FFS2000 Series Chapter 3: Description
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Fiber Cleave Lever: The lever is used at the cleave station on the FPC200 Preparation Station (sold
separately) to apply tension to the fiber.
Alignment Pins: The alignment pins position the fiber holding block during the fiber handling at each
station.
Z-Axis Drive: The Z-axis drive positions the fiber in axial direction.
3.5.3. Rotary Fiber Holding Block for PM Alignment (Item #s FFS2000PM and FFS2000WS)
The fiber holding block (Item # FHBR1) consist of a U-shaped frame and a center, spring-loaded block that
contains a replaceable vacuum V-groove insert within a rotary mechanism. A magnetic top is used to clamp the
fiber in the V-groove as the FHB is moved from station to station.
Figure 4 Rotary Fiber Holding Block
FHB V-Groove Insert: The V-Groove Insert captures the fiber securely and allows the fiber to be
transported within the fiber holding block between the stations. The bottom V-Groove inserts are
purchased separately; if purchased with an FFS2000PM base unit they will have been installed and
factory aligned. Various sizes are available to support a range of coating diameters; for details please see
Chapter 12 Specifications. Replacements can be purchased from www.thorlabs.com and can be
installed by the end user.
Fiber Cleave Lever: The lever is used at the FPC200 Fiber Preparation Station (Sold Separately) to
apply tension to the fiber.
Alignment Pins: The alignment pins position the fiber holding block during the fiber handling at each
station.
Z-Axis Drive: The Z-axis drive positions the fiber in axial direction.
Rotary Mechanism: The rotary mechanism is used to rotationally align the fiber with a resolution of
0.01°.
3.5.4. Soak Station
The soaking station is used to soften the acrylate polymer coating on the fiber so that it can be stripped off without
scratching or abrading the underlying glass surface. The coating is softened by immersing the fiber in a solvent
appropriate for the stripping method used. Presoaking will not be necessary for most fibers stripped using the
thermo mechanical method. The soaking station consists of left- and right-hand dunking jigs, solvent container,
and indicator lamps.