FC/APC Fiber Connectors: Single Mode


  • Screw-In Connectors
  • 8° Pre-Angled, Spring-Loaded, Ceramic Ferrules
  • Typical 10 dB Improvement in Return Loss
    Compared to FC/PC Connectors
  • 2.0 mm Narrow Keys

30126A3

FC/APC Connector Assembled
with Ø3 mm Tubing (Not Included)

Dust Caps and Strain Relief Boots
for Ø2 mm Tubing Can be
Purchased Separately

Exploded View
of 30126A9

Connector
Housing

Boot for
Ø900 µm Tubing

Related Items


Please Wait
Fiber Connector Selection Guide
Single Mode Multimode
FC/PC
FC/APC
ST/PC
LC/PC
FC/PC (SS Ferrule)
FC/PC (Ceramic Ferrule)
FC/APC
SMA905
ST/PC
Bare Ferrules
Bare Fiber Terminator
Stock Patch Cables Available
with Connectors Sold on This Page
Single Mode Polarization-Maintaining
FC/APC
Hybrid Connectors
AR-Coated
BS-Coated
Mirror-Coated
FC/APC
Hybrid Connectors
AR-Coated
Mirror-Coated

Features

  • FC/APC Connectors with 2.0 mm Narrow Keys
  • Screw-In Connector for High Stability
  • 8° Pre-Angled, Spring-Loaded, Ø2.5 mm, Ceramic Ferrules
  • Strain Relief Boot for Ø3.0 mm or Ø900 µm Tubing and Connector Cap Included

Threaded FC/APC connectors are designed for high-vibration environments and minimal back reflections. The "APC" stands for "angled physical contact" because these connectors allow the surfaces of two connected fibers to be in direct contact with each other and because the fiber end is polished at an angle to prevent reflected light from traveling back up the fiber. These FC/APC connectors have an 8° pre-angled ceramic ferrule, which when properly polished, results in a typical return loss of 60 dB. Each connector package includes a fiber connector cap and plastic boot.

These connectors also feature a low 0.25 dB connector-to-connector typical loss. However, significant insertion loss can result when mating to different styles, and because of this, we recommend that FC/APC connectors be mated only with other FC/APC connectors. If your application requires that you switch connector types, we recommend using a hybrid patch cable.

As an alternative to buying and assembling separate optical fiber, connectors, and furcation tubing, Thorlabs also offers pre-built patch cables from stock using the connectors sold on this page. See the table to the right and the Patch Cables tab for a listing of patch cables available that incorporate connectors sold on this page.

Fiber Type Patch Cable Type Connectors Fiber Wavelength Range
Single Mode Standard FC/APC FC/APC to FC/APC 320 - 2100 nma
Hybrid Connectors FC/PC to FC/APC or
FC/PC to SMA905
320 - 2100 nma
AR-Coated FC/PC to FC/PC,
FC/APC to FC/APC, or
FC/PC to FC/APC
320 - 2100 nma
BS-Coated FC/PC to FC/PC or
FC/APC to FC/APC
1260 - 1620 nm
Reflective-Coated FC/PC or FC/APC 970 - 1620 nma
Polarization-Maintaining
Single Mode
Standard FC/APC FC/APC to FC/APC 405 - 2000 nmb
Hybrid Connectors FC/PC to FC/APC 405 - 2000 nmb
AR-Coated FC/PC to FC/PC or
FC/PC to FC/APC
620 - 1620 nmb
Reflective-Coated FC/PC or FC/APC 970 - 1550 nm
  • This is the wavelength range covered by multiple fibers.
  • PM patch cables are aligned at discrete wavelengths in this range, based on the fiber type.

Stock Patch Cables Available with These Connectors

As an alternative to buying and assembling separate optical fiber, connectors, and furcation tubing, Thorlabs offers pre-built patch cables from stock using the connectors sold on this page. Stocked patch cables are available with single mode or polarization-maintaining single mode optical fiber, as indicated by the table to the right. Additionally, Thorlabs offers Custom Patch Cables with same-day shipping, which can be constructed using the connectors sold on this page.


