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Optomechanical Products Used in the Optical Communication Field

2025/04/24

Optical Communication and Fiber Coupling Solutions

Optical communication is a technology that utilizes light signals as carriers for data transmission. Compared to traditional electrical communication, optical communication offers significant advantages in bandwidth, signal loss, cost, and fidelity, making it the backbone of global information infrastructure. To enhance bandwidth, two main techniques are employed: increasing the single-channel transmission rate or utilizing Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) to expand the number of transmission wavelengths in a single optical fiber.

 

Fiber Coupling: A Key Technology in Optical Communication

Fiber coupling is a crucial technology in optical communication. It involves aligning optical components such as fibers and waveguides to efficiently transfer light from one optical device to another. Common fiber coupling solutions include:

By precisely aligning and connecting optical fibers, waveguides, and other optical components, efficient optical signal transmission can be achieved. However, due to the small core diameter of optical fibers (9µm for single-mode fibers and typically 125µm for multi-mode fibers), high sensitivity and stability in coupling and alignment equipment are essential. Zolix specializes in the designing and manufacturing fiber coupling equipment, providing high-precision positioning stages, clamping components, and related products.

Below is a demonstration of a manual coupling setup for a "fiber-to-waveguide-to-fiber" configuration, utilizing high-precision UFP and NFP series manual stages.

NXP Flexible High-Precision Coupling Stage

The NXP series multi-dimensional optical coupling stages offer 3-axes or 6-axes adjustments, making them ideal for fiber coupling, waveguides, optoelectronic packaging, and other high-resolution alignment or positioning applications. The six-axes version is equipped with a stainless steel probe in front of the moving platform, marking the common pivot point for all rotational axes, significantly reducing system alignment time.

  • lParallel flexure design: No internal guide rails or bearings, ensuring long-term stability.
  • lSub-micron resolution.
  • lPiezo-driven versionavailable: Achieves nanometer-level positioning accuracy.
  • lQuick switching between manual and motorized operation.
  • lCommon pivot point for all rotational axes: Reduces system alignment time.

NFP High-Precision Fiber Alignment Stage

The NFP series precision fiber alignment stages feature a fully stainless steel modular structure, using SUS304 stainless steel for excellent corrosion resistance. The homogeneous material properties ensure a stable thermal expansion coefficient, significantly enhancing long-term stability. The core motion mechanism adopts an ultra-high-precision crossed roller guide, combined with precision grinding technology, achieving internationally leading performance metrics:

APFP-XYZTΘ

  • lSUS304 stainless steel
  • lStable thermal expansion coefficient, long-term stability
  • lPrecision micrometer for adjustment

FP Series Fiber Alignment Stage

The FP series fiber alignment stage offers up to 5-axes high-precision adjustment and is constructed from aluminum alloy for excellent corrosion resistance. Its compact design makes it ideal for applications in confined spaces. Additionally, Zolix provides both left- and right-handed models, which can be used in pairs.

FP-XYZT

 

HXP Series Six-Axes Parallel Hexapod

HXP-824A New models coming soon

A six-axes parallel hexapod assists in multi-dimensional alignment of optical communication components. By utilizing optical power feedback, it determines the optimal coupling position for maximum efficiency.

Nanoscale 6 Degree Freedom Parallel Platform

Free6D.3-2.150.G2

  • lTravel range:X, Y, Z ±10 mm, ±10 mm, ±5 mm
  • lAngle range:ΘX, ΘY, ΘZ ±10 °, ±10 °, ±20 °
  • lMinimum step size: 20 nm /1 urad
  • lMulti-axis attitude adjustment, stable structure, high rigidity
  • lHigh vacuum (.HV) and ultra High vacuum (.UHV) versions are available

In addition, Zolix offers a wide range of fiber optic clamps, accessories, and comprehensive solutions for the optical communication field.

 

With the rapid growth of AI, cloud computing, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) worldwide, the demand for high-speed data transmission has significantly increased. The development of all-optical networks is expected to accelerate, driving a surge in demand for high-speed optical modules, high-performance optical chips, optical switches, and other optical communication components. The testing and production of these optical communication components rely on high-precision opto-mechanical products.

Zolix is committed to providing professional solutions for these industries. For more details, please contact Zolix or your local distributor.

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