--- title: An Introduction to Large Core Optical Fibers description: Learn about large core multimode optical fibers for medical and industrial laser applications. image: https://www.m2optics.com/hubfs/images/Large%20Core%20Fiber%20Diagram.jpg --- - **Phone** [919-342-5619](tel:919-342-5619) - **Toll Free** [866-269-2902](tel:866-269-2902) - **Email** [sales@m2optics.com](mailto:sales@m2optics.com) [![footer-logo](https://www.m2optics.com/hs-fs/hubfs/M2_Optics_2021/footer-logo.png?width=166&height=58&name=footer-logo.png "footer-logo")](https://www.m2optics.com/) [![Request a Call](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/39436/fc7235a3-fa4d-4c7f-bc75-7336bfb927cc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/39436/fc7235a3-fa4d-4c7f-bc75-7336bfb927cc) # An Introduction to Large Core Optical Fibers Posted by [George Zhu](https://www.m2optics.com/blog/author/george-zhu) on Thu, Sep 28, 2017 @ 10:09 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) The most common multimode [optical fibers](https://www.m2optics.com/optical-fibers), which allow multiple light modes to propogate along the link simultaneously, are designed with a core diameter size of 50µm for for high-speed communications networks.  You may recognize these types of fibers by industry specifications such as OM2, OM3, and OM4 or by brand names like Corning® ClearCurve® and OFS® LaserWave®. However, for applications that require greater power transmissions using a high-power laser source, multimode fiber with a larger core diameter is a more suitable approach.  For example, a continuous-wave laser with power of 50W or above would require an optical fiber with a minimum core diameter of 100µm. One important characteristic of a fiber is the power handling ability, measured in Watt/cm2.  For silica core fiber, its limit ranges from a few hundred KW/cm2 to 1MW/cm2 depending upon the glass type and dopants used1.  As the fiber's effective area increases, the ability to transmit a source with a higher power intensity also increases.  Thus, a large core fiber is the ideal choice for some medical (theraputic, surgical) and as well as some industrial (welding, cutting) high-power lasers. To visually demonstrate the core size difference between a standard 50µm multimode fiber and a 100µm large core multimode fiber, see Figure 1 below: ![Large Core Fiber Diagram.jpg](https://www.m2optics.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Large%20Core%20Fiber%20Diagram.jpg?width=275&name=Large%20Core%20Fiber%20Diagram.jpg) Similar to the standard multimode types, large core fibers are also manufactured and optimized for operation at the 850nm and 1300nm wavelengths.  Below is a table showing some of the most common core/cladding combination offerings for large core fibers: | **     Core (µm)    ** | ** Cladding (µm) ** | | --- | --- | | 100 | 125 | | 100 | 500 | | 200 | 500 | | 300 | 500 | | 400 | 500 | | 600 | 750 | | 800 | 1000 | If you are seeking more information about large core optical fibers, or have a requirement for specialty fibers, [contact the engineering team](https://www.m2optics.com/contact-us) at M2 Optics at your convenience. * References:* *1. http://www.horiba.com/uk/scientific/products/fibre-optics/technical-information/high-power-fibre-optics/* --- ![M2 Optics, Inc.](https://www.m2optics.com/hubfs/M2%20Optics%2c%20Inc.-%20Transparent.png "M2 Optics, Inc.") ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - 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