts for Ø177 µm - Ø320 µm or Ø346 µm - Ø795 µm Fibers
- Compatible with Inserts for Fiber Sizes Ranging from Ø177 µm to Ø3198 µm (Sold Below)
- Requires the Cleave Analyzer Software Installed on a User-Supplied PC (Available on the Software Tab)
Thorlabs’ FCA750 Fiber Cleave Analyzer is an interferometric measurement system that can be used to check the flatness and surface quality of bare, cleaved fibers with claddings from Ø80 to Ø750 µm.
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Figure 1.1 Bare Fiber Mounted in a Ø250 µm Fiber Insert
This analyzer can be used to do a visual inspection of the end face of a cleaved fiber and to automatically measure the fiber diameter and cleave angle. It can complement fiber cleavers, such as the LDC401 or LDC450B Large-Diameter Fiber Cleavers, to aid in the setup of cleave parameters and to verify the performance of the cleavers.
A VHC250 ceramic fiber insert for Ø177 µm - Ø320 µm fibers (see Figure 1.1), a VHC500 fiber insert for Ø346 µm - Ø795 µm fibers, and an alignment tool are included with the FCA750 analyzer. The VHC250 and VHC500 fiber inserts are made out of ceramic to minimize back reflections and optimize the performance of the analyzer. The included VHC250 and VHC500 fiber inserts are compatible with GPX Fiber Processors and GPX Fiber Processors with Integrated Cleavers, LDC401 Series and LDC450B Fiber Cleavers, the FPS301 Fiber Preparation Station, and the LFS4100 Fusion Splicer. The analyzer can also be used with inserts for fibers with diameters ranging from Ø177 µm to Ø3198 µm (sold below), that are compatible with all of the fiber processing and measurement systems listed above, as well as the GPX4000LZ CO2 Laser Glass Processor Workstation. All of these transfer inserts require the VHT1 Transfer Clamp (sold below); transfer inserts for fiber outer diameters ≤550 µm also require a Graphite V-Groove (sold below).
This analyzer must be attached to a desktop or laptop computer (not included) with a standard USB 3.0 port for operation.
The included inserts and the compatible transfer inserts have vacuum holes to help positioning smaller fibers with diameters <200 µm. To support this, the analyzer includes a vacuum port for 5/32" OD tubing on the back of the system for attaching an optional user-supplied third-party auxiliary pump (see the Front & Back Panels tab for more details). Using a vacuum pump with an ultimate base pressure of -27 kPa or lower and a minimum flow rate of 5 L/min is recommended.
Software Interface
The software (available on the Software tab) has two views, an Inspect View and a Fringe View. In Inspect View, the fiber diameter can be automatically measured. Additional measurement tools are available to manually measure other fiber features, such as the fiber core diameter or the diameter of stress rods. The high resolution, high contrast image can also be used to visually inspect the end face of the fiber to detect scribe mark, hackle, dust, or other defects. In Fringe View, the high contrast interference pattern is used to automatically measure the cleave angle and to calculate a high-resolution representation of the end face surface. See the Software tab for more details.
Front and Back Panels
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Front Panel
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Back Panel
| Front Panel | |
|---|---|
| Callout | Description |
| 1 | Reference Adjustment Door |
| 2 | Fiber Clamp |
| 3 | Fiber Mount |
| 4 | Focus Adjust Micrometer |
| 5 | Vertical Adjustment Access Port |
| Back Panel | |
|---|---|
| Callout | Description |
| 1 | Power Switch |
| 2 | Tool Holder for a 5/64" Balldriver and a 0.035" Hex Key |
| 3 | For Future Use |
| 4 | Power Connector |
| 5 | USB Type-C Port for Computer Connection |
| 6 | Vacuum Port for 5/32" OD Tubing |
Software
Version 1.0.3
Click the button to visit the FCA750 software page.
| Table 3.1 Minimum Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows® 10 or Windows 11 |
| Processor (CPU) | 1.5 GHz |
| Memory (RAM) | 2 GB |
| Interface | Super Speed USB 3.0 Port |
| Display | 1024 x 768 |
The FCA750 Fiber Cleave Analyzer requires a measurement software program (available for download at the Software link) that must be installed and run on a user-supplied computer with a USB 3.0 port and Windows® 10 or Windows 11. Two views (Inspect View and Fringe View) are available in the software. Inspect View allows users to automatically measure the fiber diameter. Additional measurement tools are available to manually measure other fiber features such as the fiber core diameter or the diameter of stress rods. The high resolution, high contrast image can also be used to visually inspect the end face to detect scribe mark, hackle, dust or other defects. In Fringe View, the high contrast interference pattern is used to automatically measure the cleave angle and to calculate a high-resolution representation of the end face surface.
