Optical Array: Enhancing Optical Signal Transmission Efficiency

What is an Optical Array?

An optical array is an optical device formed by arranging and fixing a bundle or strip of optical fibers at specified intervals on a substrate using a V-shaped groove (V-Groove) base. It primarily consists of a V-groove baseplate, a cover plate, optical fibers, adhesive, and other components. The key advantage of an optical array lies in its high-precision fiber arrangement and low-loss optical signal transmission capability. It has now become a critical component in fields such as planar lightwave guides, arrayed waveguide gratings (AWG), and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS).

Features and Advantages of Optical Array

High Precision and Multi-Channel Capability

The most important feature of an optical array is its ability to package multiple optical fibers, even dozens, within a very small space without interference between them. By using a V-groove substrate, precise control over the fiber spacing and positioning is ensured, enabling efficient optical signal coupling and transmission.

Low Insertion Loss

Through precise manufacturing and polishing techniques, the insertion loss of an optical array can be controlled to within 0.05 dB, significantly improving optical signal transmission efficiency.

High Return Loss

The return loss of an optical array is typically ≥55 dB (APC), effectively reducing optical signal reflections and ensuring transmission stability.

Excellent Temperature Stability

The materials used to make optical array typically include optical fibers with glass substrates and cover plates. The curing adhesives available in the market today exhibit excellent mechanical and temperature stability. Like most passive optical devices, the operating and storage temperature range of optical array is from -40°C to +85°C, allowing them to withstand harsh environmental conditions.

Simple Process and Versatile Structure

As technology has advanced, the manufacturing process of optical array has become well-understood. As long as precise mechanical control is achieved, excellent optical performance and long-term stability can be attained. In recent years, the growing demand for high-density optical path integration has led to the development of optical array products with various structural designs. For example, the end-face angle is no longer limited to flat or 8° slanted angles, but also includes special angles such as 45°, to meet the packaging requirements of different products (e.g., vertical coupling).