Zoom

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

• 2.2 mm Wide-Key-Slot Mating Sleeves
• Designed for All FC/PC-Connectorized Fibers
• <0.5 dB Insertion Loss^a

Thorlabs' ADAFC2 Wide-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve has a square flange with through holes for panel mounting, while the ADAFC1 Wide-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve is designed for the D-hole of a standard rack-mount panel. Our CAPF1 Metal Cap, sold separately, protects the exposed end of the mating sleeve.

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.

The ADAFC2 is also available mounted in an L-bracket.

• Measured at 635 nm with FC/PC-terminated SM600 fibers.

Zoom

Click to Enlarge
Narrow-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve and Narrow Key Connector:
Recommended for All Narrow Key Connectors

• 2.0 mm Narrow-Key-Slot Mating Sleeves
• Designed for FC/PC- or FC/APC-Connectorized Fibers with 2.0 mm Narrow Keys
• <0.5 dB Insertion Loss^a

Thorlabs' ADAFC3 Narrow-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve has a square flange with through holes for panel mounting, while the ADAFC4 Narrow-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve is designed for the D-hole of a standard rack-mount panel. Our CAPF1 Metal Cap, sold separately, protects the exposed end of the mating sleeve.

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.

The ADAFC3 is also available mounted in an L-bracket.

• Measured at 635 nm with FC-terminated SM600 fibers.

Zoom

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

• Best Possible Matching of Polarization Axes in PM Fibers
• 2.0 mm Narrow Precision Key or 2.2 mm Wide Precision Key FC Connectors
• <1.0 dB Insertion Loss^a

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-connectorized 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. Our CAPF1 Metal Cap, sold separately, protects the exposed end of the mating sleeve.

Both mating sleeves have square flanges that allow them to be attached to a panel. For information on their dimensions, please see the Documents & Drawings tab. We also offer both mating sleeves mounted in an L-bracket.

• Measured at 635 nm with FC/PC- and FC/APC-terminated PM630-HP fibers.

Zoom

• Designed for SMA-Connectorized Fibers
• <1.5 dB Insertion Loss^a

Thorlabs' ADASMA Mating Sleeve is an air-spaced mating sleeve for connecting two SMA-connectorized fiber optic cables. It is directly compatible with SMA905-style connectors, and two ceramic sleeves are included that provide compatibility with SMA906-style connectors. A washer and nut are included for panel mounting. Our CAPN1 Metal Cap, sold separately, protects the exposed end of the mating sleeve.

The ADASMA is also available mounted in an L-bracket.

• Typical loss for a pair of Ø200 µm core multimode fibers.

Zoom

• Designed for ST-Connectorized Fibers

Thorlabs' ADAST Mating Sleeve connects two ST-connectorized fiber optic cables. A washer and 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 mounted in an L-bracket.

Zoom

• Options for SC-Connectorized or LC-Connectorized Fibers

Thorlabs' ADASC1 Mating Sleeve connects two SC-terminated fiber optic cables, while our ADALC1 Mating Sleeve connects two LC-terminated fiber optic cables. Both sleeves incorporate two tabs that snap into place when inserted into a panel.

Zoom

Click to Enlarge

• Mate Any Fiber with Ø2.5 mm or Ø1.25 mm Ferrules

The ADAF1 and ADAL1 Universal Mating Sleeves are designed for use with any connectorized fiber with a Ø2.5 mm ferrule, such as FC, ST, or SC connectors, or Ø1.25 mm ferrule, such as LC connectors. These zirconia 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.

• Tested using SMF28 fiber at 1550 nm with FC/PC connectors.
• Tested using Ø200 µm core, 0.39 NA multimode fiber with FC/PC connectors and an LED source at 617 nm.
• Tested using SM600 fiber at 635 nm with LC connectors.
• Tested using Ø200 µm core, 0.39 NA multimode fiber with LC connectors and an LED source at 617 nm.
• Tested using an FC-type ferrule.
• Tested using an LC-type ferrule.

