48-core polarization-maintaining fibers are specialty optical fibers, and their price typically ranges from $50 to $150 per meter depending on specifications, with multi-core configurations and international shipping to Tajikistan potentially increasing costs.

Overview

Polarization-maintaining (PM) fibers are designed to preserve the polarization state of light over long distances, making them essential for edge computing, coherent communications, and interferometric sensing . Multi-core PM fibers, such as a 48-core configuration, are less common than single-core fibers and are considered highly specialized, which significantly affects pricing.

Typical Pricing

• Single-mode PM fibers from suppliers like Thorlabs or Corning generally cost $10–$50 per meter for standard single-core fibers .
• Multi-core PM fibers (e.g., 48-core) are custom-manufactured and can cost $50–$150 per meter, depending on:
  • Core count and spacing
  • Wavelength range (400–1550 nm)
  • Coating type (high NA, flame retardant, or bend-insensitive)
  • Environmental specifications (temperature, humidity, mechanical stress)
• Additional costs include custom fabrication, testing, and shipping, especially for delivery to Tajikistan, which may add 20–50% to the base fiber cost.

Suppliers and Ordering

• Thorlabs offers PANDA and Bow-Tie PM fibers suitable for telecom and sensing applications .
• Corning provides high-performance PANDA PM fibers with low attenuation and excellent birefringence .
• FindLight and Fibercore supply specialty PM fibers and can provide custom multi-core solutions . For a 48-core PM fiber, it is recommended to contact suppliers directly to request a custom quote, specifying:
• Core count (48)
• Fiber length
• Operating wavelength
• Environmental and mechanical requirements
• Delivery location (Tajikistan)

Practical Considerations

• Multi-core PM fibers are sensitive to bending and twisting, so proper handling and installation are critical .
• Lead times for custom 48-core PM fibers can range from 4–12 weeks, depending on supplier capacity.
• For edge computing applications, ensure the fiber supports low crosstalk, high extinction ratio, and stable polarization across all cores. Summary: Expect a base price of $50–$150 per meter for a 48-core PM fiber, with additional costs for shipping and custom specifications for Tajikistan. Direct supplier consultation is essential to obtain an accurate quote and confirm availability.