ST Series Connectors
The iFiber Optix ST Series Fiber Optic Connectors are engineered for specialized, high-precision applications where standard connector configurations fall short. Featuring a bayonet coupling mechanism for secure, quick-connect reliability and a precision ferrule available in inner diameter sizes from 80 to 1000 microns, ST Series connectors accommodate an exceptionally broad range of fiber types — from standard telecom fiber to large-core specialty and medical fibers.
With customizable flange bodies in various materials, wide operating temperature tolerance from -50°C to +200°C, and a proven track record in medical, industrial, and telecom applications, iFiber Optix ST Series connectors deliver the precision, flexibility, and long-term durability that demanding environments require.
ST Series Fiber Optic Connectors
The ST connector was developed specifically to meet the unique requirements of medical devices and other specialized precision applications. Its bayonet coupling mechanism provides a fast quarter-turn lock that holds secure under vibration and handling stress — critical in clinical and industrial environments. The standout capability of the ST Series is its precision ferrule range: with ID sizes from 80 to 1000 microns, these connectors can interface with virtually any fiber type, including large-core plastic optical fiber (POF), medical illumination fiber, and industrial sensing fiber far beyond the scope of standard telecom connectors.
Download Product DatasheetKey Features
- Precision Ferrule Range Ferrule inner diameter (ID) sizes from 80 to 1000 microns accommodate virtually any fiber type — from standard singlemode and multimode telecom fiber to large-core plastic optical fiber (POF), medical illumination fiber, and industrial sensing fiber that standard connectors cannot interface with.
- Bayonet Coupling Mechanism The quarter-turn bayonet lock engages quickly and holds secure under vibration, handling stress, and repeated connection cycles — providing a faster and more reliable retention mechanism than push-pull connectors in critical medical and industrial environments.
- Customizable Flange Bodies Flange bodies are available in various materials — including stainless steel, aluminum, and engineered polymers — allowing ST connectors to be adapted to specific environmental conditions, sterilization requirements, and mechanical interface constraints of the target application.
- Low Insertion Loss & Back Reflection Insertion loss of ≤ 0.20dB typical for singlemode and ≤ 0.30dB typical for multimode, with ≥ 55dB return loss for singlemode PC — ensuring high-quality signal transmission with minimal loss and reflection across precision optical systems.
- Extreme Temperature Range Operating temperature from -50°C to +200°C — far beyond the range of standard telecom connectors — making ST Series connectors suitable for high-temperature industrial processes, autoclave-adjacent medical environments, and extreme-climate deployments.
- High Durability & Reliability Durability rated at <0.2dB change over rated mating cycles. Constructed to withstand rigorous use in specialized applications where connector failure would interrupt critical medical procedures, industrial processes, or communications infrastructure.
Technical Specifications
All iFiber Optix ST Series connectors are manufactured and tested to meet or exceed the following performance specifications.
| Specification | Singlemode | Multimode |
|---|---|---|
| Insertion Loss | ≤ 0.20dB typical | ≤ 0.30dB typical |
| Return Loss | ≥ 55dB PC | — |
| Durability | < 0.2dB change over rated cycles | < 0.2dB change over rated cycles |
| Operating Temperature | -50°C to +200°C | -50°C to +200°C |
| Ferrule ID Range | 80 microns to 1000 microns | |
| Coupling Mechanism | Bayonet (quarter-turn lock) | |
| Flange Body Materials | Stainless steel, aluminum, engineered polymers (custom available) | |
| Custom Designs | Ferrule sizes, flange bodies, and materials available to specification | |
Example use case: ST Series connector with 400 micron ferrule ID and stainless steel flange body, deployed on a medical endoscopy illumination fiber bundle — providing secure bayonet retention and <0.2dB insertion loss in a clinical environment requiring repeated connection and disconnection cycles.
Applications
The ST Series' unique combination of precision ferrule range, bayonet coupling, and customizable construction makes it the connector of choice across medical, industrial, and specialized technical environments.
Medical Equipment
Ideal for medical devices requiring precise, reliable fiber optic connections — including endoscopy systems, surgical laser delivery, photodynamic therapy equipment, and diagnostic imaging where connection accuracy and repeatability are critical to patient outcomes.
Industrial Automation
Designed for harsh industrial environments with vibration, thermal cycling, and chemical exposure. The bayonet lock holds secure on automated production lines and robotic systems where push-pull connectors would work loose over time.
Telecommunications
Supports high-speed data transmission in telecom networks — particularly in legacy ST-based infrastructure and central office environments where ST connectors remain the installed standard and replacement or extension is required.
Sensing & Instrumentation
The wide ferrule ID range (80–1000µm) makes ST Series connectors uniquely suited for fiber optic sensor systems, spectrometers, and precision optical instrumentation that use large-core or specialty fiber beyond the scope of standard telecom connectors.
Laser & Illumination Systems
ST connectors with large-core ferrules are widely used in industrial laser delivery, UV curing systems, and high-intensity illumination fiber bundles — where the large ID accommodates the fiber diameters required for high-power light transmission.
Defense & Aerospace
The extreme operating temperature range (-50°C to +200°C) and customizable metal flange bodies make ST Series connectors suitable for military fiber systems, avionics, and space-adjacent applications where standard connectors cannot meet environmental requirements.
How to Choose the Right ST Connector
The ST Series' customization depth means the right configuration depends on your fiber type, environment, and application. Use this guide to define your requirements.
Determine Ferrule ID
Identify your fiber's cladding diameter to select the correct ferrule inner diameter. Standard telecom singlemode (125µm cladding) uses smaller ID ferrules; large-core POF, illumination bundles, and sensing fiber may require 200µm–1000µm ferrules. Consult your fiber datasheet or contact our team for guidance.
Select Flange Body Material
Choose stainless steel for medical, high-temperature, or corrosive environments where hygiene and chemical resistance are required. Aluminum for weight-sensitive aerospace and defense applications. Engineered polymer options are available for cost-sensitive industrial deployments where metal bodies are not required.
Confirm Temperature Requirements
The ST Series' -50°C to +200°C operating range is a key differentiator. If your application involves elevated temperatures — autoclave proximity, industrial process environments, or high-power laser applications — confirm your specific temperature exposure before specifying connector and jacket materials.
Custom Design Requirements
For non-standard ferrule sizes, specialized flange geometries, unique body materials, or application-specific mechanical interface requirements, iFiber Optix engineers custom ST connector configurations to your exact specifications. Contact our technical team with your application details to begin the design process.
Why Choose iFiber Optix for ST Connectors?
- Unmatched Customization Flexibility Ferrule ID sizes from 80 to 1000 microns, flange bodies in multiple materials, and fully custom designs available — providing tailored solutions for medical, industrial, and precision applications that standard catalog connectors cannot serve.
- Proven Optical Performance Engineered to deliver low insertion loss and high return loss across the full ferrule ID range — ensuring high-quality signal integrity regardless of whether the application is standard telecom fiber or large-core specialty fiber.
- Robust Design for Critical Environments Built for durability and reliability in demanding applications where connector failure is not an option — from surgical suites and manufacturing floors to outdoor telecom infrastructure and aerospace platforms.
- Expert Technical Support Our engineering team works directly with customers on custom ST connector specifications — from ferrule sizing and material selection through prototype validation and production qualification. Contact us to start your custom design.