The foundation of all Polatis switch products is based on the patented DirectLight beam-steering technology - a simple, elegant, and precise means for optical switching. At the core is a micro-actuation engine, a device comprising fiber collimators, piezoelectric actuators, and a motion amplifier. The patented device integration enables beam-steering in a compact and scalable package.
How it works: an optical beam is collimated and steered from an input array ("send" side) to an output array ("receive" side). In reconfigurable port configurations, a single fold mirror provides the ability to return light back to a single array. Voltage signals to the piezoelectric elements control the pointing, while acurate position feedback provides continuous closed loop precision.
Unlike traditional 3D MEMS architectures, beam-steering is not limited by many of the performance issues arising from using silicon micro-mirrors as optical elements. DirectLight is a highly reliable integrated device with minimal susceptibility to vibration and shock.
Advantages
- Very clean optical path: with a very simple optical train, consisting of fiber and two collimators, DirectLight is capable of very low loss (typ=0.4 dB) and extremely high optical performance (PDL, PMD, WDL, repeatability and more.)
- Precision optical surfaces: DirectLight uses real bulk optics, rather than adapting silicon-etched surfaces for primary optical surfaces
- Active collimation: with the ability to calibrate out all passive misalignments after manufacture, DirectLight eliminates the cost and complexity of precision sub-micron packaging
- High force, high stiffness drive train: with 100x the stiffness of typical 3D MEMS devices, the system is far less susceptible to shock, vibration, or other environmental disturbances
- High resolution positioning & control: provides the ability to sense and tune very accurately, allowing maximum power throughput, or fine resolution power attenuation
To read more about the DirectLight beam-steering technology:
- OE Magazine, October 2004: Optimal Switching: the choice of actuation technology ultimately affects the optical performance of a tunable optical device
- NFOEC 2003 Paper: Beam-steering Optical Switch Fabric Utilizing Piezoelectric Actuation Technology