Optical Switch

Material Solutions for High Performance Optical Switch Applications

Optical switches are essential components of today’s high-speed, dynamically-reconfigurable networks and data center interconnect applications, allowing high signal switching speeds for large amounts of data. In order to function at maximum capacity, optical switches require maximum light transmittance for minimized signal loss. Much of the switch performance is dependent upon assembly precision and material durability, which is why Henkel materials are preferred for these applications.

Optical Switch Applications

Laser Diode Bonding

Laser diodes are found throughout fiber optic communication devices including optical switches. Reliably bonding the laser diodes is achieved with Henkel die attach adhesives, which include traditional and high thermal semi-sintering materials.

Fiber Array Unit (FAU) Assembly

Fiber array units -- comprised of optical fibers, a V-groove chip and cover assembly -- provide photonic integrated chip connections for long-haul, metro and datacenter applications. Henkel LOCTITE® V-groove adhesives hold optical fibers into individual pathways, while structural adhesives reliably bond the fiber array to the assembly. Other adhesive solutions include optically clear light path materials optimized for minimized signal loss, and active alignment adhesives that precisely secure the assembly along the light path. As a system, all of these materials are integral to the precision performance of the FAU.

Fiber Bonding

Fiber optic cables require proper termination for transmission efficiency and minimal data loss. Within the switch application, there are many fiber bonding requirements, including: bonding and sealing fibers/fiber bundles into a ferrule, bonding optical fiber into connectors, potting fiber bundles and bonding of V-groove arrays. As the world’s leading adhesives supplier, Henkel’s bonding solutions are renowned for exceptional quality and reliable performance. Epoxy adhesives bond well to most substrates including glass, stainless steel, and ceramics to ensure limited fiber displacement and mitigate interference from mechanical and thermal factors. In addition, Henkel’s dual-cure (UV/thermal), thermal cure and room temperature cure adhesives to help maintain the integrity of fiber alignment and protect heat-sensitive materials in the fiber optic assembly.

Thermal Management

Controlling operational heat is key to improving system-level performance and in-field reliability of power optical switch applications including the ROADM/WSS. Effective thermal management is achieved through the use of high performance thermal interface materials (TIMs) that dissipate heat from its source to a heat absorbing device. Satisfying various application and processing preferences, Henkel has a wide range of thermal interface material (TIM) solutions in various formats including pads, liquids, gels and phase change TIMs.

News & Insights

Contact us

Get in touch with our expert team to learn how our material solutions can support your business.

There are some errors, please correct them below
What would you like to request?
This field is required
This field is required
This field is required
This field is required
This field is required
This field is invalid