|
|
| Articles |
| SFS Technology |
|
|
Solid Free Space (SFS) Technology
Civcom's patented Solid Free Space (SFS) technology is based on a combination of solid-state operation inside a free-space-propagation architecture. SFS switching combines polarization encoding of optical signals and electro-optic effects, making exclusive use of solid materials. Solid electro-optic materials are more robust than other optical materials, such as liquid crystal, and as such are much faster, more reliable and less sensitive to temperature changes. In addition, free space switching provides for small form factors, lower sensitivity to external conditions and low insertion loss.< br> align=left>SFS technology enables reliable, ultra-fast, polarization independent, strictly non-blocking switching in compact packaging. Since SFS products contain no moving parts, these modules enable extremely fast, reliable switching for a wide variety of applications in the communications, test and measurement, and military markets.
Why use free space propagation?
Free space propagation is based on light (photons or bosons), rather than electricity (electrons or fermions) and is therefore not subject to the same limitations described as part of the Pauli Exclusion Principle (Quantum Physics). This means that although it is possible to direct light in wave-guide (similar to guiding of electrical signals in wires), it is also feasible to direct light without such measures. In free space propagation, the optical beams are routed in free space by means of diffractive optics, lenses, mirrors, prisms, gratings, birefringent materials etc. throughout the system.
Free space propagation enables integration of two-dimensional and three-dimensional architectures. The practical outcome is that by using 3D architectures, more complex systems may be constructed occupying less space.
Free space propagation is also robust and reliable; light does not travel through physical guides. Thus, it is not affected by stresses upon the guides, thermal changes etc. The use of free space propagation results in optical systems that are more robust and reliable.
What are the physics behind SFS?
SFS technology is based upon free-space propagation of optical signals combined with polarization-based encoding and manipulations using electro-optic effects. This switching mechanism is based changing and controlling the polarization state of optical signals. Using this method Civcom is able to create a high performance, high-speed and very reliable switch with enhanced functionality that could include independent shutter functionality, VOA (variable optical attenuation) and optical multicast.
This technology is very reliable because the switch is built from robust sub-components without any moving parts. Having no physical waveguides, but rather employing Civcom's robust elements, this technology offers stability and low sensitivity to external conditions. This method also offers relatively low insertion losses, low crosstalk and is not beset by diffraction orders.
How is high reliability achieved using SFS?
The main advantage of SFS is no moving parts. This ensures that no sub component can malfunction or stick, disabling the entire switch. In addition, Civcom has put considerable thought and research into the types of materials and sub-components it uses in order to develop a highly reliable device. The materials used were selected after intensive research efforts that yielded the adaptation of well-known materials for carrier class switching devices that are not affected by repeated switching operation. Finally, by combining bulk-optics with advanced electronics that stabilize the response of the optical components, SFS technology can achieve reliability on the order of 100,000,000,000 cycles with no fatigue or degradation.
Please see the Free-X™ optical switch section for more details on Civcom products that use SFS technology.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
