Anritsu Company Develops MEMS-based Technology That Delivers OSA Module Benefits In Performance, Size, And Price

High Scan Rate and Wide Scan Wavelength Range Makes Technology Well-suited for High-Speed Dynamic Spectrum Monitoring of FBG Sensors and Photonic Networks

Richardson, TX -- Anritsu Company announces the development of advanced micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology that results in dramatic performance, size, and price advantages for optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) modules. A MEMS-based OSA module can deliver a high-speed scan rate and a wide scan wavelength range that provide the best solution for high-speed dynamic spectrum monitoring in connection with FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensors and photonic networks.

This unique OSA module application consists of a MEMS optical scanner, lenses, Faraday rotator, diffraction grating, and photo diode. The wavelength of light reaching the photo diode is determined by the angle of the MEMS scanner and can be changed continuously by rotating the MEMS scanner. A Faraday rotator is used to erase polarization dependency of the diffraction grating when measuring an unknown polarized input. The photo diode's output signal is converted to a digital signal using an advanced 12-bit A/D converter. This allows a PC to process the input light spectrum measurements and display the measurement results.

The innovative MEMS technique results in industry-leading performance. The module produces a wide 45 nm wavelength range from 1525 nm to 1570 nm. A scan rate of 2.6 ms - as much as 100x faster than conventional OSAs - can be achieved when monitoring FBG sensors. Additional capabilities include a high dynamic range of 33 dB, wavelength resolution bandwidth of 0.1 nm, and wavelength accuracy of 10 pm.

Since the MEMS-based OSA module is about half the size of conventional OSAs, Anritsu projects the cost of OSA modules based on this technology to be 50% less than OSAs using conventional technology.

Source: Anritsu Company