In today’s interconnected world, optical fiber technology plays a vital role in transmitting vast amounts of data at lightning-fast speeds. As the demand for reliable and efficient data transmission grows, so does the need for innovative solutions to connect optical fibers seamlessly.
Thanks to advancements in epoxy technology, it is possible to achieve a hermetic seal for optical fiber connections while maintaining a direct path through the mechanical interface. This is significant as it eliminates the need for multiple feedthroughs, making installations more streamlined and cost-effective. With epoxy technology, virtually any combination of optical fibers can pass through the hermetically sealed mechanical interface. This flexibility allows for a reduction in the number of feedthroughs required, simplifying the overall design and minimizing potential points of failure. Douglas IPC-620 technicians are trained to carefully seal optical fibers within the mechanical assembly.
To illustrate the practical application of hermetic feedthroughs, let’s consider a real-world case study. A customer collaborated with Douglas Electrical Components to design a hermetic feedthrough for a glovebox system. The project involved combining an NPT feedthrough interface with single-mode (SM) and multimode (MM) optical fibers. In any project involving optical fibers, ensuring optical continuity and mechanical integrity is crucial. In this case, each fiber was individually tested for optical continuity using white light and carefully labeled to maintain clarity and ease of identification during installation. The NPT threaded mechanical assembly underwent testing for vacuum pressure and positive pressure exceeding 2,000 PSI to ensure the hermetic feedthrough could withstand demanding environments while maintaining excellent performance.
In summary:
- Epoxy technology creates the ability to hermetically seal optical fiber with a direct path through the mechanical interface.
- Virtually any combination of optical fibers can pass through the hermetically sealed mechanical interface, reducing the number of feedthroughs.
- Douglas Electrical Components can hermetically seal optical fibers for vacuum and positive pressure applications.
For more information on our OptiSeal Fiber Optic Solutions or our Glovebox systems, visit: