Globally diversified chemical company Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) has partnered with China’s Guangdong Languang Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. to develop its first integrated single-mode fiber for use in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) modules lens array. The wavelength division multiplexing module can simultaneously transmit light waves of different wavelengths on one optical fiber, which significantly improves the bandwidth capacity. This innovative design features SABIC’s ULTEM™
Resin – a near-infrared (IR) transparent high temperature polyetherimide (PEI) resin, which realizes the integrated molding of the connector (previously metal) and the receiving lens array (previously glass), and also Housings for the production of WDM components. By integrating parts to avoid secondary processing, SABIC’s resin helps reduce the cost of implementing single-mode wavelength division multiplexing communication technology. Compared with manufacturing individual components with glass or metal, this integrated WDM module of Blu-ray Smart Technology not only saves costs, but also simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process.
Blu-ray Smart Technology’s optical lens array products for wavelength division multiplexing modules comply with Telcordia
GR-468 Performance Standard for Optoelectronic Equipment. This simplified, economical component is expected to further expand the range of applications for the emerging technology of single-mode wavelength-division multiplexing optical fiber, enabling data transmission over longer distances and more energy-efficient than multimode systems.
Guo Dawei, Director of Blu-ray Intelligent Technology, said: “Thanks to SABIC’s ULTEM resin team for their strong support in the process of developing our integrated WDM module. With the help of high-performance ULTEM resin, we developed this advanced solution for the optical communication market. We look forward to working with SABIC again.”
Sincere cooperation
Blu-ray Smart Technology has fifteen years of successful experience in manufacturing multimode fiber optic lenses using ULTEM resin. On this basis, the company hopes to develop an integrated thermoplastic WDM module for single-mode fiber. In order to help customers achieve this new goal, SABIC has worked closely with Blu-ray Smart Technology throughout the application development process.
Scott, Business Director, SABIC ULTEM Resins and Additives
Fisher said: “The successful application case of Blu-ray Smart Technology is a model of our cooperation with customers in research and development, which further proves that SABIC is not only a material supplier, but we will also provide strong support for the development of new projects for customers. Blu-ray Smart Technology proposed A new concept and design to solve the severe industry challenges of increasing data capacity and saving energy consumption in a cost-effective manner. We not only provide innovative material solutions, but also through SABIC’s global optoelectronic excellence The center shares expertise in design, application development and processing to help Blu-ray Smart Technology achieve its goals.Through the Global Optoelectronics Center of Excellence, we focus on advancing the level of optoelectronic technology, especially the adoption of advanced, low-energy technologies to promote fast, reliable , the application of high-capacity communication technology.”
Significant advantages of advanced optical technology
Wavelength division multiplexing is a key technology to improve fiber performance. It increases bandwidth by transmitting data streams of different wavelengths simultaneously on a single fiber optic network. In addition, compared with traditional technologies, especially for long-distance communications, wavelength division multiplexing technology is a more energy-efficient data communication solution. ULTEM resin enables integrated design, simplifies production, and can replace traditional materials with higher system costs to optimize WDM.
SABIC’s material is suitable for single-mode optical fiber transceiver lenses. Compared with aspheric glass lenses, it has greater design freedom, supports high-volume and rapid production, and does not require secondary grinding and polishing. In terms of performance, ULTEM resin has high near-infrared transmittance (up to 88% in the wavelength range of 850-1550 nm), high refractive index and wide temperature range (-40°C to 85°C). Excellent dimensional stability helps ensure alignment with singlemode fiber. ULTEM resin also has high mechanical strength and good dimensional stability, and is suitable for the production of miniaturized, multi-channel components, so as to meet the various performance requirements of the WDM module of Blu-ray Smart Technology during the assembly process.