NYFORS CleaveMeter 3D Optical Fiber End-Face Interferometer
NYFORS CleaveMeter 3D Optical Fiber End-Face Interferometer provides automated, non-contact measurement of cleave angle, surface flatness, and three-dimensional end-face topography. Designed for production and research applications, it supports optical fibers with cladding diameters from 125 to 1200 µm using fiber-specific adapter plates. Full-resolution reconstruction, pointwise slope analysis, and optional Pass/Fail evaluation support detailed, operator-independent cleave-quality control. Available from Simbol Test Systems for professional photonics, laboratory, production, and specialty fiber applications.
Download the NYFORS CleaveMeter 3D Optical Fiber End-Face Interferometer Specification Sheet (PDF)
NYFORS CleaveMeter 3D Optical Fiber End-Face Interferometer
The NYFORS CleaveMeter 3D Optical Fiber End-Face Interferometer is a non-contact measurement system for inspecting cleaved and polished optical fiber end-faces. Based on a phase-shifting Michelson interferometer, the system reconstructs the fiber surface in three dimensions and performs automated measurements of cleave angle and surface flatness.
Designed for production monitoring, laboratory analysis, process development, and research applications, the CleaveMeter 3D supports fiber cladding diameters from 125 to 1200 µm and coating diameters from 250 to 1500 µm. Fiber-specific adapter plates are required to clamp and align the fiber with the interferometer optics.
The system analyzes the captured interference-fringe pattern and presents the reconstructed end-face as a three-dimensional surface. Users can rotate the image and adjust its scale, contrast, camera settings, and lighting to examine surface quality, cleave geometry, contamination, and localized irregularities in greater detail.
Automated Cleave Angle and Surface Flatness Measurement
The NYFORS CleaveMeter 3D automates important end-face measurements that can otherwise depend heavily on operator interpretation. Measurements can be performed over user-selected diameters on the reconstructed fiber surface.
- Non-contact interferometric inspection: Analyzes the fiber end-face without contacting the cleaved or polished glass surface.
- Three-dimensional reconstruction: Creates a full-resolution representation of the end-face surface topography.
- Automated cleave-angle measurement: Calculates cleave angle independently of manual operator interpretation.
- Surface-flatness analysis: Measures flatness over selected areas of the reconstructed end-face.
- Pointwise slope mapping: Displays localized surface slopes to reveal small irregularities and crack-propagation behaviour.
- Two-dimensional and three-dimensional views: Provides complementary visualizations for detailed surface analysis.
- Optional Pass/Fail evaluation: Supports rapid cleave-angle acceptance decisions in production environments.
- Large-diameter fiber support: Accommodates cladding diameters up to 1200 µm with the correct adapter plate.
- Digital result storage: Saves images and surface-topography data for reporting or further analysis.
Full-Resolution Three-Dimensional Surface Topography
In three-dimensional mode, the CleaveMeter reconstructs the fiber end-face from the captured interference fringes. The resulting surface can be viewed from different angles to help users understand the shape and quality of the complete cleaved area.
Height scaling can be increased to make small surface variations easier to see. This is useful when investigating subtle cleaving defects, localized contamination, surface curvature, crack propagation, or variations that may not be readily visible in a conventional two-dimensional inspection image.
The reconstructed data can also be exported for additional evaluation with compatible third-party software. Supported image formats include JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and BMP, while 24-bit BMP files are supported for surface-topography information.
Detailed Analysis of Specialty Optical Fibers
The CleaveMeter 3D is particularly useful for fibers with structures that make conventional cleave-angle inspection difficult. Examples include polarization-maintaining fibers, microstructured fibers, photonic crystal fibers, large-diameter fibers, and other specialty optical fibers.
The ability to rotate the reconstructed surface, adjust the display scale, and inspect slope at individual points provides a more complete view of the end-face than a single two-dimensional image. This helps researchers and process engineers distinguish global cleave-angle conditions from small localized defects.
Additional software measurements include plane angles, fiber diameters, and distances between selected points. These functions allow the system to support broader end-face metrology and process-development requirements beyond a single cleave-angle value.
Production Cleave-Quality Monitoring
Automated, operator-independent measurement makes the CleaveMeter 3D suitable for production environments where cleave quality must remain consistent over extended operating periods. The optional Pass/Fail function can compare measured cleave angle with an established acceptance limit.
This provides a straightforward method for monitoring automatic fiber cleavers, identifying process drift, and evaluating cleave quality after blade changes, parameter adjustments, maintenance, or material changes.
Measurement records can also support cleaver qualification, incoming-process inspection, engineering studies, quality documentation, and comparison of cleaving methods across multiple fiber types.
Adapter Plates for Perpendicular and Angled Cleaves
Fiber-specific adapter plates are required to position and align the fiber with the CleaveMeter optics. Standard Fujikura-compatible adapter plates cover several cladding-diameter ranges from 115 to 1200 µm.
Optional angle adapter plates support inspection of fibers prepared at nominal angles of 8° or 15°. Custom adapter plates are available for other fiber dimensions, holder types, or angular requirements.
The correct adapter must be selected according to the fiber cladding diameter, coating diameter, holder system, and intended cleave angle. Adapter plates are not included with the standard CleaveMeter 3D system and must be ordered separately.
Compatible Fiber Holders and Cleavers
The mechanical design is compatible with NYFORS automatic fiber cleavers and their associated fiber holders. Adapter solutions are also available for fiber holders used by major fusion-splicer manufacturers.
