Direct answer
A V-groove array positions fibers for device coupling. An RFQ needs device-side channel coordinates, pitch, endface orientation and mounting datums, followed by fiber selection, pigtail mapping and test boundaries. A 127 or 250 μm pitch describes the layout; it does not alone determine coupling loss.
What an array does
A V-groove fiber array fixes fibers at defined positions for connection to waveguides or other photonic devices. Corning's product page lists 127 μm and 250 μm pitches. OZ Optics' DTS0083 discusses fiber choices, endface orientations and device coupling.
Applications include photonic packaging, waveguide connections and equipment development. Start procurement with device optical coordinates and the assembly drawing. An MPO cord's fiber count or connector name cannot replace an array's core-position definition.
Comparing 127 μm and 250 μm
Pitch is the spacing between adjacent nominal channel centers. Confirm units, count and numbering orientation, then review actual core positions relative to targets and mounting datums.
For this geometry example, assume eight equally spaced channels in one row. The first-to-last center span is (N − 1) × pitch. It excludes substrate edges and retention space.
| Example | First-to-last center span | Not established by the result |
|---|---|---|
| 8 channels, 127 μm pitch | 7 × 127 = 889 μm | Overall width or assembly tolerances |
| 8 channels, 250 μm pitch | 7 × 250 = 1750 μm | Coupling loss, finished accuracy or compatibility |
A smaller pitch is not automatic substitution approval. Match device coordinates, fiber construction and assembly method. An eight-fiber array is not a direct substitute for an eight-fiber MPO connector.
Drawing datums for an RFQ
| Field | Suggested input | Review enabled |
|---|---|---|
| Optical coordinates | Target centers, pitch and numbering view | Device-to-fiber correspondence |
| Mechanical datums | Base, side, envelope and retention area | Positioning and fixation |
| Endface | Flat or angled, tilt direction and datum | Actual installation orientation |
| Fiber | Model, wavelength, mode type and PM axis if needed | Optical matching |
| Pigtails | Lengths, protection, remote connectors and map | Routing and test access |
“8°” alone is incomplete; specify the direction of tilt. OZ's drawings illustrate direction-specific angle options. The equipment owner approves the actual angle and tolerances; an example must not decide them for the buyer.
Separate position evidence from coupling evidence
OZ describes illuminating fibers to measure their actual core centers, using the first and last fibers as a reference line. Review whether a report measures grooves, cladding outlines or actual cores. Compare drawings and measurements using compatible datums.
Geometry establishes positions. A coupling test establishes transmission in a specified optical assembly, involving the device, fiber, alignment and interface materials. The manufacturer's application discussion calls for considering adhesive transmission at the operating wavelength. “UV adhesive” alone is not a material approval.
| Acceptance object | Record | Test boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Array geometry | Per-core coordinates, datums and method | Delivered subassembly positions |
| Pigtails and connectors | Map, wavelength and reference access | Specified pigtail or subassembly |
| Array-to-device coupling | Device, alignment and fixation state | Final optical assembly |
| PM configuration | Axis datum and optical measurement conditions | Approved polarization test scope |
If the buyer installs the final device, assign alignment, curing and final coupling verification explicitly. Drawing and sample reviews can begin before integration, but unfinished device integration must not be described as verified finished performance.
Procurement FAQ
- Is “8 fibers, 250 μm” sufficient? Add fiber, endface direction, mounting datums, pigtails and acceptance boundaries.
- Is 127 μm better than 250 μm? Match the device channel coordinates; pitch alone does not rank performance.
- Does an identical angle guarantee installation? Match tilt direction and mechanical datums too.
- Can groove precision replace actual core-position measurements? Establish the measured object; fiber geometry also affects actual core location.
- Does a pigtail test guarantee chip coupling? These are different test boundaries requiring separate conditions and ownership.
Related products and reading
- PM assembly RFQ
- Onboard parallel-optics review
- Custom termination configuration
- Equipment fiber-mapping assemblies
Product pages describe configuration scopes. Supply, drawings and performance require project-specific confirmation.
Contact an engineer
Prepare both-end interfaces, drawings or existing test records and contact an engineer to discuss assembly requirements and verification boundaries.
Sources and review date
Sources checked on 2026-10-13. Third-party references explain technology and specific examples, not ARRANEX performance or certification. Purchasing tables are review recommendations; example assumptions apply only to the calculations.
Sources checked: 2026-10-13