Zoom

• Mate an FC/PC-Terminated Fiber to an SMA-Terminated Fiber

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 dB^a, while the typical insertion loss for mating an FC/PC-terminated MM fiber to an SMA-terminated MM fiber is less than 1.4 dB^b.

The ADAFCSMA1 is also available mounted in an L-bracket.

• Measured at 633 nm by mating an FC/PC-terminated SM fiber with a 0.12 NA to an SMA-terminated MM fiber with a Ø50 µm core.
• Measured at 633 nm by mating an FC/PC-terminated MM fiber to an SMA-terminated MM fiber; both fibers had Ø50 µm cores.

Zoom

• Mate an FC/PC-Terminated Fiber to an ST-Terminated Fiber
• <0.28 dB Insertion Loss^a

Thorlabs' ADAFCST1 Mating Sleeve mates an FC/PC-terminated single mode (SM) or multimode (MM) fiber to an ST-terminated SM or MM fiber by bringing the tips into physical contact. It features a 2.2 mm wide key FC/PC connector and a square flange with through holes for panel mounting. Our CAPF1 and CAPT1 Metal Caps, sold separately, are designed to protect the FC and ST ends of the mating sleeve, respectively.

The ADAFCST1 can be mounted in our square flange L-brackets, shown at the bottom of the page, for compatibility with 1/4"-20 (M6) mechanical assemblies.

• Typical loss for a pair of SM fibers.

Zoom

• Mate an FC/PC-Terminated Fiber to an SC-Terminated Fiber
• <0.11 dB Insertion Loss^a

Thorlabs' ADAFCSC1 Mating Sleeve mates an FC/PC-terminated single mode (SM) or multimode (MM) fiber to an SC-terminated SM or MM fiber by bringing the tips into physical contact. It features a 2.2 mm wide key FC/PC connector and a square flange with through holes for panel mounting. Our CAPF1 Metal Cap, sold separately, protects the exposed FC end of the mating sleeve.

The ADAFCSC1 can be mounted in our square flange L-brackets, shown at the bottom of the page, for compatibility with 1/4"-20 (M6) mechanical assemblies.

• Typical loss for a pair of SM fibers.

Zoom

• Compatible with Either Square Flange or D-Hole FC Mating Sleeves
• Single or Dual Bracket
• One or Two CAPF1 Metal Caps Included

Thorlabs' Empty L-Brackets are provided for customers who purchase our unmounted FC mating sleeves separately. They contain a 1/4" (M6) through hole for easy mounting to a post, optical table, or breadboard. The single versions include one CAPF1 Metal Cap, while the dual versions include two. Additional CAPF1 Metal Caps are also sold separately. The ADABS1 and ADABS2 include screws with 2-56 threading for attaching the square flange mating sleeves.

These empty L-brackets allow the construction of L-bracket mating sleeves not offered from our stock. For example, they can be used to place a narrow key connector and a wide key connector into one L-bracket.

Zoom

Specifications
Refractive Index	402 nm	1.4995
	589.3 nm	1.4646
	980 nm	1.4462
	1550 nm	1.4378
Refractive Index Temperature Coefficient (25 °C to 60 °C)		-3.5 x 10-4 per °C
Refractive Index vs. Wavelength (Cauchy Fit)		1.4338 + 10520 λ-2
Optical Absorption (450 - 750 nm)		<0.003% per µm
Apparent Viscosity (25 °C)		10,600 poises
Oil Separation (24 hrs at 100 °C)		0.2%
Evaporation (24 hrs at 100 °C)		1.0%
Specific Gravity (25 °C)		1.06
Thermal Coefficient of Expansion		0.0006 cc/cc/°C
Microscopic Particulate Contamination	10 - 34 µm	<300 Particles/cc
	≥35 µm	0 Particles/cc
Absorption Spectrum

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.

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.

• A 617 nm LED source was used to mate two multimode 0.22 NA, Ø50 µm core, Ø125 µm clad patch cords with and without index matching gel.
• A 780 nm fiber coupled laser source was used to mate two FC/PC-terminated 780HP fibers with and without index matching gel.