Multicore PM Fiber Breakout Cable
A multicore PM fiber breakout cable contains 2–6 individually sheathed polarization-maintaining subunits around a non-metallic central strength member. The reference 1310 nm branch cable has an 8.3 ± 0.5 mm outer diameter and 900 µm tight-buffered fibers.
Also described in the technical catalog as Multicore Polarization-Maintaining Branch 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
Each subunit combines a 900 µm tight-buffered PM fiber, aramid reinforcement and its own sheath. The subunits are stranded around a non-metallic central strength member and enclosed in a common outer sheath. Individual subunits support separated routing after a suitably designed breakout; connector and fanout details must be agreed separately.
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 | 2–6 |
| Cable outer diameter | mm | 8.3 ± 0.5 |
| 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 +70 |
| Sheath thickness | mm | 0.5 ± 0.1 |
| Cable weight | kg/km | 45.5 |
| Recommended delivery length | m | 2000; other lengths on request |
| 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
Is branch cable the same as breakout cable?
For this product, branch describes a breakout-style construction with individually sheathed single-fiber subunits inside a common cable. Confirm the subunit layout and fanout geometry on the approved drawing.
Are connectors included with the cable?
The reference specification describes the cable construction. Connector type, polish, axis-to-key alignment, branch lengths and finished-assembly test limits must be agreed separately if a terminated assembly is required.
Can the cable operate at 1550 nm?
The published optical values apply at 1310 nm. A different wavelength requires confirmation of the PM fiber design, attenuation, cutoff and polarization performance. Do not assume the 1310 nm values apply at 1550 nm.
Does the cable crosstalk value guarantee assembly PER?
No. The reference crosstalk value is below −25 dB over 100 m at 1310 nm. Finished-assembly PER depends on launch alignment, connectors, length and test conditions and must be specified separately.
Related Products & Technical Guides
- Multicore PM Fiber Bundle 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