Posted Comments:
bryden.quirk  (posted 2017-06-01 13:11:51.13)
Hi i,m having some trouble getting reliable connections with these connectors the insertion loss seems to increase significantly if the connector is screwed on too tightly or too loosely and is only acceptable with vary careful adjustment each time the connector is mated This seems to happen regardless of whether or not a radius is polished onto the ferrule I am visually inspecting the end face using an inspection scope and all-so using a Telesto OCT system to inspect for undercutting of the fiber. Do you have any suggestions ?
nbayconich  (posted 2017-06-14 09:48:21.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. It is possible that the key is misaligned between the connector and key slot. I will contact you directly about your application.
mjburek  (posted 2015-07-30 17:53:06.67)
Is it possible to buy the green or white fiber ferrule dust caps which are included with single mode fiber patch cords, instead of the clear plastic dust caps sold in packs of 25? Those which come with the single mode fibers have the molded attachment to the fiber, but these often break after extended us and we'd like to replace them.
besembeson  (posted 2015-09-24 09:34:23.0)
Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: Yes you can. I will follow-up with you.
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FC/APC Fiber Connectors: Single Mode

Item # Style Bore Concentricity Ferrule Included Boot Crimp Tool for
Ø3.0 mm Tubinga
Operating
Temperature
30080K2 2.0 mm FC/APC Narrow Key Ø81 +2/-0 µm 1 µm Ø2.5 mm, Ceramic Ø900 µm Not Required -40 - 70 °C
30126A3 2.0 mm FC/APC Narrow Key Ø126 +1/-0 µm 1 µm Ø2.5 mm, Ceramic Ø3.0 mm CT042 -40 - 70 °C
30126A9 2.0 mm FC/APC Narrow Key Ø126 +1/-0 µm 1 µm Ø2.5 mm, Ceramic Ø900 µm Not Required -40 - 70 °C
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
30080K2 Support Documentation
30080K2FC/APC Single Mode Connector, Ø81 µm Bore, Ceramic Ferrule, Ø900 µm Boot
$26.73
Today
30126A3 Support Documentation
30126A3FC/APC Single Mode Connector, Ø126 µm Bore, Ceramic Ferrule, Ø3.0 mm Boot
$10.15
Today
30126A9 Support Documentation
30126A9FC/APC Single Mode Connector, Ø126 µm Bore, Ceramic Ferrule, Ø900 µm Boot
$10.15
Today
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Strain Relief Boots and Dust Caps

  • Strain Relief Boots and Crimp Sleeves for Ø2 mm Tubing (25 Pack)
  • CAPF Dust Cap for Ø2.5 mm Ferrules (25 Pack)
  • CAPFM Threaded Metal Dust Cap for FC Connectors (4 Pack)

Thorlabs offers strain relief boots and dust caps that can be purchased separately from our fiber connectors. The black strain relief boots sold here include a crimp sleeve and are compatible with FC/PC and FC/APC connectors and Ø2 mm furcation tubing (our stock connectors do not include a boot compatible with Ø2 mm tubing).

The CAPF Clear Plastic Dust Caps are for use with all Ø2.5 mm fiber connector ferrules and FC connectors, and the CAPFM Threaded Nickel-Plated Brass Dust Caps are for use with narrow-key FC connectors. Dirt on the fiber tip can result in permanent damage to the fiber connector, which can increase coupling losses or create undesirable mode structures in the output light. To prevent damaging the connectorized fiber, clean before each use with an appropriate fiber and connector cleaning product and use a fiber connector cap to protect the end face of the connectorized fiber when it is not in use.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
190066CP Support Documentation
190066CPBlack Strain Relief Boots and Crimp Sleeves for Ø2 mm Tubing and FC/PC Connectors, 25 Pack
$27.67
Today
CAPF Support Documentation
CAPFClear Plastic Dust Caps for Ø2.5 mm Ferrules, 25 Pack
$8.02
Today
CAPFM Support Documentation
CAPFMCustomer Inspired! Metal Threaded Caps for FC Connectors, 4 Pack
$11.07
Today

*  Orders for in-stock furcation tubing placed by 3:00 PM ET and for lengths <100 m are eligible for same-day shipment.