Next generation multi-fiber ferrule using 165 micron pitch optical fiber

Hirotaka Asada; Darrell Childers; Mike Hughes; Takaaki Ishikawa; Sharon Lutz; Dirk Schoellner; Kansei Shindo; Yasuyuki Wada

doi:10.1117/12.2578649

5 March 2021 Next generation multi-fiber ferrule using 165 micron pitch optical fiber

Hirotaka Asada, Darrell Childers, Mike Hughes, Takaaki Ishikawa, Sharon Lutz, Dirk Schoellner, Kansei Shindo, Yasuyuki Wada

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 11692, Optical Interconnects XXI; 1169214 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2578649
Event: SPIE OPTO, 2021, Online Only

Abstract

The continued acceleration of switching capacity and link transmission bandwidth is driving the need for new connectors in next generation optical networks. With 25.6Tb switch ASICs available in 2020 [1], only two years after the introduction of 12.8Tb switching, the industry is now looking to radical new architectures to achieve 51.2Tb switching, including the advent of optics integrated or co-packaged with ASIC technology. The standard 250μm pitch used in multi-fiber ferrules with 125μm cladding diameter optical fiber is physically too large to support the quantity of optical lanes that will be coupled inside the coming switching platforms. This paper describes a next generation MT-style ferrule designed for fibers with 80μm cladding diameter on a pitch of 165μm. By decreasing the pitch from 250μm to 165μm, up to 24 fibers can be placed in a single row between the pins of the MT-16 alignment structure. This tighter pitch enables higher fiber densities coupled directly to or in the proximity optical Tx/Rx photonic tiles. Endface geometry models combined with connector mating normal forces are based on the traditional 250μm pitch of MT-style ferrules. Fiber tip radii, fiber tip coplanarity, ferrule surface endface angles relative to alignment pin bores were measured empirically and documented on the new design. Varied topologies were combined with different mating forces demonstrating effective physical contact for the new ferrule. Mated pairs were monitored for attenuation changes during exposure to industry standard uncontrolled environment temperature cycling. Subsequent specifications for future end face geometry and mating spring force requirements are proposed.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Hirotaka Asada, Darrell Childers, Mike Hughes, Takaaki Ishikawa, Sharon Lutz, Dirk Schoellner, Kansei Shindo, and Yasuyuki Wada "Next generation multi-fiber ferrule using 165 micron pitch optical fiber", Proc. SPIE 11692, Optical Interconnects XXI, 1169214 (5 March 2021); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2578649

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available