Eindhoven-based Microalign has introduced a 24-channel ultra-high-accuracy fiber array, doubling the previous industry standard of 12 channels while maintaining 100-nanometer fiber-core pitch accuracy. The advance is aimed squarely at quantum photonic computing, where low-loss, high-density optical interconnects are critical for scaling systems.
Fiber arrays are precision-engineered assemblies that hold multiple optical fibers in a fixed, tightly controlled configuration, typically aligned in a linear or two-dimensional array. Their purpose is to enable efficient, low-loss coupling between optical fibers and photonic chips, which is essential in applications like quantum computing, telecommunications and high-speed data interconnects. Inside the fiber array, the core positions of the fibers must be aligned with sub-micron accuracy to match the waveguides on the chip, making fiber arrays a critical component in scalable photonic systems where multiple optical channels need to be connected in parallel.
Microalign’s MEMS-based active alignment technology enables the simultaneous, closed-loop alignment of all fibers during manufacturing, in contrast to conventional V-groove-based passive techniques that offer only approximately 0.5 microns of accuracy. This innovation delivers significant improvements in coupling efficiency between fiber arrays and photonic chips, a key bottleneck in building larger, more reliable quantum photonic systems.
“This milestone further demonstrates how the unique features of Microalign fiber manipulation technology can enable the manufacturing of fiber arrays with a large number of channels without compromising the core position accuracy,” says CTO Marco Fattori.
