CPO & Silicon Photonics Components

Fiber Array Unit (FAU) & PMF for CPO and Silicon Photonics

Polarization-maintaining fiber patch cords, pigtails and PMF fiber array units engineered for co-packaged optics, silicon photonic engines and next-generation AI data centers.

Panda & Elliptical-Core PMF Precision V-Groove Alignment CPO / NPO / Silicon Photonics Project-Specific Test Reports
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Fiber Array Unit (FAU) & PMF Product Range

CPO Technology Overview

Precision Fiber Interfaces for Silicon Photonics

PMF preserves a defined polarization state, while a fiber array unit positions multiple fibers at a controlled pitch for coupling to photonic chips and optical engines.

Fiber array unit and polarization-maintaining fiber for CPO optical engines

PMF and FAU Working Together

Polarization-maintaining fiber uses controlled birefringence to reduce polarization drift caused by temperature, vibration and mechanical stress. A precision V-groove FAU then holds each channel at the pitch and rotational orientation specified by the optical-engine drawing.

Polarization controlPanda-type or project-specified PMF maintains a defined optical axis.
Controlled geometryGlass or silicon V-grooves establish fiber pitch and channel position.
Application matchedChannel map, pitch, termination and acceptance limits follow the approved drawing.
Selection Benefits

Why PMF and FAU Matter for CPO

01

Polarization Stability

Maintains the specified optical axis across a polarization-sensitive link.

02

Precision Coupling

V-groove positioning supports controlled alignment to photonic interfaces.

03

Low-Loss Planning

Defined geometry and test limits help control the coupling-loss budget.

04

Channel Density

Multi-fiber arrays fit multiple optical lanes into compact engine interfaces.

05

Documented Acceptance

IL, RL, end-face and alignment reporting can be specified by project.

Engineering note: Final performance is application-specific and must be reviewed against the optical-engine geometry, launch conditions, extinction-ratio target and environmental qualification plan.

Product Portfolio

Complete FAU & PMF Range

Choose the assembly family that matches the optical-engine interface, light-source configuration and package constraints.

PMF patch cord and pigtail with APC connectors for silicon photonics

PMF Patch Cord / Pigtail

Panda or optional elliptical-core PMF with connectorized or bare-fiber terminations for polarization-sensitive links.

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PMF fiber array unit aligned in V-grooves for silicon photonics coupling

PMF FAU / Fiber Array Unit

Pitch-controlled PMF arrays with project-defined channel count, substrate and slow-axis orientation.

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Deployment Scenarios

Typical FAU & PMF Applications

CPO

Co-Packaged Optics

External laser delivery and optical-engine coupling in CPO switch trays.

SiP

Silicon Photonics

Polarization-controlled input for modulators, detectors and PIC assemblies.

AI

AI & HPC Systems

Compact optical subassemblies for high-density compute platforms.

TM

Test & Measurement

Polarization-maintained reference leads and precision array interfaces.

BOM Planning

How to Specify PMF and FAU Assemblies

  1. 01

    Confirm the optical interface

    Provide fiber count, pitch, channel map and polarization-axis requirement.

  2. 02

    Select the PMF construction

    Define fiber class, operating wavelength and environmental requirements.

  3. 03

    Define the termination

    Select connector, bare-fiber exit or direct chip-coupled FAU geometry.

  4. 04

    Set alignment tolerances

    Specify slow-axis orientation, pitch, protrusion and angular limits.

  5. 05

    Agree on acceptance data

    State IL, RL, extinction ratio, end-face and reporting requirements.

Project-Specific Supply

FAU & PMF Manufacturing Support

Send the optical-engine drawing, channel map and acceptance criteria for an engineering review before quotation.

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  • Drawing reviewFiber map, coupling geometry and termination are checked against the request.
  • Configurable assembliesFiber type, pitch, connector, length, orientation and labeling are project-defined.
  • Acceptance planningTest items and limits can be documented before production.
  • Application focusSolutions for CPO, silicon photonics, AI systems and optical backplanes.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Key points for early-stage PMF and FAU selection.

What does PMF stand for?

PMF means polarization-maintaining fiber, a specialty fiber designed to preserve a defined polarization axis.

What does FAU stand for?

FAU means fiber array unit, a precision assembly that positions multiple fibers for coupling to an optical chip or engine.

Why is PMF used in CPO?

It is used where the optical interface is polarization-sensitive and a controlled launch orientation is required.

What is slow-axis alignment?

It defines the rotational orientation of each PMF channel relative to a mechanical reference and the photonic interface.

What channel counts are available?

Common configurations include 1x4, 1x8, 1x12 and 1x16, with project-specific arrays reviewed against the drawing.

What fiber pitch can be supplied?

127 micrometers is a common starting point; 250 micrometers and project-specific pitches can be reviewed.

What test data can be specified?

Depending on the build, IL, RL, end-face inspection, extinction ratio and alignment records can be included.

What should I send for a quote?

Send the interface drawing, wavelength, channel map, pitch, polarization orientation, termination, quantity and acceptance requirements.

Application Engineering

Need help specifying PMF & FAU for CPO?

Send your optical-engine drawing, fiber map, coupling geometry and test requirements for a project-specific review.

Request a BOM Review