The Fujikura-compatible adapter plates are organized by supported cladding-diameter range. Custom NYFORS adapter plates can be specified when a standard plate does not match the required fiber or holder configuration.
Before ordering, confirm the fiber diameter, coating diameter, fiber-holder model, cleave angle, and cleaver platform. These details determine the required standard or custom adapter combination.
Compact USB-Powered Bench-Top Design
The CleaveMeter 3D is housed in a compact bench-top enclosure measuring approximately 97 x 179 x 142 mm and weighing approximately 1.6 kg. It connects to a host computer through USB 2.0.
The USB connection provides both computer communication and system power, reducing the number of external connections required at the workstation. The supplied PC application controls image capture, surface reconstruction, measurement, visualization, and data storage.
The compact format is suitable for optical laboratories, production workstations, cleaver manufacturing, process development, quality-control departments, and specialty fiber research facilities.
Applications for the NYFORS CleaveMeter 3D
- Automated optical fiber cleave-angle measurement
- Fiber end-face surface-flatness evaluation
- Three-dimensional surface-topography reconstruction
- Automatic fiber cleaver qualification and monitoring
- Production Pass/Fail cleave inspection
- Large-diameter fiber end-face analysis
- Polarization-maintaining fiber inspection
- Microstructured and photonic crystal fiber analysis
- Angled-cleave measurement
- Optical fiber process development and research
- Surface-defect and crack-propagation studies
- Cleaver blade and process optimization
Why Buy the NYFORS CleaveMeter 3D from Simbol Test Systems?
Simbol Test Systems supplies professional specialty fiber preparation, inspection, measurement, and fusion-splicing equipment for photonics, optical component manufacturing, laboratory, research, and production applications. We support customers with product selection, configuration assistance, maintenance, repair, and technical service.
Configuring the CleaveMeter 3D requires careful selection of the fiber-specific adapter plate and any required angle adapter. Simbol Test Systems can help review the cladding diameter, coating diameter, holder type, cleaver platform, cleave angle, accuracy requirement, and production workflow before the system is ordered.
NYFORS CleaveMeter 3D Specifications
| Brand | NYFORS |
| Model | CleaveMeter 3D |
| Product Type | Phase-shifting Michelson fiber end-face interferometer |
| Inspection Method | Non-contact interferometric surface reconstruction |
| Primary Measurements | Cleave angle, surface flatness, plane angle, fiber diameter, distance, and pointwise surface slope |
| Fiber Cladding Diameter | 125 to 1200 µm with the appropriate adapter plate |
| Fiber Coating Diameter | 250 to 1500 µm |
| Camera Resolution | 1280 x 1024 pixels |
| Image Scale | 1.25 µm per pixel |
| Image File Formats | 8-bit JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and BMP |
| Topography File Format | 24-bit BMP |
| Absolute Accuracy | 0.01° standard deviation when the adapter angle error is individually measured and compensated |
| Relative Accuracy | 5% |
| PC Connection | USB 2.0 |
| Power Supply | Powered through the USB port |
| Dimensions | 97 x 179 x 142 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 1.6 kg |
| Standard Package | CleaveMeter 3D, PC software, USB cable, manual, and tools |
| Adapter Plates | Required and ordered separately |
NYFORS CleaveMeter 3D Ordering Information
| Description | Included Components | AFL No. |
|---|---|---|
| NYFORS CleaveMeter 3D | PC software, USB cable, manual, and tools; adapter plates ordered separately | 30100013 |
Fujikura-Compatible Adapter Plates
| Description | Supported Fiber Range | AFL No. |
|---|---|---|
| Fujikura-Compatible Adapter Plate | 115 to 210 µm | 30100001 |
| Fujikura-Compatible Adapter Plate | 200 to 529 µm | 30100002 |
| Fujikura-Compatible Adapter Plate | 510 to 800 µm | 30100003 |
| Fujikura-Compatible Adapter Plate | 800 to 1200 µm | 30100004 |
Custom and Angled-Cleave Adapter Plates
| Description | Application | AFL No. |
|---|---|---|
| Custom NYFORS Adapter Plate | Custom fiber or holder configuration | 30100007 |
| 15° Angle Adapter Plate | Measurement of nominal 15° angled cleaves | 30100008 |
| 8° Angle Adapter Plate | Measurement of nominal 8° angled cleaves | 30100009 |
| Custom Angle Adapter Plate | Non-standard angled-cleave measurement | 30100010 |
Adapter Plate Selection Guide
Select a fiber-specific adapter plate according to the actual cladding diameter and fiber-holder platform. The supported diameter ranges overlap in some cases, so the fiber coating, holder geometry, and required measurement arrangement should also be considered.
For perpendicular-cleave measurements, use the appropriate standard fiber adapter. For angled cleaves, add the compatible 8°, 15°, or custom angle adapter according to the intended fiber tilt.
Adapter-plate angular error must be measured and compensated on the individual CleaveMeter system when the specified 0.01° absolute measurement performance is required.
Professional Support and Availability
Contact Simbol Test Systems with the fiber cladding diameter, coating diameter, fiber-holder model, cleaver, nominal cleave angle, accuracy requirement, and inspection workflow to request NYFORS CleaveMeter 3D availability, adapter selection, configuration assistance, maintenance, repair, or technical support.