High-Power >20 W Single-Mode Fiber Optic Connector for LiDAR and Free-Space-Optical Communications Systems

We report on a novel expanded-beam fibre-optic contact and connector system that relies on active optical alignment and laser-welded construction, leading to optical losses consistently in the range of 0.25–0.5 dB over the temperature range of −40 to + 85 °C, tested up to power levels of 20 W. The contacts can support both standard single-mode and multi-mode circular core fibers as well as polarization-maintaining fibers. The optical contacts fit into a standard Size 8 connector cavity and can be fielded in D38999, D-sub or other styles of connector shell systems. Hybrid arrangements of optical contacts and electrical contacts are easily accommodated, allowing for make/break eye-safety interlocks to be easily supported. In this paper, we will report on the optical design considerations leading to these extremely low optical losses, as well as present test data for insertion loss over temperature, as well as vibration and shock.