CO₂ Laser Glass Processing System

• Includes Glass Processor Workstation and Computer with Control Software
• CO₂ Laser and Filament Fusion Heating Modes
• Automatic XY and Rotational Alignment
• Ideal for Single Mode, Multimode, PM, and Specialty Fibers
• Low Cost of Ownership

The GPX4000LZ CO₂ Laser Glass Processor Workstation integrates the furnace tower, fiber holding blocks, computer with operation and process development software, and other operational equipment into an easy-to-use rolling cart that can be positioned anywhere in the lab.

This workstation features automatic XY and rotational alignment of the fiber and is specially designed for processing polarization-maintaining fibers as well as specialty fibers with microstructured cores using the True Core Imaging Technology. Precision fiber handlers can translate and position a fiber in XY with a resolution of 0.25 µm and rotate a fiber up to 190° with a resolution of 0.02°. The included fiber holders can translate along the fiber axis up to 105 mm or 180 mm using the CO₂ laser or filament heating modes, respectively. This allows the furnace to heat large portions of the input fiber(s) and is ideal for many applications, including thermally diffusing core dopants to achieve low-loss splices between highly dissimilar fibers and fabricating long adiabatic fiber tapers. The fiber holding blocks can also pull vacuum through fiber holder inserts with vacuum holes to help secure the fiber within the insert.

The workstation includes the fiber holders, optical heads, furnace tower, CCD camera for imaging, PC and monitor pre-installed with the control software, and mirror tower for side- and end-view imaging. For operating in the filament heating mode, the workstation is fitted with a high-purity PTFE gas line and a gas regulator equipped with a CGA-580 output port; a DIN 477 Number 6 output port connector is also included. Replacement filaments can be purchased separately below.

Top and bottom inserts for the fiber holders, both of which are required to operate the glass processor workstation, can be purchased separately below. Optional multi-fiber holder bottom inserts for making couplers or combiners are also available below. Customers interested in splicing end caps can purchase end-cap holders that are compatible with the fiber holding blocks used in the glass processor workstation.

Installation and training by one of our application engineers is recommended for this system; please contact Tech Support for more details.

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• Top Inserts for Fiber Holding Blocks
• Accepts Fiber Outer Diameter (Cladding/Coating) from 57 µm to 3.198 mm (See the Fiber Holder Insert Tab for Information on Choosing Inserts)
• Single-Sided and Dual-Sided Inserts Available (See Table to the Right for Details)
• End-View Illumination Insert with Indent for LED Available
• Also Compatible with Automated Glass Processors, LDC401 Series Fiber Cleavers, FPS301 Stripping and Cleaning Station, and LFS4100 Splicing System

Fiber Holder Inserts, which consist of one top insert and either a bottom or transfer insert, are placed in the fiber holding blocks of the optical glass processor to secure the fiber during splicing or tapering. The inserts clamp the cladding, buffer, or coating of the fiber and can accommodate outer diameters of up to 3.198 mm. Please refer to the Fiber Holder Insert tab for more information on pairing the top and bottom inserts sold here.

Two types of top inserts are compatible with the GPX4000LZ. The VHA standard top inserts come in single-sided and dual-sided versions. These standard inserts can also be used in the Automated Glass Processors, LDC401 Series of Fiber Cleavers, FPS301 Stripping and Cleaning Station, and LFS4100 Splicing System. The VHB00 and VHB05 top inserts feature an indent for LED illumination from the automated glass processor workstations and are necessary for end-view imaging and alignment of the cores of polarization-maintaining and microstructured specialty fibers.

• Bottom Fiber Inserts with V-Groove(s) for Fiber Holding Blocks
• Compatible with Cladding/Coating Diameters from 112 µm to 3.198 mm (See the Fiber Holder Insert Tab for Information on Choosing Standard or Transfer Inserts)
• Transfer Inserts for Moving Fiber Between Vytran Systems
• Inserts with Vacuum Holes for Aligning Smaller Fibers (<Ø1047 µm) in V-Groove

Fiber Holder Inserts, which consist of one top insert and a bottom insert, are placed in the fiber holding blocks of the optical glass processor to secure the fiber during splicing or tapering. Bottom inserts are magnetically held within the fiber holding blocks of the glass processors and other compatible systems. The V-groove machined into the bottom inserts ensures the fiber is centered within the fiber holder; inserts with different V-groove sizes are available (see the Fiber Holder Insert tab for more information on pairing top and bottom standard or transfer inserts). Vacuum holes at the bottom of the transfer inserts are used for holding and aligning small fibers within the V-groove.

