04 May 2011 Optical engineers require fast optical switches for a variety of purposes without paying huge sums. LASER COMPONENTS offer a range of inexpensive, high reliability, optical switches with either single mode (SM) or multi-mode (MM) optical fibre.
These millisecond switching time modules rely on patented microoptical/micromechanical designs to provide 100 million lifetime cycle operation. Using industrial proven actuators these switches deliver excellent performance both mechanically and optically for long term stability.
Four spectral bands are offered that include the whole visible spectrum (400-690nm), near infrared (700-1100nm), two telecom bands in the infrared (1260-1360nm, 1480-1630nm), as well as polarisation maintaining infrared (1310-1550nm). With such diversity these optical switches can be tailored to suit a wide range of optical communication, sensing and control technologies.
Depending upon type, optical parameters include low insertion loss (typ 0.7dB typ), low polarization dependent loss (<0.05dB) and ultra low back reflection loss for SM series, excellent reproducibility (<0.005dB), high isolation (cross talk >55dB), short (<2ms) switching times, and low return loss (>65dB).
All housings are robust using metal casings, and can be custom finished for sufficient quantities. Apart from the visible series switches with a form factor of 124mm x 56mm x 13mm, the other three measure 75mm x 50mm x 13mm, making these units ideal for small sensor systems. Alternatively, 19" rack style mounting is available if preferred.
Additional to the 0ºC - +60 ºC operating temperature and -40ºC to +80ºC storage temperature, these optical switches offer 50Hz switching frequencies, less than 450mW power consumption, whilst operating on 5VDC.
Several interface electronic configurations are available, including RS232, TTL, 12C, Ethernet and USB. A complete range of SM or MM fibre connectors such as SMA, LA, FC, SC, E2000 etc, are available including longer pigtails if preferred over the standard 1m length supplied.
There is a large choice of switching options from 1x2, 1x4, up to 1x16, and 2x2, 2x4 and 2x8, thus facilitating a large range of applications that include; multi-channel laser sources, and detectors, multiple sensor monitoring, laser scanning microscopy, SPAD arrays and micro-optics, and spectroscopy.
For more information visit our website at http://www.lasercomponents.com/uk/product/optical-switches/
|
