Glossary
1. Fiber Array (FA)
A component in which multiple optical fibers are arranged at a fixed pitch on a V-groove substrate. It is commonly used for coupling optical chips to optical fibers.
2. Polarization Maintaining Fiber Array (PMFA)
An array made of polarization-maintaining fibers that maintain the polarization state of light.
3. V-Groove Substrate
A silicon or quartz wafer with precision V-grooves etched on its surface, used to secure and align optical fibers.
4. Collimator
Converts a diverging optical beam emitted by an optical fiber into a parallel beam using a lens or spherical lens.
5. Receptacle (Fiber Adapter/Socket)
A fiber optic interface mounted on a device housing, used to connect external fiber patch cables to internal optical components.
6. Optical Aperture
The effective diameter of a light beam passing through a lens or optical system affects the spot size and coupling efficiency.
7. Tapered Fiber
Fiber is a structure that is tapered from thick to thin through a stretching process, enabling mode field conversion and coupling optimization.
8. Fiber Patch Cord
Fiber with connectors at both ends, used for optical signal connection between devices.
9. Fiber Pigtail
Fiber optic cable with a connector on one end and bare fiber on the other.
10. Ferrule
A ceramic or metal component used to secure a single fiber.
11. Ferrule Plate / Ferrule Array
A ferrule structure that can secure multiple fibers simultaneously.
12. Adhesive / Epoxy
Materials used to bond optical fibers to substrates or ferrules, available in UV adhesives and heat-curing adhesives.
13. Alignment
Precisely adjust the position of an optical fiber to a chip, lens, or another optical fiber.
14. Coupling
The process by which light is transmitted between different devices or optical fibers.
15. Insertion Loss (IL)
The power loss (dB) of an optical signal when it passes through a device. The lower the better.
16. Return Loss (RL)
The amount of light reflected back from an interface to the input port. A higher value indicates lower reflection.
17. Offset
Positional error of an optical fiber or chip during alignment.
18. Endface Polishing
Polishing the endface of an optical fiber or array to ensure a smooth and flat surface.
19. Angled Polishing (8° FA)
Polishing the endface at a specific angle (commonly 8°) to reduce reflection.
20. Fiber Cleaning
Removing dust and oil from the surface of the optical fiber to avoid increased loss.
21. Fiber Connector
A detachable fiber optic terminal. Common types include FC, SC, LC, and MPO.
22. Fiber Adapter
Used for connecting two fiber optic connectors.
23. Fusion Splicing
Permanently fusion splices two optical fibers using arc discharge.
24. Thermal Curing
Uses high-temperature epoxy adhesive curing to enhance strength and stability.
25. UV Curing
Rapidly cures UV adhesive using ultraviolet light.
26. Optical Splitter (PLC Splitter)
A passive device that splits a single optical signal into multiple channels.
27. Optical Combiner
Combines multiple optical signals into one.
28. Fiber Coupler
A device that splits or combines optical power.
29. Optical Isolator
Allows light to propagate in only one direction, preventing reflected light from interfering with the source.
30. Optical Circulator
Circulates light in a single direction between multiple ports.
31. Optical Filter
Allows light of specific wavelengths to pass while blocking other wavelengths.
32. Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG)
A periodic refractive index modulation structure inscribed within the optical fiber core for wavelength selection.
33. Arrayed Waveguide Grating (AWG)
A planar lightwave circuit device used for wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing (WDM).
34. Fiber Delay Line
Uses the length of an optical fiber to achieve signal delay.
35. Optical Attenuator
Reduces optical power intensity and is used for system power balancing.
36. Optical Switch
A passive device that controls the transmission path of an optical signal.
37. Fiber End Cap
A small piece of quartz glass is fused to the end of a fiber to widen the light spot and reduce damage.
38. Fiber Collimator
A microlens is fabricated on the end of a fiber to improve coupling efficiency.
39. Fiber Alignment Jig
A mechanical tool used to assemble and secure optical fibers and chips.
40. Multimode Fiber / Singlemode Fiber
Multimode fiber supports multimode transmission and is suitable for short-distance transmission; single-mode fiber supports only the fundamental mode and is suitable for long-distance transmission.