Inspect and Fringe View
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Figure 3.3 In Fringe View, the high contrast interference pattern is used to automatically measure the cleave angle and to calculate a high-resolution representation of the end face surface.
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Figure 3.2 In Inspect View, the fiber diameter can be automatically measured. Additional measurement tools are available to manually measure other fiber features such as the fiber core or stress rods. The high resolution, high contrast image can also be used to visually inspect the end face to detect scribe mark, hackle, dust or other defects.
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Figure 3.4 3D Representation of a Fiber End Face Surface
Measurement Tools
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Figure 3.5 Measurement Tools
Selecting the Measurement Tools button will open a new window with a captured fiber image (see Figure 3.5). A number of tools are available in this window to assist in manual measurements.
Circle Tool
Use the Circle Tool to measure circular features on the fiber end face.
Rectangular Tool
Use the rectangular tool to measure rectangular features on the fiber end face.
Line Tool
Use the line tool to measure linear features.
3 Point Circle Tool
Define the circle by selecting three points on a circumference.
Polygon Tool
Define a polygon by clicking on the vertices of the polygon. To end, click on the first vertex.
Nonlinear Tool
This tool can be used to measure nonlinear features. Click on as many points as needed to define the shape. When done, click on the Check Mark.
Eraser
This tool will erase the last drawn object. Selecting it again will erase the object drawn previously.
Save
Selecting Save will allow you to save the image with any overlays that are currently displayed.
System Alignment Verification
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Figure 3.8 The software can be used to verify alignment of internal optics of the system by measuring the cleave angle of the supplied Alignment Tool. The measured angle should be within ±0.1° from the angle recorded on the Alignment Tool. If it is not, the optical system will need to be realigned.
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Figure 3.6 Alignment Tool Included with the FCA750 Analyzer
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Figure 3.7 Alignment Tool Mounted in the FCA750 Analyzer
The cleave angle measured by the analyzer depends on the alignment of the system's internal optics. You can verify this alignment by measuring the angle of the supplied Alignment Tool (see Figure 3.6). To verify the alignment, insert the Alignment Tool in the fiber mount (see Figure 3.7). Select the Fringe Mode in the software, and zoom out the image to display the full camera image. Use the focus micrometer to obtain a fringe pattern with a good contrast (see Figure 3.8). Enable the Use ROI option, set the ROI to define a region in the center of the target, and then select Measure Cleave Angle. The measured angle should be within ±0.1° from the angle recorded on the Alignment Tool. If it is not, then the optical system will need to be realigned. Selecting Alignment from the Options/Setup tab will guide you through this procedure.
 Product DemonstrationsThorlabs has demonstration facilities for the Vytran® fiber glass processing systems offered on this page within our Morganville, New Jersey; Shanghai, China; and Exeter, Devonshire offices. We invite you to schedule a visit to see these products in operation and to discuss the various options with a fiber processing specialist. Please schedule a demonstration at one of our locations below by contacting technical support. We welcome the opportunity for personal interaction during your visit! Thorlabs Vytran Europe
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ZoomIncluded Components:
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Alignment Tool Included with the FCA750 Analyzer
- Automated, Non-Contact Analysis of Bare Cleaved Fiber
- Inspect Fibers with Claddings from Ø80 µm to Ø750 µm
- Automatically Measure the Fiber Diameter or the Cleave Angle
The FCA750 Fiber Cleave Analyzer is an interferometric measuring system used to check the flatness and surface quality of bare cleaved fiber. Two views are provided, an Inspect View and a Fringe View. In Inspect View, the fiber diameter can be automatically measured. Additional measurement tools are available to manually measure other fiber features such as the fiber core or stress rods. The high resolution, high contrast image can also be used to visually inspect the end face to detect scribe mark, hackle, dust or other defects. In Fringe View, the high contrast interference pattern is used to automatically measure the cleave angle and to calculate a high-resolution representation of the end face surface. The FCA750 Analyzer can inspect fibers ranging from 80 to 750 µm in cladding diameter. A VHC250 fiber insert for Ø177 - Ø320 µm fibers, a VHC500 fiber holder insert for Ø346 - Ø795 µm fibers, and an alignment tool are included with the FCA750 analyzer. The analyzer can also be used with certain VHF, VHD, and VHE fiber holder inserts (sold below).
