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. OptiBlocks can be used also 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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Beam Splitter OptiBlock |
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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. |
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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
- Outside diameter: 12.7 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
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.
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.
View Photodiode Detector OptiBlock movie [1144KB]
Photo Multiplier Detector OptiBlock
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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Cuvette Holder Optiblock
The Cuvette Holder OptiBlock for standard 1 cm path length cuvettes provides three ports for irradiation or detection. It attaches directly to other OptiBlocks components by the connection pins. Each port can accept a filter or to be just closed by a cap.
The LED-OptiBlock light source and PMT-OptiBlock or Photodiode-OptiBlock can be directly connected to the Cuvette-OptiBlock to maximize the light utility. The Cuvette-OptiBlock enables easy construction of setups for fluorescence, absorption, scattering and turbidity measurements of aqueous solutions.
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.
OptiBlock Enclosures
Laboratory style standard black ABS plastic enclosures are suitable for hosting of various OptiBlocks constructions.
These equipment enclosures can be used as desktop test equipment, medical, scientific, communications and lab equipment.
Lab style enclosure enables building a comprehensive desktop system of light sources and detectors.
External dimensions:
| DM-3 | 11.4 in L | 10.4 in W | 3.3 in H |
View Drawing
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| DM-4 | 11.4 in L | 10.4 in W | 4.3 in H |
View Drawing
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The enclosure is equipped with specially designed Aluminum plate breadboard, which is designated to place and hold various optional OptiBlocks constructions using short M6 bolts.
The plate has additional holes for fixation of:
- Electronic control boards.
- Ocean Optics USB2000 / USB4000 family mini spectrometers.
- National Instruments USB-6009 14 bit 48kS/s Multifunction A/D D/A data acquisition module.
