Vytran® Automated Glass Processors

• Includes Glass Processor Workstation and Computer with Control Software
• Splice/Taper Optical Fibers Up to Ø1.25 mm (GPX3400) or Ø1.7 mm (GPX3600)
• Ideal for Single Mode, Multimode, Polarization-Maintaining, and Specialty Fibers
• Automatic XY and Rotational Alignment
• Fiber Z-Axis Travel of 180 mm

These Vytran Glass Processor Workstations feature automatic XY and rotational alignment of the fiber and are especially designed for processing polarization-maintaining fibers as well as specialty fibers with microstructured cores. The GPX3400 and GPX3600 can splice fibers with outer diameters up to 1.25 mm or 1.7 mm, respectively.

The precision fiber handlers can position a fiber in XY with a resolution of 0.25 µm and rotate a fiber up to 190° with a resolution of 0.02°. The included fiber holders can translate up to 180 mm along the fiber axis, allowing the filament to heat large portions of the input fiber(s). This extended heating range is ideal for many applications including thermally diffusing core dopants to achieve low-loss splices between highly dissimilar fibers or for fabricating long adiabatic fiber tapers. The fiber holding blocks can also pull vacuum through fiber holder inserts with vacuum holes to help secure the fiber within the insert.

The workstation includes the fiber holders, furnace assembly, CCD camera for imaging, PC and monitor pre-installed with the control software, and mirror tower for side- and end-view imaging. Each processor workstation is fitted with a high-purity PTFE gas line and a gas regulator equipped with a CGA-580 output port; a DIN 477 Number 6 output port connector is also included. An FTAV4 Graphite Filament Assembly (for Ø125 µm - Ø600 µm Cladding) comes pre-installed in the system; additional graphite, iridium, or tungsten filaments are sold separately below. Top and bottom inserts for the fiber holders, both of which are required to operate the glass processor workstation, can also be purchased separately below. Nylon-tipped setscrews are used to secure the inserts in the fiber holding blocks; replacement 2-56, 1/8" long SS2SN013 setscrews are available in packs of 10.

Installation and training by one of our application engineers is recommended for this system; please contact Tech Support for more details.

• Filament Assemblies for Automated Glass Processors (One FTAV4 Graphite Filament Pre-Installed in System)
• Optimized for Splicing, Tapering, or Lensed Tip Applications (See Table to the Right for Details)
• Assembly Includes Filament Element and Protective Shroud

Filament assemblies contain a graphite, iridium, or tungsten omega-shaped resistive heater element encased within a protective shroud. The filaments sold here are compatible with the automated glass processors; those indicated in the table to the right as splice filaments are also compatible with the LFS4100 Splicing System.

Filaments for Splicing or Tapering
Graphite filaments are capable of achieving the high temperatures necessary for splicing or tapering large-diameter fibers while outgassing less than filaments made from other metals. Iridium filaments heat fibers at lower temperatures than graphite filaments, making these ideal for working with soft glass fibers. Tungsten filaments offer narrower heat zones and reach temperature very quickly, making them ideal for splicing highly doped fibers and structured fibers where long splice duration could cause significant diffusion or collapse. Although the heating time of a filament is approximately 40 minutes, this can vary depending on a number of factors including argon quality, splice/taper duration, and fiber glass quality.

These filaments are optimized for splicing or tapering applications; this is not restrictive, however, as splice filaments can be used for tapering. Splice filaments have an opening in the top of the assembly body, while tapering filaments are closed off at the top to minimize exposure to contaminants.

Identification & Maintenance
One FTAV4 filament comes pre-installed in the system. Different filament bodies are distinguished by the version number (e.g., V4, V6, T3) engraved on the assembly body. Before a new filament can be used in a system, it must be burned in. During the burn-in process, the filament is cycled between its operating temperature and room temperature several times. This stabilizes the thermal properties of the filament so that it produces a more consistent power output and heating performance when current is passed through it. This procedure only needs to be performed once, after which the filament will only need regular normalization. Visit the Tutorial Videos tab above to see videos on how to perform filament maintenance and simple splices. If filament performance begins to degrade, filament refurbishments can be ordered by contacting Tech Support.

