Chapter 3 Description; Introduction - THORLABS Vytran GPX3400 User Manual

GPX3400 and GPX3600 Glass Processors Chapter 3: Description
Chapter 3 Description
3.1.

Introduction

®
Thank you for purchasing a Vytran Glass Processor. This manual is intended to convey the basic instructions
necessary for operating the glass processor.
The Vytran Glass Processors are a versatile glass processing platform for the fabrication of splices, tapers,
terminations, couplers and combiners. All systems incorporate a filament furnace assembly that provides a stable
high temperature heat source for precise control of glass processing conditions. An embedded real time control
system and powerful machine level macro programming language allow the user to develop unique event-driven
routines for fast and flexible process development. All high level system communication is through a user-friendly,
PC based graphical interface that provides for easy operation and convenient data storage. This level of control
combined with the consistency of filament fusion technology makes the glass processors a multipurpose platform
for the production of fiber laser and other specialty fiber applications.
The Vytran Glass Processors consist of four different models designed to perform high-quality fusion splicing and
tapering of specialty fibers. The system consists of a filament-based heater, precision stages with multi-axis
control, microscopic high resolution CCD imaging system and a personal computer. The filament assembly can
heat optical fiber to temperatures up to 3000 °C, which makes it possible to fuse and process various fiber types
and sizes. The multi-axis stages precisely control and aid the alignment and positioning of the fibers for high
quality splicing and tapering. The imaging system displays magnified fiber image with sub-micron resolution. The
fiber can be viewed both from fiber side and fiber end. All glass processors have the ability to rotate fibers;
making it possible to align PM fibers, eccentric core fibers or non-circular fibers.
Rev B, July 24, 2017 Page 5