It can be used alongside fiber cleavers such as the LDC401 Large-Diameter Fiber Cleaver or LDC450B Portable Large-Diameter Fiber Cleaver to aid in the setup of the cleave parameters and to verify the performance of the cleaver.
Zoom| Table G2.1 Fiber Holder Inserts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | Transfer Insert |
Material | Side 1 Min/Max Accepted Diameter |
Side 2 Min/Max Accepted Diameter |
Vacuum Holes |
| VHC250a | No | Ceramic | 177 µm / 323 µm | N/A | Yes |
| VHF250 | Yesb | Stainless Steel | |||
| VHD400 | No | 279 µm / 519 µm | N/A | Yes | |
| VHF400 | Yesb | ||||
| VHD500 | No | 346 µm / 795 µm | N/A | Yes | |
| VHC500a | No | Ceramic | |||
| VHF500 | Yesb | Stainless Steel | |||
| VHD750 | No | 516 µm / 1047 µm | N/A | Yes | |
| VHF750 | Yesb | ||||
| VHE10 | No | 773 µm / 1271 µm | 1034 µm / 1523 µm | No | |
| VHE15 | No | 1280 µm / 1769 µm | 1534 µm / 2007 µm | No | |
| VHE20 | No | 1787 µm / 2267 µm | 2033 µm / 2513 µm | No | |
| VHE25 | No | 2270 µm / 2844 µm | N/A | No | |
| VHE30 | No | 2692 µm / 3198 µm | N/A | No | |
- Fiber Holder Inserts with V-Grooves for Fibers with Coating Diameters from 177 µm to 3198 µm
- Ceramic Inserts Provide Lower Reflectivity than Equivalent Stainless Steel Inserts for Small Fiber Sizes (Claddings <250 µm)
- Transfer Inserts Enable the Movement of Fibers Between Compatible Systems:
- FCA750 Fiber Cleave Analyzer
- LDC401 Series and LDC450B Fiber Cleavers
- GPX Fiber Processors and GPX Fiber Processors with Integrated Cleavers
- FPS301 Fiber Preparation Station
- LFS4100 Fusion Splicer
- Single-Sided Inserts have Vacuum Holes for Aligning Fibers in the V-Groove
- VHC250 and VHC500 Ceramic Fiber Holder Inserts are Included with the FCA750 Fiber Cleave Analyzer
When using the FCA750 Fiber Cleave Analyzer, a fiber holder insert and the FCA750 Analyzer clamping lid can be used to prevent axial or rotational movement of the fiber. One VHC250 and one VHC500 Ceramic Fiber Holder Insert are included with the cleave analyzer. Additional ceramic or stainless steel fiber holder inserts are also available for purchase separately.
Fiber holder inserts are typically used to hold the fiber coating, which is usually significantly larger than the cladding; accepted diameters for each insert are provided in Table G2.1.
Ceramic Fiber Holder Inserts (Item #s beginning with VHC) are made of ceramic to minimize back reflection into the FCA750 Cleave Analyzer, which improves the contrast of the fringe pattern as compared to using similar stainless steel inserts. This is particularly helpful when examining the end face of fibers with claddings <250 µm.
