Joints Allow Fibers To Rotate January 2004 Issue Published Date: January 13, 2004
Acting as the optical equivalent of slip rings, the Fiber Optic Rotary Joints (FORJs) allow data to be transmitted without interruption in applications requiring 360° rotation of the fiber, such as in guidance and robotic systems, medical equipment, and remotely operated vehicles. The rotary joints come in a variety of package types, wavelengths and fiber types, with the joints supporting communication using singlemode, multimode, broadband, CWDM and DWDM technologies. The FORJs also are resistant to water and dust ingress, feature a stainless steel construction with ceramic ball bearings, and have an insertion loss of 2 dB max. and a return loss of >45 dB. Bandwidth is 850 to 1650 nm and the maximum physical load on the fiber is 10N (for 900-µm fiber). Rotational speeds up to 100 rpm (2,000 rpm for the high-rpm version) are supported. Prices for the joints varies from $1,000 to $5,000 each, depending on version and options specified. STRATOS LIGHTWAVE INC., Chicago, IL. (800) 323-6858.