Three types of bottom inserts are compatible with the glass processors: transfer bottom inserts, standard bottom inserts, and multi-fiber bottom inserts (sold further below). Transfer bottom inserts (indicated with Item #'s starting with VHF) allow for a single fiber to be transferred between the LDC401 Series of Fiber Cleavers, FPS301 Stripping and Cleaning Station, and the GPX4000LZ CO₂ Laser Glass Processor with minimal loss of alignment. For example, a fiber can be placed in a transfer insert and cleaved using the LDC401 cleaver, then the entire transfer insert can be placed in the LFS4100 Splicing System for splicing. This process works because the transfer inserts are precisely located within each Vytran system, and the VHT1 Transfer Clamp (sold directly below) prevents axial movement of the fiber during transport. Transfer inserts are equipped with vacuum holes that provide a small suction force to hold the fiber in place. All of these transfer inserts require the VHT1 Transfer Clamp (sold below); transfer inserts for fiber outer diameters ≤550 µm also require a Graphite V-Groove (sold below).

Standard Fiber Holder Bottom Inserts (indicated by Item #'s starting with VHE) can be used with fibers with large-diameter fibers. These inserts come in single-sided and dual-sided versions. The standard bottom inserts can also be used in the LDC401 Series of Fiber Cleavers, FPS301 Stripping and Cleaning Station, Automated Glass Processors and LFS4100 Splicing System. Unlike transfer inserts, alignment of the fibers will not be maintained when these inserts are transferred between systems.

• Clamp and Graphite V-Grooves Used with Transfer Bottom Inserts to Move Fiber Between Vytran Systems
• One VHT1 Transfer Clamp Required with Transfer Bottom Inserts
• Graphite V-Groove for Supporting Smaller Fibers from Ø80 µm to Ø550 µm During Splicing
• Transfer Clamps are Also Compatible with LDC401 Series of Fiber Cleavers and FPS301 Stripping and Cleaning Station

These Transfer Clamps and V-Grooves are used with the VHF Transfer Bottom Inserts sold directly above to move a single fiber between various Vytran systems with minimal loss of alignment. For example, a fiber can be placed in a transfer insert and cleaved using the LDC401 Fiber Cleaver. Then, the entire transfer insert and fiber can be moved to a glass processor for splicing.

The VHT1 clamp is equipped with a magnetic lid that secures transfer inserts and prevents axial movement of the fiber. It can also be used to hold the insert during transport without touching the fiber itself. For fibers with diameters ≤550 µm, a graphite V-groove must be purchased to support the fiber when splicing (please see the size table to the right for more information). The 1.094" long V-grooves are designed for use only with the GPX4000LZ CO₂ laser heating mode, while the 0.313" and 0.594" long V-grooves are used with the filament heating mode. The 0.594" length provides extended support along the length of the fiber and reduces the amount of overhang during processing in the filament heating mode. The graphite V-grooves are secured by tightening the two setscrews in the transfer insert. For information on how to assemble transfer inserts, see the Fiber Holder Inserts tab.

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The Double-V-Slot with Pins inserts feature eccentric adjustment pins that are used to bring two fibers into very close proximity for splicing together. The VHD320C insert is shown above.

• Bottom Inserts with Grooves for Holding Multiple Fibers
• Used When Creating Fused Couplers or Combiners
• Vacuum Holes for Aligning Fibers in V-Grooves or Slots
• Multiple Insert Types Available (See Table for Options)

Multi-Fiber Inserts are designed for applications requiring two or three fibers to be tapered and fused together, such as when making wavelength division multiplexers, fused fiber couplers, or power combiners.

Side-by-Side inserts have a U-shaped groove for holding two fibers tightly together in parallel. Double-V-Slot inserts feature two parallel V-grooves on the same side of the insert that each hold a single fiber. The Double-V-Slot with Pins inserts additionally feature eccentric offset adjustment pins that are used to bring the two fibers in close contact during processing (see photo to the left). Triple-V-Slot inserts have a V-groove in the middle and two V-grooves adjacent on both sides that allow a signal fiber to be fused with two pump fibers.

These bottom inserts are magnetically held within the fiber holding blocks of the glass processors and other compatible systems. The grooves machined into the inserts ensure the fiber is centered within the fiber holder. Vacuum holes at the bottom of the transfer inserts are used for holding and aligning small fibers within the V-groove. Recommended top inserts for each multi-fiber insert are indicated in the table to the right. Alignment of the fibers will not be maintained when these inserts are transferred between systems.

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An example application shows the GPXM45 Insert being used in Top View to inspect the end face of an endcapped fiber on the GLZ4001EC CO₂ Laser End-Cap Splicer Workstation.

