Polarization Maintaining (PM) Optical Fiber Patch Cord, sometimes called PM fiber patch cable, or PM fiber jumper, is fabricated from Panda polarization-maintaining fibers and high-quality connectors that are compatible with the industry standards. It consists of a fixed length of PM single-mode fiber cable with like connectors installed on both ends (or, in the case of a hybrid cable, different connectors). For PM-applications, polarization-maintaining fiber is the optimal technical choice for high performance. Lfiber’s Panda PM fiber patch cord has excellent performance in the field after installation. It features low insertion loss, high extinction ratio, and remarkable stability.  Related Products ↓

Principle of PM Fiber Patch Cord (Polarization Maintaining Fiber Jumpers / Patch Cable)

Cross Section Structure of Panda PM Fiber Patch Cord / Polarization Maintaining Optical Fiber Jumpers

Cross Section Structure of Panda PM Fiber Patch Cord

Single-mode optical fibers which can preserve the same state of polarization are usually called polarization-maintaining (PM) fibers but are sometimes called polarization-holding or polarization-preserving fibers. The principle of PM fibers (PM fiber patch cord, polarization maintaining fiber jumpers / patch cable) is to create a strong birefringence that splits the polarization-mode degeneracy of ordinary single-mode fiber. When light is coupled in one principal (or eigen) polarization state, it will remain mostly in this input state, as the induced birefringence is much higher than the spurious defects and yields phase mismatch.
 
The currently most popular PM fiber is the so-called PANDA fiber (where PANDA stands for ‘polarisation-maintaining and absorption-reducing’) which relies on stress-induced birefringence. Technically speaking, one particular advantage of PANDA fibers compared with most other variants is the fact that the PANDA core size and numerical aperture are more compatible with regular single-mode fiber. This ensures minimum loss in devices using both types of fiber.
 

Connector Types for PM Fiber Patch Cord (Polarization Maintaining Optical Fiber Patch Cable)

For PM fiber patch cord, available connectors that are compatible with many industry standards: FC/UPC, FC/APC, SC/UPC, SC/APC, LC/UPC, LC/APC, etc.
 
Also, Lfiber can provide customization if special PM fiber connectors are needed on request. Please contact our sales department for availability. In all cases, there must be a key or similar structure to act as a reference, and tight tolerances must be kept to ensure that the ferrules cannot rotate. The industry standard is to align the slow axis of the fiber with the connector key of PM fiber patch cable. Unless otherwise noted, Lfiber’s prealigned PM fiber patch cords are oriented such that the slow axis of the fiber is aligned with the key of the PM fiber patch cable.
 

 

PM Fiber Patch Cord (High Extinction Ratio)

 

PM Fiber Patch Cord Polarization Maintaining Optical Fiber Jumper
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FEATURES OF PM FIBER PATCH CORD (JUMPERS)

  • Designed to Meet Telcordia Specifications
  • Compatible with Industry Standard Connectors
  • Extinction Ratio (ER) Better than 30 dB Possible on Request
  • High Reliability and Stability

APPLICATIONS OF PM FIBER PATCH CORD (JUMPERS)

  • PM Fiber Sensing Systems
  • PM-applications
  • Testing Instruments

 

Typical Specifications of PM Fiber Patch Cord (Polarization Maintaining Fiber Jumpers)
Connector TypeFC/UPC, FC/APC, SC/UPC, SC/APC, LC/UPC, LC/APC;
Others upon request
Wavelength (nm)460630780/830/850980/1060/10641310/15502000
Insertion Loss (dB)Max.1.51.00.80.50.30.5
Typ.≤1.2≤0.7≤0.5≤0.3≤0.2≤ 0.3
Extinction Ratio @23 °C (dB)≥20 (standard grade), ≥23 (medium grade), ≥28 (high grade)
Return Loss (dB)UPC Type≥50
APC Type≥60
Fiber TypePolarization-maintaining (PM) Panda fiber as standard;
Others upon request
Key OrientationSlow axis aligned (default); Fast axis aligned
Polarization Angle Tolerance ±3 degrees (standard grade); ±1.5 degrees (high grade)
Length Tolerance±0.1m or 10% of length, whichever is larger
(Tighter tolerances possible on request)
Operating Temperature (°C)-5 ~+70
Storage Temperature (°C)-40 ~+85

Notes:

This PM Fiber Patch Cord is customizable, and the above specifications are subject to change without notice.

For product customization including high extinction ratios (ER ≥30 dB possible), custom ferrule terminations, special connector types, etc., please contact our sales representative for availability.

 

Orientation of PM Fiber Patch Cord

Unless otherwise specified, the slow axis of the fiber is aligned with the key of the PM fiber connector.

Polarization Maintaining (PM) Optical Fiber Patch Cord, PM fiber jumpers

Slow Axis Aligned (Default)

PM fiber jumpers, Polarization Maintaining (PM) Optical Fiber Patch Cord - Fast Axis Aligned to the Connector Key

Fast Axis Aligned

Length of PM Fiber Patch Cord

PM Fiber Patch Cord Polarization Maintaining Patchcord Optical Fiber Jumpers

 

 

Ordering Information for PM Fiber Patch Cord (Polarization Maintaining Fiber Jumpers)
WavelengthGradeKey OrientationFiber JacketFiber LengthConnector
(End 1)		Connector
(End 2)
460 nmStandard gradeSlow axis (default)Φ250μm bare fiber0.5 mNoneNone
630 nmMedium gradeFast axisΦ900μm loose tube0.8 mFC/UPCFC/UPC
780 nmHigh gradeΦ2.0mm cable1.0 mFC/APCFC/APC
830 nmΦ3.0mm cable1.5 mSC/UPCSC/UPC
850 nm2.0 mSC/APCSC/APC
980 nmLC/UPCLC/UPC
1060 nmLC/APCLC/APC
1064 nm
1310 nm
1550 nm
2000 nm
Custom …

PM Fiber Patch Cord, Polarization-maintaining Optical Fiber Jumpers Patchcords