Fibers for Space & Nuclear Environment admin September 12, 2024

Fibers for Space & Nuclear Environment

  • RAD HARD SPACE GRADE DOPED FIBERS
  • SPACE GRADE PM GYRO FIBERS
  • RAD HARD FIBERS
  • RADIATION SENSING FIBERS
  • POLYIMIDE FIBERS

OVERVIEW

Rad Hard Space Grade Doped Fibers are designed to perform reliably in the harsh environment of space, where components are exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation. With the increasing demand for advanced satellites for earth observation and deep space missions, these fibers provide essential durability and performance. iXblue’s extensive experience includes over 20 successful navigation systems using these fibers, showcasing their ability to withstand extreme conditions and ensuring long-term reliability in space applications.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Er doped fiber: Gain degradation < 0.25 dB / 100 krad with 30 dB gain EDFA
  • Er/Yb doped fiber: Gain degradation < 1.5 dB / 100 krad with 10 W amplifier design
  • Available in 6 & 12 µm core sizes
  • Panda PM and associated passive fibers are also available
  • High compatibility with cumulative irradiation doses

Applications

  • Fiber lasers and amplifiers
  • Space-grade amplifiers and lasers
  • Harsh environment amplifiers and lasers

OVERVIEW

The IXF-PMG family offers high-performance Polarization Maintaining (PM) Fibers specifically designed for integration into Fiber Optic Gyroscopes used in space and high-altitude environments. Precision in fiber diameter is crucial for coil winding, and our fibers are known for their exceptional consistency and accuracy in coating diameter, both within and between batches.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Qualified by international inertial sensing manufacturers
  • Designs available for space environments
  • Highly birefringent
  • High polarization extinction in coiled applications
  • Zero twist
  • Round core
  • Cladding diameters: 40, 80, 125 µm
  • Various coating diameters, customized to customer specifications
  • High stability in coating diameter across batches

Applications

  • Space environment

OVERVIEW

For over a decade, iXblue has been at the forefront of designing optical fibers for use in radiative environments such as nuclear power plants, high-energy physics labs, nuclear waste repositories, and space. Our extensive product line of Rad Hard Fibers is tailored for various applications including data transmission, sensing, and experiment monitoring. We also offer custom fiber solutions based on your specific technical requirements.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Low radiation-induced attenuation
  • Low bending losses
  • Chemical core compositions suited for different radiative environments
  • Wide range of coatings for harsh environments
  • Exceptional mechanical protection

Applications

  • Nuclear environment
  • High-energy physics
  • Space

OVERVIEW

Radiation sensing is crucial in various demanding environments such as high-energy physics laboratories, nuclear power plants, medical labs, and space. Traditional point detectors can be expensive and impractical for large-scale applications. Optical fiber-based radiation sensing offers a transformative solution by enabling distributed measurement technology. This allows a single optical fiber cable to replace numerous point detectors, making radiation mapping more efficient and cost-effective. We also offer custom fiber solutions tailored to your specific needs.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Distributed radiation measurement
  • Personnel protection
  • Outstanding mechanical protection

Applications

  • High-energy physics laboratories
  • Medical labs
  • Nuclear facilities

OVERVIEW

Polyimide-coated fibers are specially designed for environments that exceed the capabilities of standard optical fibers. While typical fibers with acrylate coatings are suitable for temperatures ranging from -40 to +85°C, polyimide coatings can withstand much higher temperatures. iXblue’s polyimide fibers offer exceptional long-term protection in high-temperature and radiation-exposed environments, making them ideal for applications such as high-temperature sensing and nuclear environments.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Operating temperature long-term up to 300°C
  • Operating temperature short-term up to 350°C
  • Outstanding mechanical protection

Applications

  • High temperature sensing
  • Oil and gas
  • Nuclear environment