• For Inspection of Fiber End Faces and Alignment of Fiber Components 
• 10 mm Square 45° Inspection Mirror
• Compatible with the LFS4100 Splicer, the GLZ4001EC CO₂ Laser End-Cap Splicer Workstation, and GPX Series Fiber Processors.

The GPXM45 Insert with 45° Mirror provides an additional method for inspection of fiber end faces and alignment of fiber components. A fiber holding block on any of the compatible Vytran systems listed above secures the mirror insert in the same way as a fiber holder bottom insert. On the GPX series fiber processors and the LFS4100 splicer, which have smaller end-view mirrors, this insert provides a larger, 10 mm square mirror as an additional inspection option. Additionally, this mirror can be used outside the Vytran systems as a convenient inspection tool on an optical bench or a microscope.

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An Ø8 mm end cap with a Ø1 mm lead-in is secured within the front clamp of the ECH8C.

• For Holding Ø0.95 mm to Ø9.50 mm End Caps During Splicing
• Versions Equipped with Vacuum Suction, Clamp, or Magnetic Lid Available
• Compatible with Fiber Holding Blocks on Glass Processor Workstation

These holders secure and position end caps in the glass processor workstation during the fusion process. Holders for end caps with outer diameters ranging from 0.95 mm to 9.50 mm are available.

Holder with Vacuum Suction
The ECH1V, ECH15V, and ECH2V End-Cap Holders use suction force to hold smaller Ø1.0 mm, Ø1.5 mm, and Ø2.0 mm end caps respectively within the steel tube holder. Suction is generated through the flexible tube via the connector plugged into the vacuum line labeled "VACUUM" at the rear of the workstation. To mount an end cap within the holder, pick up the end cap with tweezers and load it into the holder. The steel tube that holds the end cap features an internal step to prevent an end cap from being pulled into the steel tube entirely. Vacuum-style holders can be held between two fiber holding block inserts (Item #s VHA20 and VHE20) which can be purchased separately.

Holders with Flexure Clamp
The ECH4C, ECH5C, and ECH8C Holders use a flexure clamp that does not require a vacuum to operate and allows an end cap to be placed in close proximity to the furnace tower. These holders use a two-clamp system that enables adjustment of the flexure clamp position on the holder in order to accommodate different end-cap lengths from 2.5 mm to 10 mm. Tighten the screw using a torque wrench with a 0.05" (1.3 mm) hex to a torque of 0.04 N·m for best performance; do not overtighten the screw. These holders are directly compatible with the fiber holding block; they are used in place of a bottom insert in the fiber holding block.

Holders with Magnetic Lid
The ECH8L Holder features a hinged magnetic lid and a nylon-tipped setscrew to secure end caps up to Ø9.50 mm in place. To use, place the end cap on the v-groove and gently tighten the set screw using a 0.050" (1.3 mm) hex key or balldriver (not included). Overtightening the setscrew will cause the lid to lift and decrease the holding force on the end cap. This holders is directly compatible with the fiber holding block; it is used in place of a bottom insert in the fiber holding block.

• Optional Cooling System for GPX4000LZ Glass Processor in Filament Heating Mode
• Prevents Furnace Overheating During Extended Heating Operation (e.g., Tapering)
• Includes 700 mL (24 fl oz) of High-Performance Liquid Coolant

The GPXLZWCS Liquid Cooling System is an optional add-on for our GPX4000LZ Glass Processor that helps keep the furnace tower cooled during extended heating operations when using the filament heating mode. It is highly recommended for customers interested in fiber tapering, mode adapter, or fiber termination applications. If the GPXLZWCS is ordered at the same time as the GPX4000LZ Glass Processor Workstation, it can be installed at the factory prior to shipping.

The GPXLZWCS has a 157 mL reservoir to cycle high-performance liquid coolant (700 mL bottle of coolant included) at flow rates of up to 4 L/min with a cooling capacity of 590 W at 25 °C ambient temperature; click here for an MSDS safety sheet. Tubing and fittings for connecting to the GPX4000LZ are included. The cooling system can be powered either through a 12 VDC Molex Connector (via the included computer slot adapter) or externally using the included 110/120 VAC power adapter.

• Filament Assemblies for CO₂ Laser Glass Processor (One FTAV4 Graphite Filament Included with Each System)
• Optimized for Splicing, Tapering, or Lensed Tip Applications (See Table to the Right for Details)
• Assembly Includes Filament Element and Protective Shroud

Filament assemblies contain a graphite, iridium, or tungsten omega-shaped resistive heater element encased within a protective shroud. The filaments sold here are compatible with all of our GPX Series Automated Glass Processors; those indicated in the table to the right as splice filaments are also compatible with the LFS4100 Splicing System.

