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Single-Channel Fiber Optic Rotary Joints

SPINNER’s optical single channel rotary joints offer maximum performance in a minimum of space. SPINNER supplies sizes with diameters from 6.8 mm to 25 mm. The standard size is 14 mm. We also develop customised solutions.

SPINNER FORJ 1.14

The FORJ 1.14 (with an outer housing diameter of 14 mm), a member of SPINNER’s family of single-channel fiber-optic rotary joints (FORJ), features maximum performance in a minimum of space. It comes in two different versions, both classified with IP54 ingress protection.

Standard Version 1.14

The standard 1.14 is a workhorse characterized by its small form factor and robust design, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of industrial applications.

For even greater flexibility, the FORJ can be used in combination with BiDi media converters for easy integration into existing Ethernet networks. SPINNER has dubbed these combinations “rotary data interfaces” (RoDi). The standard 1.14 version handles rotational speeds up to 3,000 rpm and can be equipped with our proprietary FLEXIFLANGES.

The standard version is available in straight, L-shaped, and U-shaped configurations.

Premium Version 1.14P

The premium 1.14P model, an enhancement of the standard FORJ 1.14, achieves rotational speeds of up to 20,000 rpm with the same dimensions and very low typical insertion losses of less than 1.0 dB. It was primarily designed for medical and sensor applications that require high rotational speeds (e.g. for intravascular optical coherence tomography) and the ability to transmit low-level signals.

Specifications 1.14/1.14P

Fiber types: single-mode (SM), multimode (MM)
Insertion loss: 1.5 dB, premium 1.0 dB
Insertion loss variation over rotation: 0.5 dB
Return loss: 50 dB (SM), 35 dB (MM)
Wavelength: 400 nm – 1600 nm (depending on fiber)
Rotational speed: up to 20,000 rpm
Weight (excl. connectors): 18 g
Torque: 0.01 Nm
Degree of protection: IP54
Recommended temperature range: -40 °C to +85 °C

Applications

SPINNER Single-Channel FORJ 1.14L (Right-Angle)

Based on the 1.14, the 1.14L-type features a fiber optic output at a 90° angle to the axis of rotation. Reliable optical components and high-precision production ensure exceptional reliability and a long service life. These solutions are ideal in installation situations with extremely limited space, such as cameras, LIDAR systems, civil and military optronic sights, and targeting systems.

SPINNER is the only rotary joint manufacturer offering FORJs for both single and multiple channels with right-angle outputs.

You can configure your customised optical rotary joint from a wide range of possible combinations and properties. Request your personalised quote today!

Specifications 1.14L

Fiber types: single-mode (SM), multimode (MM)
Insertion loss: 3.0 dB
Insertion loss variation over rotation: 0.5 dB
Return loss: 50 dB (SM), 35 dB (MM)
Wavelength: 400 nm – 1600 nm (depending on fiber)
Rotational speed: up to 20,000 rpm
Weight (excl. connectors): 20 g
Torque: 0.01 Nm
Degree of protection: IP54
Recommended temperature range: -40 °C to +85 °C

Applications

SPINNER FORJ 1.14U (U-Form)

Building on the proven concept of the straight version, we have developed another rotary joint in a U-shape, featuring fiber optic outputs on both sides at a 90° angle to the axis of rotation. High-precision manufacturing and reliable optical components ensure maximum operational safety and exceptionally long service life. This solution is ideal for installation scenarios with limited space, such as opposing circuit boards or within articulated arms. We therefore refer to the 1.14U as a “fiber optic hinge”.

The U-shape is also available in 2-channel versions.

