Optical Isolator | High Isolation for Laser Protection

Introduction

Opelink manufactures high-performance optical isolator designed to protect laser sources from back reflections and damage. With 13+ years of experience in optical passive components, we supply isolators to fiber laser manufacturers, telecom equipment makers, and research institutions worldwide.

An optical isolator is a passive magneto-optic device that allows light to travel in only one direction while blocking light traveling in the reverse direction. This unidirectional transmission is essential for protecting sensitive laser sources from optical feedback, which can cause damage, mode hopping, amplitude modulation, or frequency instability.

Opelink offers polarization insensitive isolators for standard applications and polarization maintaining (PM) isolators for systems requiring preservation of polarization state. Our isolators feature high isolation (>30dB), low insertion loss (<0.4dB), and excellent environmental stability across -40°C to +85°C operating temperature range.

Product Types

1. Polarization Insensitive Isolator
Works with any input polarization state, making it ideal for standard fiber optic systems where polarization is not controlled. Available for 1310nm, 1550nm, or dual-window operation.

2. Polarization Maintaining (PM) Isolator
Preserves the polarization state of light while providing isolation. Essential for coherent communication systems, fiber sensors, and high-performance laser applications. Available with various PM fiber types (Panda, Bow-tie).

3. High Power Isolator
Designed for fiber laser and amplifier applications with optical power handling up to 10W, 20W, or higher. Features specialized thermal management and low thermal lensing effects.

4. Inline Isolator
Compact package for direct integration into fiber systems. Available with various connector types or bare fiber pigtails.

Technical Specifications

Center Wavelength	1310nm	1550nm	Dual Window
Operating Bandwidth	±20nm	±20nm	1310/1550nm
Isolation (Typical)	≥35dB	≥35dB	≥30dB
Insertion Loss	≤0.4dB	≤0.4dB	≤0.5dB
Return Loss	≥50dB	≥50dB	≥50dB
PDL	≤0.1dB	≤0.1dB	≤0.15dB
PMD	≤0.05ps	≤0.05ps	≤0.05ps
Operating Temp	-40°C to +85°C	-40°C to +85°C	-40°C to +85°C
Max Power	300mW	300mW	300mW

Applications

• Fiber Lasers: Protecting laser diodes and fiber lasers from back reflections
• Optical Amplifiers: EDFA, Raman amplifier isolation
• CATV Systems: Preventing reflections in analog and digital video networks
• Telecom Systems: Protecting transmitters in high-speed fiber links
• Fiber Sensors: Eliminating feedback in interferometric sensors
• Test Equipment: Isolating light sources in measurement systems

FAQ

Q1: What is the purpose of an optical isolator?

A: An optical isolator protects laser sources from back reflections that can cause damage, instability, or performance degradation. It allows light to pass in the forward direction while blocking reflected light from returning to the source. Essential for fiber lasers, amplifiers, and high-speed transmitters.

Q2: What is the difference between polarization insensitive and PM isolators?

A: Polarization insensitive isolators work with any input polarization, suitable for standard fiber systems. PM isolators maintain the polarization state of light and are used in coherent systems, sensors, and applications where polarization control is critical. PM isolators cost more and require alignment to the fiber's slow axis.

Q3: What isolation level do I need?

A: Most applications require 30-35dB isolation. High-power lasers and sensitive systems may benefit from 40dB or higher. Opelink standard isolators provide >35dB isolation, with high-performance versions offering >40dB.

Q4: Can isolators handle high optical power?

A: Standard isolators handle up to 300-500mW. Opelink offers high-power isolators rated for 10W, 20W, or higher, designed with enhanced thermal management for fiber laser applications. Specify your power requirements when ordering.

Q5: What connectors are available?

A: We offer SC, LC, FC, ST, and E2000 connectors in UPC and APC polish types. Bare fiber pigtails are also available for splicing into systems. Custom connector combinations can be provided upon request.