What is a Fiber Optic Splitter in Optical Fiber

Fiber optic splitter, also called optical splitter, is one of the most important passive components in fiber optic links. It is a device that realizes the diversion of light wave energy.

What is an optical splitter?

Fiber optic splitter is a device used to realize light wave energy. It distributes the light energy transmitted in one optical fiber to two or more optical fibers in a predetermined ratio, and the light energy transmitted in multiple optical fibers can also be combined into a single optical fiber.

Types of optical splitters

According to the principle of optical splitters, optical splitters can be divided into FBT splitters and PLC splitters.

FBT Splitter

It is a method of scrambling two (or more) uncoated optical fibers, heating the area double-tapered special waveguide structure. At the same time, it melts at high temperature and extends to both sides. Different splitting ratios can be obtained by controlling the twist angle and stretching length of the fiber.

Finally, the solidified adhesive is used to solidify the tapered area on the quartz substrate before inserting the quartz substrate into the stainless steel copper tube.

PLC Splitter

The medium or semiconductor substrate is processed using photolithography, etching, and development technology to form optical waveguides. The surface waveguide array position on the chip, where the integrated splitting function is realized. Finally, The input and output ends of the multi-channel fiber array are coupled and packaged with both ends of the chip.

Comparison between FBT splitter and PLC splitter

Each device has its own advantages in performance and price, and both technologies are constantly upgraded to solve their respective shortcomings.

FBT splitter solves the problems of few one-time taper pulling times and poor uniformity. PLC splitter is also working hard to reduce costs.

Now, the cost of the two devices above 1X8 is similar, and the price of the planar waveguide splitter will be better as the splitter increases.

In some applications that are not very sensitive to the size and wavelength of light. Especially in the case of fewer branches, it is more affordable to choose a taper splitter.

Such as the independent data transmission selection of 1310nm FBT splitter. TV video network can choose 1550nm FBT splitter.

PLC optical splitter can be used in multi-wavelength optical transmission and many users. Such as three-in-one, overview, etc.

Advantages of PLC Splitter

The loss is not sensitive to the wavelength of light, so it can meet the transmission needs of different wavelengths.

Compact structure, small size, can be directly installed in various existing junction boxes. No need to reserve a large installation space.

Multiple channels have low cost, and the more branches there are, the more obvious the cost advantage is. The core technical component of the PLC splitter is the chip.

Advantages of FBT Splitter

The split ratio can be monitored in real time as needed, and unequal splitters can be made.