Fiber Holder Transfer Inserts (Item #s beginning with VHF), when used with the VHT1 Transfer Clamp, allow for a single fiber to be transferred between the FCA750 Fiber Cleave Analyzer, LDC401 or LDC450B Fiber Cleavers, FPS301 Stripping and Cleaning Station, LFS4100 Splicing System, and the GPX3400 Glass Processing Workstation with minimal loss of alignment. For example, a fiber can be placed in a transfer insert and cleaved using the LDC401 cleaver. Then, the entire transfer insert can be placed in the FCA750 Fiber Cleave Analyzer for quality control and, finally, moved to the LFS4100 Splicing System for splicing. This process works because the transfer inserts are precisely located within each system, and the VHT1 Magnetic Lid (sold below) prevents movement of the fiber during transport. All of these transfer inserts require the VHT1 Transfer Clamp (sold below); transfer inserts for fiber outer diameters ≤550 µm also require a Graphite V-Groove (sold below).
Ceramic fiber holder inserts (Item #s beginning with VHC), stainless steel bottom inserts (Item #s beginning with VHD), and stainless steel fiber holder transfer inserts (Item #s beginning with VHF) have vacuum holes to help position the fiber in the groove. Using vacuum suction is recommended to position fibers with diameters <200 µm, but some users also find this feature helpful for fibers with an outer diameter up to 1.047 mm. To support this, the FCA750 Fiber Cleave Analyzer includes a vacuum port that accepts 5/32" OD tubing on the back of the system to attach an optional user-supplied third-party auxiliary pump (see the Front & Back Panels tab for more details). Using a vacuum pump with an ultimate base pressure of -27 kPa or lower and a minimum flow rate of 5 L/min is recommended.
The VHE series of fiber holder bottom inserts have a V-Groove on one (VHE25 and VHE30) or both sides (VHE10, VHE15, and VHE20), but do not include vacuum holes.
Zoom| Table G3.1 V-Groove Sizes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | Accepted Diametera (Min / Max) |
Groove Length |
|||
| VHG125 | 80 µm / 125 µm | 0.313" | |||
| VHG125L | 80 µm / 125 µm | 0.594" | |||
| VHG200 | 150 µm / 200 µm | 0.313" | |||
| VHG250 | 200 µm / 250 µm | 0.313" | |||
| VHG250L | 200 µm / 250 µm | 0.594" | |||
| VHG300 | 250 µm / 300 µm | 0.313" | |||
| VHG350 | 300 µm / 350 µm | 0.313" | |||
| VHG400 | 350 µm / 400 µm | 0.313" | |||
| VHG450 | 400 µm / 450 µm | 0.313" | |||
| VHG500 | 450 µm / 500 µm | 0.313" | |||
| VHG500L | 450 µm / 500 µm | 0.594" | |||
| VHG550 | 500 µm / 550 µm | 0.313" | |||
- Clamp and Graphite V-Grooves Used with Transfer Inserts to Move Fiber Between Systems
- One VHT1 Transfer Clamp Required with Each Transfer Insert
- Transfer Clamps are Compatible with GPX Fiber Processors, LDC401 Series and LDC450B Fiber Cleavers, the FPS301 Fiber Preparation Station, the LFS4100 Fusion Splicer, and the FCA750 Fiber Cleave Analyzer
- Graphite V-Grooves for Supporting Fibers ≤Ø550 µm
- V-Grooves Accept Diameters from 80 µm to 550 µm
This Transfer Clamp and these V-Grooves are used with the VHF Transfer Bottom Inserts sold directly above to move a single fiber between various systems with minimal loss of alignment. For example, a fiber can be placed in a transfer insert and cleaved using the LDC401 Fiber Cleaver. Then, the entire transfer insert and fiber can be moved to a cleave analyzer for quality control and then a glass processor for splicing.
The VHT1 clamp secures transfer inserts with a magnetic lid that prevents axial movement of the fiber and can be used to hold the insert during transport without touching the fiber itself. For fibers with diameters ≤550 µm, a graphite V-groove is available to support the fiber when splicing (please see Table G3.1 for more information). To provide extended support along the length of the fiber and reduce the amount of overhang during processing, we also offer 0.594" long V-grooves (Item #'s VHG125L, VHG250L, and VHG500L). The graphite V-grooves are secured by tightening two setscrews on the transfer insert.
 Fiber Cleave Analyzer |