• Holders for Connectorized Fibers:
  • HFB001: SMA-Connectorized Fibers
  • HFB004: FC/PC-Connectorized Fibers, Wide Key Slot (2.2 mm)
  • HFB004N: FC/PC-Connectorized Fibers, Narrow Key Slot (2.0 mm)
  • HFB005: FC/APC-Connectorized Fibers, Wide Key Slot (2.2 mm)
  • HFB005N: FC/APC-Connectorized Fibers, Narrow Key Slot (2.0 mm)
• 12.5 mm Optical Axis Height

These connectorized-fiber holders are compatible with the mounting platforms of our multi-axis flexure stages. Each holder is designed to securely hold the center of the connector 12.5 mm (0.49") above the flexure stage platform. The design virtually eliminates fiber tip motion when the fiber cable is moved and significantly improves the repeatability of the positioning of the fiber tip. Our holders for FC/PC- and FC/APC-connectorized fibers are available with either wide key (2.2 mm) or narrow key (2.0 mm) slots. Please see the Key Alignment tab for more information.

• Multi-Purpose V-Groove Insert Features 5 Different V-Grooves and 1 Flat Surface
• Accommodates Fibers or Cylindrical Optical Elements with Diameters from 125 µm to 2.66 mm
• Fiber Clamping Arm with Adjustable Knob Provides 0.25 - 2.0 N (0.06 - 0.45 lb) of Holding Force

This quick-release, adjustable-force fiber clamp has many features that make it our most versatile fiber clamp. The top knob is used to adjust the force that the clamping arm exerts on the fiber. This feature is useful when working with specialty fibers, such as highly birefringent fibers, photonic crystal fibers, or exotic glass fibers containing fluoride or tellurite.

The fiber holder features a grooved central ferrule with six mounting surfaces, which together accept fibers or other cylindrical objects that have an outer diameter between 125 µm to 2.66 mm. Simply rotate the ferrule to align the correct mounting groove with the clamping arm and secure with the included M4 setscrew. It has been designed to allow rapid mounting and dismounting of a variety of photonic components, including bare optical fibers, optical fibers mounted in ceramic ferrules, and multi-channel waveguides.

To determine whether this clamp is suitable for your application, you must know the diameter of the cylindrical object that you wish to secure in the clamp, such as the outer layer (coating or additional jacket or buffer layer) of your fiber or the size of your ferrule. The table to the right specifies the minimum and maximum diameters a cylindrical object can have in order to be securely held by each groove in the HFF001.

For a simpler clamp for coated fiber, please consider the HFF003 Quick-Release Fiber Clamp listed below.

• Precision V-Groove Designed to Hold Ø150 µm to Ø341 µm Fibers
• Stainless Steel Construction Provides Robust, Wear-Resistant Surface
• HFM001 Magnetic Clamps Feature a Soft Elastomer Pad to Protect Fiber Cladding from Damage

For ease of mounting and experimental flexibility, the HFV001 Standard V-Groove Fiber Holder is an ideal solution for securing bare (coating intact), single mode fibers. The fiber is held in the precision V-groove by two magnetic clamps. The clamps have a special elastomer pad that locally distorts around the fiber to provide a secure but delicate grip. The base of the holder is made of anodized aluminum, and the top plate is made of magnetic stainless steel.

For a longer holder optimized for fiber coupling to smaller devices, please consider the HFV002 Tapered V-Groove Fiber Holder sold below. The HFM001 Magnetic Clamps are also available separately below.

• Precision V-Groove Designed for Ø150 µm to Ø341 µm Fibers
• Stainless Steel Construction Provides Robust, Wear-Resistant Surface
• Tapered End Maximizes Access to Fiber in Industrial Coupling Applications

The HFV002 Tapered V-Groove Fiber Holder, which is longer than our HFV001 Fiber Holder sold above, is designed to allow access to smaller devices. When butt-coupling fibers to small waveguide devices (particularly when the device is mounted on a waveguide manipulator), it is often difficult to support and position the end of the fibers close enough to the input ports of the waveguide with standard V-groove holders. The tapered top plate of this mount improves the user's ability to visually observe the fiber-waveguide interface.

The fiber is secured with the two provided HFM001 Magnetic Clamps. These clamps are also available separately below.

• Precision V-Groove Designed to Hold Ø150 µm to Ø341 µm Fibers
• Magnet Holds Clamping Arm in Place
• Simplified Mechanical Design

This fiber clamp is intended for applications that do not require the extra features offered by the HFF001 Fast-Release Fiber Clamp listed above. The clamping arm is designed to swing approximately 120° from the clamping surface to allow easy loading of the fiber into the V-groove. A rare earth magnet is used to hold the clamping arm in place once it is lowered onto the fiber. A M4 (1.5 mm hex) magnetic setscrew is also embedded in the arm to provide a simple means of adjusting the clamping force.

• Secures 900 µm or 3 mm Diameter Cables
• Mounts Directly on the Deck of Our Popular Multi-Axis Stages
• Prevents Accidental Misalignment

This strain relief accessory ensures that disturbances to the fiber cable are not translated into unwanted movement of the fiber end face, saving time while setting up and running experiments. It is especially useful for large-diameter fibers. A M2.5 
(2 mm hex) setscrew allows for vertical adjustment of the clamping arm, and a M2
 (1.6 mm hex) clamp setscrew secures the cable in the clamp's V-groove.

