Introducing to Fiber Optic Array (FOA)….
What is a Fiber Optic Array
Fiber optic array can be mainly classified into one-dimensional optical fiber arrays and two-dimensional optical fiber arrays.
One-dimensional optical fiber array, also known as single-layer fiber optic array, is mainly used in the field of optical communication, optical fiber image transmission devices, etc. It has the advantages of structure and volume and is an important connecting optical component for coupling with chips in the field of communication. Its alignment accuracy is very important.
A two-dimensional fiber array is a longitudinal expansion of a one-dimensional fiber array in order to obtain a higher density fiber arrangement, also known as a double-layer or multi-layer fiber array. Due to its large-capacity parallel transmission and high-speed information processing capabilities, two-dimensional optical fiber arrays meet the needs of high-throughput information transmission, dot matrix lighting, and area array detection, and has important application value in the fields of medical (such as endoscope) image transmission, optical communication, and optical interconnection.
Fibers available for Fiber Optic Array
Single Mode Fibers (ITU-T G65x, or IEC 60793)
Multi-Mode Fibers (Graded Index, Step Index)
Polarization Maintaining Fiber (UV/VIS/NIR)
Other fiber type is also available, you can simply send us the requirement you want to reach. We will find the fiber type suitable for your applications.
Fiber optic arrays and Relevant Products
1D & 2D Fiber Array >
– Fiber Assemblies into [1 x n] or [m x n] array
– Low Misalignment (0.5um or 1um)
– V-Grooves Packing is available
Fiber Array Coupled to Microlens Array >
– 2d fiber array coupling to Micro lens Array
– Stocked Mircolens array available
Manufacturing of the Fiber Arrays
At present, the methods for making one-dimensional optical fiber array mainly include V-groove method, drilling method, optical channel close-packing method, etc.
Among them, the V-shaped groove method is the most mature procedure to produce the fiber array. Firstly, a V-shaped groove of the required size will be setup on a flat substrate. Then arrange the optical fiber into the V-shaped groove, and finally fix the optical fiber in the groove by bonding.
The advantages are that the positioning and orientation of the optical fiber is simple and fast, the structure is accurate, and the consistency is good. However, the V-groove will form severe lateral undercutting during processing, which will affect the uniformity of the fiber arrangement and reduce the coupling efficiency of the fiber array. At the same time, with the increase of etching depth, the cost and difficulty of fabrication also increase correspondingly, usually the deeper etching depth is 95-100 μm.
Fiber Optic Array based on V-Grooves
Key Parameters of Fiber Arrays
Major Parameter of Fiber optic array including:
- Fiber Core/Cladding/Jacket tolerance
- Fiber Positioning Accuracy in the array
- Angle Misalignment
- Surface Flatness
- Insertion loss and Return Loss
Applications of Fiber Optic Arrays
Fiber optic array used in Lidar
Large-scale optical fiber arrays made of optical fibers, due to their light weight, good flexibility, and anti-interference advantages, can be used to connect photodetectors, and indirectly array discrete photodetectors to achieve array detection, so that there is no need to make large-scale photodetector arrays, the requirements for the number of photodetector pixels are also reduced, and the application of optical fiber arrays alleviates many manufacturing difficulties. This also shows that the application of optical fiber arrays to the connection of photodetectors to realize optical fiber array imaging has an important application in array detection and imaging lidar.
Fiber optic array used in Lidar
Optical Interconnection
Optical interconnection uses photons as information carriers to realize information exchange between computing units. Because of its high speed, strong anti-interference ability, large number of interconnections, high density, low power consumption, etc., it is widely used in data transmission and information processing technology.
According to the different channels used in optical interconnection, it can be divided into waveguide interconnection, free space interconnection, and optical fiber interconnection. Among them, optical fiber interconnection has high reliability, low cost, and wide application space, but currently it is the only parallel optical interconnection technology that has entered practicality.
Fiber optic couplers can connect optical fibers to optical fibers, light sources or photodetectors, which can quickly transmit large amounts of data, reduce optical loss and enhance the transmission of light energy in optical communication systems. As a multi-channel device, the fiber array plays an important role in array interconnection and laser fiber array coupling.
