Description

High-Precision 2D Fiber Arrays | Custom Optical Solutions

Maximise your optical performance with our custom 2D fiber arrays. Engineered for precision, our arrays feature a typical fiber placement accuracy of 1 µm and a minimal angular error of 5 mrad. These high-performance components are ideal for advanced sensors, high-speed optical switches, and next-generation photonics.

Precision Engineering with SLE Technology

We utilise Selective Laser Etching (SLE) to create custom fiber arrangements. By drilling hyper-precise micro-holes into fused silica, we ensure perfect alignment for every fiber in the matrix.

Whether you require specific external dimensions or unique layouts, our arrays are fully customisable. We support a wide range of fiber types, including:

Single Mode (SM)
Multimode (MM)
Polarization-Maintaining (PM)

Advanced Termination and Polishing

Our arrays are built for seamless integration. We offer a variety of standard and specialised interfaces such as MTP, MT, MMC, FC, LC, E2000, and V-groove arrays.

To ensure signal integrity, every array undergoes precision end-face polishing. Standard angles include 0°, 6°, or 8°, though we can accommodate any custom request. For those pushing the limits of optical efficiency, we provide:

Anti-Reflective (AR) Coatings: To minimise back-reflection and optical loss.
Active MLA Alignment: Integration with Microlens Arrays (MLA) for superior beam shaping.

Robust, In-House Housing Solutions

To guarantee durability in demanding industrial environments, we provide custom metal holders and housings. These are fabricated in-house using advanced CNC machining centers, ensuring a perfect fit and robust protection for your optical assembly.

Key Advantages

Submicron Accuracy: High-precision fiber placement for minimal signal loss.
Versatile Fiber Support: Mix and match SM, MM, and PM fibers in a single array.
Custom Polishing: Precision-angled end-faces (0°, 6°, 8°, or custom).
Enhanced Performance: Optional AR coatings and active Microlens Array (MLA) alignment.
Industrial Durability: Rugged metal flanges and CNC-machined housings.

Applications

MEMS Optical Switches: Reliable switching for data centres and telecommunications.
Optical Rotary Couplers: Multi-channel solutions for rotating interfaces.
Advanced Sensing: High-density arrays for industrial and medical sensors.
Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC): Efficient fiber-to-chip coupling.

Fiber position error in the matrix

Red point – ideal position
Blue point – real position
Note: the 2µm-diameter circles show possible middle core variation

PM fiber rotation angular error

Note: 0°, 90°or tailored angle of rotation for each channel

Angular error between real and ideal beam axis

Additional information

Number and arrangement of fibers	according to custom specifications
Matrix material	fused silica
Matrix thickness [mm]	typically 2.5 or 3
Grinding angle of the front surface [°]	0, 6, 8, other
Connector interface (termination)	MTP, MT, MMC, FC, LC, E2000, v-groove array
Anti-reflective coating	reflectivity and bandwidth according to custom requirements
Fiber type	SM, PM, MM
Minimum fiber spacing in two axes [µm]	SM & MM = x: 250, y: 500 PM = x: 500, y: 500
Minimum fiber spacing in two axes [µm] (for cladding 125 µm and coating 250 µm)	SM & MM = x: 350, y: 350 PM = x: 500, y: 500
Fiber core placement error [µm]	typically < 1 Precise fibre positioning in two axes. The distance between the real and ideal position of the centre of the core. The error includes the error of the hole in the matrix, the eccentricity of the core in the fibre, and the ovality of the fibre. The parameter depends on the number of fibres in the array.
Angular error between real and ideal beam axis [mrad]	< 5
Stressor rotation error for PM fiber [°]	+/- 1.5 or +/- 2.5
Extinction ratio [dB] (PM Fiber type)	20, 25, or 30
Operating temperature [°C]	SM & MM = -40 to +85 PM = -20 to +70

2D Matrix Fiber Arrays