Liquid Crystal Devices (Lightwaves 2020)

Wide Band Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA)

Lightwaves 2020’s liquid crystal based variable optical attenuator (VOA) is a voltage-controlled device designed specifically for power management in optical networks. The device has a dynamic range of up to 40dB attenuation and wide operating band of wavelength from 1260nm to 1620nm.

With driver

Without driver

8 Channel Variable Optical Attenuator Array (AVOA)

Lightwaves2020's liquid crystal based variable optical attenuator array (AVOA) is a voltage-controlled module designed specifically for power management in optical networks. Each device in the module has a dynamic range of up to 40dB attenuation and operates in the C-band, L-band or C+L band.

Eight VOAs packaged in a small footprint make it ideal for integration onto circuit boards and for saving the space. The module is driven by a 0 - 5V DC voltage using a easy-to-plug 12 pin electric interface connector.

In addition, it offers the benefits of no moving parts, precision attenuation control, low power consumption, excellent PDL performance, low insertion loss and low cost.

The AVOA can be used for pre-emphasis of DWDM laser signals in long haul systems, power equalisation in optical add/drop modules and optical cross-connects. As with all Lightwaves2020's products, the VOA conforms to Telcordia requirements.

Single Channel Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA)

Lightwaves2020's liquid crystal based variable optical attenuator (VOA) is a voltage-controlled device designed specifically for power management in optical networks. The device has a dynamic range of up to 40dB attenuation and operates in the C-band, L-band or C+L band.

Sealed in a compact coaxial package 7.2mm in diameter, the VOA's small footprint makes it ideal for integration onto circuit boards. In addition, it offers the benefits of no moving parts, precision attenuation control without backlash, small driving voltage, low power consumption, excellent PDL performance, low insertion loss and low cost. The VOA is driven by either a 0 -30V peak to peak 10KHz square wave or by a 0 - 5V DC voltage using Lightwaves2020’s easy-to-plug driver board.

The VOA can be used for pre-emphasis of DWDM laser signals in long haul systems, power equalization in optical add/drop modules and optical cross-connects, as well as gain-tilt adjustment in erbium-doped fibre amplifiers. As with all Lightwaves2020's products, the VOA conforms to Telcordia requirements.

16 Channel Variable Optical Attenuator Array

Small footprint

Built-in driver

Continuous tuning without moving parts

Resistant to mechanical vibration

Low PDL, WDL

Wide operating wavelength range

Slow tuning slope without backlash and hysteresis

Low cost

2 Channel VOA And PD Integrated Module

Real time optical power adjustment

Continuous tuning without moving parts

High precise optical power control

Low insertion loss

Wide dynamic range

RS232 interface

Low cost

Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA) For Open Loop Application

Lightwaves2020's liquid crystal based variable optical attenuator (VOA) is a voltage-controlled device designed specifically for power management in optical networks. The device has a dynamic range of up to 20dB attenuation and operates in the C-band, L-band or C+L band with low temperature dependence. This VOA is specially designed for the use in open loop applications.

Sealed in a compact coaxial package 7.2mm in diameter, the VOA's small footprint makes it ideal for integration onto circuit boards. In addition, it offers the benefits of no moving parts, precision attenuation control without backlash, small driving voltage, low power consumption, excellent PDL performance, low insertion loss and low cost. The VOA is driven by a 0~5V DC voltage using Lightwaves2020’s easy-to-plug driver board.

The VOA can be used for pre-emphasis of DWDM laser signals in long haul systems, power equalization in optical add/drop modules and optical cross-connects, as well as gain-tilt adjustment in erbium-doped fibre amplifiers. As with all Lightwaves2020's products, the VOA conforms to Telcordia requirements.

Liquid Crystal Polarisation Controller

Lightwaves2020's polarisation controller is based on liquid crystal technology. It consists of three or four liquid crystal retarders with their fast optical axes oriented at 0º or 45º, which have the same functionality as variable waveplates. Theoretically, only three liquid crystals retarders are needed to transform an arbitrary input state of polarisation into any desired output polarisation state. The fourth one is added for fast searching, if necessary. The control over the state of polarisation is achieved by individually changing the voltages applied to each retarder, which controls the retardations. Sealed in a mini 10-pin DIN package with dimensions of 13.8 x 7.5 x 8.0mm, Lightwaves2020's polarisation controller provides an easy-mounting solution for many applications. In addition, the device and the thermal sensor can be integrated in the same package for closed-loop control, which stabilizes the thermal performance.

Lightwaves2020's polarisation controller has the benefits of no moving parts, a high extinction ratio of more than 30dB, a small driving voltage and low power consumption (≤1mW per cell), wide wavelength range covering the C- & L- bands, high-speed of polarisation alteration, low insertion loss, low PMD and low PDL. With optional drivers provided, the device can be driven by 0~5V DC voltage.

Lightwaves2020's polarisation controller can be used in PMD compensator, polarisation scrambler, PDL instrumentation, polarisation multiplexing, polarisation generator, etc..