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• Top Inserts for Fiber Holding Blocks
• Accepts Fiber Outer Diameter (Cladding/Coating) from 57 µm to 3.198 mm (See the Fiber Holder Inserts Tab for Information on Choosing Inserts)
• Single-Sided and Dual-Sided Inserts Available (See Table to the Right for Details)
• VHBxx End-View Illumination Insert Available for Automated Glass Processors and Splicing Systems
• Compatible with Automated Glass Processors, LDC401 Series Fiber Cleavers, FPS301 Stripping and Cleaning Station, and LFS4100 Splicing System

Fiber Holder Inserts, which consist of one top insert and either a bottom or transfer insert, are placed in the fiber holding blocks of the optical glass processor to secure the fiber during splicing or tapering. The inserts clamp the cladding, buffer, or coating of the fiber and can accommodate outer diameters of up to 3.198 mm. The Fiber Holder Inserts tab above includes information to aid in selecting and installing the correct combinations of top and bottom inserts to accommodate different fiber diameters.

Two types of top inserts are compatible with the automated glass processors. The VHA standard top inserts come in single-sided and dual-sided versions. These standard inserts can also be used in the LDC401 Series of Fiber Cleavers, FPS301 Stripping and Cleaning Station, and LFS4100 Splicing System. The VHB00 and VHB05 top inserts (shown to the left) feature an indent for LED illumination from the automated glass processor workstations and are necessary for end-view imaging and alignment of the cores of polarization-maintaining and microstructured specialty fibers.

• Bottom Fiber Inserts with V-Grooves for Fiber Holding Blocks
• Compatible with Cladding/Coating Diameters from 112 µm to 3.198 mm (See the Fiber Holder Inserts Tab for Information on Choosing Standard or Transfer Inserts)
• Transfer Inserts for Moving Fiber Between Vytran Systems
• Inserts with Vacuum Holes for Aligning Smaller Fibers (<Ø1047 µm) in V-Groove

Fiber Holder Inserts, which consist of one top insert and a bottom insert, are placed in the fiber holding blocks of the optical glass processor to secure the fiber during splicing or tapering. Bottom inserts are magnetically held within the fiber holding blocks of the glass processors and other compatible systems. The V-groove machined into the bottom inserts ensures the fiber is centered within the fiber holder; inserts with different V-groove sizes are available. Vacuum holes at the bottom of the transfer inserts are used for holding and aligning small fibers within the V-groove. The Fiber Holder Inserts tab above includes information to aid in selecting and installing the correct combinations of top and bottom inserts to accommodate different fiber diameters.

Three types of bottom inserts are compatible with the glass processors: transfer bottom inserts, standard bottom inserts, and multi-fiber bottom inserts (sold further below). Transfer bottom inserts (indicated with item #s starting with VHF) allow for a single fiber to be transferred between the LDC401 Series of Fiber Cleavers, FPS301 Stripping and Cleaning Station, and LFS4100 Splicing System with minimal loss of alignment. For example, a fiber can be placed in a transfer insert and cleaved using the LDC401 cleaver, then the entire transfer insert can be placed in the LFS4100 Splicing System for splicing. This process works because the transfer inserts are precisely located within each Vytran system, and the VHT1 Magnetic Lid (sold directly below) prevents axial movement of the fiber during transport. Transfer inserts are equipped with vacuum holes that provide a small suction force to hold the fiber in place. All of these transfer inserts require the VHT1 Transfer Clamp (sold below); transfer inserts for fiber outer diameters ≤550 µm also require a Graphite V-Groove (sold below).

Standard Fiber Holder Bottom Inserts (indicated by item #s starting with VHE) can be used with large-diameter fibers. These inserts come in single-sided and dual-sided versions. The standard bottom inserts can also be used in the LDC401 Series of Fiber Cleavers, FPS301 Stripping and Cleaning Station, and LFS4100 Splicing System. Unlike transfer inserts, alignment of the fibers will not be maintained when these inserts are transferred between systems.

