OFC 2016
Event organiser:
OSA
The Optical Fiber Communication (OFC) conference and exhibition is the largest global conference and exhibition for optical communications and networking professionals. For more than 40 years, the event has drawn attendees from all corners of the globe to meet and greet, make connections and drive business and technology innovation within the industry.
EXHIBITORS FOR SHOW
Albis Optoelectronics (booth 3408), a designer, developer and manufacturer of high-speed photodiodes, has been supplying a broad portfolio of Telcordia-qualified indium phosphide and gallium arsenide photodiodes for datacom and telecom applications for more than 10 years. At OFC this year, Albis will present its extended portfolio of mounted photodiodes. In close cooperation with customers, Albis has developed complex assembly solutions that meet stringent requirements with regards to alignment precision, bandwidth and layout complexity.
The Albis avalanche and pin photodiode portfolio can now be supplied as flip-chip bonded or wire-bonded devices on customised 2D or 3D (wrap-around) carriers. For example, PS20X4 consists of an array of four, flip-chip soldered 28GHz lensed photodiodes that can be used as the core building block inside a CFP4 receiver module. The company is expanding workforce and production infrastructure to support an increasing demand for customisation.
Arden Photonics (booth 3735) will be displaying the VFI-2000, a visual fault locator (VFI) designed for research, production and quality assurance environments. The VFI-2000 is an interferometric system that checks the quality and flatness of large diameter fibres and rods, from 400 to 2000µm diameter.
The crisp end-face images show every defect and the high-contrast fringe patterns make it easy to estimate end angles. The 5-megapixel camera in the VFI-2000 helps to show every detail and gives ample digital zoom capability, up to a diameter of 2000µm. The two modes of operation – inspect and fringe – allow users to check both the flatness and end quality of a cleaved or polished fibre end with just one insertion.
The VFI-2000 comes with an efficient software package with controls to switch between fringe and inspect mode. It also allows users to grab and save images for later use. The report generator enables users to include up to 20 cleave images in one report along with comments.
Bristol Instruments (booth 1453), a leader in laser wavelength measurement technology, has set a new standard for WDM wavelength testing with the 828B high-speed optical wavelength meter. The 828B system measures the absolute wavelength of WDM lasers to an accuracy of ±1pm. This accuracy is maintained over long periods of time by calibrating with a built-in wavelength standard resulting in a confidence level of 99.7 per cent. What makes the 828B system special is that it measures wavelength at a rate as high as 1kHz. This speed is very important to manufacturers of WDM components because it enables more efficient wavelength testing and, therefore, greater productivity. What’s more, the speed of the 828B system provides time resolution as short as 1ms, resulting in more detailed wavelength characterisation of components such as tunable WDM lasers.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see how Ciena’s (booth 2673) web-scale networking solutions and Blue Planet software can help drive new services, deliver ultra-high bandwidth, and maximise revenues. Ciena’s booth and FutureLab, a big rig truck fully equipped with next-generation networking solutions, will feature Ciena’s WaveLogic Encryption solution, Waveserver DCI platform, Blue Planet software, and Ciena’s new Emulation Cloud, an open application development environment that allows data centre operators, application developers and other third-party developers to create, test and fine-tune customised web-scale applications tailored to their specific needs. Ciena executives and technical experts will also be on hand to discuss the company’s efforts to help service providers build larger, more agile and robust networks that cater to rising web-scale demands.
At OFC Coherent Solutions (booth 1328) will display its new pattern-independent automatic bias controller, the IQABC, which enables test engineers to optimise the performance and stability of any OIF compatible IQ-modulator used in coherent optical transmission. A complete system is demonstrated to test an IQ-modulator using pulse pattern generator IQPPG and tunable laser source IQTLS to drive the IQ-modulator, and Teledyne LeCroy’s (booth 1115) optical modulation analyser to display the test results.
Coherent also offers IQTransmitter, an optical signal generator with integrated automatic bias control (ABC) and up to 40GHz bandwidth. The IQTransmitter enables quick and simple generation of phase-modulated optical signals in one, user-friendly unit.
Attendees are also invited to check out the versatile modular test platform, MTP1000, featuring four different integrated blade-modules; LaserBlade, VOABlade, Optical SwitchBlade and PowerBlade. The MTP1000 has an intuitive user interface that simplifies the test and characterisation of optical components and modules in both R&D and production environments.
http://www.coherent-solutions.com
Purpose-built for the surging demand for data centre interconnect (DCI), the Coriant Groove G30 DCI platform takes centre stage at the Coriant OFC 2016 exhibit (booth 1321). The Coriant Groove G30 DCI Platform is a stackable transport platform for cloud networks that delivers 3.2 terabits of capacity throughput in a compact 1RU form factor. The Coriant Groove G30 DCI platform enables WAN cloud connectivity services, including 10G, 40G, and 100G.
