Definition of sapphire optical fiber

PI Physik Instrumente - Microscope Stages LB ROS 11/24

Photonics Dictionary

sapphire optical fiber: Sapphire optical fiber is a type of optical fiber made from single-crystal sapphire, which is a form of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) that is highly transparent in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Sapphire is known for its exceptional hardness, chemical stability, and high thermal conductivity, making it an excellent material for various optical and optoelectronic applications.

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Sapphire optical fibers are typically used in environments where traditional optical fibers made of silica glass would not be suitable due to factors such as high temperatures, corrosive chemicals, or extreme mechanical stress. Sapphire fibers exhibit superior performance in terms of thermal stability, chemical resistance, and mechanical durability, allowing them to withstand harsh operating conditions.

Due to their unique properties, sapphire optical fibers find applications in various fields, including:

High-temperature sensing: Sapphire fibers can be used as sensors in environments with elevated temperatures, such as industrial furnaces, gas turbines, and aerospace propulsion systems.

Harsh chemical environments: Sapphire fibers are resistant to corrosion and chemical attack, making them suitable for use in chemical processing plants, oil and gas exploration, and other industries where exposure to corrosive substances is common.

High-power laser delivery: Sapphire fibers can transmit high-power laser light without significant degradation, making them useful for laser welding, cutting, and materials processing applications.

Medical applications: Sapphire fibers can be used in medical devices for laser surgery, dermatology, and other medical procedures where precision and durability are critical.

While sapphire optical fibers offer unique advantages in certain applications, they are more expensive to manufacture compared to traditional silica glass fibers and may have limitations in terms of optical transmission characteristics, such as higher attenuation in the visible spectrum. Nonetheless, their exceptional properties make them valuable in specialized applications where reliability and performance in harsh environments are paramount.