Fiber Optic L-Bracket Mating Sleeves


  • Mounted FC, SMA, and ST Mating Sleeves
  • Single, Dual, and Quadruple L-Brackets Available
  • Empty L-Brackets for Square or D-Hole Sleeves

ADASTB2

ADABD1

ADAFCB3

Front

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Metal, Plastic, and/or Rubber Caps are Included to Protect Each Mating Sleeve Port

ADAFCPMB5

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Thorlabs' L-Bracket Mating Sleeves connect fibers terminated with industry-standard FC/PC, FC/APC, SMA, and ST connectors. All our mating sleeves properly align the cores of each connectorized fiber end and minimize back reflections by bringing them into optical contact, with the exception of our SMA mating sleeves, which are air-spaced. The mating sleeves sold on this page are premounted in a single, dual, or quadruple L-bracket that provides mechanical compatibility with standard 1/4"-20 (M6) optomechanics, such as optical tables, breadboards, and post assemblies. Empty L-brackets are also available for custom FC mating sleeve pairings. Should you require a mating sleeve not shown on this page, such as for LC or SC connectors, it may be available in an unmounted version.

A single L-bracket is the most compact solution for mounting a mating sleeve using standard optomechanics. In contrast, dual and quadruple L-brackets can help to organize fiber-coupled devices with multiple outputs, such as couplers, circulators, and wavelength division multiplexers (WDMs).

It is important that the fiber tips be clean to minimize connection losses and avoid damage to the connector. These mating sleeve brackets bring the fiber tips into physical contact with each other, with the exception of our SMA mating sleeves. The use of our G608N3 Index Matching Gel (sold below) can also help to reduce reflective losses at the fiber connection. Thorlabs offers a complete selection of inspection tools and cleaning supplies for optical fiber.

For unconnectorized fiber, our reusable fiber-to-fiber splicing products are useful for creating temporary connections. For complete splicing systems, consider one of our Vytran® fiber optic fusion splicers.

Dual L-Bracket
Click to Enlarge

A BFCT Component Tray can be used to organize fiber cables in combination with our L-bracket mating sleeves.
Dual L-Bracket
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A dual L-bracket mating sleeve organizes devices with multiple inputs or outputs, reducing clutter and confusion.
Single L-Bracket
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Our L-bracket mating sleeves provide ports in fixed locations on an optical table and help to organize instruments.

Posted Comments:
robert altmann  (posted 2024-01-16 10:56:09.0)
is the ADAFCPMB2 suitable for both fc/pc and fc/apc connectors? Or are there two different versions.
ksosnowski  (posted 2024-01-17 10:59:50.0)
Hello Robert, thanks for reaching out to Thorlabs. Yes ADAFCPMB2 can accept either FC/PC or FC/APC connectors. Both ferrules used need to be the same standard as this will not act as an FC/PC to APC adapter per se. There is no mechanical offset in the bulkhead for this model as it is intended to be used at a fiber to fiber interface rather than launching to freespace. Due to this lack of an angle it is able to accept both standards for mating.
Philip Skochinski  (posted 2019-11-14 15:25:48.677)
Can I use the ADAFCB3 to connect FC/PC to FC/PC fibers?
YLohia  (posted 2019-11-14 03:36:55.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Yes, the ADAFCB3 can be used to mate two FC/PC connectorized fibers.
user  (posted 2017-02-24 16:14:40.39)
Large quantities of these parts are often needed. Please add packs of 5 or 10 for example with small large quantity discount. Thanks!
jlow  (posted 2017-03-01 04:56:06.0)
Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: Thank you very much for the suggestion. We will look into carrying this.
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FC/PC to FC/PC L-Bracket, Wide-Key-Slot Mating Sleeves

Wide-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve and Narrow Key Connector
When a narrow key connector is inserted into a wide-key-slot mating sleeve, the connector has room to rotate. For narrow key FC/PC connectors, this is acceptable, but for narrow key FC/APC connectors, significant coupling losses will result.
  • 2.2 mm Wide-Key-Slot Mating Sleeves
  • Designed for All FC/PC-Connectorized Fibers
  • <0.5 dB Insertion Loss (Measured at 635 nm with FC/PC-Terminated SM600 Fibers)
  • Single, Dual, and Quadruple Brackets Available

Thorlabs' L-Bracket, Wide-Key-Slot Mating Sleeves contain one or, in the case of the quadruple version, two 1/4" (M6) through holes for easy mounting to a post, optical table, or breadboard. All L-brackets feature 4-40 tap(s) to secure a CAPF1 Metal Cap, available for purchase separately. To protect each mating sleeve while it is not in use, the ADAFCB1 includes one CAPF1 Metal Cap and one rubber cap, the ADAFCB2 includes two CAPF1 Metal Caps and two rubber caps, and the ADAFCB5 includes eight rubber caps.