Powered by Coriant CloudWave Optics, the Coriant Groove G30 DCI platform supports programmable DWDM line interfaces that optimise high-capacity transmission from 100G to 400G in metro to long-haul DCI applications. Coriant CloudWave Optics is a photonic layer technology that combines a signal processing engine, optimised integrated photonics, and embedded software intelligence to bring a new level of optical performance, efficiency, and scalability to infrastructure networks facing unprecedented traffic growth.
Fiber Optic Center (booth 2308), a distributor of fibre-optic components, equipment and supplies, and its staff of technical experts will participate in a number of industry discussions at their booth at 11am on 23 March at OFC. Topics covered will include optical coatings, optical cable and optical cable assembly problems, adhesive options, and new developments in lapping film.
Randall Elgin will speak about low refractive index coating with simple application for antireflection films. Wayne Kachmar is looking forward to discussing his practical experience, ranging from invention to full production of cutting-edge optical cable designs.
In the area of epoxies and adhesives, FOC has had extensive work with assuring the correct amounts in the connector, packaging options, and epoxy rings with visual inspection. Both Kelly Barker and Mario Goduco will be on hand to take questions and discuss experiences from the field.
Donna Brodie will be leading a discussion on lapping film and the Angstrom Ultimas-P that is being released at the show as a cost-effective protrusion producing film that meets Telcordia specifications. Samples of this new high-performance final film will be available upon request.
Optical and electrical connectivity specialist HUBER+SUHNER (booth 3106) says its products are specially designed for high-speed requirements within applications where space is tight and miniaturised components that are robust, reliable and easy to handle are a necessity. At OFC this year, the company will be showcasing miniature multi-lambda receiver optical subassembly (ROSA) products as well as their concept of optical printed circuit board (PCB) connectivity.
Incorporating an optical de-multiplexer, four integrated PIN detectors and a quad-array transimpedance amplifier (TIA), the ROSA receives parallel optical WDM signals, each propagating at 28.3Gb/s, over a single optical fibre.
Elsewhere on the exhibition floor, electronic test and measurement equipment manufacturer Keysight will be using HUBER+SUHNER’s second-generation ROSA +100G mux to demonstrate their equipment while the first-generation ROSA will be used by high-speed semiconductor provider Inphi to demonstrate their new clock-and-data-recovery (CDR) chip.
This year INNO Instrument (booth 1347) will unveil a new, compact arc fusion splicer, View 1, used for the installation and maintenance of fibre-optic networks. Like other products in the View range, View 1 features the industry’s highest magnification combined with a high-resolution screen so that fibre condition can easily be inspected with unaided eyes. The View 1’s 4.3-inch colour LCD touch screen with user-friendly intuitive graphical user interface offers large and clear fibre images. By double-tapping the screen, users can zoom in (or out) on the image to reach the magnification of 520x. View 1 will set the new industry standard for a compact active clad alignment splicer, the company claims.
The Trig System from KrellTech (booth 1128) processes and shapes bare optical fibres. Fibre tips can be polished flat or at user selectable angles with high precision. Real-time video monitoring provides accurate control of the shaping process while an in-line vision system permits inspection of the polished surface as the fibre is loaded in the machine. Interchangeable adapters are available for various fibre types and diameters.
Trig also integrates a polarisation-maintaining fibre alignment feature for proper angle orientation. Optional processing modules permit the creation of conical and chisel tips. Specialised adapters are designed to accommodate connector polishing with the same system. A software package permits the measurement and confirmation of fibre geometries.
Laser Components (booth 3634) has expanded its in-house production facility for fibre-optic cables and can now offer patch cords, pigtails and connector assemblies for singlemode and polarisation-maintaining fibres. The standard cables are equipped with FC/PC or FC/APC style connectors, and can be produced for the classic telecom wavelengths at 850nm, 1310nm, and 1550nm, but also wavelengths in the visible range as low as 450nm. Other connector types are available upon request. The R&D team can provide a complete customisation service.
The company has high precision manufacturing, especially important for patch cords for short wavelengths that have a small core and mode-field diameters in the range 3-4µm. Careful manufacturing techniques are backed by an extensive range of measurement equipment and more than 15 years of experience in the assembly of optical fibres. The patch cords are ideally suited for applications in sensor technology or spectroscopy, in measurement modules, pump lasers, and data transmission.
http://www.lasercomponents.com
Micos (booth 3644) MTTH Series includes two distribution boxes designed for indoor use in FTTx networks. The MTTH EASY is a simple enclosure suitable for storing pre-connectorised cable and cable reserves, which is suitable as a distribution point in small buildings and/or individual floors of larger buildings. The KM4 splice tray has a capacity of 24 splices whereas the KM3 a capacity of 12 splices. Three KM3 trays can be used in the MTTH EASY enclosure offering a total of 48 splices.
