Interferometer VFI Series
A bench interferometer that inspects and measures the surface quality, flatness and end angle of cleaved or polished fiber end faces in 2D and 3D. Three models cover fiber diameters from 80 um to 2000 um.
Technical overview
The VFI forms an interference pattern across the fiber end face and derives a height map from it, so cleave angle, surface flatness and defects can be assessed quantitatively rather than by eye. Users can switch between inspect and fringe views and between 2D (real-time) and 3D (under 7 seconds) measurement modes, with automated or manual end angle measurement. Height data exports as CSV and reports as Excel or HTML. The range comprises VFI-200 (80-200 um fibers), VFI-1200 (80-1200 um) and VFI-2000 (400-2000 um), all sharing a 6.4 MP 12-bit CMOS sensor and a 525 nm LED; -RS variants add a lateral ribbon stage for 2D ribbon analysis. It handles most standard and specialty fibers including PM and hollow core.
Features
- 3 different Fields of View
- Flat and angled cleaves
- Inspect and fringe mode
- Automated or manual end angle measurement
- 2D or 3D measurement mode
- 3D end face height map
- 2D measurement - real time; 3D measurement in under 7 seconds
- Height data can be saved as a csv file
- Data output as Excel or HTML reports
- Optional factory-fitted ribbon stage for imaging ribbon fibers (2D only)
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Field of view (VFI-200) | 200 maximum, with x1.5, x2, x3 and x6 digital zoom um |
| Field of view (VFI-1200) | 1,200 maximum, with x1.5, x2, x3 and x6 digital zoom um |
| Field of view (VFI-2000) | 2,000 maximum, with x1.5, x2, x3 and x6 digital zoom um |
| Image sensor (all models) | 1/1.8 inch CMOS array, 12-bit, 6.4 MP |
| Camera sensor size (all models) | 3,088 x 2,076 px, 2.4 um square pixels |
| LED wavelength (all models) | 525 nm |
| Maximum measurable cleave angle, VFI-200 (without angled fiber holder) | 2D mode: 10; 3D mode: 9 degrees |
| Maximum measurable cleave angle, VFI-1200 (without angled fiber holder) | 2D mode: 10; 3D mode: 8 degrees |
| Maximum measurable cleave angle, VFI-2000 (without angled fiber holder) | 2D mode: 8; 3D mode: 6 degrees |
| Maximum cleave angle basis | Stated for a fiber with 125 um cladding diameter; larger cleave angle can be measured using an angled fiber holder |
| Measurement time (all models) | 2D mode: real-time; 3D mode: <7 s |
| Image quality (all models) | Fully resolves USAF Target to Level 7 minimum |
| Height resolution (all models) | 0.01 um |
| Dimensions (all models) | 240 (W) x 240 (D) x 90 (H) mm |
| Weight (all models) | 3 kg |
| Connection to computer (all models) | USB 3.0 (USB Type B to USB A); 1 m cable supplied |
| Power supply (all models) | Via USB |
| Operating systems supported (all models) | Windows 10/11 64 bit |
| Computer requirements (all models) | 4 GB RAM; USB 3.0 port; 64 bit |
| Operating temperature (all models) | 10 - 30 degC |
| Ordering - VFI-200 | Interferometric inspection system for fibers with diameters from 80 um to 200 um |
| Ordering - VFI-1200 | Interferometric inspection system for fibers with diameters from 80 to 1200 um |
| Ordering - VFI-1200-RS | VFI-1200 fitted with lateral stage for analysis of ribbons (2D only) |
| Ordering - VFI-2000 | Interferometric inspection system for fibers with diameters from 400 to 2000 um |
| Ordering - VFI-2000-RS | VFI-2000 fitted with lateral stage for analysis of ribbons (2D only) |
| Fiber holders | VF-H0-xxx perpendicular cleave; VF-H8-xxx 8 degree cleave; standard holder sizes 125, 200, 250, 400, 800 and 1000 um; custom diameters at extra charge |
| Connector holders | VF-F125 (1.25 mm ferrule), VF-F250 (2.50 mm ferrule), VF-F16 (#16 style ferrule), VF-F320 (3.2 mm ferrule, SMA) |
| VF-Annulus | 9-sided annulus used with fiber holder to present the fiber at a range of integer angles (from 4 to 12 degrees) |
Applications
- Precision cleaver manufacture
- Cleaver maintenance
- Laser manufacture
- Medical device manufacture
- Fiber R&D
- Specialty fiber manufacture
- Development and testing of angled cleavers
- Device pig-tailing
- LDF cleaver manufacture/maintenance
- Fiber end cap manufacture
- Multifiber bundle manufacture
You may also like
A benchtop instrument that measures the modal launch condition (Encircled Flux) of a multimode light source and patchcord at 850 nm. It is used to verify that a test source meets the launch requirements of the multimode loss-measurement standards.
A two-channel mechanical fiber shaker that continuously agitates a multimode test jumper so that laser speckle averages out during Encircled Flux and loss measurements.
An automated measurement system for the geometry of 1D and 2D Fiber Array Units (FAUs) and MT ferrules, reporting core X-Y positions, core-to-core pitch and PM stress rod angles.
Need help specifying this?
Our application engineers will confirm specifications with the manufacturer and quote for your configuration.
Request Info