Flat FC/PC connectors are significantly less alignment sensitive than their angled FC/APC counterparts, making these wide-key-slot mating sleeves acceptable for narrow and wide key FC/PC connectors. Although these mating sleeves are mechanically compatible with narrow key FC/APC connectors, the wide key slot makes it difficult to properly align the angled, narrow key FC/APC connector, as shown in the animation to the right. For FC/APC applications, we therefore recommend the narrow-key-slot mating sleeves shown immediately below. All FC/PC and FC/APC patch cables manufactured by Thorlabs use narrow key connectors.

Unmounted FC/PC to FC/PC mating sleeves are also sold separately.

 

Wide Key Slot and Wide Key
Click to Enlarge

Wide-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve and Wide Key Connector:
Recommended for All Wide Key Connectors
Wide Key Slot and Narrow Key
Click to Enlarge

Wide-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve and Narrow Key Connector:
Recommended for Narrow Key FC/PC Connectors
Not Recommended for Narrow Key FC/APC Connectors
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
ADAFCB1 Support Documentation
ADAFCB1FC/PC to FC/PC Single L-Bracket Mating Sleeve, Wide Key (2.2 mm)
$38.03
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ADAFCB2 Support Documentation
ADAFCB2FC/PC to FC/PC Dual L-Bracket Mating Sleeve, Wide Key (2.2 mm)
$64.74
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ADAFCB5 Support Documentation
ADAFCB5Customer Inspired! FC/PC to FC/PC Quadruple L-Bracket Mating Sleeve, Wide Key (2.2 mm)
$116.46
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FC/APC to FC/APC L-Bracket, Narrow-Key-Slot Mating Sleeves

Narrow-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve and Narrow Key Connector
Once a narrow key connector is inserted into a narrow-key-slot mating sleeve, the connector will not rotate. We therefore recommend these mating sleeves for FC/PC and FC/APC connectors with narrow keys.
  • 2.0 mm Narrow-Key-Slot Mating Sleeves
  • Designed for FC/PC- or FC/APC-Connectorized Fibers with 2.0 mm Narrow Keys
  • <0.5 dB Insertion Loss (Measured at 635 nm with FC-Terminated SM600 Fibers)
  • Single, Dual, and Quadruple Brackets Available

Thorlabs' L-Bracket, Narrow-Key-Slot Mating Sleeves contain one or, in the case of the quadruple version, two 1/4" (M6) through holes for easy mounting to a post, optical table, or breadboard. All L-brackets feature 4-40 tap(s) to secure a CAPF1 Metal Cap, available for purchase separately. To protect each mating sleeve while it is not in use, the ADAFCB3 includes one CAPF1 Metal Cap and one plastic cap, the ADAFCB4 includes two CAPF1 Metal Caps and two plastic caps, and the ADAFCB6 includes eight plastic caps.

Narrow Key Slot and Narrow Key
Click to Enlarge

Narrow-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve and Narrow Key Connector:
Recommended for All Narrow Key Connectors

These narrow-key-slot mating sleeves allow for proper alignment of angled, narrow key FC/APC connectors, as shown in the animation to the right. These sleeves are also mechanically compatible with narrow key FC/PC connectors, but the flat FC/PC connector is significantly less alignment sensitive, which makes the wide-key-slot mating sleeves shown immediately above an acceptable alternative. All FC/PC and FC/APC patch cables manufactured by Thorlabs use narrow key connectors.

