Fiber Array (FA for short), using a V-grove (V-Grove substrate), a bundle of optical fibers or an optical fiber ribbon is installed on the substrate at specified intervals to form an array. The optical fiber array mainly includes a substrate, a pressure plate and an optical fiber. The V-groove requires a special cutting process to achieve precise fiber positioning. Place the bare fiber part with the fiber coating removed in the V-groove, then press it through the presser part and fix it with adhesive, and the end face is optically polished. , and finally form an optical fiber array.
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The fiber array produced by our company has the advantage of high arrangement accuracy and no accumulated error. The advantage is fully utilized in 2D polarization maintaining fiber array.
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2D InGaAs Detector Array Coupled With Fiber
By the 2D fiber array, many fiber coupled In GaAs diodes can be assembled into a 2D fiber coupled InGaAs diode array.
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Polarization Maintaining Fiber Array
Polarization-preserving fiber array (PM-FA) is mostly used in coherent optical communication. Polarization-preserving fibers can keep the polarization state of light waves unchanged during
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Polarization-preserving fiber pigtail assembly for lithium niobate modulator.
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Based on the silicon V-groove to achieve precision alignment of optical fiber array module, with the advantages of high alignment accuracy, long-term work stability.
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What is a Fiber Array (FA)?
A Fiber Array (FA) is a precision-aligned arrangement of multiple optical fibers, fixed in place with a substrate (typically silicon, glass, or ceramic) to maintain exact spacing (pitch) and alignment. Fiber arrays are essential for parallel optical coupling to devices like photonic chips, waveguides, PLCs, and VCSEL/PD arrays.
Used heavily in optical transceivers, PIC testing, optical switches, AWGs, WSS, and quantum optics.
Types of Fiber Arrays
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| 1D Linear Fiber Array | Fibers arranged in a straight line (e.g. 1×N or N×1) |
| 2D Matrix Fiber Array | Fibers arranged in grid form (e.g. M×N), often for imaging or sensor arrays |
| V-Groove Fiber Array | Fibers mounted in precision-etched V-grooves (most common form) |
| PM Fiber Array | Polarization-maintaining fibers with key-aligned ferrules or epoxy alignment |
| Multi-core Fiber Array | Aligns cores of multi-core fibers to waveguide devices |
| Custom Pitch Arrays | Customized pitch (center-to-center spacing), typically from 127 µm to 250 µm |
Key Structural Components
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Substrate | Silicon, quartz, or glass — precision micromachined base |
| Fiber Type | SMF, MMF, PMF, LMA, multi-core fiber |
| Epoxy/Adhesive | UV-curable, low-shrinkage adhesive for permanent fixation |
| End-Face | Usually polished at 0°, 8°, or custom angle (e.g., 8° APC for reflection control) |
| Ferrule/Case | Metal or ceramic housing for protection and mounting |
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Typical Values / Notes |
|---|---|
| Fiber Count | 2 to 64+ (linear) or 2×2 to 16×16+ (2D array) |
| Fiber Type | SM (ITU G.652), MM (OM3/OM4), PM (Panda, Bowtie) |
| Pitch (Center Spacing) | 127 µm (standard), 250 µm, custom available |
| Core Alignment Tolerance | ±0.5 µm to ±1 µm |
| Angular Polish | 0° PC or 8° APC (for low reflectance) |
| Insertion Loss | ≤ 0.5 dB (typical) |
| Return Loss | > 50 dB (APC) |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +85°C |
Applications
| Application Area | Role of Fiber Array |
|---|---|
| Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) | Optical I/O between chip and fiber |
| PLC Splitters / AWGs | Fiber coupling to waveguide arrays |
| Coherent Transceivers | High-channel fiber launch into modulators/detectors |
| Quantum Optics / LiDAR | Spatially multiplexed detection or delivery |
| Wavelength Selective Switches (WSS) | Input/output channel management |
| Test & Measurement | Parallel testing of optical devices or chips |
Fiber Array vs MPO / Ribbon Fiber
| Feature | Fiber Array (FA) | MPO / Ribbon Connector |
|---|---|---|
| Alignment Accuracy | Sub-micron (±0.5 µm) | Lower (several µm) |
| Purpose | Precision optical coupling | High-density telecom interconnect |
| Form Factor | Silicon/glass-based rigid array | Plastic multi-fiber ferrule |
| Polish Options | 0°, 8°, custom | 0° or 8° (fixed) |
| Customization | Highly customizable pitch, polish | Limited |
Key Design Considerations
Choose correct fiber type (SM/MM/PM) for coupling efficiency
Specify pitch tolerance based on your photonic chip layout
Ensure proper polish angle for back-reflection minimization
Select APC polish when coupling to laser sources or reflect-sensitive systems
Request active alignment if needed for sub-micron coupling to waveguides
Example Use Case
A 16-channel DWDM AWG device uses:
A 1×16 linear fiber array
With 127 µm pitch, SM fibers, 8° APC polish
To couple output light from the arrayed waveguide to the fiber system
We're well-known as one of the leading fiber array fa manufacturers in China. If you're going to buy discount fiber array fa, welcome to get pricelist and free sample from our factory. Also, customized service is available.
Fiber Dense Arrangement, 2D Fiber Array, pm fiber array