Why do standard jackets shatter like glass in liquid nitrogen environments (-196°C)?
Standard fiber optic patch cord jackets, typically made from polymeric materials such as PVC or standard acrylate coatings, become brittle at extremely low temperatures like -196°C (liquid nitrogen). This occurs because these polymers reach their glass transition temperature, losing their elasticity and becoming rigid. When exposed to thermal stress or contraction in such conditions, the material becomes fragile and can easily shatter, similar to glass.
To address this challenge, OFSCN offers specialized high-temperature fiber optic patch cords that are designed to withstand cryogenic environments. These patch cords utilize robust materials such as 0.9mm stainless steel seamless tubes for protection and employ fibers with polyimide or gold coatings, which maintain their mechanical integrity and flexibility at temperatures as low as -270°C.
You can find more details on these solutions here:
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