GRIN Lens

LS -- I talked to our local telcom guy but he says that they stopped polishing
fibers long ago and he doesn't remember. I DO remember being rejected for employment by this Co 15 years ago because I was "overqualified" !!!!
HMike

I've polished fiber optics using special polishing paper, nothing more sophisticated than that, maybe there are other ways of doing it. One thing about fiber optics, they always have an eight degree slant from one fiber to another (unless fused) to increase coupling, I don't know if this is something we do with high power FAP lasers or not, looking at my FAP laser, I've never noticed that kind of slant. I have an SMA adapter to change the s e x (I had to do that, the forum software won't allow the word ***) which has a small lens built into the threaded piece, this might be useful to you to play around with too, it must get hot at high power due to the copper flange meant to mount to a heat sink.

Hemlock_Mike said:

I DO remember being rejected for employment by this Co 15 years ago because I was "overqualified" !!!!
HMike

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LOL when I think of the word "overqualified" I always think they meant they can't give what you're asking or pay the salary you deserve.

I was told the reason over qualifieds are not hired is they figure you won't stay, maybe you might outshine the boss too.

Back then, I was overqualified --- now I'm overaged :-(
Plain paper is abrasive - that might work if needed. It looks flat.
It seems that the very tip should not get hot at 11 Amps.
HM

Careful, plain paper might be far more abrasive than the fiber optic polishing paper I've used. The kind of paper I've used comes in a cartridge and is lint free, here's a link to one but I have no idea if this is suitable for FAP lasers, it might not be

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Optic-Fiber-Connector-Cleaner-Cleaning-Cassettes-/261473471310

Hey Mike if you're looking to polish the end of your fiber, might I recommend picking up some Cerium Oxide? Its used in the final process of polishing optics. I'd say if you're gentile enough you could get that fiber polished like new!

Excuse the necro, but I'm wondering if these might have any use in our hobby, I wonder if they are restricted for use at only 1550nm?

Laser Optics Fiber Optics Pigtail Telecom Company Lot 10 Packs | eBay

Alaskan said:

Excuse the necro, but I'm wondering if these might have any use in our hobby, I wonder if they are restricted for use at only 1550nm?

Laser Optics Fiber Optics Pigtail Telecom Company Lot 10 Packs | eBay

Click to expand...

Well they are designed for that wavelength, so there would be some problems (or differences) with the light guiding properties of the fibers. The real problem is whether anyone could really do anything with these. You'd need a good quality positioner and mounts for the pigtails, which could be expensive and a pain to set up. Also I'm not sure if there'd be much use for it for most people.

Thanks, appreciate the help, +rep