SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Arrayed Fiberoptics Corporation, the leader in enabling next-generation fiberoptic components, today announced its high return loss two-dimensional (2D) fiber array, designed to be used as a subcomponent for optical fiber systems.

2D fiber arrays are a key component in devices such as large fiber optic switches, as well as being used for industrial, scientific, and military applications. These systems often require fiber components to have at least 40 dB return loss, preferably greater, especially for telecommunications applications. This requirement has not previously been able to be met with surface-normal polish of the fiber end face, even when the best anti-reflection coating is applied to the fiber surface. It is for this reason that angle polish is typically employed for linear fiber arrays, as the angle polish increases the return loss to acceptable levels. However for 2D fiber arrays, polishing at an angle is frequently difficult, due to the fact that a 2D array has similar dimensions in both width and length. Due to this geometry, an angle polish would result in a very significant amount of the fiber array substrate material being polished away; in the extreme, the entire substrate could be lost if this angle polish were attempted. As a result, companies have had to live with surface-normal polish (rather than angle polish) and the resulting poor return loss performance for 2D fiber arrays.

Arrayed Fiberoptics' high return loss (HRL) 2D fiber array incorporates a patent-pending optical design which increases the return loss of a surface-normal polished 2D fiber array by an additional 15 dB, or an attenuation factor of 30. Combined with an anti-reflection coating, the return loss of a HRL 2D fiber array easily surpasses 40 dB; typical return loss is around 50 dB. Furthermore, these HRL fiber arrays offer nearly two orders of magnitudes increase in power handling ability.

"We are pleased to offer these high return loss fiber arrays to leading fiberoptic system vendors. Our HRL fiber arrays solve a long-felt need for the fiber optic industry," said Ben Connors, Executive Vice President of Arrayed Fiberoptics Corporation. “These HRL fiber arrays combine high performance with ease of manufacturing and reliability.”

Arrayed Fiberoptics Corp.