Unmounted FC/APC to FC/APC mating sleeves are also sold separately.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
ADAFCB3 Support Documentation
ADAFCB3FC/APC to FC/APC Single L-Bracket Mating Sleeve, Narrow Key (2.0 mm)
$49.30
Today
ADAFCB4 Support Documentation
ADAFCB4FC/APC to FC/APC Dual L-Bracket Mating Sleeve, Narrow Key (2.0 mm)
$87.32
Today
ADAFCB6 Support Documentation
ADAFCB6Customer Inspired! FC/APC to FC/APC Quadruple L-Bracket Mating Sleeve, Narrow Key (2.0 mm)
$151.41
Today
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PM Fiber L-Bracket Mating Sleeves

Narrow-Precision-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve and Narrow Key Connector
If the width of the key and the key slot match, the connector will not rotate when it is inserted. To ensure that the polarization axes are properly aligned, choose the mating sleeve that matches your key width.
  • Best Possible Matching of Polarization Axes in PM Fibers
  • 2.0 mm Narrow Precision Key or 2.2 mm Wide Precision Key FC Connectors
  • <1.0 dB Insertion Loss (Measured at 635 nm with FC/PC- and FC/APC-Terminated PM630-HP Fibers)
  • Single, Dual, and Quadruple Brackets Available

Thorlabs' PM Fiber L-Bracket Mating Sleeves have housings made from a single piece of metal, as opposed to the typical two-piece design. This precision construction provides the best possible matching of polarization axes, making them ideal for FC/PC- or FC/APC-connectorized PM fibers. To ensure the best performance, choose the L-bracket mating sleeve that matches your key width. All FC/PC and FC/APC patch cables manufactured by Thorlabs use narrow key connectors; the animation to the right depicts how to align the narrow key with the narrow precision key slot.

Each L-bracket mating sleeve contains one or, in the case of the quadruple version, two 1/4" (M6) through holes for easy mounting to a post, optical table, or breadboard. All L-brackets feature 4-40 tap(s) to secure a CAPF1 Metal Cap, available for purchase separately. To protect each mating sleeve while it is not in use, single versions include one CAPF1 Metal Cap and one threaded plastic cap, dual versions include two CAPF1 Metal Caps and two threaded plastic caps, and quadruple versions include eight threaded plastic caps.

Unmounted precision mating sleeves are also sold separately.

 

Narrow Key Slot and Narrow Key
Click to Enlarge

Narrow-Precision-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve
and Narrow Key Connector:
Recommended for Narrow Key PM Fiber Connectors
Wide Key Slot and Wide Key
Click to Enlarge

Wide-Precision-Key-Slot Mating Sleeve and Wide Key Connector:
Recommended for Wide Key PM Fiber Connectors
Not Recommended for Narrow Key PM Fiber Connectors
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
ADAFCPMB2 Support Documentation
ADAFCPMB2Customer Inspired! FC/PC to FC/PC or FC/APC to FC/APC Single L-Bracket Mating Sleeve, Narrow Precision Key (2.0 mm)
$79.90
Today
ADAFCPMB4 Support Documentation
ADAFCPMB4Customer Inspired! FC/PC to FC/PC or FC/APC to FC/APC Dual L-Bracket Mating Sleeve, Narrow Precision Key (2.0 mm)
$139.00
Today
ADAFCPMB6 Support Documentation
ADAFCPMB6Customer Inspired! FC/PC to FC/PC or FC/APC to FC/APC Quadruple L-Bracket Mating Sleeve, Narrow Precision Key (2.0 mm)
$267.87
Today
ADAFCPMB1 Support Documentation
ADAFCPMB1Customer Inspired! FC/PC to FC/PC or FC/APC to FC/APC Single L-Bracket Mating Sleeve, Wide Precision Key (2.2 mm)
$79.90
Today
ADAFCPMB3 Support Documentation
ADAFCPMB3Customer Inspired! FC/PC to FC/PC or FC/APC to FC/APC Dual L-Bracket Mating Sleeve, Wide Precision Key (2.2 mm)
$139.00
Today
ADAFCPMB5 Support Documentation
ADAFCPMB5Customer Inspired! FC/PC to FC/PC or FC/APC to FC/APC Quadruple L-Bracket Mating Sleeve, Wide Precision Key (2.2 mm)
$267.87
Today
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SMA to SMA L-Bracket Mating Sleeves

  • Designed for SMA-Connectorized Fibers
    • Directly Compatible with SMA905-Style Connectors
    • Sleeve(s) Included to Facilitate Connection Between SMA905- and SMA906-Style Connectors
  • <1.5 dB Insertion Loss (Typical Loss for a Pair of Ø200 µm Core Multimode Fibers)
  • Single, Dual, and Quadruple Brackets Available

Thorlabs' SMA L-Bracket Mating Sleeves are air-spaced sleeves that connect one, two, or four pairs of SMA-connectorized fiber optic cables. They are directly compatible with SMA905-style connectors. Each bracket includes one ceramic sleeve per SMA-SMA connector to mate an SMA905-style connector to an SMA906-style connector. These mating sleeves are not compatible with mating an SMA906-style connector to another SMA906-style connector.