The larger MTTH UNI enclosure is designed as a universal distribution point inside a building. The MTTH UNI includes two different types of connector panels and two KM4 splice trays with a total splicing capacity of 48 splices. This unit has cable inlets and outlets situated on all sides of the enclosure.
OP-METS, the multichannel environmental test station from Optotest (booth 1913), is designed for environmental testing of up to 144 singlemode or multimode fibre assemblies or passive components, helping to ensure that they meet long-term performance requirements of testing standards such as Telcordia GR-326-CORE, GR-1435-CORE.
OP-METS includes features such as: mandrel free return loss testing, compatibility with both singlemode and multimode wavelengths from 850–1625nm. Multimode sources can be configured to meet IEC/TIA specifications for encircled flux. In addition, the OP-METS system can be used for stability testing for unique configurations, and can run up to two tests simultaneously. For a hands-on demonstration of the technology visit the Optotest booth.
PE.fiberoptics (booth 1622) will be showcasing its latest field portable measurement system that will include optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) technology; a first for PE.fiberoptics. PE.fiberoptics is well known for designing chromatic dispersion and polarisation mode dispersion (PMD) measurement systems, but recently, spurred on by customer requests, it has expanded its product range to encompass most of the tests required in the production and installation of optical fibres and cables. This investment has been rewarded by the sale of several package contracts with some of the worlds better-known manufacturers who have been looking for credible alternatives to their incumbent suppliers. One technology that had been lacking at PE.fiberoptics was OTDR; the company will be showing how its investments in this area have started to yield results. Experts will be present on the PE.fibreoptics booth to discuss how these developments relate to current test and measurement strategies.
Phoenix Photonics (booth 2563) will be exhibiting its enhanced range of products for polarisation and mode control in optical fibres. The in-fibre mode control range is targeted at space-division multiplexing (SDM) applications and includes the world’s first commercial few-mode erbium-doped fibre amplifier. This compact all-fibre amplifier gives high performance across C-band ideal for SDM system trials. The amplifier will be on display at the Phoenix booth, together with ‘photonic lantern’ mode mux/demuxs and other supporting few-mode fibre components.
http://www.phoenixphotonics.com
ProLabs (booth 2268) is an independent provider of optical connectivity products, specialising in high-quality compatibles that are transforming interoperability between optical systems and interfaces. Through its comprehensive range of compatible cables and transceivers, ProLabs is democratising the world of optical equipment and continually reducing costs for the end user. The ProLabs range allows users of multiple systems to combine previously incompatible products with relative ease; liberating its customers from vendor lock-in.
ProLabs has expanded significantly over the course of the last two years, establishing a truly global distribution network. This growth has afforded the company the opportunity to pursue more challenging projects such as 100G and multi-coded infrastructure (single components coded to multiple OEM providers) – closing the innovation gap between the OEM and compatibles market.
Proximion (booth 3469) offers what the company claims are the world's only fibre Bragg grating (FBG) -based continuous dispersion compensation modules. Tens of thousands of units are deployed in networks worldwide today, compensating for dispersion in links that span more than six laps around the globe. The company’s products combine all the benefits of the FBG and dispersion compensating fibre (DCF) technology, taking advantage of both full-band and channel plan independent compensation.
Senko (booth 2225) will introduce the MPO Plus 16- and 32-fibre ferrule at this year's OFC exhibition. The new MPO Plus MT 16- and 32-fibre ferrules are designed to meet the new TIA604-18 standard, which addresses 16-fibre hole width multi-fibre push-on (MPO) connector requirements. These products are available in single row 16 fibre and 32 fibre 2x16 configurations. A multimode version is also available for 100G and 400G parallel optics applications.
Visit Teledyne LeCroy (booth 1115), to experience the latest leading-edge optical communications test solutions. Teledyne LeCroy will be collaborating with Coherent Solutions, Anritsu and Oclaro to demonstrate an industry-first 400G end-to-end test system. The 56Gbaud DP-16QAM generation, transmission, receiver and analysis platform will be on display for the duration of the exhibition at the Teledyne LeCroy booth, with a technical presentation taking place at 3pm Wednesday 23 March.
Also on display will be the Teledyne LeCroy LabMaster 10-100Zi-A, the world’s fastest oscilloscope. With 100GHz analogue bandwidth and 240GS/s on up to 20 channels, the LabMaster 10-100Zi-A has become a critical enabler for communications experiments requiring the highest performance.
For measurement and visualisation of complex signals, Teledyne LeCroy will also be demonstrating the industry’s most complete multi-level characterisation capabilities with PAM4 signal analysis, as well as VectorLinQ VSA - the most flexible vector signal analysis available.
