The Role of Cladding Power Strippers in Optical Fibers

2025-06-06

Management of light propagation is essential for technology using light signals to communicate. This applies particularly in optical fiber technology and systems for high-power fiber lasers and amplifiers. The cladding power stripper is one vital element that ensures the safety and performance of the system.

Often tucked away in complex optical assemblies, the CPS plays a very crucial role in the working and service life of fiber-based systems. So, let us take a close look at the important role that cladding power strippers play in the field of optical fiber technology.

What Is a Cladding Power Stripper?

A Cladding Power Stripper is an optical component utilized to carry off unwanted light in the cladding layer of a double-clad optical fiber.

Since double-clad fiber systems provide two main regions of fiber operation, light from the signal is guided through one of these, which is the core, and the other is the inner cladding, where the pump light travels, usually at high levels, to amplify the core signal.

A cladding power stripper will keep the core light confined while the cladding pump light is only partially absorbed during the process of amplification.

The unabsorbed pump light, together with any stray or scattered modes, will continue to propagate down the cladding. And if it isn’t isolated from the primary light, it can cause issues such as overheating, damage to optics, or reduced signals.

How a Cladding Power Stripper Functions

Cladding power stripper is a device that is designed to either absorb or scatter light in the cladding portion of a fiber, and leaves the main light signal untouched.

This is done by modifying a section of the fiber, stripping away the protective coating from the cladding, and surrounding it with a material that can absorb light and handle heat well.

When the leftover cladding light hits this area, it escapes from the fiber and gets absorbed by the surrounding material. This trapped light turns into heat, which is usually managed with a heat sink or some thermal system. Meanwhile, the core signal keeps going strong since it has a different way of traveling and isn’t affected.

What Roles Does a Cladding Power Stripper Fulfill?

There are multiple functions that a Cladding Power Stripper. The most important functions it fulfills in a fiber-optic system include the following:

• Thermal Management – Any light that remains unabsorbed acts as a secondary source of heat for the system. The CPS devices strip it away from the fiber and relieve thermal stress that could build up in the system.
• Protection of Optical Components – Cladding power alone can prove a threat to delicate components unless removed properly. CPS will help protect against back-reflections, thermal-lensing, and even optical burnout.
• Beam Quality Maintenance – Cladding light introduces noise and background light, which minimizes the modal purity and, therefore, the focus ability of the output beam.
• System Efficiency – By reducing parasitic power levels, CPS devices ensure that more power is available for signal amplification so the overall performance levels can be elevated.

So, if you are looking for a Cladding Power Stripper in the U.S. for optic fiber systems, visit DK Photonics online today.