Each contains one or, in the case of the quadruple version, two 1/4" (M6) through holes for easy mounting to a post, optical table, or breadboard. All L-brackets feature 4-40 tap(s) to secure a CAPN1 Metal Cap, available for purchase separately. To protect each mating sleeve while it is not in use, the ADASMAB1 includes one CAPN1 metal cap and one rubber cap, the ADASMAB2 includes two CAPN1 metal caps and two rubber caps, and the ADASMAB3 includes eight rubber caps.

Unmounted mating sleeves are also sold separately.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
ADASMAB1 Support Documentation
ADASMAB1SMA to SMA Single L-Bracket Mating Sleeve
$45.45
Today
ADASMAB2 Support Documentation
ADASMAB2SMA to SMA Dual L-Bracket Mating Sleeve
$62.08
Today
ADASMAB3 Support Documentation
ADASMAB3Customer Inspired! SMA to SMA Quadruple L-Bracket Mating Sleeve
$110.65
Today
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ST to ST L-Bracket Mating Sleeves

  • Designed for ST-Connectorized Fibers
  • Single or Dual Bracket

Thorlabs' ADASTB1 and ADASTB2 L-Bracket Mating Sleeves connect one or two pairs of ST-connectorized fiber optic cables. Each contains a 1/4" (M6) through hole for easy mounting to a post, optical table, or breadboard. The single version comes with a CAPT1 Metal Cap and a rubber cap to protect the mating sleeve while it is not in use; the dual version comes with two of each.

An unmounted mating sleeve and additional CAPT1 Metal Caps are also sold separately.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
ADASTB1 Support Documentation
ADASTB1ST to ST Single L-Bracket Mating Sleeve
$36.54
Today
ADASTB2 Support Documentation
ADASTB2ST to ST Dual L-Bracket Mating Sleeve
$48.69
Today
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FC/PC to SMA L-Bracket Mating Sleeves

  • Mate an FC/PC-Terminated Fiber to an SMA-Terminated Fiber
    • 2.2 mm Wide Key FC/PC Connector
    • SMA905-Style SMA Connector

Thorlabs' ADAFCSMAB1 L-Bracket Mating Sleeve mates an FC/PC-terminated single mode (SM) or multimode (MM) fiber to an SMA-terminated MM fiber by bringing the tips into physical contact. It contains a 1/4" (M6) through hole for easy mounting to a post, optical table, or breadboard. A CAPF1 Metal Cap for the FC end and a rubber cap for the SMA end are included to protect the mating sleeve while it is not in use. Please note that this mating sleeve is only compatible with SMA905-style connectors.

The typical insertion loss for mating an FC/PC-terminated SM fiber to an SMA-terminated MM fiber is less than 0.2 dBa, while the typical insertion loss for mating an FC/PC-terminated MM fiber to an SMA-terminated MM fiber is less than 1.4 dBb.

An unmounted mating sleeve, as well as additional CAPF1 and CAPN1 Metal Caps, which are designed to protect the FC and SMA ends of the mating sleeve, respectively, are also available separately.

  • Measured at 633 nm by mating an FC-terminated SM fiber with a 0.12 NA to an SMA-terminated MM fiber with a Ø50 µm core.
  • Measured at 633 nm by mating an FC-terminated MM fiber to an SMA-terminated MM fiber; both fibers had Ø50 µm cores.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
ADAFCSMAB1 Support Documentation
ADAFCSMAB1FC/PC to SMA Single L-Bracket Mating Sleeve
$74.25
Today
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Empty L-Brackets for FC Mating Sleeves

Item # ADABS1 ADABS2 ADABS3 ADABD1 ADABD2 ADABD3
Sleeve Type Square Flange D-Hole
L-Bracket Type Single Dual Quadruple Single Dual Quadruple
Compatible Sleeves ADAFC2
ADAFC3
ADAFCPM1
ADAFCPM2
ADAFCST1
ADAFCSC1
ADAFC1
ADAFC4
ADAFCPM3
  • Compatible with Either Square Flange or D-Hole FC Mating Sleeves
    (See Table to the Right)
  • Single, Dual, and Quadruple Brackets Available
  • Single and Dual Brackets Include One or Two CAPF1 Metal Caps

Thorlabs' Empty L-Brackets are provided for customers who purchase our unmounted FC mating sleeves separately. They allow the construction of L-bracket mating sleeves not offered from stock; for example, a narrow key connector and a wide key connector can be placed into one L-bracket.

