| OptiBlocks are modular components designed
for rapid prototyping of optical constructions and experimental
setup based on fiber optic sensors. Several basic OptiBlocks are available:
a fiber coupler, a beam splitter, a LED light source, a Laser light source,
a photodiode detector, and a photomultiplier detector. The fiber coupler and beam
splitter blocks are compatible with most standard optics (see below). A unique feature
of OptiBlocks is its versatility-the blocks can accommodate your optics and then be built
into a comprehensive system in a vast variety of configurations.
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It is easy and takes only
seconds to combine blocks together. An OptiBlock can perform detection or can provide a source.
For example, an OptiBlock beamsplitter can serve as a multiwavelength detection system or create
a multiwavelength excitation source. Some blocks can be configured as fiber optic in-line filters,
attenuators, polarizers or intensity monitors. For example, OptiBlocks can be used as a complete
reflectance or fluorescence detecting system for in vivo, in situ or in vitro applications.
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View OptiBlocks application examples
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#2 [950KB]
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#4 [1155KB]
Beam Splitter OptiBlock
| The Beam Splitter OptiBlock contains a special mounting element that enables variety of optical beam splitters
(round, rectangular or microscope-type dichroic mirrors) to be installed in this block.
The Beam Splitter separates the input light ray into two output rays. Alternatively, the Beam Splitter
can join two discrete input light sources into one output beam, which can be coupled to a single
optical fiber. For increased versatility,
additional optical filters can be installed at the input or the output ports of the Beam Splitter OptiBlock. |
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Use your current Optics
The Beam Splitter OptiBlock supports most common optical
filter sizes and types, such as microscope filter sets available
from Zeiss, Nikon, Olympus, or Leica. Together with a dichroic beam splitter, it can handle up to three optical filters.
The Beam Splitter OptiBlock supports dichroic mirrors of the following dimensions:
- Round Beam Splitter:
- Outside diameter: 12.0-25.4 mm
- Thickness: 1.0-3.0 mm
- Rectangular Beam Splitter (A>B):
- Long Side (A): 26.0-36.0 mm
- Short Side (B): 18.0-26.0 mm
- Thickness: 1.0-3.0 mm
- Square Beam Splitter (A=B):
- Side (A=B): 18.0-36.0 mm
- Thickness: 1.0-3.0 mm
The Beam Splitter OptiBlock input and output channels supports filters of the following dimensions:
- Circular
- Outside diameter: 12.7 mm
Thickness: 2.4-8.4 mm
- Outside diameter: 19.1 mm
Thickness: 1.2-7.2 mm.
- Outside diameter: 25.4 mm
Thickness: up to 6 mm
The input and output ports of
the beamsplitter can be connected to any other OptiBlocks family member. For instance, the
input port of the Beam Splitter OptiBlock can be connected to an additional Beam Splitter
OptiBlock or to a Fiber Coupler OptiBlock (see below).
The output ports of the Beam Splitter OptiBlock can be connected to any other OptiBlock-an additional
Beam Splitter, a Detector (see below), or even a Fiber Coupler, which can transmit light by optical fiber to a remote site.
View Beam Splitter OptiBlock movie [1108KB]
 Splitter OptiBlock - Drawing
Fiber Coupler OptiBlock
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The Fiber Coupler OptiBlock conveniently
enables the coupling of multimode optical
fibers to the OptiBlock system. By working
either with light sources or in detection
systems, the Fiber Coupler can carry a light
beam to an optical fiber or can collimate the
light from an optical fiber to the OptiBlock
system. The Fiber Coupler OptiBlock
supports various lenses and most standard optical connectors (SMA, FC, ST). No
additional adaptors required.
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The Fiber Coupler OptiBlock supports lenses with the
following dimensions:
| Part Number |
Fiber Coupler Type |
Lens Outside
Diameter |
Clear Aperture |
Back Focal Length |
| FCB-S-X |
Standard |
12.0-19.0 mm |
11.0 mm |
10-16mm |
| FCB-E-X |
Extended |
12.0-19.0 mm |
11.0 mm |
10-24mm |
The Multi mode fiber optic Coupler OptiBlocks are manufactured in three versions:
- Standard – OptiBlock length is 28 mm
- Extended – OptiBlock length is 38 mm
- Precise – XY setting by 1/4"-80 extra fine set screws
When ordering, specify options as follows:
FCB-Y-X
Y: S- Standard, E-Extended Fiber Coupler OptiBlock type
X: Connector type SMA, FC, ST
P: Optional suffix for Precise XY extra fine screws for .100 micron core fibers
For example:
FCB-S-SMA . Fiber Coupler OptiBlock, Standard length, SMA connector
FCB-E-FC-P . Fiber Coupler OptiBlock, Extended length, FC connector, Precise XY
* Remark: When user intend to install short (<16mm) focal length lenses the Standard
type OptiBlock Coupler is more convenient.
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View Coupler OptiBlock movie [1062KB]
Coupler OptiBlock - Drawing
Extended Coupler OptiBlock - Drawing
Photodiode Detector OptiBlock
| The Photodiode Detector OptiBlock is a low noise variable gain optical
detector that works easily with other OptiBlocks. The detector uses a
low noise trans-impedance amplifier to convert the photodiode photocurrent to output voltage. |
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View Photodiode Detector OptiBlock movie [1144KB]
Photomultiplier Detector OptiBlock
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The Photomultiplier Tube (PMT) Detector OptiBlock is an ultra sensitive
variable gain optical detector that adds fluorescence detection to your
set of tools when combined with other OptiBlocks. The PMT module is operated
in current mode. Optionally additional amplifier can be used to amplify the PMT output.
The high voltage of the PMT is controlled by the low voltage control input. |
LED Light Source OptiBlock
| The LED Light Source OptiBlock provides a convenient,
yet economical, low noise light source for the OptiBlocks system. The
LED Light Source OptiBlock is compatible with all LED types-the wavelength
is set by the wavelength of the LED. The LED light is collimated by a lens before
entering the OptiBlocks system and can easily be filtered by an interference filter or
by a dichroic filter installed in one of the adjacent OptiBlocks. The LED light source
optiblock can be supplied with the LED and collimating optics, or unequipped - ready to
accommodate your own LEDs and optics.
Several LED or laser lights (see below) can be combined and coupled into a single optical fiber. |
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Laser Diode Light Source OptiBlock
When narrow band or coherent excitation is desired,
the Laser Diode Light Source OptiBlock provides a convenient laser light source for the
OptiBlocks system. The OptiBlock is compatible with all laser diode types-the wavelength is
set by the wavelength of the diode. The laser diode light is collimated by a lens before
propogating from this OptiBlock towards the adjacent Optiblocks system. Using several laser
or LED (see above) Optiblock sources, together with beamsplitter
Optiblocks can be combined together and coupled simultaneously into a single optical fiber.
OptiBlocks Enclosures
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