Specifications 1.14U

Fiber types: single-mode (SM), multimode (MM)
Insertion loss: 3.0 dB
Insertion loss variation over rotation: 0.5 dB
Return loss: 50 dB (SM), 35 dB (MM)
Wavelength: 400 nm – 1600 nm (depending on fiber)
Rotational speed: up to 20,000 rpm
Weight (excl. connectors): 20 g
Torque: 0.01 Nm
Degree of protection: IP54
Recommended temperature range: -40 °C to +85 °C

Applications

Medical | Cable Winches | Surveillance Gimbals | Low Profile Applications | Camera Applications

SPINNER FORJ 1.14 Enforced/High Speed

The SPINNER FORJ High Speed Series combines superior optical performance with outstanding mechanical reliability. The design is optimized for rotational speeds of up to 20,000 rpm – without compromising optical efficiency.
With a typical insertion loss below 1.0 dB and a return loss of 50 dB, you can focus on your application, not the connection.

Polarization-Maintaining Fiber Optic Rotary Joint

A true world first is our polarization-maintaining FORJ (PM-FORJ). It de-rotates the polarization of light and achieves a high extinction ratio – without any blind spots during rotation.
A typical application is polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT), enabling multimodal imaging where a conventional OCT image is overlaid with fluorescence or spectroscopic data.

Rotational speeds up to 24,000 rpm make live imaging at 400 fps possible.
Robust and durable mechanics ensure a long lifetime and consistent optical performance, even under demanding conditions.

Specifications 1.14 High Speed

Fiber types: single-mode (SM), multimode (MM)
Insertion loss: 1.5 dB
Insertion loss variation over rotation: 0.5 dB
Return loss: 50 dB (SM), 35 dB (MM)
Wavelength: 400 nm – 1600 nm (depending on fiber)
Rotational speed: up to 20,000 rpm
Weight (excl. connectors): < 100 g
Torque: 0.01 Nm
Degree of protection: IP54
Recommended temperature range: typically room temperature

Applications

Medical | Sensor Systems

SPINNER FORJ 1.17

The 1.17 was developed for the for use in wet or dirty environments. As it is integrated in the optimized optical system of the 1.14 there are no trade-offs in terms of optical performance. The 1.17 is made of saltwater-resistant tempered steel and delivers IP68 ingress protection thanks to an integrated rotary surface seal. Besides featuring exceptional shock and vibration resistance, it is impervious to moisture in seawater environments.

The 1.17 with an outer housing diameter of 17 mm is ideally suited for use where it is exposed to the weather or in machines containing lubricant, and is therefore a popular choice for wind turbines, ships, and offshore applications.

A pressure compensated version of the FORF 1.17 is also available.

Specifications 1.17

Fiber types: single-mode (SM), multimode (MM)
Insertion loss: 1.5 dB
Insertion loss variation over rotation: 0.5 dB
Return loss: 50 dB (SM), 35 dB (MM)
Wavelength: 400 nm – 1600 nm (depending on fiber)
Rotational speed: 60 rpm
Weight (excl. connectors): 60 g
Torque: 0.3 Nm
Degree of protection: IP68 up to 4,500 m operational depth
Recommended temperature range: -40 °C to +85 °C

Applications

Military Radar | Maritime Applications | Harsh Environment Applications | Offshore

SPINNER FORJ 1.068

The SPINNER single-channel FORJ 1.068 – our smallest fiber optic rotary joint – boasts a diameter of only 6.8 mm, making it ideally suited for use in extremely tight conditions.

The FORJ 1.068 integrates the same optical system as the FORJ 1.14. Because it’s filled with air instead of oil, it has an especially long service life and resists degradation. An attached flange facilitates handling and attachment. It can also be retrofitted in existing systems as a FFF (form fit function) replacement.

Specifications 1.068

Fiber types: single-mode (SM), multimode (MM)
Insertion loss: 2 dB (typical approx. 0.5 dB)
Insertion loss variation over rotation: 0.5 dB
(equivalent to <+/- 0.25dB)
Return loss: 50 dB (SM), 35 dB (MM)
Wavelength: 400 nm – 1600 nm (depending on fiber)
Rotational speed: up to 20,000 rpmWeight (excl. connectors): 18 g
Torque: 0.01 Nm
Degree of protection: IP54
Recommended temperature range: -40 °C to +85 °C

Applications

Replacement Parts | Medical Technology | Entertainment Technology | Studio Technology | Sensor Systems

SPINNER FORJ 1.25LCF

A current research application can be found in the field of optogenetics, where light is used to precisely control the activity of specific cell types.
Fiber optic rotary joints (FORJs) play a crucial role in enabling in vivo optical stimulation for neuroscience research.