These L-brackets contain one or two 1/4" (M6) through holes for easy mounting to a post, optical table, or breadboard. All L-brackets feature 4-40 tap(s) to secure a CAPF1 Metal Cap, available for purchase separately. Single versions include one CAPF1 Metal Cap, while dual versions include two.

The ADABS1, ADABS2, and ADABS3 include screws with 2-56 threading for attaching the square flange mating sleeves. Replacement screws (Item # SH2S019) are available in packs of 50.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
ADABS1 Support Documentation
ADABS1Customer Inspired! Single L-Bracket for Square Flange FC Mating Sleeves
$27.92
Today
ADABS2 Support Documentation
ADABS2Customer Inspired! Dual L-Bracket for Square Flange FC Mating Sleeves
$37.72
Today
ADABS3 Support Documentation
ADABS3Customer Inspired! Quadruple L-Bracket for Square Flange FC Mating Sleeves
$58.24
Today
ADABD1 Support Documentation
ADABD1Customer Inspired! Single L-Bracket for D-Hole FC Mating Sleeves
$27.92
Today
ADABD2 Support Documentation
ADABD2Customer Inspired! Dual L-Bracket for D-Hole FC Mating Sleeves
$37.72
Today
ADABD3 Support Documentation
ADABD3Customer Inspired! Quadruple L-Bracket for D-Hole FC Mating Sleeves
$58.24
Today
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Index Matching Gel

Specifications
Refractive Index 402 nm 1.4995
589.3 nm 1.4646
980 nm 1.4462
1550 nm 1.4378
Refractive Index Temperature
Coefficient (25 °C to 60 °C)
-3.5 x 10-4 per °C
Refractive Index vs. Wavelength
(Cauchy Fit)a
1.4338 + 10520 λ-2
Optical Absorption (450 - 750 nm) <0.003% per µm
Apparent Viscosity (25 °C) 10,600 poises
Oil Separation (24 hrs at 100 °C) 0.2%
Evaporation (24 hrs at 100 °C) 1.0%
Specific Gravity (25 °C) 1.06
Thermal Coefficient of Expansion 0.0006 cc/cc/°C
Microscopic Particulate
Contamination
10 - 34 µm <300 Particles/cc
≥35 µm 0 Particles/cc
Absorption Spectrum info
  • Wavelength λ in nm

Thorlabs' G608N3 Index Matching Gel is a crystal-clear optical coupling compound intended to reduce signal attenuation in wave guide assemblies at connections. The presence of air at the junction of two optical fibers causes significant signal refraction due to the large differential optical impedance that exists between air and the signal-carrying wave guides.

The optical coupling compound G608N3 has been formulated with the requisite optical properties of clarity, purity, and refractive index to minimize signal losses while allowing pliable mechanical connections between rigid parts. Unlike a rigid optical epoxy, this pliable gel is viscoelastic and can take up the differential thermal expansion of precision optical parts without inducing excessive stresses or delamination. Residue may be cleaned from fiber tips using methanol or isopropyl alcohol.

In many devices, these materials serve an additional function: they help seal out ambient dust or fluids from sensitive optical components. This gel is formulated to be ultraclean, non-yellowing, and unaffected by x-ray, ultraviolet or sunlight exposure. It has extremely low outgassing and volatility characteristics and is free from light-absorbing microscopic particulates. This optical product is a chemically stable, non-toxic, synthetic material with wide temperature serviceability and is suitable for designs with high reliability and long service life.

The table below gives data on the decrease in signal loss when using the gel. Each syringe comes with 3 cc of index matching gel. This index matching gel can also be used to refill our fiber-to-fiber splice kits.

Insertion Loss Improvement
Connector Types Loss Without Index Matching Gel G608N3 Loss With Index Matching Gel G608N3 Difference
SMA-to-SMAa 2.88 dB 1.25 dB 1.63 dB
FC/PC-to-FC/PCb 1.12 dB 0.59 dB 0.53 dB
  • A 617 nm LED source was used to mate two multimode 0.22 NA, Ø50 µm core, Ø125 µm clad patch cords with and without index matching gel.
  • A 780 nm fiber coupled laser source was used to mate two FC/PC-terminated 780HP fibers with and without index matching gel.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
G608N3 Support Documentation
G608N3Index Matching Gel, 3 cc Syringe
$48.41
Today