Multicore PM Fiber Bundle Cable
A multicore PM fiber bundle cable groups 4–8 polarization-maintaining fibers under a common outer sheath with aramid yarn reinforcement. The reference 1310 nm design uses 900 µm tight-buffered fibers and an 8.0 ± 0.4 mm cable diameter.
Also described in the technical catalog as Multicore Polarization-Maintaining Bundle Optical Cable. Opticlumos supplies project-specific PM cable configurations; confirm the selected fiber, jacket, length and test requirements before ordering.
Request Specifications & QuoteCable Structure & Selection
The tight-buffered PM fibers share a common reinforced jacket. This construction is intended for routing multiple polarization-sensitive optical channels together; it is not a coherent imaging bundle and does not define a finished connectorized assembly.
All-dielectric design
Non-metallic construction is useful where electrical isolation is required. Verify the complete installation requirements and any connector hardware separately.
Application-specific jacket
Review PVC, LSZH or TPU according to handling, temperature and installation conditions. A material option is not evidence of a certified fire rating for the finished cable.
Product Specifications
| Characteristic | Unit | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| PM fiber count | fibers | 4–8 |
| Cable outer diameter | mm | 8.0 ± 0.4 |
| Tight-buffered fiber diameter | µm | 900 ± 50 |
| Allowable tensile load, short / long term | N | 660 / 200 |
| Allowable crush load, long / short term | N/100 mm | 300 / 1000 |
| Minimum bend radius, dynamic / static | — | 20D / 10D; D = cable outer diameter |
| Operating wavelength | nm | 1310 |
| Cutoff wavelength | nm | 1100–1290 |
| Mode field diameter at 1310 nm | µm | 6.0 ± 0.5 |
| Attenuation at 1310 nm | dB/km | <1.0 |
| Crosstalk at 1310 nm, 100 m | dB | <−25 |
| Storage temperature | °C | −40 to +60 |
| Operating temperature | °C | −40 to +60 |
| Sheath material options | — | PVC, LSZH or TPU; confirm selected construction |
Optical values apply to the reference 1310 nm design. The cable contains multiple separate PM fibers; the term multicore does not mean multiple cores in one glass cladding. Final tolerances, jacket material and acceptance conditions are subject to the approved order specification.
Applications & Procurement Checklist
Consider this structure for multi-channel polarization-sensitive sensing, optical instrumentation and equipment interconnections after confirming the required wavelength and environmental performance. Suitability for a particular gyroscope, laser or sensing system must be evaluated at system level.
- Required number of PM fibers, optical wavelength and fiber type
- Cable length, routing space, bend radius and tensile/crush conditions
- Temperature range, exposure conditions and selected jacket material
- Termination drawing, connector/polish and axis-to-key alignment if applicable
- Required cable crosstalk and finished-assembly PER, insertion loss and test method
- Quantity, delivery length and requested inspection documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a PM bundle cable different from a PM breakout cable?
A bundle cable groups tight-buffered fibers under one common sheath. A breakout or branch cable has individually sheathed subunits inside the main cable. Choose the construction according to routing, handling and termination needs.
Is this a multicore fiber with several cores inside one cladding?
No. Here multicore describes several separate PM fibers inside one cable jacket, not a specialty fiber containing multiple cores in a single glass cladding.
Does the crosstalk value guarantee finished-assembly PER?
No. The reference crosstalk value is below −25 dB over 100 m at 1310 nm. Finished-assembly polarization extinction ratio must be specified and tested separately with defined wavelength, launch alignment, connectors, length and environmental conditions.
Related Products & Technical Guides
- Multicore PM Fiber Breakout Cable — compare the alternative cable structure
- PANDA PM fiber jumpers — for connectorized PM links
- Polarization extinction ratio guide — understand measurement conditions
- Custom fiber optic bundle selection guide — prepare an RFQ
Specify Your PM Cable
Send the fiber count, wavelength, cable length, environment and termination drawing for technical review and a project-specific quotation.
Request Technical Review