• Clamp and Graphite V-Grooves Used with Transfer Bottom Inserts to Move Fiber Between Vytran Systems
• One VHT1 Transfer Clamp Required with Each Transfer Bottom Insert
• Transfer Clamps are Compatible with GPX Fiber Processors, LDC401 Series and LDC405B Fiber Cleavers, the FPS301 Fiber Preparation Station, and the LFS4100 Fusion Splicer
• Graphite V-Grooves for Supporting Fibers ≤Ø550 µm
• V-Grooves Accept Diameters from 80 µm to 550 µm

These Transfer Clamps and V-Grooves are used with the VHF Transfer Bottom Inserts sold directly above to move a single fiber between various Vytran systems with minimal loss of alignment. For example, a fiber can be placed in a transfer insert and cleaved using the LDC401 Fiber Cleaver. Then, the entire transfer insert and fiber can be moved to a glass processor for splicing.

The VHT1 clamp secures transfer inserts with a magnetic lid that prevents axial movement of the fiber and can be used to hold the insert during transport without touching the fiber itself. For fibers with diameters ≤550 µm, a graphite V-groove is available to support the fiber when splicing (please see the size table to the right for more information). To provide extended support along the length of the fiber and reduce the amount of overhang during processing, we also offer 0.594" long V-grooves (Item #'s VHG125L, VHG250L, and VHG500L). The graphite V-grooves are secured by tightening two setscrews on the transfer insert. For information on how to assemble transfer inserts, see the Fiber Holder Inserts tab.

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The Double-V-Slot with Pins inserts feature eccentric adjustment pins that are used to bring two fibers into very close proximity for splicing together. The VHD320C insert is shown above.

• Bottom Inserts with Grooves for Holding Multiple Fibers
• Used When Creating Fused Couplers or Combiners
• Vacuum Holes for Aligning Fibers in V-Grooves or Slots
• Multiple Insert Types Available (See Table for Options)

Multi-Fiber Inserts are designed for applications requiring two or three fibers to be tapered and fused together, such as when making wavelength division multiplexers, fused fiber couplers, or power combiners.

Side-by-Side inserts have a U-shaped groove for holding two fibers tightly together in parallel. Double-V-Slot inserts feature two parallel V-grooves on the same side of the insert that each hold a single fiber. The Double-V-Slot with Pins inserts additionally feature eccentric offset adjustment pins that are used to bring the two fibers in close contact during processing (see photo to the left). Triple-V-Slot inserts have a V-groove in the middle and two V-grooves adjacent on both sides that allow a signal fiber to be fused with two pump fibers.

These bottom inserts are magnetically held within the fiber holding blocks of the glass processors and other compatible systems. The grooves machined into the inserts ensure the fiber is centered within the fiber holder. Vacuum holes at the bottom of the transfer inserts are used for holding and aligning small fibers within the V-groove. Recommended top inserts for each multi-fiber insert are indicated in the table to the right. Alignment of the fibers will not be maintained when these inserts are transferred between systems.

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An example application shows the GPXM45 Insert being used in Top View to inspect the end face of an endcapped fiber on the GLZ4001EC CO₂ Laser End-Cap Splicer Workstation.

• For Inspection of Fiber End Faces and Alignment of Fiber Components 
• 10 mm Square 45° Inspection Mirror
• Compatible with the LFS4100 Splicer, the GLZ4001EC CO₂ Laser End-Cap Splicer Workstation, and GPX Series Fiber Processors.

The GPXM45 Insert with 45° Mirror provides an additional method for inspection of fiber end faces and alignment of fiber components. A fiber holding block on any of the compatible Vytran systems listed above secures the mirror insert in the same way as a fiber holder bottom insert. On the GPX series fiber processors and the LFS4100 splicer, which have smaller end-view mirrors, this insert provides a larger, 10 mm square mirror as an additional inspection option. Additionally, this mirror can be used outside the Vytran systems as a convenient inspection tool on an optical bench or a microscope.

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End-view image of 3:1 combiner made using a capillary tube.

• Capillary Tube for Manufacturing Fiber Combiners
• Three Diameter Combinations Available, 170 mm Long
• Compatible with GPX3400, GPX3600, GPX3800, GPX3850, and GPX3900 Processors

Fluorine-doped silica capillary tubes are ideal for the manufacture of high-power fiber laser combiners and other specialty applications. During this process, the fibers that will be joined are inserted into the capillary tube, then the tube is fused and tapered down into a solid glass element. With a core consisting of the fused fibers and a cladding formed by the low-index capillary tube, the tapered element acts as a multimode waveguide, with the capillary tube serving to contain the light in the combiner.