Filaments for Splicing or Tapering
Graphite filaments are capable of achieving the high temperatures necessary for splicing or tapering large-diameter fibers while outgassing less than filaments made from other metals. Iridium filaments heat fibers at lower temperatures than graphite filaments, making these ideal for working with soft glass fibers. Tungsten filaments offer narrower heat zones and reach temperature very quickly, making them ideal for splicing highly doped fibers and structured fibers where long splice duration could cause significant diffusion or collapse. Although the heating lifetime of a filament is approximately 40 minutes, this can vary depending on a number of factors including argon quality, splice/taper duration, and fiber glass quality.

These filaments are optimized for splicing or tapering applications; this is not restrictive, however, as splice filaments can be used for tapering. Splice filaments have an opening in the top of the assembly body, while tapering filaments are closed off at the top to minimize exposure to contaminants.

Identification & Maintenance
One FTAV4 filament is included with each system. Different filament bodies are distinguished by the version number (e.g., V4, V6, T3) engraved on the assembly body. Before a new filament can be used in a system, it must be burned in. During the burn-in process, the filament is cycled between its operating temperature and room temperature several times. This stabilizes the thermal properties of the filament so that it produces a more consistent power output and heating performance when current is passed through it. This procedure only needs to be performed once, after which the filament will only need regular normalization. Visit the Tutorial Videos tab above to see videos on how to perform filament maintenance and simple splices. If filament performance begins to degrade, filament refurbishments can be ordered by contacting Tech Support.

• Additional or Replacement Shelf for GPX4000LZ Laser Glass Processing System
• Maximum Load Capacity: 100 lbs (45 kg)
• Includes Mounting Hardware (T-Nuts, Bolts, and 3/16" Hex Key)

The GLZD Drop-Leaf Shelf is compatible with our GPX4000LZ and GLZ4001EC Processing Systems. The shelf includes mounting hardware and can attach to either side of the system enclosure. The supporting braces lock in place automatically when the shelf is raised. Note that the GPX4000LZ system comes standard with one GLZD shelf already attached. Each system enclosure can support one shelf on each side for a total of two.

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USC2 Ultrasonic Cleaner and USC2NVT Nest for Vytran Transfer Bottom Inserts

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The cleaning intensity and duration controls are located on the rear of the cleaner.

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View Product List

Item #	Qty	Description
USC2	1	Ultrasonic Fiber Cleaner with Bare Fiber Holder Nest
USC2NVT	1	Ultrasonic Cleaner Nest for Vytran Bottom Inserts
USC2Y15	1	15 mm Spacer for Vytran Nest
VHF750	1	Fiber Holder Transfer Bottom Insert, Ø516 µm - Ø1047 µm
VHT1	1	Transfer Clamp with Magnetic Lid for Fiber Holder Transfer Inserts
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The USC2NVT Nest adds support for Vytran transfer bottom inserts.

• Easy-to-Adjust Immersion Depth, Cleaning Duration, and Power Level
• Bare Fiber Nest with Magnetic Clamp Included
• Nest for Vytran Transfer Bottom Inserts Sold Separately (Item # USC2NVT)
• Compatible Solvents: Acetone or Isopropanol (Isopropyl Alcohol)
• Spout for Easy Fluid Disposal; Slotted Shield for Reduced Solvent Evaporation

Thorlabs' Vytran^® USC2 Ultrasonic Fiber Cleaner is designed for volume processing of bare fiber. Adjustment knobs for cleaning intensity and cleaning duration allow the user to easily set repeatable cleaning parameters. The dunking jig offers adjustable immersion depth and is compatible with interchangeable fiber holder nests (each sold separately). A red LED indicates when the cleaning cycle is active. The 100 mL solvent tank is only suitable for use with acetone or isopropyl alcohol.

Tilting the dunking jig submerges the fiber in the tank and initiates the ultrasonic cleaning process. The ultrasonic agitation ceases after the chosen cleaning duration. The height of the fiber holder above the solvent tank can be changed over a 0.5" (12.7 mm) range using the knurled adjuster on the side of the dunking jig, visible in the photo above.

The knurled adjuster can also be reversed to disengage the bare fiber nest and switch it out for another fiber holder nest. Each cleaner is shipped with a bare fiber nest installed in the dunking jig. The USC2NVT Nest (sold separately) is designed for use with Vytran transfer bottom inserts. Accessories are available for the Vytran fiber nest to support a wider range of usage scenarios, including a clamp for standard bottom inserts and spacers for recessing inserts farther from the solvent tank. We also offer nests for Fujikura^® and Fitel^® fiber holders (each sold separately). Please see the complete product presentation for more information.