One of the first integrated single-mode fibre optic lens arrays that is suitable for a wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) module was created by SABIC, a world leader in the chemical industry, in partnership with China’s Blovelight, Ltd. A WDM module makes it possible to transmit many light wavelengths simultaneously over a single fibre, greatly increasing the bandwidth capacity. In this ground-breaking design, an integrated connector (previously made of metal) and receiving lens array (formerly made of glass) are moulded using SABIC’s ULTEMTM resin, a near-infrared (IR)-transparent, high-heat polyetherimide (PEI) material, to provide a housing for the WDM component. The SABIC resin aids in lowering the cost of single-mode WDM communications by facilitating part integration and preventing secondary procedures. Comparing the cost of the Blovelight module to individual glass or metal parts, further streamlines assembly and manufacturing.
The optical lens array from Blovelight for the WDM module satisfies the requirements of Telcordia GR-468 for optoelectronic devices. This less complicated, more affordable part might help single-mode WDM fibre optics gain more widespread usage. This new technology enables more energy-efficient data transmission over greater distances than multi-mode systems.
Blovelight director David Guo remarked, “I would like to thank SABIC’s ULTEM resin team for their tremendous cooperation in the development of our integrated WDM module. “We were able to develop this cutting-edge solution for the optic communications sector thanks to the high-performance ULTEM resin. We really anticipate working with SABIC again.
partnering with Blovelight
Blovelight envisioned an integrated, thermoplastic lens that would build on the ten years of success with ULTEM resin in multi-mode fibre optic lenses. Single-mode fibre optic WDM module. SABIC closely collaborated with Blovelight throughout the application development process to assist the company in achieving its new objective.
According to Scott Fisher, business director, ULTEM Resins and Additives, SABIC, “The successful Blovelight application is a good example of customer collaboration that extends far beyond supplying materials.” “Blovelight created an idea and design to effectively address a challenging data capacity and energy dilemma. Through our Opto-electronic Centre of Excellence, we were able to assist them in achieving their objectives by offering not just a revolutionary material solution but also knowledge in design, application development, and processing. The centre highlights our dedication to enhancing the state of the art in photonics, especially through the use of cutting-edge, energy-saving technologies thatfacilitate high-speed, dependable communications.
Benefits of Advanced Optics are Plain
For fibre optics, wavelength-division multiplexing is a crucial enabling technology. By enabling the simultaneous transmission of many data streams over a single optical fibre network, it expands bandwidth. In addition, compared to conventional technologies, WDM technology may be a more energy-efficient choice for data transport, particularly over long distances. By simplifying design integration, expediting production, and displacing conventional materials that often have higher system costs, ULTEM resin can aid in WDM optimisation.
For single-mode optical transceiver lenses, this SABIC material is a great contender. It offers more design flexibility than aspherical glass lenses and high-volume, high-speed manufacturing without the need for additional grinding and polishing. In terms of performance, ULTEM resin provides high near-IRtransmission (>88% at 850-1550nm), a high refractive Index and excellent dimensional stability over a wide temperature range (-40℃ to 85℃) to help ensure consistent alignment with single-mode fibers. ULTEM resin also met the demands of the assembly process for Blovelight’s WDM application by providing high mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and the ability to build miniaturized, multichannel parts.