These applications typically use large core fibers (LCF) with core diameters starting from 100 µm. An important performance factor here is the torque of the rotary joint. We offer customized solutions for every fiber type and wavelength. Our portfolio includes large core fiber FORJs with up to four channels as well as hybrid versions that combine fiber optics with electrical slip rings, which are particularly interesting for this field of research .

Beyond optogenetics, these FORJs are also suitable for machine control applications.
Many motor controller manufacturers now integrate light-based interfaces into their control systems – and we provide the perfect optical connection solution for these setups.

Specifications 1.25LCF

Fiber types: multimode (MM), large core fiber (LCF)
Insertion loss: 3.0 dB
Insertion loss variation over rotation: 0.5 dB
Wavelength: 400 nm – 1600 nm (depending on fiber)
Rotational speed: 60 rpm
Weight (excl. connectors): 20 g
Torque: 10 – 100 µNm
Degree of protection: IP40 and IP65
Recommended temperature range: -40 °C to +85 °C

Applications

Medical technology | Optogenetics | Life Sciences | Maschine control | Industry 4.0

SPINNER FORJ 1.25PM

SPINNER is the first manufacturer worldwide to offer a polarization-maintaining fiber optic rotary joint (PM-FORJ). It is often assumed that a polarization-maintaining design is not feasible in a rotating system – we have proven otherwise.

By synchronously rotating the linearly polarized light with the motion of the FORJ, our advanced SPINNER technology ensures precise coupling of the optical signal into the fiber’s slow axis. The result is maximum signal stability and minimal loss, even under dynamic conditions.

Polarization-maintaining fibers are widely used in sensor technology, medical applications, data transmission (e.g., with optical modulators), scientific research, and space applications, among many other high-end fields.

Specifications 1.25PM

Fiber types: polarisation maintaining (PM)
Insertion loss: 2.0 dB
Insertion loss variation over rotation: 1.0 dB
Extinction ratio: 20 dB
Return loss: 50 dB
Wavelength: 1064 nm – 1550 nm (depending on fiber)
Weight (excl. connectors): 250 g
Torque: 0.1 Nm
Degree of protection: IP40
Recommended temperature range: room temperature

Applications

Fiber Optics - From Single Channel up to 109 Channels!

Single Channel Fiber Optics

Ø 6,8 mm/14 mm/17 mm
(Type 1.068/1.14/1.17)

The single-channel fiber-optic rotary couplings of SPINNER feature maximum performance in a minimum of space. It comes in three different standard versions as well as customized solutions.

2 to 4 Channel Fiber Optics

Ø 25 mm (Type x.25)

The mechanical design of the FORJ x.25, which is available with 2, 3 or 4 channels, makes this fibre optic rotary joint very compact. Also available as L-form!

3 to 8 Channel Fiber Optics

Ø 40 mm (Type x.40)

The SPINNER FORJ x.40 delivers market-leading compactness for multi-channel solutions with up to eight channels, with an outer housing diameter of only 39.5 mm.

7 to 109 Channel Fiber Optics

Ø 60 mm (Type x.60)

Ideal for multi-channel applications. These rotary joints cover the full range from seven up to 109 channels.

Pressure Compensated - Subsea Type

Ø 17 mm/65 mm
(Type 1.17pc/x.65pc)

The pressure compensated FORJs are designed for the use in deepsea and withstands brutal vibrations, high humidity, and seawater.

Large Core Fiber Optic

For special applications, e.g. life sciences and medical technology, SPINNER supplies fiber optic rotary joints with large core fibers or plastic optical fibers.