Sapphire optical fiber Al2O3 99.999% Length 30m Refractive Index Typically Around 1.76 (at 589 Nm)

Abstract
Sapphire optical fibers are a revolutionary material for high-performance applications demanding exceptional durability, chemical stability, and optical transmission capabilities. With a purity level of 99.999% aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), these fibers excel in extreme conditions, including high temperatures, corrosive environments, and high-radiation areas. This product is a single-crystal sapphire fiber measuring 30 meters in length and is designed with a refractive index of approximately 1.76 at a wavelength of 589 nm. Due to their unique material properties, sapphire optical fibers are ideal for industrial sensing, aerospace, medical technologies, and advanced research.

Properties

Sapphire fibers derive their superior performance from their base material: highly purified aluminum oxide. Key properties include:

1. Material Composition

• Purity: 99.999% Al₂O₃ (aluminum oxide).
• Structure: Single-crystal sapphire ensures no grain boundaries, enhancing mechanical and thermal stability.

2. Optical Characteristics

• Refractive Index: ~1.76 at 589 nm. This high refractive index enables efficient light transmission with minimal scattering.
• Transparency Range: Excellent optical transmission from ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths (~200 nm) to mid-infrared (~5 μm), ensuring broad-spectrum functionality.

3. Thermal Performance

• Operating Temperature: Sapphire optical fibers can function in temperatures up to 2,000°C without degrading. This makes them ideal for applications in environments involving high heat.
• Thermal Conductivity: Excellent heat dissipation capabilities enhance durability in demanding environments.

4. Mechanical Robustness

• Tensile Strength: Resistant to mechanical stress and deformation, sapphire fibers maintain performance in high-vibration or dynamic environments.
• Scratch Resistance: Comparable to diamond, ensuring long-term optical clarity.

5. Chemical Stability

• Corrosion Resistance: Sapphire is chemically inert to most acids, alkalis, and solvents, making it suitable for corrosive industrial processes.
• Biocompatibility: Non-toxic and bio-safe, enabling medical applications.

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Applications

Sapphire optical fibers find applications in industries and technologies requiring high durability, precision, and performance. Their versatility stems from their ability to operate in extreme environments while maintaining optical clarity and structural integrity.

1. Industrial Applications

• High-Temperature Sensors: Sapphire fibers can withstand intense heat, making them ideal for temperature monitoring in furnaces, turbines, and combustion engines.
• Chemical Process Monitoring: Their inertness to corrosive chemicals enables use in reactors and pipelines for real-time process analysis.
• Laser Delivery Systems: These fibers efficiently transmit high-power lasers in cutting, welding, or drilling systems.

2. Aerospace and Defense

• Thermal Imaging and Infrared Sensing: With broad-spectrum optical transmission, sapphire fibers are integral in thermal cameras and infrared sensors.
• Radiation-Resistant Communication: Their ability to withstand high-radiation environments ensures reliable communication and data transfer in space exploration and nuclear facilities.

3. Medical Technologies

• Laser Surgery and Diagnostics: Sapphire fibers deliver precision laser energy for minimally invasive surgeries and diagnostic tools.
• Biochemical Analysis: Used in spectroscopic techniques for the detection of biomolecules due to their wide optical transparency range.

4. Scientific Research

• Spectroscopy and Photonics: Broad spectral transmission makes sapphire fibers indispensable in advanced spectroscopic research.
• Quantum Optics: High refractive index and minimal signal loss support experiments in photonics and quantum communication.

Advantages Over Conventional Optical Fibers

Sapphire fibers outshine conventional silica optical fibers in several aspects:

• Higher Temperature Threshold: While silica fibers degrade beyond 1,000°C, sapphire fibers function at up to 2,000°C.
• Broader Transparency Range: Sapphire transmits a wider range of wavelengths, including UV and mid-IR, which silica fibers cannot.
• Greater Mechanical Strength: Sapphire is less prone to microfractures, making it more durable under stress.
• Chemical Resistance: Unlike silica, sapphire resists aggressive chemicals and acidic environments.

Packaging and Customization Options

This product is available in a standard 30-meter length and can be customized to suit specific requirements, including:

• Fiber Diameter: Tailored dimensions for varying energy transmission needs.
• End Termination: Options for polished or angled ends to optimize coupling efficiency.
• Protective Coatings: Additional cladding or coatings for enhanced durability in extreme conditions.

Conclusion

Sapphire optical fibers (Al₂O₃ 99.999%) represent a pinnacle of optical and material engineering, combining unparalleled durability, high-temperature resistance, and broad-spectrum transparency. These fibers are indispensable for cutting-edge applications in industry, medicine, aerospace, and science. With customization options and superior performance metrics, sapphire fibers are a strategic choice for professionals seeking reliability and innovation.

For inquiries or detailed specifications, please contact our technical team.