To determine whether this clamp is suitable for your application, the diameter of the outer layer (coating or additional jacket or buffer layer) of the fiber must be known. The table above specifies the minimum and maximum diameters that can be held securely. For an brief summary of fiber terminology, please see the Overview tab above.

• Soft Elastomer on Bottom Surface Protects Exposed Fiber Cladding
• Sold in Packages of Six

These magnet assemblies are used to securely hold fibers to our V-groove style fiber holders. Please note that two of these fiber clamps are included with each V-groove style fiber holder. We offer these magnetic clamps as replacement parts. They are also useful for customers building customized fiber optic assemblies.

• Accepts Rectangular Fiber Arrays up to 12 mm Wide
• Actuator Knob Controls Clamping Mechanism and Allows Easy Loading
• Angled Contact Pads Ensure that the Optical Element Sits Flat on the Support Surface
• Also Useful for Mounting Rectangular Optics

The HFA001 Fiber Array Holder uses a single actuator knob to simultaneously move both sides of the clamping mechanism. This two-sided mechanism ensures the device being mounted is centered on the support surface. Three angled clamping surfaces provide a slight downward pressure and stable, three-point contact. The third clamping point is located at the end of a spring-loaded flexure rod that allows the holder to adapt to differently sized optical elements.

Click To Enlarge
The FSC103 secured onto the AMA034 has the same deck height as our
3-axis platforms.

• Load Capacity: 30 N (6.7 lb)
• Sensitivity: 0.03 N (0.0067 lb)
• 62.5 mm Deck Height with AMA034 Support Post
• 112.5 mm Deck Height with AMA035 Support Post

The FSC103 Axial Force Sensor is a force-sensing cell that can be used to position an optical fiber with respect to another device in the direction of the optical axis. When the fiber makes contact with the device, a force arises that is detected by a strain gauge. This generates an electrical signal that is available for the actuator controller to indicate that the desired position has been reached. The FSC103 comes with two mounting cleats that are used to secure components to the platform.

These cells mount in the groove of our AMA034 and AMA035 Post Assemblies. The AMA034 delivers a deck height of 62.5 mm (optical height of 75 mm), which is the same as our 3-axis NanoMax, RollerBlock, and MicroBlock platforms. It includes two mounting cleats to hold the FSC103. The AMA035 delivers a 112.5 mm deck height (optical height of 125 mm), which matches our NanoMax 600 6-axis stages.

The FSC103 sensor is compatible with the other flexure stage accessories sold on this page. The KSG101 K-Cube™ Strain Gauge Reader is ideal for monitoring the output of the stage's sensor. A PAA622 cable is included with the force sensor for connection to the strain gauge reader.

• Load Capacity: 30 N (6.7 lb)
• Sensitivity: 0.03 N (0.0067 lb)
• Two Magnetic HFM001 Fiber Clamps Included

This force-sensing cell uses the same principle as the FSC103 Axial Force Sensor sold above, but is used to position a bare optical fiber with respect to another device. When the fiber makes contact with the device, a force arises that is detected by a strain gauge. This generates an electrical signal that is available for the actuator controller to indicate that the desired position has been reached.

The fiber is secured with the two provided HFM001 Magnetic Clamps. These clamps are also available separately above.

Click for Details
Accessories mounted in close proximity using the AMA110 Mounting Block.

Lockdown Clamps
Item #	AMA010	AMA010/M	AMA110	AMA110/M	AMA111
Included Hardware	6-32 Cap Screw (x15) M3.5 Washer (x15)	M3 Cap Screw (x15) M3 Washer (x15)	6-32 Nylon Tip Setscrew (x12) 6-32 Cap Screw (x4)	M3 Nylon Tip Setscrew (x12) M3 Cap Screw (x4)	6-32 Cap Screw (x2) M3 Cap Screw (x2) M3.5 Washer (x2) M3 Washer (x2) 7/64" Hex Key 2.5 mm Hex Key
Mechanical Diagram (Click for Details)

Click to Enlarge
Close proximity mounting using the AMA010 Cleat and AMA111 Clamp.

• Secures Components to NanoMax, MicroBlock, or RollerBlock Stages
• Cleats for Mounting Single Components
• Mounting Blocks and Clamps for Close Proximity Mounting of Multiple Components

The AMA010(/M) Cleats have a flat milled along one side. To lock an accessory along the center alignment groove, rotate the cleat so that the flat is facing the groove. Place the accessory into the groove between the cleats, rotate the cleat so that the rounded edge covers the edge of the mount, and lock down the 6-32 (M3) locking screw and washer. The cleats can be rotated without needing to remove the locking screws. See the animation to the right for details. The included screws are 5/16" (8 mm) long and are used with a 3/32" (2.5 mm) hex key.

For mounting multiple components in close proximity, we offer the AMA110 mounting blocks. These mounting blocks feature a line of nylon-tipped setscrews to secure components, and allow for easy repositioning and very close mounting. The blocks are secured via two holes and are supplied with either 6-32 or M3 cap screws.

The AMA111 Narrow Device Mounting Clamps offer an alternative solution when devices need to be mounted close together. They are secured using an M3.5 or M3 washer and a 6-32 or M3 cap screw, compatible with a 7/64" or 2.5 mm hex key, respectively.