Please make sure to use gloves when handling these fluorine-doped tubes.

• Included with GPX3600 Glass Processor Workstation
• Optional Add-On for GPX3400 Glass Processor Workstation
• Liquid Cooling System for Vytran Glass Processors and Splicing Systems
• Prevents Furnace Overheating During Extended Heating Operation (e.g., Tapering)
• Includes 700 mL (24 fl oz) of High-Performance Liquid Coolant

The GPXWCS Liquid Cooling System is an optional add-on for our Vytran Glass Processors that helps keep the furnace assembly cooled during extended heating operations. It is highly recommended for customers interested in fiber tapering, mode adapter, or fiber termination applications. This cooling system is also compatible with the LFS4100 Splicing System but is not necessary for standard splicing processes.

The GPXWCS has a 157 mL reservoir to cycle high-performance liquid coolant (700 mL bottle of coolant included) at flow rates of up to 4 L/min with a cooling capacity of 590 W at 25 °C ambient temperature; click here for a MSDS safety sheet. Tubing and fittings for connecting to a Vytran Glass Processor are included. The cooling system can be powered either through a 12 VDC Molex Connector (via the included computer slot adapter) or externally using the included 110/120 VAC power adapter.

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Comparison of Adjustable Gripper (Left) and Removable Taper Holder (Right) Fixtures

Fused Taper Software and Handling Fixtures
Item #	FBT Software	Adjustable Gripper	Removable Taper Holder
GPXFBT-SFT		-	-
GPXFBT-FXTA	-		-
GPXFBT-FXTB	-	-
GPXFBT-KITA			-
GPXFBT-KITB		-

• Software Enhancement Enabling Active Fused Biconic Taper (FBT) Processing
• Fixture with Adjustable Fiber Gripper for Transporting Fiber Tapers and Couplers to a Packaging Station
• Fixture with Removable Fiber Holder for In Situ Packaging of Fiber Tapers and Couplers
• Applications:
  • Microscale and Nanoscale Fiber Tapers
  • Fused Fiber Couplers and Wavelength Division Multiplexers (WDMs)
  • Tapered Fiber Coupling Microresonator and Whispering Gallery Mode Structures
  • Cavity Optomechanics
  • Biosensing and Microparticle Sensing

These optional add-ons for the Vytran Glass Processors are designed to aid microtaper and fused fiber coupler processing. The software and fixture add-ons can be purchased separately or together in a kit. The GPXFBT-SFT software package enables finer control over heating and fiber pulling parameters during active FBT processes, resulting in improved yields and high repeatability between runs.

Two fixture add-ons are also available. The GPXFBT-FXTA Adjustable Taper Fiber Gripper fixture provides a stable base for your specific length component, allowing transfer to a packaging station. The fiber gripper can be adjusted to accommodate taper lengths from 0 - 3.15" (0 - 80 mm). The GPXFBT-FXTB Removable Taper Holder Fiber Fixture option acts as a pick-up and removal apparatus for the user to safely and securely transport the fabricated taper or coupler for secondary processing or in situ packaging. The stages included with these fixtures have an X-axis and Y-axis travel of 1" (25.4 mm) and a roll and yaw adjustment of ±2.5° and ±5°, respectively.

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The fiber holding block assembly translates along a rail for Y-axis positioning.

• Supports the Positioning of Fiber Bundles for Combiner Fabrication
• Five Degrees of Freedom: X, Y, Z, Pitch, Yaw
• 300 mm Coarse Travel Along Fiber Feed Axis
• Working Platform Folds Up 90° for Fiber Bundle Grouping
• Required Bottom Insert Sold Separately
• Contact Tech Support for Right Side Mounting Variant

The GPXCFXL Fiber Combiner Loading Fixture is an optional add-on for our GPX3000 Series Glass Processors that provides support and five-axis positioning of fiber bundles during manufacture of fiber combiners. The multi-axis assembly enables direct insertion of fiber bundles into fragile tapered capillary tubes. This reduces the risk of tube breakage by allowing controlled bundle insertion while the capillary tube is still in the glass processing station.

