The 64-Femtofiber-Array
A fiber array can be made of either single-mode or multimode fibers. Both types have a large core diameter for good coupling efficiency and are used in applications that require high data rates or long distances.
Typically, the fibers are aligned in a 2D matrix by insertion into V-grooves on some surface. The array can be made of a regular lattice or even an irregular bundle.
Product Description
Fiber arrays are a one- or two-dimensional arrangement of optical fibers that can couple light into or out of a device. For example, a linear fiber array can be used to couple light from an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) onto a silicon photonic chip. Alternatively, a two-dimensional fiber array can be used to couple light from a silicon photonic chip to an array of optical-detector modules on a PCB.
A key challenge in holographic beam steering is maintaining high switching capacity while reducing cross-talk values. We have designed and fabricated a two-dimensional fiber-array structure that meets these requirements.
To achieve this, we use an innovative manufacturing process that combines the precision of V-groove chips with flat VCOREs to create a robust platform. The result is an array that is compact, highly reliable, and ready for use with a wide range of applications.
The fibers in the array are positioned at the same distance from the top surface and the bottom exit holes, resulting in an array with zero-crosstalk, high-performance coupling between 64-fiber-array all pairs of output fibers. We have tested the performance of this array by measuring the polarization-dependent coupling loss for all 64 fibers. The results are shown in Figs. 12 and 13. The mean fiber-to-fiber coupling loss is less than 1.1 dB, with a standard deviation of 0.3 dB across all tested fiber-to-fiber pairs.
Applications
The 64-fiber-array can be used in many different applications. It can be coupled to an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) and used to multiplex or demultiplex wavelengths. It can also be used to couple light from a silicon photonic chip to a fiber-optic connector.
Another application is neuronal recording. Recordings of neural activity can help us understand how the brain works, but these recordings are typically very invasive because they require placing electrodes in freely-behaving animals. Carbon fiber electrodes are thin and flexible, allowing them to be placed in animals without damaging their tissue. These probes can also be used to monitor brain function over time, which is important for determining the relationship between neuronal activity and behavioral responses.
Lastly, the 64-fiber-array can be used to measure polarization-dependent coupling loss. This is a measurement of the difference in coupling loss between two pairs of adjacent fibers. The difference in polarization-dependent coupling loss is caused by the different polarization states of the transmitted and received optical signal, and it can be detected using a polarizer on the output of the fiber-array component.
The measurement is performed by injecting a light signal into one of the input fibers of the array and measuring the output optical power. This method is very sensitive to the slightest misalignment between the fiber-array component and the device it is being coupled to, so this test requires a very high level of precision.
Specifications
A multi-angle fiber array for monitoring the flexion and rotation of human joints. It has a high degree of accuracy and can be used in a variety of applications.
Optical fiber arrays consist of an orderly arrangement of core fibers surrounded by lower refractive index cladding. The arrangement of the core and cladding allows topographically faithful optical registration over the entire length of the array. This allows the use of single-mode and multimode optical fibers in the same array, thereby minimizing both polarization dependent loss (PDL) and polarization mode dispersion (PMD).
In the case of a bare metal-clad silica-glass (MMC) fiber, the insertion and output end of the fiber array is usually terminated with a fiber-optic connector. A suitable connector may have a molded plastic or ceramic end cap with features aiding in alignment, similar to that of a traditional fiber optic cable.
Alternatively, one may use a sleeve at the input or output end of the array to allow it to be coupled directly to a silicon photonic chip. This method is more compact, requires no mechanical modification to the MMC, and can have significantly reduced parasitic losses.
A new technique for preparing recording sites on a cFEA enables manufacturing fiber optic passive components faster assemblage of the device (2 hours per channel) than the previous fire-sharpening method. This new process involves acid etching and electroplating with PEDOT-TFB. It also reduces the void content in the MMC and makes it possible to use higher packing densities.
Certifications
For fiber to the home (FTTH) applications and optical LANs (OLANs), FOA offers application-based certifications. These do not require a CFOT or CPCT as a prerequisite but do expect basic knowledge of fiber optics. This can be obtained via the free Fiber U online courses or an introductory presentation at a school.
For a CFOS/C course or direct exam, you must be competent at both fusion and mechanical splicing and have experience using an OTDR to measure splice loss. You must also have the necessary skills to properly terminate cables, including prepolished/splice connectors. If you have factory training on splicing, this will be considered as partial experience. You must also have a minimum of hundreds of successful splices, as well as experience performing splice loss measurements.
HYC fiber arrays use precision engraved V-shaped grooves and an assembly process to achieve precise core positioning, resulting in very low insertion loss and return loss. They can be made in various standard or custom formats, and can include single mode, multimode and polarization maintaining fiber options.
Fused fibers are a popular technology for linear or two-dimensional fiber arrays. They consist of a bundle of silica fibers that are heated and fused together to form a single unit with a defined spacing between the individual fibers. This method offers high splice accuracy and reliability, good coupling efficiency and a choice of fiber types, including single-mode, multimode and specialty fibers suitable for different wavelength regions.
