Cheapest Fiber Optics Cable?

[BowenZheng]

Hi there,

I know that the instructions recommended that we buy the M53L02 - Ø600 µm cable, but I want to save as much money as possible to buy other components needed for the Raman, so I was wondering if you had any recommendations for cheaper multimode cables.

For instance, can it be this cable (https://www.ebay.com/itm/225962410049?_ ... 101224.m-1) or does the core need to be 600 mm (would this work: https://www.thorlabs.com/thorproduct.cf ... ber=M53L01)?

I'm just slightly confused on what the specs I need to be looking for are to make these substitutions.

[Luc]

In the past I used some cheap PMMA fibers for audio setups but they don't have SMA connectors. If you have a 3d printer you could work something out.

It should (IMHO) work for the calibration part.

[BowenZheng]

I see - so just to clarify: I can buy any fiber optics cable as long as it's multimode and has SMA or PMMA connectors?

[Luc]

For calibration, cheap PMMA fibers might do the trick. As always, it's a trial and error process but I don't see reason it wouldn't work.

What I did in the past (for other projects) was to buy audio patches from store like Wal-Mart and to cut the end, print or machine a custom connector and glue it. It works but because you can't control very well the angle of the cut you may favor certain angles.

Remember it's a cheap hack so don't expect top-notch results!