An array that integrates a micro-lens at each channel, expanding and collimating the beam at the coupling interface instead of exposing a raw fiber core.
A raw fiber core couples through a beam only a few microns wide — unforgiving of misalignment and vulnerable to a single dust particle. Expanded-beam optics widen that beam at the interface, so the connection tolerates more of both.
The EBO 2D FAU adds a micro-lens at every channel of the two-dimensional array. The lens expands and collimates the light, turning a precision-critical butt-couple into a robust, forgiving optical interface — while preserving the array's density.
A wider effective beam diameter widens positional tolerance — loosening the assembly precision burden at the interface.
Dust and particles obscure a smaller fraction of a larger beam, reducing the sensitivity to field contamination.
Expanded beam is what makes clean, high-density detachable coupling practical — the foundation for DFAU.
Producing a lens at every channel, uniform in shape and focal length across the two-dimensional array.
Aligning each lens to its fiber core — the coupling accuracy now depends on lens placement as well as v-groove placement.
Managing insertion loss and back-reflection introduced by the lens surfaces.
Holding pitch while accommodating the lens aperture that produces the expanded beam.