The bundle is placed in the bottom insert (sold separately above), which is mounted in the assembly's fiber holding block. XZ translation is provided by the integrated T12XZ stage, while the support assembly is attached to a rail for travel in the fiber feed direction. To aid with bundle alignment, coarse pitch and yaw adjustments are achieved through a lockable ball pivot mechanism; note that this mechanism also allows off-axis roll that is coupled with translation. The stage's travel along the rail (Y-axis) is also lockable.

The fixture mounts to the left side of processors and supports a wide variety of inserts to suit individual needs. The working platform features a double hinge to ensure a gapless working surface and folds up 90° with an air spring support and a pin lock at the vertical and horizontal positions. Please contact Tech Support to request a variant for mounting on the right side of a processor.

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USC2 Ultrasonic Cleaner and USC2NVT Nest for Vytran Transfer Bottom Inserts

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The cleaning intensity and duration controls are located on the rear of the cleaner.

Click for Details

View Product List

Item #	Qty	Description
USC2	1	Ultrasonic Fiber Cleaner with Bare Fiber Holder Nest
USC2NVT	1	Ultrasonic Cleaner Nest for Vytran Bottom Inserts
USC2Y15	1	15 mm Spacer for Vytran Nest
VHF750	1	Fiber Holder Transfer Bottom Insert, Ø516 µm - Ø1047 µm
VHT1	1	Transfer Clamp with Magnetic Lid for Fiber Holder Transfer Inserts
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The USC2NVT Nest adds support for Vytran transfer bottom inserts.

• Easy-to-Adjust Immersion Depth, Cleaning Duration, and Power Level
• Bare Fiber Nest with Magnetic Clamp Included
• Nest for Vytran Transfer Bottom Inserts Sold Separately (Item # USC2NVT)
• Compatible Solvents: Acetone or Isopropanol (Isopropyl Alcohol)
• Spout for Easy Fluid Disposal; Slotted Shield for Reduced Solvent Evaporation

Thorlabs' Vytran^® USC2 Ultrasonic Fiber Cleaner is designed for volume processing of bare fiber. Adjustment knobs for cleaning intensity and cleaning duration allow the user to easily set repeatable cleaning parameters. The dunking jig offers adjustable immersion depth and is compatible with interchangeable fiber holder nests (each sold separately). A red LED indicates when the cleaning cycle is active. The 100 mL solvent tank is only suitable for use with acetone or isopropyl alcohol.

Tilting the dunking jig submerges the fiber in the tank and initiates the ultrasonic cleaning process. The ultrasonic agitation ceases after the chosen cleaning duration. The height of the fiber holder above the solvent tank can be changed over a 0.5" (12.7 mm) range using the knurled adjuster on the side of the dunking jig, visible in the photo above.

The knurled adjuster can also be reversed to disengage the bare fiber nest and switch it out for another fiber holder nest. Each cleaner is shipped with a bare fiber nest installed in the dunking jig. The USC2NVT Nest (sold separately) is designed for use with Vytran transfer bottom inserts. Accessories are available for the Vytran fiber nest to support a wider range of usage scenarios, including a clamp for standard bottom inserts and spacers for recessing inserts farther from the solvent tank. We also offer nests for Fujikura^® and Fitel^® fiber holders (each sold separately). Please see the complete product presentation for more information.

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The GPXL1 can be attached on either the right or left side of the glass processor workstation

• Attaches to Either Side of Workstation 
• Illuminate Fiber Ends or Light General Work Area
• 12 VDC Power Supply (Sold Separately) Includes Region-Specific Power Cord

The GPXL1 Gooseneck Light is a lamp that can be used to couple light into a fiber combiner for end-view illumination or for general lighting of the workstation during alignment. The lamp features an on/off switch and a dimmer knob to control brightness. The flexible neck allows the lamp head to be easily positioned near a fiber or furnace.

Mount the GPXL1 on either side of the workstation using the mounting holes on the workstation (as seen in the image to the right). Two 10-32 mounting screws and a 5/32" hex key are included. 

Users must also purchase a GPXL1PS 12 VDC Power Supply along with the GPXL1. The power supply includes a region-specific power cord which must be used with an 85 - 265 VAC, 47 - 63 Hz power source.