Assemblies With Polarization-Maintaining Fibers and Connectors Suited for Quantum Computing, Data Centers
Rosenberger Optical Solutions and Infrastructure (OSI) recently introduced its first assembled products that include PANDA polarization-maintaining fibers. PANDA (Polarization-maintaining AND Absorption-reducing) fiber “enables stable polarization of the transmitted light, making it particularly well suited for demanding application in quantum physics, modern data centers, and telecommunications,” Rosenberger OSI said said when announcing the cable assemblies.
“Unlike standard fibers, polarization-maintaining fibers have additional stress elements in the optical cladding,” the company continued. “These elements ensure that linearly polarized light is reliably maintained in two directions [fast axis and slow axis] even when the fiber is subjected to mechanical or thermal stress.”
Manufacturing cable assemblies with PANDA fiber is particularly challenging, the company further pointed out. That challenge “lies in precisely aligning the stress elements on intersecting fibers. Even the slightest deviation can result in significant losses, and high precision is crucial to ensure signal quality.” Rosenberger OSI says it has developed expertise in this area to enable high-precision assemblies of multi-fiber expanded beam optics (EBO) connectors with PANDA fibers.
“This makes Rosenberger OSI the first supplier of polarization-maintaining EBOs on the market,” stated Thomas Schmidt, Rosenberger OSI’s managing director. “The result is stable polarization and low losses, even under demanding conditions.
“With this innovation, we are laying the foundation for the reliable use of PANDA fiber in quantum communication and high-performance data centers.”
He added that the launch of these PANDA-based assemblies positions Rosenberger OSI as “a pioneer of a technological trend that forms the basis for the quantum internet and high-speed cloud networks of the future. This innovation opens up completely new possibilities for customers, offering secure, powerful, and futureproof network infrastructures.”
The company pointed out the following advantages of these polarization-maintaining assemblies.
- Reliable signal quality thanks to stable polarization even in harsh environments
- Increased efficiency because optimized assembly processes save time
- Flexibility to use assemblies with single-fiber or multi-fiber connectors
Applications for Rosenberger OSI’s polarization-maintaining assemblies include quantum physics, particularly quantum cryptography and entangled photons; precise clock signals and high-end connections in data centers; polarization multiplexing in coherent telecommunications systems; and fiber-optic gyroscopes used in transportation.