Thorlabs offers a complete line of fiber cleaning products specifically designed for bare fiber, connectorized fiber, or fiber bulkheads such as those found on the front panel of our fiber-coupled laser sources.

Cleaning Fiber Bulkheads and Fiber Connectors:
The FCS3 TravelSAFE¹ Precision Fiber Cleaning Solvent can be used with the MCC25 Connector Cleaning Sticks to clean any connectors or bulkheads, including FC/APC. The Cleaning with FCS3 tab has step-by-step directions for this cleaning method.

The FBC1 One-Step Bulkhead and Connector Cleaner is designed for cleaning 2.5 mm FC/PC, SC, and ST fiber connectors and bulkheads quickly and without the need for solvents; please see the Cleaning with FBC1 tab above for details.

For fiber connectors, the FCC-7020 Universal Fiber Connector Cleaner is available. This hand-held connector cleaner is a great alternative to alcohol or solvent. The cleaning cloth effectively removes dirt, dust, oil, grease, and debris from connector end faces.

Cleaning Bare Fiber:
For cleaning bare fiber, there are two options. The FCS3 Cleaning Solvent can be applied with LFW90 Lint-Free Wipes; this procedure is illustrated on the Cleaning with FCS3 tab.

A second option is to use a solvent such as alcohol with Kimwipes. The solvent, which needs to be purchased from a chemical distributor, can be dispensed from our BD8 one-touch pump dispenser bottle, which is great for minimizing solvent evaporation.

Fiber Optic Cleaning Kit:
The CKF complete fiber optic cleaning kit bundles all of the products necessary to clean fiber. The kit contains our TravelSAFE fiber connector cleaner (FCS3), connector cleaning sticks (MCC25), lint-free wipes (LFW90), handheld connector cleaner (FCC-7020), and a replacement reel for the handheld cleaner (FCC-7021). Many of these products are utilized in the procedures demonstrated on the Cleaning with FCS3 tab.

Fiber Inspection Scope:
The FS200 Fiber Inspection Scope, which comes with a universal adapter for FC-, ST-, SC-, and APC-terminated fibers, produces a high-quality, low-distortion image of both the connector end and the fiber. The FS200-SMA adapter, for SMA-terminated fibers, is also included. With a high-intensity illumination system and 200X magnification, this microscope is powerful enough to offer a clear image of the fiber core as well as the surrounding cladding. In addition, there is the option to use an oblique illumination setting, which provides illumination at an off-center angle to the fiber endface. For critical examination of polish quality, we strongly recommend this fiber inspection scope. Two AAA batteries are included with the FS200.

¹TravelSAFE™ designation indicates that the product is safe for air shipment

Fiber Cleaning Techniques using FCS3

This tab details techniques for cleaning fibers, connectors, and fiber bulkheads using the FCS3 cleaning fluid with other items on this page.

Click these links to jump to specific cleaning steps:

• Cleaning a Fiber Bulkhead
• Fiber Patch Cable Connectors
• Cleaning Bare Fiber

Cleaning a Fiber Bulkhead

For this task, you will need the FCS3 Fiber Connector Cleaner and the MCC25 Connector Cleaning Sticks. Both of these items are available in the CKF Fiber Connector Cleaning Kit.

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Step #1: Push down on the top of the FCS3 can to fill the shallow reservoir with the connector cleaner.

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Step #2: Emerse the tip of the MCC25 stick into the cleaning solution.

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Step #3: Use the stick to clean the fiber bulkhead (connector) on the fiber-coupled laser source as shown above or any other device with a fiber bulkhead.

Cleaning Fiber Patch Cable Connectors

Before cleaning and prior to each use, Thorlabs recommends using an inspection scope (FS-200) to inspect each fiber endface. Every fiber optic connector should be cleaned every time it is mated, tested, or reconfigured. "Wet-Dry" cleaning as described below improves performance when cleaning. For this task, you will need FCS3 Fiber Connector Cleaner and LFW90 Lint-Free Wipes. Both of these items are available in the CKF Fiber Connector Cleaning Kit.

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Step #1: Pull a clean wipe out of the LFW90 mini-tub. Stop pulling when the next wipe is exposed. Pinch the next wipe against the opening in the mini-tub with your thumb. Pull sideways to remove.

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Step #2: Lay the wipe across the palm of your hand. Hold it in place with your thumb.

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Step #3: Place the wipe on top of the open FCS3 solvent container. Push down to dampen it. Note: Normally, only one pump is necessary.

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Step #4: Place the connector on the moisened area of the wipe. Drag the connector down to the dry area. Discard the wipe. Inspect the endface with the FS-200 inspection scope to verify cleanliness.

Cleaning Bare Fiber

For this task, you need FCS3 Fiber Cleaner and LFW90 Lint-Free Wipes. Both of these are provided in Thorlabs' CFK Fiber Cleaning Kit.

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Step #1: After stripping the fiber, pull a clean wipe out of the LFW90 mini-tub. Stop pulling when the next wipe is exposed. Pinch the next wipe against the opening in the mini-tub with your thumb. Pull sideways to remove.

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Step #2: Fold the wipe in half, so it is square.

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Step #3: Place the wipe on top of the open FCS3 solvent container. Push down to dampen it. Note: Normally, only one pump is necessary.

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Step #4: Wrap the damp wipe around the fiber. Squeeze gently. Slide the wipe towards the end of the fiber once or twice until it squeaks, indicating the fiber is clean.

Fiber Cleaning Techniques Using the FBC1

This tab details how to clean fiber bulkheads and fiber connectors using the FBC1 one-step cleaner.

Using Extended Mode

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To use extended mode, pull the tip outward while simultaneously pushing down on the lock button. Extended mode is useful for panels with multiple bulkhead connectors or other tight spaces.

Cleaning Fiber Bulkheads

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Remove the guide cap completely from the device, and insert the tip of the cleaner into the bulhead connector. Push the case to start the cleaning process; a click indicates that the cleaning is complete.

Cleaning Fiber Connectors

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Open the cover on the guide cap, and insert the fiber connector over the guide cap. Push the case to start the cleaning process; a click indicates that the cleaning is complete.